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Best Books

Discover the best books published each year!

Best Picture Books Picked By Kids 2020
Best Picture Books of 2020
Best Books of 2019 Picked by Kids!
Best Picture Books 2019
Best Picture Books 2018
Best Picture Books of 2018 Picked By Kids!
Kid Picks 2018
Kid Picks 2017
Best Books 2017
Best Books of 2016

 

Welcome! I’m Rosie and I’m excited to help you discover the best books for children.

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From its gorgeous wraparound cover to its serene w From its gorgeous wraparound cover to its serene watercolor spreads, IS WAS is simply stunning! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Poignant, lyrical language paired with tranquil illustrations featuring elements of the natural world cleverly portray the passage of time and the comfort found in the continuous change around us. This gentle story is a good choice for opening discussions with children who may be nervous about transitions. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ I highly suggest scrolling through to see the breathtaking illustrations. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ What is the most beautiful book you’ve read lately? ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Don’t miss IS WAS by Deborah Freedman @freedmanillustrates; published by Atheneum Books for Young Readers, 2021. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ A big thank you to @simonkids for sharing this special story with our family in exchange for an honest review.
It’s August and that means school is right aroun It’s August and that means school is right around the corner! From books covering first-day jitters, to brand-new releases, to stories encouraging children to work hard and try their best, I’ve got the ULTIMATE BACK TO SCHOOL GUIDE for you! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Visit LIBRARYMOM.COM (link in bio) for all of my book lists to help children get excited for a new school year! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ What’s your go to school-themed read aloud? Spot any favorites here? ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
WOW is this a powerful book that kids need to hear WOW is this a powerful book that kids need to hear!! Topics of consent and bodily autonomy can be awkward and difficult to discuss with kids, but RISSY NO KISSIES tackles these complex themes with the upmost charm. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Rissy may be a lovebird, but much to the chagrin of those around her, she prefers not to show affection through kisses. Initially her friends, neighbors, and grandparents think she is being rude, but when Rissy explains that she prefers to express her feelings through other means, they respect her wishes. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Not only did my kids love the upbeat rhymes and beautiful watercolor illustrations, but they took away important lessons in boundaries, sensory processing, and consent. The impactful backmatter includes additional information on these subjects for both children and caregivers providing important conversation starters. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ This book is not only empowering, but essential for home and classroom libraries. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Have you read this one yet? ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Don’t miss RISSY NO KISSIES by Katey Howes @kidlitlove; illustrated by Jess Engle @studioxjess, 2021 ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ A big thank you to the author for sharing this special story with our family in exchange for an honest review.
This book is a HUMONGOUS hit with my kids! With it This book is a HUMONGOUS hit with my kids! With its rolling rhymes, amusing details, and eye-catching illustrations, I’m a big fan of HUGO SPROUTS AND THE STRANGE CASE OF THE BEANS too! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ As the youngest of seven brothers and sisters, Hugo Sprout is tired of feeling small. When his dad advises that beans will help him grow, Hugo whips up a concoction that works all too well. Soon, he is towering over his entire family, then his house, and before he knows it, he is soaring over sky scrapers. Unfortunately, his body is not the only thing that grew. His ego and sense of entitlement are bigger than ever until a good friend cuts him down to size with some powerful words of wisdom. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Last year we fell in love with John Loren’s book, FRANKENSTEIN DOESN’T WEAR EARMUFFS and now my kids are begging to read HUGO SPROUTS again and again. I think our family has found a new favorite author and illustrator! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ What book are you currently loving? ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Don’t miss HUGO SPROUTS AND THE STRANGE CASE OF THE BEANS by John Loren @johnlorenart; published by HarperCollins, 2021 ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ A big thank you to @harperkids for sharing this hilarious book with our family in exchange for an honest review.
Today is the official start of the Olympic Games a Today is the official start of the Olympic Games and while I want my kids to always go for the gold, I also want them to learn to be humble and persevere if they don’t succeed. I REALLY WANT TO WIN weaves in the important message of following one’s passion and being proud of our efforts despite the outcome of a competition. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ In this humorous book packed with kid appeal, a confident young girl plans how she will celebrate winning her school’s Sports Day. When the girl trips at the finish line of a race and proceeds to lose each subsequent competition, however, she grows angrier and angrier until her friend advises her to simply find joy in the things she loves. It is only when the girl focuses on her interests, that she truly finds success. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ With its positive message about healthy competition combined with colorful, energetic illustrations and lively rhymes, this book is, in fact, a real winner! I also highly recommend the companion book, I REALLY WANT CAKE. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ What are your tips for helping children learn to lose graciously? ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Visit my AMAZON STOREFRONT (link in bio) for my other favorite BOOKS ON SPORTSMANSHIP. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Don’t miss I REALLY WANT TO WIN by Simon Philip @siphilipstories; illustrated by Lucia Gaggiotti @luciagaggiotti uciagaggiotti; published by Orchard Books, 2021 ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ A big thank you to @scholasticinc for sharing this special story with our family in exchange for an honest review.
NEW BOOKS ALERT! Our family is completely enamored NEW BOOKS ALERT! Our family is completely enamored with these new releases from @simonkids! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ VAMPENGUIN by @thelucyruth is a playful tale starring a baby vampire who switches places with a penguin during a trip to the zoo. This story is utterly delightful! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ LISTEN by @gabi_snyder_writer and @sgraegin helps children find peace and mindfulness in a noisy world by taking the time to truly listen to their surroundings. My favorite part of this remarkable book is how it demonstrates that listening can make us a better friend to others. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ CHIRP! CHIPMUNK SINGS FOR A FRIEND by @jamie.a.swenson and @skortch is a beautifully illustrated friendship tale highlighting the joy found in helping others. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ HARDLY HAUNTED by @jessie_sima is the charming story of a rundown house that journeys through self-discovery searching for the perfect family to make it a home. Filled with engaging onomatopoeia, this alluring book is a perfect fall read aloud that is simply irresistible! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Which one do you want to check out first? ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
My favorite post each month is sharing the books t My favorite post each month is sharing the books that my kids can’t get enough of. In June, my children were all about the silly stories and I was just as happy to giggle right along with them! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Visit our monthly KID PICKS lists at LIBRARYMOM.COM (link in bio) for full reviews of our favorite books with tons of kid appeal! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Have you read any of these? Comment below with what books are your kids currently loving! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
My kids get along perfectly and never fight…. sa My kids get along perfectly and never fight…. said no one ever! Summer can be filled with magical family moments, but all that together time can also result in some serious sibling rivalry. Recently, we’ve turned to bibliotherapy for help. I’ve found two outstanding new books that have given my children perspective on how our actions affect others and what we can do to make up for our mistakes. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ How to Apologize by David LaRochelle; illustrated by @mikewohnoutka; published by @candlewickpress Using just the right amount of humor and charm, all-stars David LaRochelle and Mike Wohnoutka have created the perfect read aloud for teaching kids why and how to apologize! This entertaining story reassures readers that everyone makes mistakes, but it is important to rectify them with a heartfelt apology. With its delightful illustrations and impactful message of conflict resolution, this book is a must-have for home and classroom libraries. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Sorry (Really Sorry) by @cotlerjoanna; illustrated by Harry Bliss; published by @philomelbooks When Cow steps in mud, her bad mood causes a chain reaction that spreads throughout the farm. When a sincere apology is made, however, acts of kindness spread as well uplifting everyone’s moods. There are so many valuable lessons to take away from this beguiling story! It is one that we reread often. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Visit LIBRARYMOM.COM (link in bio) for more of our favorite stories tackling SIBLING RIVALRY. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ What are your tips for diffusing sibling rivalry? ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
It’s here!!! You asked for an adult summer readi It’s here!!! You asked for an adult summer reading list and I’ve rounded up a group of hot new releases that you aren’t going to want to miss! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Whether you are looking for a book to relax with poolside, an audiobook to entertain you while heading on a road trip, or a tantalizing tale to enjoy at bedtime, I’ve got 18 stories that are perfect for diving into this summer! From heartfelt romantic comedies, to poignant historical fictions, and nail-biting thrillers there is a little something here for everyone. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Visit LIBRARYMOM.COM (link in bio) for my list of SUMMER READING FOR ADULTS. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ What books have you read and loved this summer? What are you looking forward to reading? ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Make sure you save this list for later, so that you have some go-to books the next time you are in need of one! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
I’ve done my best to cultivate my children’s i I’ve done my best to cultivate my children’s imaginations from an early age and playing with pillows has always held magical moments for our family! From stacking them to create pillow forts to laying them on the ground and pretending to walk on the moon, pillows have been a huge part of my kids’ childhood. Which is why I completely fell in love with the new book PILLOW PLACES. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ As two boys transform their couch cushions and pillows into a pirate ship, stepping stones over lava, a castle, horses, and ultimately a place to rest their heads, readers will love sharing in on the boys’ special adventures. This amusing story is sure to spark smiles and ideas for playing on a rainy day! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Even as I collected pillows for this post, my 8 and 6-year-old couldn’t resist getting in on the fun and buried each other with pillows. They are simply irresistible! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Do your kids love playing with pillows too? ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Don’t miss PILLOW PLACES by Joseph Kuefler @josephkuefler; published by Balzer + Bray @balzerandbray, 2021 ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ A big thank you to @harperkids for sharing this special story with our family in exchange for an honest review.
It’s 4th of July weekend here in the U.S. and ou It’s 4th of July weekend here in the U.S. and our family is celebrating with our favorite new book highlighting one of America’s most iconic symbols, the Statue of Liberty! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ LET LIBERTY RISE: HOW AMERICA’S SCHOOLCHILDREN HELPED SAVE THE STATUE OF LIBERTY gives incredible insight into how the Statue of Liberty almost didn’t get built because there weren’t enough funds to create the pedestal to act as the foundation. In a far-fetched call to action, Joseph Pulitzer offered to print in his newspaper the name of every person who donated to the Pedestal Campaign no matter how small the amount. Children across the country rose to the call and sent in the pennies they had fastidiously saved. With the help of these school children, the Statue of Liberty was erected and has now stood as a symbol of freedom and hope for over 130 years. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ I could not love this book more! It presents an important part of history in such an engaging and child-friendly way, my kids couldn’t get enough of this story. There is also substantial backmatter including a timeline, additional facts about the statue, and photographs. This is truly an exceptional nonfiction edition to classroom and home libraries! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ What’s the best nonfiction book you’ve read lately? ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Don’t miss LET LIBERTY RISE: HOW AMERICA’S SCHOOLCHILDREN HELPED SAVE THE STATUE OF LIBERTY by Chana Stiefel @chanastiefel; illustrated by Chuck Groenink @c.groenink; published by Scholastic Press @scholasticinc, 2021 ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ A big thank you to @blue_slip_media for sharing this special book with our family in exchange for an honest review.
I may be dangerously close to exceeding my check o I may be dangerously close to exceeding my check out limit, but I could not be more thrilled with my latest library haul! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ What is your family’s favorite book you’ve checked out from your library lately? ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
This energetic story about staying true to yoursel This energetic story about staying true to yourself has danced its way into our family’s hearts! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ While Larry painfully tries to fit in with the other llamas by quietly following the rules during the day, he loves to break out his dancing shoes and groove to his own beat at night. When his secret is discovered, he finds other like-minded animals that give him the courage to show his true colors to his friends. His cheerful pals happily accept him and confess a few surprises of their own. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ With its bright colors, flowing rhymes, amusing tone, and meaningful message of acceptance, there is a lot to love about this humorous new release! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Don’t miss LLAMA GLAMORAMA by Simon James Green @simonjamesgreen; illustrated by Garry Parsons @icandrawdinos; published by Orchard Books 2021 ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ A big thank you to @scholasticinc for sharing this book with our family in exchange for an honest review!
While summer is an ideal time for children to rela While summer is an ideal time for children to relax, explore the outdoors, visit new places, and spend extra time with family and friends, it is also a critical time for children to maintain and build upon literacy skills. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ To help get your children excited about reading over the summer, I’ve put together a list of books for children entering kindergarten through third grade with tons of kid appeal. I’ve included a wide range of formats, reading levels, and genres of books, so there is a little something for everyone. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Visit LIBRARYMOM.COM (link in bio) for our full guide and prepare to embark upon a summer of magical stories with these kid-tested and parent-approved books! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Say good-bye to tired gender stereotypes with this Say good-bye to tired gender stereotypes with this new standout story! PRINCESSES CAN FIX IT! not only entertains, but encourages kids to pursue any hobbies that interest them! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ When a castle is overrun by alligators, it is up to three clever princesses to construct a contraption to rid their home of the unwanted pests. Unfortunately, the king believes that proper princesses should not build. Naturally, this doesn’t stop the three determined girls who stay awake each night assembling the perfect invention to return the gators to the moat. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ While the focus is on the three STEM-oriented sisters, I also love that their brother who enjoys sewing follows his heart too. With its playful pictures and empowering storyline, this has become a new favorite in our house! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ I’m excited to add it to my list of BOOKS FOR RAISING STRONG DAUGHTERS. Visit LIBRARYMOM.COM (link in bio) for the complete list. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ What’s your favorite story to empower kids? ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Don’t miss PRINCESES CAN FIX IT by Tracy Marchini @tracymarchini; illustrated by Julia Christians @juliachristiansart; published by Page Street Kids @pagestreetkids, 2021
Our family cannot get enough of the ingenious OUR Our family cannot get enough of the ingenious OUR UNIVERSE series that is as entertaining as it is informative! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ In each book pictured above, a cheerful celestial body shares fascinating facts about the Earth, sun, moon, and Mars. The child-friendly text is filled with clever, comical commentary while the pages are adorned with colorful, eye-catching illustrations. This amusing series is an excellent choice for reading aloud and getting children excited to learn more about space. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Have you read this series? Which one is your favorite? ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ OUR UNIVERSE series currently includes: 🌎EARTH: MY FIRST 4.54 BILLION YEARS by @stacymcanulty; illustrated by @david_c_litchfield, 2017 ☀️SUN: ONE IN A BILLION by Stacy McAnulty; illustrated by @chocosweete, 2018 🌙MOON: EARTH’S BEST FRIEND Stacy McAnulty; illustrated by Stevie Lewis, 2019 🌊OCEAN WAVES FOR ALL by Stacy McAnulty; illustrated by David Litchfield, 2020 🔴MARS: EARTHLINGS WELCOME Stacy McAnulty; illustrated by Stevie Lewis, 2021
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