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Abstract Ideas
Children's Book Recommendations

Abstract Ideas

The Retired School LibrarianLeave a comment

Abstract ideas children’s picture book recommendations are by Angela Ferraris, The Retired School Librarian.

(The content below contains Amazon affiliate links. When you buy through these links, Mrs. Ferraris may earn an affiliate commission at no additional cost to you.)

Cover for Here & There. Dan is sitting on top of his cafe while Aki is traveling on his ship.

Here and There 

by Thea Lu (Author)

Brief summary: Dan lives in a small coastal town and owns a cafe where he enjoys welcoming visitors. He prefers staying “here” but wonders what it is like in other places.

Aki travels from place to place and is a sailor who likes to visit and meet new people. He likes to go “there” but has never had a place that he would consider home.

Aki goes to Dan’s cafe and enjoys a meal with the many other travelers.

Comments: Although these two men lead parallel lives, they share some commonalities. They both experience feelings of loneliness at times, but upon reflection, they acknowledge the numerous people they have met over the years. This realization helps them to feel less isolated and disconnected from others.

Ink, colored pencil, and collage were used to create the illustrations with a double fold-out page in the back.

Rating: 4.5/5 📗📗📗📗1/2

Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.

Some Days Are Yellow 

by Suzanne Slade (Author) and Michelle Lee (Illustrator)

Brief summary: There are yellow days that are vibrant and full of positivity, while there are also blue days that seem to be negative and full of disappointment.

Comments: This rhyming picture book portrays several children in different situations, experiencing various types of days. It serves as a reminder that life comes with its fair share of ups and downs, but one thing is for sure – tomorrow is a new day to start afresh.

I think this would be a good book to share with students as a reminder that life is unpredictable.

The abstract idea of yellow and blue days becomes more concrete with examples in vignettes and single- and double-spaced illustrations.

Rating: 3.5/5 📗📗📗1/2

Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.

A boy with a yellow shirt and in a wheelchair is thinking of abstract ideas and writing them down at his desk. On the other side of the book's page is the same boy sharing pictures with friends under the shade of a tree.

Hope is the Thing with Feathers (Picture-a-Poem) 

by Emily Dickinson (Author), Tim Hopgood (Illustrator)

Brief Summary: Emily Dickinson’s “Hope is the Thing with Feathers” remains a timeless masterpiece, as it skillfully employs the metaphor of a bird to represent hope.

A brown bird flies across the city, singing and catching the attention of the people below, who smile.

Comments: This would be a poem(and possibly others) the teacher could read aloud while the students drew their interpretation of the words.

The illustrations were hand-drawn using chalk, pencil, and ink and digitally collaged and colored.

Rating: 4/5 📗📗📗📗

Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.

Today 

by Gabi Snyder (Author), Stephanie Graegin (Illustrator)

Brief summary: A young child looks forward to visiting Pop-Pop and cousins. The day has arrived with time that stretches out too long, like the drive to get there, while others go by quickly, such as the fireworks.

Comments: The book reminds young readers to be mindful of the present moment and notice what is happening to help create memories.

The back sections of the book are What is Mindfulness?, Appreciating the Here and Now, When You’re Temped to Fast-Forward, and When You’re Feeling Anxious or Worried.

The illustrations were created in Adobe Fresco, Adobe Photoshop, pencil, and watercolor.

Rating: 3.5/5 📗📗📗1/2

Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.

Family car arrives to Pop Pop's cottage by the lake where he and the cousins are waiting.

Only: The Bird Who Liked Being Alone 

by Airlie Anderson (Author)

Brief summary: In the tree, there are many birds that are loud and chatty. However, one bird named Only prefers to be quiet and spend time alone. The other birds feel sorry for Only and try to include them in their activities, but they end up overwhelming Only.

Only builds a quiet nest. The friends learn about the difference between quiet and loud, gaining a new understanding that some prefer solitude and are not lonely.

Comments: The illustrations were created using cut-paper collages, acrylics, and pencil crayons with some digital finishing.

Rating: 3.5/5 📗📗📗1/2

Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.

There is a companion book to Only titled Neither, a story promoting diversity.

A young child is sitting with a polar bear on the side of a hill with green grass looking out towards the water with mountains in the background.

How to Be Brave 

by Karl Newson (Author), Clara Anganuzzi (Illustrator)

Brief summary: A young child encourages and explains that trying something new may be scary at times, but to not give up. There may be setbacks and take the moment to learn from them. Be brave and go forward.

Comments: The child is shown with various animals trying new things.

Optimistic advice and encouragement throughout.

The illustrations were done with pencil and watercolor and digitally colored.

Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.

Rating: 3/5 📗📗📗

The selected children’s books are chosen by a highly qualified retired elementary school librarian, who passionately reads and recommends picture books to teachers, school librarians, parents, grandparents, and other book enthusiasts.

Most of the books Mrs. Ferraris recommends are checked out from the public library. The only exception is for the complimentary copies that she receives for an honest review, which are duly noted.

Children's Book Recommendations

Bless Our Pets

The Retired School LibrarianLeave a comment

Bless Our Pets children’s book recommendation is by Angela Ferraris, The Retired School Librarian.

(The content below contains Amazon affiliate links. When you buy through these links, Mrs. Ferraris may earn an affiliate commission at no additional cost to you.)

A yellow dog is sitting with a puppy, turtle, cat, and rabbit in front of it with a parrot sitting on a perch behind. Cover of Bless Our Pets: Poems of Gratitude for Our Animal Friends

Bless Our Pets: Poems of Gratitude for Our Animal Friends 

by Lee Bennett Hopkins (Editor), Lita Judge (Illustrator)

Brief summary: Bless Our Pets is an anthology of poetry featuring fourteen different animal companion owners expressing gratitude towards their beloved pets. Written by:
• Ann Whitford Paul
• Rebecca Kai Dotlich 
• Linda Trott Dickman
• Eric Ode
• Ralph Fletcher
• Sarah Grace Tuttle
• Kristine O’Connell George
• Darren Sardelli
• B.J. Lee
• Charles Ghigna
• Lois Lowry
• Prince Redcloud
• Joan Bransfield Graham
• Lee Bennett Hopkins

Comments:  The book features a variety of poetry forms. The illustrations are created with watercolors and colored pencils that beautifully capture facial expressions.

Rating: 5/5 📗📗📗📗📗

Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.

*Bless Our Pets was sent to me as a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.

Children’s book titles are carefully handpicked by a certified elementary school librarian who, although retired, still enjoys reading children’s books, especially picture books, and recommending them to busy teachers, school librarians, parents, grandparents, and other book lovers.

Most of the books Mrs. Ferraris reads before recommending are checked out from the public library, except for those much-appreciated complimentary copies sent to her for an honest review. Those are noted. 

Children's Book Recommendations

This is a Tiny Fragile Snake

The Retired School LibrarianLeave a comment

Climbing the Volcano: A Journey in Haiku children’s book recommendation is by Angela Ferraris, The Retired School Librarian.

(The content below contains Amazon affiliate links. When you buy through these links, Mrs. Ferraris may earn an affiliate commission at no additional cost to you.)

Cover for poetry book This is a Tiny Fragile Snae with a small black snake with a yellow line down its back slithering on the ground with a pair of blue and a pair of red tennis shoes in the frame to mean there are people stopping and watching it go past.

This Is a Tiny Fragile Snake 

by Nicholas Ruddock (Author), Ashley Barron (Illustrator)

Brief summary: This poetry collection features informative poems about various animals and insects, highlighting their unique characteristics.

Comments: The illustrations are created using cut-paper collages, acrylics, and pencil crayons with some digital finishing.

Rating: 4/5 📗📗📗📗

Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.

Children’s book titles are carefully handpicked by a certified elementary school librarian who, although retired, still enjoys reading children’s books, especially picture books, and recommending them to busy teachers, school librarians, parents, grandparents, and other book lovers.

Most of the books Mrs. Ferraris reads before recommending are checked out from the public library, except for those much-appreciated complimentary copies sent to her for an honest review. Those are noted. 

Children's Book Recommendations

You Stole My Name Too

The Retired School Librarian1 Comment

You Stole My Name Too children’s book recommendation is by Angela Ferraris, The Retired School Librarian.

(The content below contains Amazon affiliate links. When you buy through these links, Mrs. Ferraris may earn an affiliate commission at no additional cost to you.)

The cover of You Stole My Name Too with a tiger and tiger lily face one another.

You Stole My Name Too: A Curious Case of Animals and Plants with Shared Names

by Dennis McGregor (Author), Blue Star Press (Producer)

Brief summary: This is a collection of humorous poems featuring animals and plants with the same names. Sometimes the reasons for the naming are evident, and sometimes not.

Comments: This is the second collection of poetry in the  “You Stole My Name Series.”

The four-line poem is on the left side of the two-page spread, with the animal and plant illustration on the right.

This is an oversized book that really shows the details in his paintings. Prints of the illustrations are sold on his website.

Rating: 4.5/5 📗📗📗📗1/2

Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.

The first of the You Stole My Name Series is You Stole My Name: The Curious Case of Animals with Shared Names.

The cover of poetry book You Stole My Name with a bull and bullfrog looking at each other.

Children’s book titles are carefully handpicked by a certified elementary school librarian who, although retired, still enjoys reading children’s books, especially picture books, and recommending them to busy teachers, school librarians, parents, grandparents, and other book lovers.

Most of the books Mrs. Ferraris reads before recommending are checked out from the public library, except for those much-appreciated complimentary copies sent to her for an honest review. Those are noted. 

A young women reciting from a book Poetry Picture Book Recommendations for Children
Children's Book Recommendations

Poetry Picture Book Recommendations for Children

The Retired School LibrarianLeave a comment

Poetry picture book recommendations are by Angela Ferraris, The Retired School Librarian.

(The content below contains Amazon affiliate links. When you buy through these links, Mrs. Ferraris may earn an affiliate commission at no additional cost to you. The Retired School Librarian is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. (These title can be found on my Amazon Storefront under Poetry Picture Books– https://www.amazon.com/shop/mrs.ferraris/list/23O9S8DDXLNC2?ref_=aipsflist .)

❗This cumulative list grows over time, with the newest books always appearing at the top.❗

Squirrels eating acorns in a tree

Poems for Every Season: A Year of Haiku, Sonnets, and More 

by Bette Westera (Author), Henriette Boerendans (Illustrator), David Colmer (Translator)

Brief summary: This collection organizes the calendar year journey beginning in spring and concludes in winter, with each season introduced by a haiku. Every month within that season is then paired with a unique poetic form for a total of 16 distinct styles.

Comments: The woodcut illustrations are stunning; two-page spreads are used to capture the essence of each month.

The back section is About the Verse Forms where each poem is listed along with a full explanation of the poetic form.

The forms discussed are:

  • Haiku 
  • Rondel
  • Acrostic
  • Double dactyl
  • Pantoum
  • Elevenie
  • Tanka
  • Quatrain
  • Diamante
  • Rondelet
  • Limerick
  • Stacking Poem
  • Sonnet

This collection is a superb resource for teaching poetry units. I highly recommend adding this to any school or classroom library.

Rating: 5/5 📗📗📗📗📗

Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.

*I received a free copy of this book.

A black bird is looking out of its next made of grass and other natural materials. Cover of Home

Home

by Isabelle Simler (Author), Vineet Lal (Translator)

Brief summary: This poetry collection features 27 animals from around the world, showcasing the unique and amazing homes they create. Each animal is beautifully illustrated with great detail, and young readers will learn about camouflage, habitat, life cycles, and interesting animal facts.

Comments:  The back sections include More About These Amazing Animals, Glossary, and Recommended Resources(Books, Websites, and Videos).

This lyrical text appears to be flawlessly translated from French(2022) to English(2024).

Rating: 5/5 📗📗📗📗📗

Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.

*Home was sent to me as a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.

A young boy is hiking with backpacks on in South Sister where there are pine trees, mountains, and a lake.

Climbing the Volcano: A Journey in Haiku 

by Curtis Manley (Author), Jennifer K. Mann (Illustrator)

Brief summary: A family hikes up South Sister, an Oregon volcano, and the young boy shares his observations in haiku, including the terrain, animals, and insects encountered.

Comments: The back sections of the book include “More About Climbing a Mountain,” which provides information on the volcano, necessary equipment, poetry, and living organisms, and “Further Information,” which lists books and websites.

The illustrations are created with a mix of collograph and monotype printmaking, pencil drawing, digital collage, and paint.

Rating: 4/5 📗📗📗📗

Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.

A yellow dog is sitting with a puppy, turtle, cat, and rabbit in front of it with a parrot sitting on a perch behind. Cover of Bless Our Pets: Poems of Gratitude for Our Animal Friends

Bless Our Pets: Poems of Gratitude for Our Animal Friends 

by Lee Bennett Hopkins (Editor), Lita Judge (Illustrator)

Brief summary: Bless Our Pets is an anthology of poetry featuring fourteen different animal companion owners expressing gratitude towards their beloved pets. Written by:
• Ann Whitford Paul
• Rebecca Kai Dotlich 
• Linda Trott Dickman
• Eric Ode
• Ralph Fletcher
• Sarah Grace Tuttle
• Kristine O’Connell George
• Darren Sardelli
• B.J. Lee
• Charles Ghigna
• Lois Lowry
• Prince Redcloud
• Joan Bransfield Graham
• Lee Bennett Hopkins

Comments:  The book features a variety of poetry forms. The illustrations are created with watercolors and colored pencils that beautifully capture facial expressions.

Rating: 5/5 📗📗📗📗📗

Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.

*Bless Our Pets was sent to me as a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.

Cover for poetry book This is a Tiny Fragile Snae with a small black snake with a yellow line down its back slithering on the ground with a pair of blue and a pair of red tennis shoes in the frame to mean there are people stopping and watching it go past.

This Is a Tiny Fragile Snake 

by Nicholas Ruddock (Author), Ashley Barron (Illustrator)

Brief summary: This poetry collection features informative poems about various animals and insects, highlighting their unique characteristics.

Comments: The illustrations are created using cut-paper collages, acrylics, and pencil crayons with some digital finishing.

Rating: 4/5 📗📗📗📗

Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.

The cover of You Stole My Name Too with a tiger and tiger lily face one another.

You Stole My Name Too: A Curious Case of Animals and Plants with Shared Names

by Dennis McGregor (Author), Blue Star Press (Producer)

Brief summary: This is a collection of humorous poems featuring animals and plants with the same names. Sometimes the reasons for the naming are evident, and sometimes not.

Comments: This is the second collection of poetry in the  “You Stole My Name Series.”

The four-line poem is on the left side of the two-page spread, with the animal and plant illustration on the right.

This is an oversized book that really shows the details in his Gouache paintings. Prints of the illustrations are sold on his website.

Rating: 4.5/5 📗📗📗📗1/2

Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.

A young Virginia Hamilton lying in the grass with books around her and lilacs. Books's cover

Extraordinary Magic: The Storytelling Life of Virginia Hamilton 

by Nina Crews (Author)

Brief summary: This collection of lyrical poetry shares Virginia Hamilton’s childhood, family, and writing inspirations.

Comments: The back sections include the Author’s Note, Timeline, Book List, Bibliography, and a few photos.

The illustrations were created digitally using Adobe Photoshop.

Rating: 4/5 📗📗📗📗

Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.

A young girl with an umbrella is walking against the wind with a tree in the background.

Great Gusts: Winds of the World and the Science Behind Them 

by Melanie Crowder (Author), MEGAN BENEDICT (Author), Khoa Le (Illustrator)

Brief summary: Learn about fourteen winds of the world through a lyrical poem and then in nonfiction text.

Comments: This nonfiction poetry and weather book briefly explains specific winds worldwide. I had no idea that some of these existed until now.

The back sections further explain the science of these winds with What Makes the Wind?, How Are Winds Named? Local Poetic Traditions, a global map, Glossary, and For Further Reading.

The illustrations were created digitally.

Rating: 4/5 📗📗📗📗

Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.

Fast Cheetah, Slow Tortoise: Poems of Animal Opposites 

by Bette Westera (Author), Mies van Hout (Illustrator), David Colmer (Translator)

Brief summary: This poetry book cleverly presents animal opposites in each animal’s voice. Every two-page spread features two animals opposite from one another in descriptive and humorous free verse.

Comments: The illustrations were created using acrylic ink, oil pastels, and collage. There are a total of thirty-two animals featured in the book.

This poetry book would complement poetry or opposite units of study. It can also just be used for a funny read-aloud to make everyone giggle.

Rating: 4.5/5 📗📗📗📗1/2

Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.

Cover of a poetry picture book titled How to Write a Poem done with a girl riding a unicycle over a bunch of wheels

How to Write a Poem

by Kwame Alexander (Author), Deanna Nikaido (Author), Melissa Sweet (Illustrator). Publisher ‏ : ‎ Quill Tree Books. 2023. Grades 3-5. Hardcover Picture Book. ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0063060906.

Brief summary: Young readers (and future poetry writers) are encouraged to feel and use their imagination as they observe the world around them. They are inspired to write it down as poetry.

For more details or to buy, click on this book’s Amazon page.

Rating: 3/5 📗📗📗

Cover of a poetry picture book titled Push-Pull Morning with a child hugging a dog

Push-Pull Morning: Dog-Powered Poems About Matter and Energy 

by Lisa Westberg Peters (Author), Serge Bloch (Illustrator). Publisher ‏ : ‎ Wordsong. 2023. Grades 2-4. Hardcover Nonfiction Picture Book. ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1635925272.

Brief summary: A fun introduction to physics in free verse poetry about a child and dog experiencing everyday life.


Comments: Each poem’s physics correlation is explained at the back of the book. This book could be shared in science units when each physics aspect is introduced to give students an idea of seeing it in the world around them.

For more details or to buy, click on this book’s Amazon page.

Rating: 3/5 📗📗📗

Poetry picture book cover of Where I Live with a child playing in a park in a city with stores and apartment buildings in the background.

Where I Live: Poems About My Home, My Street, and My Town 

by Paul B. Janeczko (Author), Hyewon Yum (Illustrator). Publisher ‏ : ‎ Candlewick. 2023. 1-3. Hardcover Picture Book. ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1536200942.

Brief summary: This is a collection of twenty-four poems divided into three sections: home, street, and town. The variety of poets and authors is diverse, with examples of several different types of poems—an excellent poetry addition to any library.

Comments: The illustrator captures the mood and characteristics of each poem.

For more details or to buy, please go to this book’s Amazon page.

Rating: 4/5 📗📗📗📗

Poetry picture book cover of The Dream Train with a girl holding a megaphone riding on a train with the background of bright colors all swirled together

The Dream Train: Poems for Bedtime 

by Sean Taylor (Author), Anuska Allepuz (Illustrator). Publisher ‏ : ‎ Candlewick. 2023. PreK-2. Hardcover Picture Book. ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1536228342.

Brief summary: Thirty poems are divided into three sections: Night Arrives, Shut-Your-Eyes Time, and Dream Wheels Turning. The poems are a variety of different forms and with a variety of settings and characters. 

The illustrations are colorful and completely fill all of the pages. Very well done.

For more details or to buy, click on the book’s Amazon page.

Rating: 4.5/5 📗📗📗📗1/2

Poetry picture book cover of Trees with a child sitting on a branch of a tree looking into a lake

Trees: Haiku from Roots to Leaves 

by Sally M. Walker (Author), Angela Mckay (Illustrator). Publisher ‏ : ‎ Candlewick. 2023. Grades 2-5. Hardcover Picture Book. ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1536215502.

Brief summary: This is a collection of haikus about a tree’s life cycle and the changes of every season. There are many two-paged illustrations.

The back pages have information about a tree’s life, including wild and urban forests. There is also an author’s note and a glossary.

For more details, click on this book’s Amazon page.

Rating: 3.5/5 📗📗📗1/2

Children’s book titles are carefully handpicked by a certified elementary school librarian who, although retired, still enjoys reading children’s books, especially picture books, and recommending them to busy teachers, school librarians, parents, grandparents, and other book lovers.

Most of the books Mrs. Ferraris reads before recommending are checked out from the public library, except for those much-appreciated complimentary copies sent to her for an honest review. Those are noted. 

Children's Book Recommendations

What Makes Us Human

The Retired School Librarian1 Comment

What Makes Us Human children’s book recommendation is by Angela Ferraris, The Retired School Librarian.

(The content below contains Amazon affiliate links. When you buy through these links, Mrs. Ferraris may earn an affiliate commission at no additional cost to you.)

What Makes Us Human book cover with four picture splits. The top has the top part of an orange curly head. Next, are the eyes of a man. Third is the mouth of an elderly woman. Last is the hands of a woman.

What Makes Us Human 

by Victor D.O. Santos (Author), Anna Forlati (Illustrator)

Brief summary: What is it that makes us human? As the book progresses, young readers will slowly learn that the answer can be written, signed, spoken, or felt. It has been around for thousands of years and effects everyone today. Some are disappearing, while others are more popular.

Comments: The illustrations are created with collage and digital materials.

Part of the author’s royalties will be donated to organizations working to preserve languages around the globe.

I would ask students, “What Makes Us Human?” and then read the book, reminding them that if they think they know the answer, they should keep it a secret until it is revealed at the end. 

Rating: 5/5 –📗📗📗📗📗

Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.

Children’s book titles are carefully handpicked by a certified elementary school librarian who, although retired, still enjoys reading children’s books, especially picture books, and recommending them to busy teachers, school librarians, parents, grandparents, and other book lovers.

Most of the books Mrs. Ferraris reads before recommending are checked out from the public library, except for those much-appreciated complimentary copies sent to her for an honest review. Those are noted. 

*I received a complimentary copy of this picture book in exchange for an honest review.

Children's Book Recommendations

Time to Make Art

The Retired School Librarian1 Comment

Time to Make Art Children’s Book Recommendation is by Angela Ferraris, The Retired School Librarian.

(The content below contains Amazon affiliate links. When you buy through these links, she may earn an affiliate commission at no additional cost to you.)

A young girl has on a beret with a paintbrush in one hand and and a paint tray in the other standing in front of a large easel with various types of artists standing around her. This is the cover of Time to Make Art.

Time to Make Art 

by Jeff Mack (author and illustrator)

Brief summary: A girl wants to know how to make art and asks artists from different decades about their mediums while becoming more inspired to create her own.            

Comments: There is a back section with brief biographical sketches of the artists featured in the story.

What a great book for art teachers to share with students!

Rating:3.5/5 📗📗📗1/2

Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.

Children’s book titles are carefully handpicked by a certified elementary school librarian who, although retired, still enjoys reading children’s books, especially picture books, and recommending them to busy teachers, school librarians, parents, grandparents, and other book lovers.

Most of the books Mrs. Ferraris reads before recommending are checked out from the public library, except for those much-appreciated complimentary copies sent to her for an honest review. Those are noted. 

Children's Book Recommendations

When You Have to Wait

The Retired School Librarian1 Comment

When You Have to Wait Children’s Book Recommendation is by Angela Ferraris, The Retired School Librarian.

(The content below contains Amazon affiliate links. When you buy through these links, she may earn an affiliate commission at no additional cost to you.)

When You Have to Wait cover--A little girl is looking out the window with geese fling in the background while her orange cat is beside her

When You Have to Wait 

by Melanie Conklin (Author), Leah Hong (Illustrator)

Brief summary: A little girl learns that sometimes we must wait even when we want the time to be now. We sometimes have to wait in line, wait for a loved one to return home, and wait to grow enough to ride a bicycle.

Comments: This gentle book explains that we sometimes have no control over making something happen faster. I’d share this at the beginning of the school year and when the class needed a little reminder about patience.

Rating: 3.5/5 📗📗📗1/2

Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.

Children’s book titles are carefully handpicked by a certified elementary school librarian who, although retired, still enjoys reading children’s books, especially picture books, and recommending them to busy teachers, school librarians, parents, grandparents, and other book lovers.

Most of the books Mrs. Ferraris reads before recommending are checked out from the public library, except for those much-appreciated complimentary copies sent to her for an honest review. Those are noted. 

Children's Book Recommendations

Holi

The Retired School Librarian1 Comment

Holi Children’s Book Recommendation is by Angela Ferraris, The Retired School Librarian.

(The content below contains Amazon affiliate links. When you buy through these links, she may earn an affiliate commission at no additional cost to you.)

Happy Holidays Holi cover of bowls full of bright colored powders

Holi (Happy Holidays!) 

by Betsy Rathburn (Author)

Brief summary: Young readers will learn about colorful Holi, a Hindu spring holiday that is celebrated on the full moon.

Comments: This nonfiction picture book has large fonts for primary readers to easily read. Bolded words are found in the glossary. Other back sections are Holi Facts, To Learn More, and an Index.

I would pair this nonfiction book with a fictional picture book about Holi for a spring holiday unit.

Rating: 3/5 📗📗📗

Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.

Children’s book titles are carefully handpicked by a certified elementary school librarian who, although retired, still enjoys reading children’s books, especially picture books, and recommending them to busy teachers, school librarians, parents, grandparents, and other book lovers.

Most of the books Mrs. Ferraris reads before recommending are checked out from the public library, except for those much-appreciated complimentary copies sent to her for an honest review. Those are noted. 

Children's Book Recommendations

Don’t Trust Cats: Life Lessons from Chip the Dog Children’s Book Recommendation

The Retired School Librarian1 Comment

Don’t Trust Cats Children’s Book Recommendation is by Angela Ferraris, The Retired School Librarian.

(The content below contains Amazon affiliate links. When you buy through these links, she may earn an affiliate commission at no additional cost to you.)

Chip the dog has a cone around his head with a bandage on his nose with the head of a gray cat looking at him from a window. The cover's lettering is mixed with a ball of yarn unraveled and tangled

Don’t Trust Cats: Life Lessons from Chip the Dog 

by Dev Petty (Author), Mike Boldt (Illustrator)

Brief summary: Chip, the dog, warns young readers not to trust cats and advises us who and what can be trusted.

Comments: The humorous illustrations go well with the freehand lettering to make the dog’s narrative authentic.

We do not find out why Chip the Dog has a cone around his neck, but the cat is probably involved. That would be a good question to discuss with students.

This is a nice persuasive writing example and will be enjoyed as a funny read-aloud.

Rating: 4.5/5 📗📗📗📗1/2

Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.

Chip the Dog is on one side of the page saying "Don't trust cats!' while there are several different types of cats and a red ball of yarn on the other side of the page.

Children’s book titles are carefully handpicked by a certified elementary school librarian who, although retired, still enjoys reading children’s books, especially picture books, and recommending them to busy teachers, school librarians, parents, grandparents, and other book lovers.

Most of the books Mrs. Ferraris reads before recommending are checked out from the public library, except for those much-appreciated complimentary copies sent to her for an honest review. Those are noted. 

Picture Book Recommendations–Week of January 15, 2024
Children's Book Recommendations

Picture Book Recommendations–Week of January 15, 2024

The Retired School Librarian1 Comment

Picture Book Recommendations–Week of January 15, 2024 is by Angela Ferraris, The Retired School Librarian.

(The content below contains Amazon affiliate links. When you buy through these links, she may earn an affiliate commission at no additional cost to you.)

A mother otter and her pup are floating on the water while they giving snuggles. Water lilies and a water fly are around them. Cover of Animal Snuggles.

Animal Snuggles: Affection in the Animal Kingdom

by Aimee Reid (Author), Sebastien Braun (Illustrator)

Brief summary: Young readers are shown how various animals display affection towards their babies.

Comments: There are large double-paged illustrations with the parent and baby.

There’s a back section of the animals and more specific details of how they snuggle with their young, the name of a baby, and their home.

Rating: 3.5/5 📗📗📗1/2

Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.

First page of the book. A mother otter and her pup snuggle while floating with flowers around them and a little pad.

Fungi Grow book cover of a rabbit standing amongst various fungi and mushroom species with a small snail in the background

Fungi Grow 

by Maria Gianferrari (Author), Diana Sudyka (Illustrator)

Brief summary: Young readers will learn how fungi grow above, on, and under the ground. Mushrooms can be edible, poisonous, or medicinal. There are mushroom details of how they multiply and what animals eat them. The underground fungi network helps the forest.

Comments: The gouache watercolors are detailed with two-paged spreads or small vignettes that move the nonfiction story along as we read the large print prose and the smaller informative text for more details.

This would be an excellent addition to the mushroom section in any children’s library collection.

Rating: 5/5 📗📗📗📗📗

Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.

A skunk is eating fungi on the right side of the page while long fingerlike fungi is releasing a stinky odor to attract flies.

A young girl is dancing in Bollywood technique with er younger brother and parents while standing on the brightly lit up stage.

My Bollywood Dream 

by Avani Dwivedi (Author, Illustrator)

Brief summary: A young girl goes to the theater in Mumbai with her parents and brother. As they go through the city traffic, the girl imagines several of the nearby people as characters in a Bollywood movie.

Her family and other people in the theater enjoy the happy ending and music of the movie before heading home.

Comments: I love watching Bollywood movies because of the bright and beautiful colors and happy dancing style. This book captured all of that with vivid illustrations.

There is an author’s note in the back where Avani Dwivedi shares her childhood in Mumbai, listening to old Bollywood films and music.

Rating: 4/5 📗📗📗📗

Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.

A young Prince wearing his well known ruffled shirt and purple jacket playing the guitar is on the top of the book's right side of the cover while there is another scene of him walking down the street with his guitar. The cover has a purple hue. Doves are flying.

Ordinary Days: The Seeds, Sound, and City That Grew Prince Rogers Nelson 

by Angela Joy (Author), Jacqueline Alcántara (Illustrator)

Brief summary: Prince Rogers Nelson was named after his father’s jazz band, The Prince Rogers Trio. He had parents who constantly argued resulting in his father leaving when Prince was age 7.

Prince lived in poverty, sleeping on couches in various homes, not having his own place. He excelled at playing basketball as well as playing the piano, guitar, and other instruments.

While still in high school, he created a cover band named Grand Central that played at parties, nightclubs, and the Battle of the Bands. Prince got his first recording contract at the age of 18.

This rhyming and rhythmic picture book did not give details of Prince’s life as an adult, the success of his music, or how he died.

Comments: The author’s note details Prince’s life, including a family playlist. The illustrations really capture Prince’s personality with a hue of purple throughout.

I recall being in the Music Conservatory when Prince came out in the 1980s. His music played in the dorms and in the stores. People went to his movies to see him perform. I recall watching Purple Rain and Under the Cherry Moon. That was when we had Walkmans, and I remember having the soundtrack to Purple Rain and listening to it all the time. People liked his Minneapolis sound a lot.

Rating: 5/5 📗📗📗📗📗

Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.

This is the cover of Pass the Baby. There is a man and woman with a baby being passed to one another while baby blocks are in the air

Pass the Baby 

by Susanna Reich (Author), Raúl Colón (Illustrator)

Brief summary: The baby is passed around a large family gathering at the dining room table, where Grandpa, Grandma, and other family members visit with the baby.

The meal has ended, and it’s time for the baby to go to bed. Will she go to sleep or stay awake?

Comments: This rhyming picture book captures the excitement and love of a newborn baby in a family.

The humorous illustrations display the facial emotions and chaotic mess of a large gathering.

Rating: 4/5 📗📗📗📗

Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.

Children’s book titles are carefully handpicked by a certified elementary school librarian who, although retired, still enjoys reading children’s books, especially picture books, and recommending them to busy teachers, school librarians, parents, grandparents, and other book lovers.

Most of the books Mrs. Ferraris reads before recommending are checked out from the public library, except for those much-appreciated complimentary copies sent to her for an honest review. Those are noted. 

Children’s Picture Book Recommendations–Week of December 17, 2023
Children's Book Recommendations

Children’s Picture Book Recommendations–Week of December 17, 2023

The Retired School Librarian1 Comment

Children’s Picture Book Recommendations–Week of December 17, 2023, are by Angela Ferraris, The Retired School Librarian.

(The content below contains Amazon affiliate links. When you buy through these links, she may earn an affiliate commission at no additional cost to you.)

There is a black Shaggy Dog following a little girl on the Street sidewalk with in it within a crowd of people. This is the picture book's cover of A Human for Kingsley.

A Human for Kingsley 

by Gabriel Evans (Author)

Brief summary: Kingsley, a dog, decides to own a human. He goes into the city looking and intermingling with several people but does not find a good fit. He saw a little girl walking on the street and followed her home. Will she be his human?

Comments: This picture book is hilariously written from the viewpoint of a dog.

Rating: 4/5 📗📗📗📗

Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.

There is a very small girl wearing a yellow dress with a red hat being followed by a black Shaggy Dog while walking down the street. This is a page from the book called a human for kensley.

There is a family of ducks in a river that is surrounded by tall green grass with a pink tree leaning over it going into the city with a white bridge over it with two children looking down. This is the picture book cover of if the river runs free.

If the Rivers Run Free 

by Andrea Debbink (Author), Nicole Wong (Illustrator)

Brief summary: A boy and girl play on the street, unaware that a river is flowing underneath them.

Young readers learn 1)how humankind can settle along a river, 2)how a river can be routed underground to change the flow when the city grows, and 3)what the pros and cons are of moving a river.

Comments: This is an exciting book that helps explain how people built around rivers, moved them underground, and how some engineers and naturalists are now freeing them to above ground, having learned that this can prevent flooding and bring back a valuable habitat.

More details and explanations are given in the back section called The Wonder of Rivers.

Rating: 4.5/5 📗📗📗📗1/2

Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.

There is a nephew Leo and his Uncle Moe back to back with scenes from the book and the background of the secret society Anson uncles picture book cover.

The Secret Society of Aunts & Uncles 

by Jake Gyllenhaal (Author), Greta Caruso (Author), Dan Santat (Illustrator)

Brief summary: Uncle Mo babysits his nephew, Leo, who claims he is the worst uncle. Suddenly, out of nowhere, Great-Aunt Gloria and Uncle Munkle Carbunkle magically appear in the middle of the street. They teach Uncle Mo about the Secret Society of Aunts & Uncles, where Mo learns about how to be a good uncle before the two are popped back into the car to continue home.

Comments: This picture book is full of laugh-aloud humorous situations with matching illustrations.

Rating: 4/5 📗📗📗📗

Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.

A close-up of all boy thinking from the book's cover of Do You Remember.

Do You Remember? 

by Sydney Smith (Author)

Brief summary: A mother and son exchange memories of when the father was still with them. They have moved to a new home in the city where everything is new. They decide that they will begin to make new memories together.

Comments: This book could be shared as a read-aloud between two people. The mother’s voice is in red ink; the boy’s is in blue.

We are not told where the father is or what happened to him. This could be a discussion point with students.

The soft and calm illustrations match the mood of lying in bed and reminiscing.

Rating: 4/5 📗📗📗📗

Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.

There is a small Sparrow and a bowl of water with a watercolor background of greens and the book cover of Zorro the Sparrow.

Kozo the Sparrow 

by Allen Say (Author, Illustrator)

Brief summary: A young Allen Say trades all of his treasures to save a sparrow hatchling from the hands of bullies. He takes it home and nurses it to adulthood, bonding with his bird, Kozo(Little Boy).

Allen takes the bird to school to share with his classmates. Will the bullies capture the sparrow again?

Comments: This is the true story of Allen Say and the bird he raised and loved while living in Japan as a child at age eight.

Rating: 4/5 📗📗📗📗

Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.

A squirrel is holding a nut in the middle of the forest this is the picture book cover of Evergreen.

Evergreen 

by Matthew Cordell (Author)

Brief summary: Evergreen, an anxious squirrel, lives in Buckthorn Forrest with her mother who has asked her to take soup to a sick Granny Oak who lives on the other side of the forest. Although frightened, Evergreen leaves the tree and heads towards Granny Oak’s, encountering several forest animals along the way.

Comments: This picture book is divided into a new chapter for each animal Evergreen meets. The illustrations are done with a 005 Micron Pen and painted with watercolors.

Students will be in suspense with each forest animal encounter wondering if the squirrel will be eaten.

Rating: 4.5/5 📗📗📗📗 1/2

Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.

Children’s book titles are carefully handpicked by a certified elementary school librarian who, although retired, still enjoys reading children’s books, especially picture books, and recommending them to busy teachers, school librarians, parents, grandparents, and other book lovers.

Most of the books Mrs. Ferraris reads before recommending are checked out from the public library, except for those much-appreciated complimentary copies sent to her for an honest review. Those are noted. 

Children’s Picture Book Recommendations–Week of December 10, 2023
Children's Book Recommendations

Children’s Picture Book Recommendations–Week of December 10, 2023

The Retired School Librarian1 Comment

Children’s Picture Book Recommendations–Week of December 3, 2023 are by Angela Ferraris, The Retired School Librarian.

(The content below contains Amazon affiliate links. When you buy through these links, she may earn an affiliate commission at no additional cost to you.)

A young girl is holding wrapped gifts while standing in front of an inner city scene of apartment buildings that have laundry hanging outside of them. Her family and community members are standing behind her. Book cover of Rivka's Presents

Rivka’s Presents 

by Laurie Wallmark (Author), Adelina Lirius (Illustrator)

Brief summary: Rivka, a Jewish girl who lived in the Lower East Side of New York City during the flu pandemic of 1918, thought she was going to school but had to delay her first day for several months. Rivka’s father was sick with influenza and had to stay in bed. Her mother had to go to work. Rivka cared for her father and tended to her little sister, Miriam.

The young girl trades working for various stores in the area in exchange for the storeowners’ teaching her how to write and read. She eventually gets to go to school with the help of her community.

Comments: Historical fiction picture books like these should be read to children to help them better understand how lucky they are to go to school and have opportunities so many did not have in earlier times or even today.

Rating: 4/5 📗📗📗📗

Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.

And ice truck being pulled by a black horse is standing in front of inner city apartment buildings from the turn of the century that have white laundry hanging outside of the windows.

An orangutan with her baby and there are green grass behind them; book cover of The Emerald Forest

The Emerald Forest 

by Catherine Ward (Author), Karin Littlewood (Author)

Brief summary: Orangutan lives with her children on a rainforest island called Sumatra in Indonesia until a deforesting machine comes and rips out the tree she is in. She and her family are relocated to Bukit Tigapuluh National Park(Thirty Hills).

Comments: I was tearing up when I read this heartfelt picture book; beautifully illustrated. It would be a good story to share with students with an endangered species, environment, or deforestation unit of study.

Rating: 4.5/5 📗📗📗📗1/2

Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.

And orangutan is hanging from the very top of a machine that de-roots trees from the rainforest

For more information about Thirty Hills.

A gray fox is sitting on a log in a force that is silver. There is a beautiful full moon behind the fox. Book cover of Gray Fox in the Moonlight

Gray Fox in the Moonlight 

by Isaac Peterson (Author and illustrator)

Brief summary: Gray Fox walks in the fall woods during a full moon, seeing her reflection in the river before returning to the den.

Comments: The cover of this book is designed beautifully with raised imprints and specks of silver. Although the title is in cursive, the text inside is in block letters.

The gray illustrations were created by the author and his daughter.

This is a short and gentle book, excellent for bedtime.

Rating: 4/5 📗📗📗📗

Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.

There is a fox standing beside a river in a winter forest with the full moon.

A Letter for Bob 

by Kim Rogers (Author), Jonathan Nelson (Illustrator)

Brief summary: Katie, a young girl, writes a letter to their car, Bob, as they have traded him in for a bigger one to match their growing family. She thanks Bob and shares the family’s wonderful(and not-so-wonderful) memories in the car, such as attending the Wichita Annual Dance, the Indian Hills Powwow, their vacations, sports events, and everyday occurrences.

Comments: The story was a mixture of humorous and sentimental memories.

Everyone can relate to this picture book’s story as cars(and other family-owned objects) can seem like family members.

The back sections include Author’s Note, Glossary, and Current Tribal Locations.

Rating: 4/5 📗📗📗📗

Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.

There is a family in a parking lot ready to trade in their old car Bob for a new car.

A young girl is looking at some potted plants with Sprouts coming out of them with a frosted window behind her.

Wintergarden 

by Janet Fox (Author), Jasu Hu (Illustrator)

Brief summary: In the winter, a girl helps her mother grow a garden on the window sill in little pots. The child cares for and tends the plants, harvesting some for their Thanksgiving meal.

When the weather warms up, she looks forward to picking out seeds to grow more plants.

Comments: Directions for how to grow your own wintergarden are at the back of the book.

Rating: 4/5 📗📗📗📗

Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.

Children’s book titles are carefully handpicked by a certified elementary school librarian who, although retired, still enjoys reading children’s books, especially picture books, and recommending them to busy teachers, school librarians, parents, grandparents, and other book lovers.

Most of the books Mrs. Ferraris reads before recommending are checked out from the public library, except for those much-appreciated complimentary copies sent to her for an honest review. Those are noted. 

Presents decorated with winter and Christmas themes Christmas and Other Winter Holidays Children’s Book Recommendations
Children's Book Recommendations

Christmas and Other Winter Holidays Children’s Book Recommendations

The Retired School Librarian1 Comment

Christmas and Other Winter Holiday Children’s Book Recommendations–2023 are by Angela Ferraris, The Retired School Librarian.

(The content below contains Amazon affiliate links. When you buy through these links, she may earn an affiliate commission at no additional cost to you.)

A brother and sister with large smiles are at a table full of Italian Christmas food with presents and Christmas decorations in the background

Our Italian Christmas Eve 

by Danielle Sedita (Author), Francesco Sedita (Author), Luciano Lozano (Illustrator)

Brief summary: Danielle and Francesco tell how their family celebrates the Feast of the Seven Fishes on Christmas Eve at their Aunt Babe’s, where there is a house full of relatives and food. The two realize they must make cheesecake to have enough desserts for the feast.

Comments: What an incredible celebratory story with detailed and humorous illustrations

I was getting hungry reading this book, wanting to taste all these yummy Italian foods.

Rating: 4/5 📗📗📗📗

Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.

Otto the Christmas ornament is smiling as he hangs from a Christmas tree

Otto The Ornament 

by Troy Cummings (Author)

Brief summary: Christmas ornament, Otto believes he is too shiny and unique to be in the middle of the tree and looks for one where he can be on the top. Will he realize where he perfectly fits in?

Comments: I knew I would like this book when I saw that the C.I.P. is shaped like a Christmas tree.

Troy Cummings visited our school district and did a superb job! His patience with our students and presentations were top-notch.

Rating: 4.5/5 📗📗📗📗1/2

Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.

The pages is one side upside down with one child in New Zealand handing the other who live in New York, a dreidel.

Hanukkah Upside Down 

by Elissa Brent Weissman (Author), Omer Hoffmann (Illustrator)

Brief summary: Noah lives in New York, where it is winter, while his cousin Nora lives in New Zealand, where it is summer. They challenge one another to see who can have the best eight days of Hanukkah.

Comments: Young readers will have Hanukkah vocabulary and learn how people far away from one another can celebrate the same holiday in their own unique traditions.

Rating: 3.5/5 📗📗📗1/2

Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.

The blue pigeon is wearing a Christmas hat with a bell next tot he title of the book.

Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Sleigh! 

by Mo Willems (Author)

Brief summary: As soon as Santa leaves, Pigeon wants to drive the sleigh, trying to persuade us how it would be a great idea.

Comments: This is done in the humorous pigeon series style of trying to get the reader to agree with the pigeon’s idea.

Rating: 3/5 📗📗📗

Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.

The snowmen and snow creatures are outside putting up Christmas lights.

Snowmen’s Twelve Nights of Christmas 

by Caralyn Buehner (Author), Mark Buehner (Illustrator)

Brief summary: A dog chases different creatures up a pine tree for twelve nights before Christmas in this Twelve Days Of Christmas Carol parody.

Comments: This cumulative story has bright and happy illustrations that any little one would love to have read to them several times.

This husband and wife duo has other Snowmen-themed books such as Snowmen at Night, Snowmen at Play, and Snowmen at Christmas.

Rating: 3/5 📗📗📗

Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.

A girl with her black and white kitten is standing in front of the Christmas tree with her family members in the background all smiling.

The Twelve Hours of Christmas 

by Jenn Bailey (Author), Bea Jackson (Illustrator)

Brief summary: This Twelve Days of Christmas Carol parody is about a large family gathering twelve hours before Christmas.

Comments: This is a lovely picture book of a family with a nana and grandpa, cousins, aunties, and uncles visiting to celebrate the holiday together.

I was looking forward to each hour to see what would happen next.

The illustrations convey the happiness and love of the family. Be sure to spot the hidden kitten throughout the picture book.

Rating: 4/5 📗📗📗📗

Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.

Three kings are flying in the air while riding camels as a little girl looks outside her window.

La Noche Before Three Kings Day 

by Sheila Colón-Bagley (Author), Alejandro Mesa (Illustrator)

Brief summary: A family celebrates Three Kings Day by decorating shoeboxes, having a large family meal, and dancing to music. The extended family goes home, and the children go to bed. The little girl peeks out of her window at midnight and sees the three kings with camels fill their boxes left by the door with gifts, candy, and coins.

Comments: This book is sprinkled with Spanish words, so I was thankful for the pronunciation box and glossary. The illustrations are festive and bright. The author does explain in the back of the book how she celebrates Three Kings Day on January 6th.

Rating: 3.5/5 📗📗📗1/2

Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.

A little mouse with huge ears is playing a drum while underneath a Christmas tree with a lot of red and green gifts.

A Creature Was Stirring 

by Heather S. Pierczynski (Author), Skylar Hogan (Illustrator)

Brief summary: A mouse debunks the T’was the Night Before Christmas poem’s line of “not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse” by being too excited to sleep on Christmas Eve and full of endless energy.

Comments: This book contains onomatopoeias throughout the mouse’s wide-awake activities. The illustrations are warm and inviting.

Rating: 3.5/5 📗📗📗1/2

Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.

Santa Claus is standing on a roof looking at a chimney.

How Does Santa Go Down the Chimney? 

by Mac Barnett (Author), Jon Klassen (Illustrator)

Brief summary: Hilariously inventive ideas of how Santa Claus goes down the chimney are explored in this picture book.

Comments: Hilariously inventive ideas of how Santa Claus goes down the chimney are explored in this picture book.

Mac Barnett and Jon Klassen have come up with another creative book together that children will love reading. They are in sync with how children think.

Rating: 3.5/5 📗📗📗1/2

Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.

A Christmas cactus is underneath ornaments hanging from the ceiling. The cover is pink.

The Christmassy Cactus 

by Beth Ferry (Author), A. N. Kang (Illustrator)

Brief summary: Tiny Cactus was loved by a little girl every day. The child shared all the beautiful Christmas decorations but soon forgot about Tiny Cactus. The plant truly wanted to belong and celebrate with the family but couldn’t figure out how until something magical happened Christmas morning.

Comments: Such a darling and precious story. I’ll never look at a Christmas Cactus the same way again.

This book is illustrated with Christmas colors and a pink hue throughout.

Rating: 4/5 📗📗📗📗

Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.

A large 10 looks like peppermint candy with Santa and the reindeer carrying Christmas gifts.

10 Things I Love About Christmas 

by Danielle McLean (Author), Mark Chambers (Illustrator)

Brief summary: A young boy shares everything he loves about Christmas, from opening his advent calendar each day, decorating the Christmas Tree, to many events and traditions he shares with his family.

Comments: This would be a good read-aloud and discussion afterward about what they like about Christmas.

The illustrations are detailed. I found myself stopping and looking at them before continuing with the countdown.

Rating: 3.5/5 📗📗📗1/2

Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.

Children’s book titles are carefully handpicked by a certified elementary school librarian who, although retired, still enjoys reading children’s books, especially picture books, and recommending them to busy teachers, school librarians, parents, grandparents, and other book lovers.

Most of the books Mrs. Ferraris reads before recommending are checked out from the public library, except for those much-appreciated complimentary copies sent to her for an honest review. Those are noted. 

Fall Children’s Books: Picture Books and Nonfiction–2023
Children's Book Recommendations

Fall Children’s Books: Picture Books and Nonfiction–2023

The Retired School Librarian5 Comments

Fall Children’s Books: Picture Books and Nonfiction book recommendations–2023 are by Angela Ferraris, The Retired School Librarian.

(The content below contains Amazon affiliate links. When you buy through these links, she may earn an affiliate commission at no additional cost to you.)

The cover for It's Fall is a young girl has her hands above her head where there are leaves falling from a tree. She is smiling as well as her dog and a flying bird

It’s Fall! (Celebrate the Seasons, 1)

by Renée Kurilla (Author, Illustrator)

Brief summary: A young girl shares what the fall season brings with back-to-school, Halloween, and Thanksgiving.

Comments: Illustrations are in yellows, reds, and oranges. The story is in rhyme.

What a fun book to share with young readers that introduces fall vocabulary.

Large single-page, double-page spreads, and vignette illustrations make this a read-aloud recommendation.

Rating: 4/5 📗📗📗📗

Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.

A multigenerational family and their dog are on a fall hike walking over rocks in a stream with trees of orange and yellow behind them

When Fall Comes: Connecting with Nature as the Days Grow Shorter (When Seasons Come) 

by Aimée M. Bissonette (Author), Erin Hourigan (Illustrator)

Brief summary: Young readers will read how humans, wildlife, and nature prepare in the fall for the winter months ahead. Some will harvest and stock up on food, others will build places to sleep, while others will migrate to warmer weather.

Comments: This season series would be an excellent choice to have in any library. I’m looking forward to seeing When Spring Comes.

Rating: 4/5 📗📗📗📗

Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.

Nonfiction

Blue tennis shoes are standing on fall colored fallen leaves

On a Gold-Blooming Day: Finding Fall Treasures 

by Buffy Silverman (Author)

Brief summary: When fall arrives, nature changes in many ways to prepare for winter.

Comments: Large and brilliant illustrations with fun adjectives, adverbs, and verbs to read aloud.

More in-depth explanations of fall changes are at the end of the book.

The back section includes What Treasures Will You Find in Fall?, Further Reading, and Glossary.

Rating: 4/5 📗📗📗📗

Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.

Hanging lit lanterns are handing from the ceiling

Mid-Autumn Festival (Traditions & Celebrations)

by Ailynn Collins (Author)

Brief summary: Mid-Autumn Festival, also called the Moon or Mooncake Festival, is globally celebrated by Asian people. Young readers will learn the origins of the holiday, the lunar calendar, and what traditions and foods people have to observe this holiday.

Comments: The back sections are Glossary, Read More, Internet Sites, Index, and About the Author. Bolded words are found in the glossary.

I wish we had these Traditions and Celebrations books when I was a child. I’m learning so much from reading them as an adult, which has broadened my understanding of other cultures.

Rating: 3.5/5 📗📗📗1/2

Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.

A pile of apples on a wodden crate

Orchards (Trip to the Farm) 

by Ursula Pang (Author)

Brief summary: There are many orchards (farms where trees grow)producing fruit, nuts, seeds, syrup, and Christmas trees. Young readers will learn about each type of orchard.

Comments: I placed this book in the fall section as when I think of orchards, I think of apple or fruit orchards because those are the ones in my area that are harvested in the fall. I also had those teachers book requests for fall units before they went and visited a nearby apple orchard.

I enjoyed reading and learning about the different types of orchards and when they were harvested.

Rating: 3.5/5 📗📗📗1/2

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Children’s book titles are carefully handpicked by a certified elementary school librarian who, although retired, still enjoys reading children’s books, especially picture books, and recommending them to busy teachers, school librarians, parents, grandparents, and other book lovers.

Most of the books Mrs. Ferraris reads before recommending are checked out from the public library, except for those much-appreciated complimentary copies sent to her for an honest review. Those are noted.