Tag: picture books

Children's Book Recommendations

A Universe of Rainbows

The Retired School Librarian1 Comment

A Universe of Rainbows 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 Retired School Librarian is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program.)

Book Cover of A Universe of Rainbows showing all type of things in nature that have rainbow colors such as a bird, flowers, crystals, a rainbow, and mountains.

A Universe of Rainbows: Multicolored Poems for a Multicolored World

by Matt Forrest Esenwine (Author), Jamey Christoph (Illustrator)

Brief summary: This poetry collection features twenty-two authors/poets and a mix of poetry forms that explore the various colors found in nature.

Comments: Each poem is presented on a two-page spread, accompanied by a side column of nonfiction text that briefly explains the topic.

The illustrations were created digitally.

This book could be shared in April as an Earth Day and a Poetry book.

(April is Poetry Month, and April 22nd is Earth Day.)

Rating: 4/5 📗📗📗📗

*I received a free copy of this book.

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

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

Holi Picture Books–New and Newer

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Holi Picture Books–New and Newer 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 Retired School Librarian is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program.)

Happy Holi! book cover of a girl and boy covered in colors over their white clothes. Circle around them. Border had bright colors for Holi

Happy Holi!: Celebrating the Festival of Colors 

by Chitra Soundar (Author), Amberin Huq (Illustrator)

Details and buying options are on this book’s Amazon page.

Book cover for It's Holi with a child dressed in white with bright colors around them.

It’s Holi! 

by Sanyukta Mathur (Author), Courtney Pippin-Mathur (Illustrator)

Details and buying options are on this book’s Amazon page.

Holi book cover with wooden bowls of various colors of powder

Holi – Happy Holidays!

by Betsy Rathburn (Author)

Details and buying options are on this book’s Amazon page.

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

Afternoon on a Hill

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Afternoon on a Hill 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 Retired School Librarian is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program.)

Book cover of Afternoon on a Hill with a girl asleep in the meadow of flowers

Afternoon on a Hill 

by Edna St. Vincent Millay (Author), Paolo Domeniconi (Illustrator)

Brief summary: Edna St. Vincent Millay’s illustrated poem describes a little girl enjoying the beauty of nature around her as she frolics on the hillside, naps in the sun, and returns home at dusk.

Comments: This would make a wonderful bedtime book, bringing young readers happy dreams of walking in awe along a hill.

This also could be an elementary supplement for spring or earth day units of study.

It should be noted that the picture book is 16 pages long, half the length of most picture books. The hardback version came out in 2019, but the paperback was released this year.

Rating: 4/5 📗📗📗📗

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

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

The Quiet One

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The Quiet One 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 Retired School Librarian is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program.)

Book cover of The Quiet One with the words made of various objects. A robot and Millie wearing overalls and holding a wrench.

The Quiet One 

by Yiting Lee (Author)

Brief summary: Milly is an introvert and tends to be quiet in class. With Show and Tell approaching Friday, she is feeling anxious about it. At home, she has a special place where she enjoys tinkering and has created a robot named Arnold. Her new friend goes to school with Milly and helps her share her passion with the class.

Comments: This book is great for reading aloud. It could help kids learn about quiet individuals who enjoy sharing their interests. It also shows shy people that it’s okay to be themselves.

The illustrations were created using watercolors.

Rating: 4/5 📗📗📗📗

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

*I received a free copy of this book.

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

Summer’s Child

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Summer’s Child 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 Retired School Librarian is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program.)

Book cover of Summer's Child with a child standing on a donkey telling the silly story for the summer play. Bright colors are in the background of hils, flowers, trees, clouds, a dove, and the sun.

Summer’s Child 

by James Christopher Carroll (Author, Illustrator)

Brief summary: The forest animals gather around Bear to perform a play about the first day of summer. Child will be the narrator of this whimsical production.

Comments: This book’s illustrations are vibrant and filled with bright, appealing colors. This lighthearted and humorous story could serve as a great bedtime book or one to uplift a young reader.

Rating: 4/5 📗📗📗📗

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

*I received a free copy of this book.

There are two more in this season series by James Christopher Carroll that you may enjoy.

Book cover to Mother Winter with a child wearing a hat and mitten looking up into the snow

Mother Winter 

by James Christopher Carroll (Author, Illustrator)

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

Book Cover to Sister Spring of a child representing spring flying in the sky reaching down to touch flowers

Sister Spring 

by James Christopher Carroll (Author, Illustrator)

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

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

Thread by Thread

The Retired School LibrarianLeave a comment

Thread by Thread 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 Retired School Librarian is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program.)

Book cover of Thread by Thread with a knitted red house with windows that have mice family in the window.

Thread by Thread 

by Alice Brière-Haquet (Author), Michela Eccli (Illustrator), Sarah Ardizzone (Translator)

Brief summary: A family of mice have their knitted home come apart when more and more yarn unravels. They run away from a fire breathing dragon and go across the water in a knitted red boat to a land where they slowly knit their house back together with the help of other animals using different colored threads until they make a new safe home.

Comments: A wonderful allegory to teach elementary students about refugees and escaping to a new land that is safe.

This story was originally published din France in 2023 and translated to English in 2025.

The illustrations were created with drawing, photography, and yarn.

Rating: 4/5 📗📗📗📗

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

*I received a free copy of this book.

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

Inside the Compost Bin

The Retired School LibrarianLeave a comment

Inside the Compost Bin 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 Retired School Librarian is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program.)

the Compost Bin book cover has the top few of a bin with scrapes of food along with insects.

Inside the Compost Bin 

by Melody Sumaoang Plan (Author), Vinh Nguyen (Illustrator), Rong Pham (Illustrator)

Brief summary: This narrative nonfiction picture book shares how a woman cares for a compost bin. She diligently adds organic material, mixes them, and waters the compost to create nutrient-rich soil for her plants.

Comments: This book covers the bugs and organisms in the bin and those underneath. The back pages have more information on how to start composing.

Rating: 4.5/5 📗📗📗📗1/2

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

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 the complimentary copies she receives, which are duly noted.

Children's Book Recommendations

Like No Other: Earth’s Coolest One-of-a-Kind Creatures

The Retired School LibrarianLeave a comment

Like No Other 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 Retired School Librarian is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program.)

Book cover of Like No Ohter Aye-aye in a tree

Like No Other: Earth’s Coolest One-of-a-Kind Creatures 

by Sneed B. Collard III (Author), Christopher Silas Neal (Illustrator)

Brief summary: This nonfiction picture book examines twelve mysterious, unique animals with two paged spreads with details of their differences.

Comments: More animals are shown in the back sections. This book also includes humans, how to save one-of-a-kind creatures, and more information, including a two-page map of other monospecific animals. The illustrations are a mix of acrylic, pencil, and digital.

Rating: 4/5 📗📗📗📗

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

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 the complimentary copies she receives, which are duly noted.

Children's Book Recommendations

Clever Crow

The Retired School LibrarianLeave a comment

Clever Crow 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 Retired School Librarian is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program.)

The book cover of Clever Crow has a black crow on the front looking down about.

Clever Crow 

by Chris Butterworth (Author), Olivia Lomenech Gill (Illustrator)

Brief summary: This nonfiction picture book teaches us about a crow’s intelligence, habitat, and how many different types there are of this amazing species.

Comments: This book is illustrated with mixed media and written in verse.

Rating: 4/5 📗📗📗📗

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

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 the complimentary copies she receives, which are duly noted.

Children's Book Recommendations

Find Out About Animal Tools

The Retired School LibrarianLeave a comment

Find Out About Animal Tools 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 Retired School Librarian is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program.)

Book cover of Find Out About Animal Tools with two sea otters breaking sea urchins and clams on their bellies where they have a rock

Find Out About Animal Tools 

by Martin Jenkins (Author), Jane McGuinness (Illustrator)

Brief summary: This nonfiction picture book teaches young readers how animals use various tools to find food, attract mates, or build homes.

Comments: The illustrations were created using mixed media.

Rating: 4/5 📗📗📗📗

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

This book is part of an animal series that I also recommend.

Book cover for Find Out About Animal Babies with a mom kangaroo and joey in the pouch with trees in the background

Find Out About Animal Babies 

Hardcover – Picture Book, April 26, 2022

by Martin Jenkins (Author), Jane McGuinness (Illustrator)

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

Book cover for Find Out About Animal Camouflage with arctic fox and hares in the snow

Find Out About Animal Camouflage 

Hardcover – Picture Book, October 17, 2023

by Martin Jenkins (Author), Jane McGuinness (Illustrator)

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

Book cover for Find Out About Animal Homes with a mouse at the entrance of its home

Find Out About Animal Homes 

Hardcover – Picture Book, April 26, 2022

by Martin Jenkins (Author), Jane McGuinness (Illustrator)

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

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 the complimentary copies she receives, which are duly noted.

Children's Book Recommendations

Ramon Fellini the Dog Detective

The Retired School LibrarianLeave a comment

Ramon Fellini the Dog Detective 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.)

Ramon Fellini is a black tuxedo cat with the shadow of a dog against a building

Ramon Fellini the Dog Detective 

by Guilherme Karsten (Author)

Brief summary: The mystery begins with the fish bowl on the floor and a boy quickly putting his pet goldfish into a plastic baggie of water. There is a knock on the door. The boy opens the door to find Ramon Fellini, the dog detective, ready to offer his services to help figure out how the fishbowl fell. The boy is quite impressed with the dog detective’s cat disguise. He looks just like a cat. Will they be able to figure out who is the culprit?

Comments: This is an outstanding whodunnit picture book that children will love. The humor engages them as they take on the role of a detective trying to solve the mystery of what happened to the fish. They will know that something isn’t quite right with the devious detective.

This hilarious mystery picture book is a Brazilian translation, initially published in 2021 and translated to English in 2025. The illustrations were created digitally.

Not only is this a fun read-aloud, but it could also teach clues in the text and illustrations as well as predictability of what will happen next.

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.

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 the complimentary copies she receives, which are duly noted.

Children's Book Recommendations

2025 Children’s Picture Book Recommendations by Theme

The Retired School LibrarianLeave a comment

This page is under renovation. I am indexing all of the titles and themes to make it easier for viewers.

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

Smarty the Brain Stories

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Smarty the Brain Stories 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 Retired School Librarian is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program.)

Cover to Smarty the Brain Stories with two young brains wearing tennis shows. Smarty has on the helmet and glasses while Moody does not.

Smarty the Brain Stories 

by Brian S Hamilton(author), Daniel Majan(illustrator) 

Brief summary: This twenty-page paperback consists of 10 short stories about two young brains–Moody and Smarty. Moody is impulsive and doesn’t understand the need for safety measures. Smarty explains and demonstrates the need for safety strategies to prevent injury to oneself or others. The safety topics covered are:

  • bike helmets
  • safety belts
  • baby gates
  • batteries
  • ski helmets
  • slides
  • skateboarding equipment
  • baseball catcher equipment
  • horseback helmets
  • snowmobile safety

Comments: This educational paperback is intended for preschoolers to learn about safety practices. The teacher or parent could read a story a day and demonstrate the wrong vs right way to do an activity. Students could then demonstrate what it is like to be a Smarty.

I’d like to see someone make this book into a mini safety film using these two young brains.

Rating: 3.5/5 📗📗📗1/2

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

* I was sent a free copy of this book.

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 the complimentary copies she receives, which are duly noted.

Children's Book Recommendations

An Anishinaabe Christmas

The Retired School LibrarianLeave a comment

An Anishinaabe Christmas 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 Retired School Librarian is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program.)

Baby is holding a present while standing next to a Christmas tree. He is wearing boots and a winter coat..

An Anishinaabe Christmas 

by Wab Kinew (Author), Erin Hill (Illustrator)

Brief summary: On winter solstice, Baby and parents go from the city to the country to visit Kookom and Mooshom on the Rez for Christmas. Baby asks questions along the way, learning new Anishinaabe words, family traditions, and nearby Nature.

Comments: A pronunciation guide is in the back to help say the Anishinaaabe words.

Rating: 4/5 📗📗📗📗

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

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 the complimentary copies she receives, which are duly noted.

Children's Book Recommendations

The Littlest Christmas Tree

The Retired School LibrarianLeave a comment

The Littlest Christmas Tree 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 Retired School Librarian is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program.)

Cubby is in the woods with fir tree all around. Cubby is decorating one with a yellow star.

The Littlest Christmas Tree 

by Jane Chapman (Author, Illustrator)

Brief summary: Cubby and Daddy Bear search the woods for a Christmas tree. Daddy Bear digs up Little Tree and places it on a sleigh to take home to decorate. The forest friends celebrate Christmas together. Christmas is over, and everything needs to be put away, including the tree. Daddy Bear and the forest creatures all plant their trees together and nurture them over the season until next Christmas.

Comments: I liked how this story looked at what happens AFTER Christmas and how to take care of the fir tree for the next Christmas.

Rating: 4/5 📗📗📗📗

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

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 the complimentary copies she receives, which are duly noted.