This clever and sweet picture book puts a twist on the “big, bad” fox and innocent woodland creature tropes. Are Carrot Cake and Pufftail cute? Sure. Is Renard up to no good? Maybe. But, in this story, the bunnies use their smarts to help their prey friends from potential predator harm. Then, just when you think the mean fox has met his end, the story takes another turn that will have readers saying, “Aw!”  Lively and expressive illustrations by Julia Patton accompany Laura Gehl’s fun and heartwarming text. This adorable story of misunderstanding, kindness, helping others, inclusivity, and friendship will have young readers both chuckling and cheering for heroes Carrot Cake, Pufftail, and even for antagonist Renard. Fun read all around!
 
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This picture book is a perfect example of the marriage of words and art. TUMBLE, told in only 34 words of rhyming text, is about a tumble weed that goes where the wind blows, makes some friends, “plants” temporary roots and stays for a while, and then moves on again. Children will enjoy the lovely cadence of the rhyming scheme as they pour over the lush illustrations of desert life, great for reading aloud to a group or to one on your lap. Back matter provides some “fun facts about tumble weeds” as well as a call to action for readers to spot the plants and animals sprinkled throughout the book. Kids will be begging for this one to be read again and again!
 
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A bird named Oscar is determined to keep love away. He tries everything he can think of, but some squirrels are determined to share their affection with him. That’s when he comes up with a brilliant plan – get a ferocious guard dog named Brutus. Oscar’s plan works, but does he really want to keep love away after all? This book is cute and clever, filled with adorably illustrated woodland creatures, gentle humor, and lots of heart.
 
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Topsy is planning a “Welcome Spring!” feast for her hibernating bear friend, LouAnn, who readers might remember from the prequel to this book, Dozens of Donuts. But, like LouAnn, Topsy runs into a bit of trouble. Each time she makes a stack of five pancakes “hot from the pan” the disappear! Who keeps eating them? Eagle eyes will spot who the thieves are before Topsy uncovers the mystery, but that doesn’t make the ending any less delicious. Brianne Farley’s cheerful illustration and Carrie Finison’s rollicking rhyme, complete with pancake-laden end papers, adorable woodland creatures, and themes of friendship, cooperation, and community, make Plenty of Pancakes a perfect read-aloud and the perfect addition to your bookshelf.
 
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A bird named Oscar is determined to keep love away. He tries everything he can think of, but some squirrels are determined to share their affection with him. That’s when he comes up with a brilliant plan – get a ferocious guard dog named Brutus. Oscar’s plan works, but does he really want to keep love away after all? This book is cute and clever, filled with adorably illustrated woodland creatures, gentle humor, and lots of heart.
 
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Margaret (aka Ducky) knows all about ducks, so she shares duck facts with everyone she meets. That includes Marvin who is not so wild about hearing Ducky go on and on and on. In time, Ducky and Marvin both learn something new and find enough common ground to become friends. This book is so relatable! How often does a child become so excited about one topic that it becomes an obsession to the point that it annoys others? This story shows how “Ducky” both teaches and learns something in a day at camp and, as a result, gains a friend. Adorable illustrations and characters, plus themes of understanding, friendship, and acceptance make this book a winner!
 
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After moving to a new home, Spencer makes a friend. And then another. And another. But, to Spencer’s family and neighbors, these new friends are a bit unusual. They’re all plants. That doesn’t bother Spencer one bit. After all, he and his new friends understand each other perfectly. Jiarui Jiang’s choice of color palette is well-suited to depict the full array of Spencer’s foliage friends and perfectly pairs with Becky Scharnhorst’s charming text that is full of heart and light humor. Fans of friendship stories (or plants!) are sure to love BEST BUDS!
 
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In “the old days” the only thing Santa did that was special on Christmas was to sleep in an extra half hour? Poor Santa! That changes when a polar bear and some elves treat Santa to his very first Christmas, complete with a tree, lights, decorations, presents, and a feast. Much better! This adorably told picture book is full of adorable illustrations to match. I’ll be pulling this one out every Christmas from now on.
 
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This cumulative story tells the tale of a milk cow who receives several visitors on a cold night long ago. No matter how many visitors knock at her door, she and her guests make room for one more, even a newborn infant. Young readers will enjoy the repeated refrain, building tension, unique point of view, and darling illustrations in this Christmas story with themes of kindness and generosity.
 
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This story begins with a family of three who ponder how they will say hello to the new baby about to be born. But this is no ordinary about-to-be-a-big-sibling-themed book. Turn the page and the reader embarks on a trip around the world to learn how people say hello, from tipping your hat and saying “good day” in England to saying “buenos dias” or “Buenos noches” in Guatapé to signing in ASL to making a sign. Andrea Denish’s rhyming text and Bluebean’s bright, cheerful illustrations depicting a diverse cast of characters will keep readers turning the pages until they reach a sweet and celebratory conclusion. And, just when you think the story has ended, readers will find supplemental back matter that explores more about saying hello, plus a surprise illustration under the dust jacket (one of my favorite features in a picture book). Adorable book!
 
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