The Underdogs of 2020: Ten Picture Books You May Have Missed

There are so many picture books to choose from that it may be hard to decide which ones are the best for your little ones. I know as a mother of a three year old, I get overwhelmed with the amount of books to choose from. Here are ten of my favorites.

From Vanessa Brantley-Newton, the author of Grandma’s Purse, comes a collection of poetry filled with engaging mini-stories about girls of all kinds. The book is filled with attractive illustrations featuring bright colors and layered textures and patterns, with such variety that each page has its own feel to suit its story. The poems are simple, upbeat, and affirming—a great reminder of what is to be gained when girls appreciate their own uniqueness and that of others. A dynamic, uplifting, and welcoming world of girls.

Now that you know how to babysit your grandma and grandpa, it’s time to teach them how to read with you! In this hilarious new addition to Jean Reagan and Lee Wildish’s bestselling How to… series, the kids are in charge! Kids can show their grandparents how to choose a great book, find the perfect spot to read together, and use their best reading-out-loud voices. Even after the book is done, there are lots of activities that kids and their grandparents can do together!

An alien has just crash-landed in your book, and it’s up to you to return him to space. You’ll have to twist, shake, and bounce your book to complete the mission; but before you launch your alien into the void, ask yourself: does he have to go?

Mommy needs to wrangle her sweet creature in bed so that the whole family can sleep. From tigers to squirrels to snakes, the little boy dodges around his bedtime, until he is tired enough to finally sleep. His imaginative animal friends weave their way through the illustrations, eventually joining him in curling up for the night.

From funny to sweet, silly to sincere, the lyrics of Mister Rogers explore such universal topics as feelings, new siblings, everyday life, imagination, and more. Through these songs—as well as endearing puppets and honest conversations—Mister Rogers instilled in his young viewers the values of kindness, self-awareness, and self-esteem. But most of all, he taught children that they are loved, just as they are. Perfect for bedtime, sing-along, or quiet time alone, this beautiful book of meaningful poetry is for every child—including the child inside of every one of us

Saddened by her classmates’ and teacher’s mispronunciations of her name, a girl is empowered by her discovery that names are like songs when she and her mom celebrate the musicality of African, Asian, Black-American, Latinx, and Middle Eastern names.

Tameika is excited to audition for the school’s Snow White Musical, but when she overhears her classmates say she is too tall, chubby, and brown to play Snow White, she questions whether she is right for the part.

Did you know that po cha, the traditional tea in Tibet, is thick and salty like soup? Or that in Iran, tea is served with a rock? (A rock candy, that is!) Or that afternoon tea was dreamed up in England by a duchess who complained of being hungry between lunch and dinner?

Kai, merboy, loves to share hugs with his mother, but learns that some friends prefer fin bumps, tail claps, tentacle shakes, or claw pinches.

Hedgehog and Tortoise were the best of friends. They wanted to give each other a great, big hug. But they weren’t allowed to touch. “Don’t worry,” said Owl. “There are lots of ways to show someone you love them.” So the two friends wave to each other, blow kisses, sing songs, dance around and write letters. And even though they can’t hug and they can’t touch, they both know that they are loved. A gorgeous, uplifting, inspiring picture book that makes social distancing fun!

If you like any of these books, click on the image you want to put it on hold. All you need is your Lindenhurst Memorial Library card!