August’s Best Picture Books
There’s no denying it. Not even a spontaneous breeze can change the facts: we have now reached the sweaty, sticky, seventh-inning stretch of summer. Everybody’s nursing a sunburn or a scab, school’s looming, and those long-anticipated vacations will soon be the stuff of memory books. I’ve painted a bleak picture, but there’s no reason to despair. For more reasons than one, there’s still a bright spot in your day: storytime! We still have precious hours of daylight after BBQ dinners, and we know you and your littles love to curl up at twilight with a good story (or two or three). We’ve added some of our favorite new titles below, and we think your small-but-opinionated audiences will agree—these are best served directly after an ice cream sundae.
{{ product: 9781524766160 }}Uni the Unicorn, by Amy Krouse Rosenthal and Brigette Barrager
Perfect for a read-aloud, this enchanting book from the late, great Rosenthal celebrates some of our favorite themes—friendship, imagination, and believing in yourself. Uni is your typical-looking unicorn—she’s luminescent and boasts a sparkly horn—but she’s not like everybody else. Unlike all her friends, she believes that little girls are REAL. She longs to meet one, and when she finally does, there’s a whole lot more magic in store.
Thanks from the Very Hungry Caterpillar, by Eric Carle
This encouraging story, based on Carle’s captivating Caterpillar, will be a wonderful gift to anyone you share it with. The Very Hungry Caterpillar has a lot to be thankful for, and each colorful page inspires gratitude and wonder in readers of all ages. You’ll want to read it over and over again—just like we did!
Creepy Pair of Underwear!, by Aaron Reynolds and Peter Brown
If you fell in love with Jasper Rabbit in Creepy Carrots like the rest of us, you’ll be delighted to learn that he’s back—in an absurd new tale of creepy…er…underpants. This hilarious story is perfect for reading aloud, and noir-style illustrations will encourage budding classic horror fans. Turn down the lights and enjoy it tonight!
Be Brave Little One, by Marianne Richmond
We all want to encourage our little readers to grow up to be kind, compassionate, and courageous, so cheer them on with Richmond’s touching rhymes and tender illustrations. Bravery never goes out of style—check this one out at your next storytime.
My Little Pony: The Movie: Pony Pirate Party!, by Hasbro
Twilight Sparkle, Rarity, Fluttershy, and the rest of the crew are planning a party, and it’s arrrr-guably the best one of the year—it’s the Pony Pirate Party! Based on the movie (to be released in theaters October 2017), this is one adventure your My Little Pony fans will not want to miss. Start celebrating with the pirate ponies tonight!
Llama Llama Gives Thanks, by Anna Dewdney
Autumn leaves are crunching underfoot, and spicy aromas from baking treats make home warm and cozy. Llama Llama recognizes that he has a lot to be thankful for, and his story, now available in board book form, is perfect for tiny fingers.
Twilight Sparkle: Best Aunt Ever! (My Little Pony), by Tallulah May and Zoe
Persico
Now featured in the beloved My Little Golden Book series, this My Little Pony story will surely delight fans of all ages. Twilight Sparkle knows exactly how to be the sparkliest, most magical aunt around—just be yourself, and let your love shine through!
Mary McScary, by R.L. Stine and Marc Brown
The second collaboration from the Stine/Brown team is a can’t-miss early Halloween treat. Mary McScary knows how to scare everybody—her mom, dad, teachers and pets included. But she’s no threat to Harry McScary, her resolutely unscare-able cousin. She plans the fright of his life, and it’s a hilariously creepy tale you’ll want to enjoy many times over!
My Little Pony: The Movie: The Great Princess Caper, by Hasbro
If your little reader can’t WAIT until the My Little Pony movie comes out in October 2017, you need to get your hands on this teaser story: The Great Princess Caper! These pages are brimming with sparkles, ponies, and princesses—join in the fun tonight!
Say Zoop!, by Hervé Tullet
When it comes to interactive storytime, Hervé Tullet never disappoints. Just as they were in Press Here and Mix it Up, little readers will be invited into the story from the very first page. In this raucous tale, Tullet connects visual art with sound, and you’ll be ooh-ing and aah-ing all the way through.