So Far, So Good: 10 Great Picture Books of 2017
Perhaps you’ve noticed that we bring you a list of our favorite new books every month. It doesn’t happen by accident. We know our shelves runneth over with terrific titles, and a little guidance in this lush landscape can sometimes be helpful. So, whether your young readers are folk tale fanatics, hoard hilarious how-tos, or claim to be connoisseurs of celestial stories, we offer a cultivated collection of new books for you to share with them every four weeks. We have to be honest, though: there are some books that really stand out—er, steal the shelf, so to speak. These are the books that probably end up illuminated with flashlights under fuzzy blankets long after you’ve crept out of the room. There’s nothing better than getting kids excited about reading, so go on, (re)discover some of the wordsmithiest, fantastical, animal antic-filled titles to be released thus far in 2017.
{{ product: 9780553537895 }}Little Fox in the Forest, by Stephanie Graegin
When a stealthy fox successfully absconds with a little girl’s stuffed fox, he smiles proudly. But there’s little time for a victory dance, because the little girl is hot on his heels—and she has a friend in tow! The colorful chase starts at the playground, but the threesome soon winds up deep into the woods, and a portal to a magical world opens just a few pages later. Don’t miss this terrific wordless fantasy!
You Don’t Want a Unicorn!, by Ame Dyckman and Liz Climo
If you’re frequently shaking your head at a kid who insists on learning lessons the hard way, this hilarious tale will be a comfort. A boy’s deepest desire is to possess a unicorn, and, one day, the universe responds! A unicorn appears—with a flowing purple mane and a penchant for partying. After you navigate the emotional highs and lows of this unlikely relationship, you might reach the same conclusion as the story’s slightly-snarky narrator—can a unicorn really learn to follow the rules?
Don’t Touch this Book!, by Bill Cotter
Larry, the loveable monster who stole our hearts in Don’t Push the Button!, is back, in a hilariously inventive follow-up. Of course Larry would love for readers to look at his book—even read it. But they can’t touch it—not even a little bit. Okay…ONE finger. Sharing makes playing more fun, so surely it will work at storytime too? Can your little reader show Larry how it’s done?
Triangle, by Mac Barnett and Jon Klassen
The first story in a much-anticipated trilogy, Triangle features highly sneaky shapes who are on the prowl for some mischief. Right away, readers discover that, while Triangle has decided to outwit Square, he doesn’t foresee his friend’s clever revenge. Deadpan humor and artistic precision—a combination we’ve come to expect from the wicked Barnett/Klassen collaboration—make this story a joy to read night after night.
We’re All Wonders, by R.J. Palacio
When Wonder wowed older readers and parents alike, and activated a meaningful new anti-bullying movement called “Choose Kind,” Palacio realized she wasn’t finished writing about kindness. So she expanded her scope, and created a picture book version of her powerful story for the picture book set. It’s inspirational, motivational, and compassionate—go grassroots at your next storytime!
An Alphabet, by Oliver Jeffers
If Once Upon an Alphabet mesmerized, amazed, and profoundly confused you, then you weren’t alone. In 2014, Jeffers’ groundbreaking book was the best thing to happen to the alphabet since cursive made 26 self-conscious letters feel pretty again. Now, even the youngest readers can enjoy stepping into Jeffers’ extraordinary world with this abridged version. When art and the alphabet intersect, wacky things are bound to happen.
If You Ever Want to Bring a Circus to the Library, Don’t!, by Elise Parsley
Little Magnolia is full of BIG ideas—if you’ve kept up with her zany stories, you’ve watched her drag a reluctant alligator to school and an upright piano to the beach. Now, consequent to passing a “You Can Do Anything at the Library” sign at her local branch, opportunistic Magnolia is leading her personal circus into the children’s stacks. A second-person narrative makes this how-to exciting, and exuberant illustrations reinforce the drama.
Dragons Love Tacos 2: The Sequel, by Adam Rubin and Daniel Salmieri
If you celebrate Taco Tuesday 7 days a week, then Dragons Love Tacos is probably top shelf reading in your house. And now there’s a long-awaited follow-up available! Tacos have disappeared from Earth, and the dragons must travel through time to recover them. Can they do it? Without encountering any spicy circumstances? True fans will recall the mayhem last time…
Little Excavator, by Anna Dewdney
It’s time to get started on the neighborhood playground, and all the helpful vehicles are here to lend a mechanical arm—like Loader, Dump Truck, Backhoe, Crane and Little Excavator. Nobody is as eager as Little Excavator, but when the jobs are doled out, he keeps on getting passed over—for being too little. Brimming with irresistible sound effects, a meaningful story, and a whole lot of big-hearted spunk, Little Excavator provides a read-aloud experience you definitely won’t want to miss!
Say Zoop!, by Herve Tullet
If it’s an interactive storytime you’re after, then Herve Tullet will never fail you. Just as they were in the modern classics Press Here and Mix it Up, little readers will be invited into the story from the very first page. In this particularly raucous tale, Tullet conflates visual art and sound, and you’ll be ooh-ing, aah-ing (not to mention haha-ing) all the way through.