picture books

Picture books for Pride Month

Posted on July 1, 2025 by Lindsay Books

June is Pride Month, and I am proud to be an ally to the LGBTQIA+ community. I realize this can be a touchy subject for many people and that it’s not easy to find inclusive picture books for Pride Month. If you’re trying to have a conversation with your family or with students about why we celebrate Pride Month, I’ve got you! Here are 13 picture books for Pride Month to check out.

Grandad’s Camper by Harry Woodgate. I absolutely love this picture book where a little girl asks her grandfather to tell her about Gramps, who has passed away. Grandad then shares the story of how he and Gramps traveled the world in their Volkswagen bus and had a wonderful life together. The illustrations are darling, and the story captures the emotion of losing a loved one and remembering them through stories.

Pride Families by Amie Taylor and Kaspa Clarke. This is an educational book that shows kids what different LGBTQIA+ families look like. For example, you might have two nonbinary parents, two mothers, or two fathers. The book also explains options for LGBTQIA+ couples to have families, including surrogacy or donor conception. I like that this is so informative and simply exists to help you understand that families come in many different varieties.

The Mother of a Movement: Jeanne Manford—Ally, Activist, and Co-Founder of PFLAG by Rob Sanders and Sam Kalda. As the title suggests, this is a picture book biography of Jeanne Manford, who cofounded Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) in 1973. I loved learning more about Manford, whose son was gay and was beaten by New York City officials for handing out pro-gay leaflets. This is an important book for those who want to be allies to the LGBTQIA+ community and a reminder that this community has been in peril for a long time.

My Shadow is Purple by Scott Stuart. I like books with more abstract concepts like colors because they’re easier for some kids to understand than differences in gender or orientation. This story is about a child who is told they have to pick pink or blue at the school dance (i.e., go with the girls or the boys). When the child gets nervous and points out that their shadow is purple, not pink or blue, other kids come forward and point out that they don’t always identify with pink or blue either. This would be a wonderful book for preschoolers and kindergarteners, but my 11-year-olds also liked it.

Pride: The Story of Harvey Milk and the Rainbow Flag by Rob Sanders and Steven Salerno. With the news that the U.S. Secretary of Defense has ordered a navy ship previously named for Harvey Milk to be renamed, it is even more important to know the history of Harvey Milk and the rainbow flag. This biography is brief but tells the story of Milk’s life—and his assassination—and also explains the history of the flag.

My Parents Won’t Stop Talking by Emma Hunsinger and Tillie Walden. I laughed out loud at this book, and so did my kids. A little girl wants to go to the park with her brother, but her moms stop to chat with the neighbors and they take FOREVER. What kid can’t relate to parents who just keep talking when they want to go? I love the representation of two moms and a biracial marriage in this story.

Papa, Daddy and Riley by Seamus Kirst and Devon Holzwarth. I think parents often make teaching their kids about LGBTQIA+ families much more complicated than it needs to be. My kids have known from a very young age—mainly because we used to have gay neighbors who adopted a darling little girl—that some families have two moms or two dads. In this cute book, Riley loves having two fathers until a classmate asks her which father is her “real” one. This story can spur great dialogue about what makes a family.

Glenn Burke, Game Changer: The Man Who Invented the High Five by Phil Bildner and Daniel J. O’Brien. Did you know that a gay Black baseball player invented the high five back in 1977? I had no idea, but I loved this book about Glenn Burke, the first MLB player to come out as gay, and the discrimination he faced as a result. This is an excellent picture book biography about a man I knew nothing about.

Far, Far Away by Molly Beth Griffin and Bao Luu. We learned so much from this picture book about a little boy who goes on a camping adventure with his moms and becomes absolutely exhausted from carrying the canoe and the supplies everywhere. Then his moms point out the incredible sky full of stars, and he realizes camping isn’t all bad. This book is based on real-life canoe camping in Minnesota, which sounds amazing (and also incredibly challenging).

Sewing the Rainbow: The Story of Gilbert Baker and the Rainbow Flag by Gayle E. Pitman and Holly Clifton-Brown. While this one sounds similar to the book above about Harvey Milk, Sewing the Rainbow focuses more on Gilbert Baker, who sewed the first rainbow flag after a conversation with Milk. I love the art in this book and the story of a young man who grew up in Kansas and had to hide who he was.

Uncle Bobby’s Wedding by Sarah S. Brannen and Lucia Soto. I actually heard about this book from a list of the most banned books in the United States—and honestly, I do not understand the vitriol toward this story. It’s a sweet message about a little girl, Chloe, whose uncle Bobby is getting married to his boyfriend, Jamie. Chloe is worried that she won’t see her uncle as much anymore when he gets married, but Bobby and Jamie involve her and take her on outings and she sees how happy Bobby is. The book I’ve linked to is actually a re-release of the 2008 book, which had illustrations of animals instead of people. Since I’m not a huge animal lover, I like this version.

Marley’s Pride by Joëlle Retener and DeAnn Wiley. Kids who get overstimulated (and adults, like me) will identify with Marley, a nonbinary child who is afraid to go to a Pride parade because of all the noise and crowds. However, they are willing to go because their Zaza is receiving an award at the parade. I love this because while it is about a nonbinary child and a Pride parade, it is also about social anxiety. So much great representation here!

Just Us by Molly Beth Griffin and Anait Semirdzhyan. Obviously I love Molly Beth Griffin, since this is the second of her books on this list. Her books feel so real to me because they are about families that struggle but also have beautiful moments together. In this book, a storm prevents the extended family (grandma, cousins, aunts and uncles) from coming like they normally do for the holidays. Everyone is really sad, but fortunately the two moms make the holiday special for the kids even though it’s different.

What are your favorite picture books for Pride Month? Please share inclusive stories I’ve missed in the comments—and be sure to check out my Juneteenth books as well to celebrate this month!

Day of the Dead picture books

Posted on October 28, 2024 by Lindsay Books

Ever since my family and I saw the Disney movie Coco in the theater, I have loved learning more about Día de Los Muertos, or the Day of the Dead. It’s such a beautiful holiday to honor your family and loved ones! Here are seven Day of the Dead picture books we’ve enjoyed that teach you more about the traditions and can help you celebrate in your home.

Gustavo, the Shy Ghost by Flavia Z. Drago. I included this in my list of Halloween picture books as well, because who doesn’t love a story about a cute ghost? Gustavo invites a bunch of people over for a Day of the Dead party, but because he’s so shy, he isn’t sure whether anyone will come. The illustrations make this story pop. If you like this book, the author has written and illustrated two others (though Gustavo is my favorite).

Día de Los Muertos by Roseanne Thong and Carles Ballesteros. You will love reading this book all about the cultural traditions of the holiday to your kids! It has great rhythm and rhyme, and the illustrations are colorful and fun.

Funny Bones: Posada and His Day of the Dead Calaveras by Duncan Tonatiuh. My family and I learned so much from this story about José Guadalupe Posada, who drew political cartoons in Mexico and became famous for his drawings of skeletons and skulls (calaveras). Duncan Tonatiuh has a unique illustration style that is instantly recognizable, and my daughter noticed his work right away when we started reading the book. I enjoyed learning the history behind symbols that are now synonymous with the Day of the Dead holiday.

Our Day of the Dead Celebration by Ana Aranda. This is a short book about Mar’s family celebrations on Dia de Los Muertos. Each year, they make almond cookies and decorate sugar skulls in honor of family members who have passed on. They also talk about what they have in common with their ancestors (Mar likes to write in her journal just like her grandfather did) and listen to Abuela’s stories.

The Dead Family Diaz by P.J. Bracegirdle and Poly Bernatene. In a sort of reverse-Coco story (this was actually published before that movie was released), a family of skeletons is traveling to the living world for the Day of the Dead, and Angelito is really nervous because of what his sister has told him about the living. Side note: I really love this illustrator, who drew the pictures for one of my favorite fairy tales, The Princess and the Pig.

Abuelita’s Gift: A Día de Muertos Story by Mariana Ríos Ramírez and Sara Palacios. I loved this sweet book about a little girl who is excited for her grandmother’s spirit to arrive on the Day of the Dead. Julieta is trying to figure out the perfect gift to honor Abuelita on the ofrenda (table with photos and offerings), and she thinks about all the great memories she has of her grandmother before finally deciding on one.

The Ofrenda That We Built by Jolene Gutiérrez, Shaian Gutiérrez, and Gabby Zapata. If you buy one Day of the Dead book this year, make it this one. It follows the traditional pattern of The House That Jack Built but instead focuses on all the items that are part of a family’s ofrenda for the Día de Los Muertos celebration.

Do you have favorite Day of the Dead picture books you read this time of year? I’d love to add to our collection!

Back-to-school picture books your kids will love

Posted on September 9, 2024 by Lindsay Books

School supply time and fall are my FAVORITE times of the whole year (if the title Newly Sharpened Pencils didn’t clue you in). I first published this post in 2020, when school looked very different. For our family, it meant online-only first grade until January. While I was fortunate that both my husband and I are currently working from home and can take turns helping our kids, it’s a challenge to make school exciting.

Whether your kids are back in the classroom or learning from home, these books can help the school year feel a little bit more normal. Here are a bunch of back-to-school picture books I love.

The King of Kindergarten by Derrick Barnes and Vanessa Brantley-Newton. This book was released right before my kids started kindergarten last year, and I’ve had a soft spot for it since. I love that it empowers kids to be confident and have a good attitude about going to school. The pictures are adorable, too!

Miss Nelson is Missing by Harry Allard and James Marshall. No back-to-school picture books list would be complete without this classic. If you haven’t read it, you’re in for a treat. James Marshall’s illustrations are hilarious, and my kids love listening to this in the car, too. When Miss Nelson’s students start misbehaving, they quickly realize they had it pretty good when Miss Viola Swamp takes her place.

The Oldest Student: How Mary Walker Learned to Read by Rita Lorraine Hubbard and Oge Mora. I cried reading this inspiring story of former slave Mary Walker, who lived an incredible life and finally learned to read at age 116. What an amazing message that you’re never too old to learn something new! Oge Mora’s illustrations are especially stunning in this book. Buy this one.

My Teacher is a Monster! (No, I Am Not.) by Peter Brown. My kids and I love this book so much, and they frequently pull it off the shelf to read it again. Bobby complains about how mean his teacher is and calls her a monster. Then he runs into her outside of school and realizes that she is not as bad as he thought. I am laughing just thinking about this story. So, so good.

School’s First Day of School by Adam Rex and Christian Robinson. If you’ve got a kid who’s apprehensive about going back to school (and who isn’t right now), this is a great option. School narrates the story, and she is nervous because she’s brand-new and has never had students before. The illustrations are retro and fun, and both School and the kids learn to accept each other.

When Pencil Met Eraser by Karen Kilpatrick, Luis O. Ramas Jr. and German Blanco. I really liked that this book doesn’t focus solely on how erasers remove mistakes. It shows that you need both pencils and erasers to create amazing art, because the eraser softens the image and also can show things that weren’t there before. It’s a great way to talk about art concepts and friendship at the same time.

Ally-saurus and the First Day of School by Richard Torrey. The illustrations make this book so charming and fun for kids (and grownups). Ally loves dinosaurs and insists on being called “Ally-saurus,” but when she goes to school for the first time, she realizes that not all kids love dinosaurs like she does. This can be a starting point for talking about how everyone is different and that we don’t all have to like the same thing.

Lilly’s Purple Plastic Purse by Kevin Henkes. I think I love every single book Kevin Henkes has ever written. He seems to totally get kids and their frustrations. Lilly, a cute little mouse, takes her purple purse to school and can’t keep it to herself. When her teacher takes it away for the day, she gets angry and wants to get back at him, but she realizes she may have been too hasty. I love that this shows both the teacher and the student’s side, and the illustrations are so darling.

Butterflies on the First Day of School by Annie Silvestro and Dream Chen. In this sweet book, students who have “butterflies” in their stomach on the first day of school have them fly out of their mouths as they talk to each other and start to feel less anxious. I love books that illustrate idioms kids don’t really understand, and this one does it beautifully. Even the mom has a butterfly escape from her mouth when she learns her daughter had a good day at school. This is such a darling book.

The Pigeon Has to Go to School by Mo Willems. We all love the Pigeon books. Pigeon reallllly doesn’t want to go to school, but it helps when he learns that he gets to ride a bus to school and play on the playground. And when he realizes the teachers are there to help him. This is a great addition to your shelf if you love Mo Willems.

Too Much: An Overwhelming Day by Jolene Gutierrez and Angel Chang. My kids have a little girl in their grade who struggles with a sensory processing disorder. I’m sure your children or students know someone who has this or face it themselves. This is an excellent book that explains why some children and adults (like me) struggle with bright lights or too much noise or stimulation and how to help them. Every librarian should read this one to students.

Yenebi’s Drive to School by Sendy Santamaria. I was completely blown away by this story about two sisters who live in Tijuana and commute across the U.S./Mexico border to school every day. We had some great conversations with our kids about immigration and borders and also about how valuable education is.

The Brilliant Ms. Bangle by Cara Devins and K-Fai Steele. My mom is an elementary school librarian, and I know she would LOVE this book about a brand-new librarian who has to win over some tough-to-crack kids after the beloved former librarian leaves the school. It gives me Miss Frizzle vibes in the best way.

The World’s Best Class Plant by Liz Garton Scanlon, Audrey Vernick, and Lynnor Bontigao. In this cute story, the class complains about how boring it is to have a class plant when the other classes have pets. Then they start to give the plant more attention and give him a name (Jerry), and he becomes A LOT more interesting.

Mr. S.: A First Day of School Book by Monica Arnaldo. This book is REALLY goofy and quirky, which means kids will absolutely love it. On the first day of school, the kindergarten class is waiting for their teacher but he never arrives. Instead, the chalkboard says “Mr. S.” and a sandwich is sitting on the desk. Could the sandwich be their teacher? The illustrations show what is really happening to the teacher, and they’re hilarious.

The Loud Librarian by Jenna Beatrice and Erika Lynne Jones. I loved this book about a little girl who is assigned to be the class librarian. She adores books and is great at organizing, but the problem is that her voice is too loud. For any of you friends out there who, like me, also have a loud voice, this is a wonderful story about finding your place.

Missing Violet by Kelly Swemba and Fabiana Faiallo. I have to admit that this story broke my heart a bit, because my daughter had a best friend named Violet who moved away. However, it’s an important reminder that friends will sometimes leave and that your classmates can help you remember the good times and find even more friends.

Rick the Rock of Room 214 by Julie Falatko and Ruth Chan. Yes, this story is about a class’s pet rock, and yes, it is quirky. Rick the Rock decides to go on a journey outside after the teacher reads a book about nature, but he realizes it isn’t quite what he expected. Can the students help him find his way back to the classroom?

Luli and the Language of Tea by Andrea Wang and Hyewon Yum. I adore all of Andrea Wang’s books, and this one is really sweet. Luli goes to an English as a second language class for the first time with many other students who also can’t speak English — and can’t communicate with each other. Fortunately, she knows how to bring them together: a tea party!

How to Get Your Octopus to School by Becky Scharnhorst and Jaclyn Sinquett. My kids really liked this book about a little girl who has to get her VERY reluctant octopus dressed and ready for school. It kind of has an If You Give a Mouse a Cookie vibe to it, too, which is fun.

Salat in Secret by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow and Hatem Aly. Please read this book with your family. It’s amazing! Muhammad receives a salat rug for his seventh birthday and is encouraged to pray five times a day as part of his Muslim faith. However, he is really nervous about finding a quiet place to pray at school where other students won’t make fun of him. This story has such a great message about acceptance.

This Is a School by John Schu and Veronica Miller Jamison. This is such a beautiful book about what schools mean to a community, including a place for discovery, helping, sharing, healing, and hoping. I want to buy a copy for every school library.

Pa, Me, and Our Sidewalk Pantry by Toni Buzzeo and Zara Gonzalez Hoang. I love Toni Buzzeo’s books, and this one is a sweet story about a grandfather and grandchild who work together to offer their neighbors not just books but food when they need it. Since there are several little free libraries in walking distance of my kids’ school, we particularly liked this book.

My First Day by Phùng Nguyên Quang and Huỳnh Kim Liên. This book is similar to Yenebi’s Drive to School in that it focuses on the lengths one little boy must go to travel to school. In this story, Vietnamese boy An has to navigate the waters around his home in a little wooden boat. The illustrations are stunning.

One Wish: Fatima al-Fihri and the World’s Oldest University by M.O. Yuksel and Mariam Quraishi. I had never heard the story of Fatima al-Fihri, an extraordinary Muslim woman who founded a university in Morocco more than a thousand years ago. Her school still exists today!

Home in a Lunchbox by Cherry Mo. You’ll want a tissue when reading this book about a young girl, Jun, who moves to America from Hong Kong. While she only knows a handful of words in English at her new school, she can feel the love of her family in the food her mom sends in her lunchbox. Soon her new classmates want to try her food, too, since it is so different from their own lunches. SUCH a sweet story!

The Great Banned-Books Bake Sale by Aya Khalil and Anait Semirdzhyan. This is a particularly timely story about a young girl who discovers that books about kids of color have been banned from her school library. She helps to organize a bake sale and use the proceeds to buy diverse books for libraries. The book is also personal, as the author’s book The Arabic Quilt (which I also love and included in my list of books for Arab American Heritage Month) was briefly banned from a Pennsylvania school system.

Paula’s Patches by Gabriella Aldeman and Rocío Arreola Mendoza. Paula rips her jeans and is embarrassed by the hole in her pants and tries to hide it from her classmates. She then creates a patch to cover the hole and discovers that lots of kids have secondhand backpacks or stains or rips—and they all love the patches Paula makes and end up with their own. I love that this story is about not being embarrassed to have something secondhand but that it’s also about reusing and fixing things instead of immediately throwing them out. My son also has a favorite shirt that my sister sewed a patch on when he accidentally ripped it, and he proudly told me that her patch “made it better.” This book will definitely launch important conversations about consumerism.

The Yellow Bus by Loren Long. While this book isn’t specifically about school, it focuses on a yellow school bus that ends up being many things to many different people and animals as it ages. The author and illustrator was inspired to write the book by seeing an old yellow bus in his neighborhood and wondering how it got there.

I’m hoping you love these back-to-school picture books as much as we do. I want to know. What does school look like for your kids this year? And what books do you read to start off a new school year?

Picture books for Juneteenth

Posted on June 16, 2023 by Lindsay Books

I’ve read a bunch of picture books for Juneteenth to my kids over the past week and am so excited that this special day is now a federal holiday. If you’re unclear about the meaning of Juneteenth, essentially it commemorates June 19, 1865, the day enslaved people in Texas finally learned they were free. Though President Lincoln had signed the Emancipation Proclamation two years before, it took a long time before enslaved people received word. Read on for a list of picture books to help you and your family celebrate this holiday together.

All Different Now: Juneteenth, the First Day of Freedom by Angela Johnson and E.B. Lewis. I initially shared this in my first Black History Month post, but it is a great introduction to Juneteenth. I especially love the joy you can feel through the illustrations.

A Flag for Juneteenth by Kim Taylor. My kids and I were so enamored with this story! I’m planning to buy it and add it to my picture books for Juneteenth. follows Huldah, whose tenth birthday falls on the day Union soldiers announce that enslaved people are now free. She and her family and friends join together to celebrate the day, then called Jubilee Day, and surprise her with a beautiful quilted flag for her birthday. The entire book looks like a quilt, and my kids LOVED that.

The Juneteenth Story: Celebrating the End of Slavery in the United States by Alliah L. Agostini and Sawyer Cloud. This book explains how Juneteenth became a holiday, first in Texas and then nationwide, and helps you better understand some of the traditions and celebrations.

Opal Lee and What It Means to Be Free: The True Story of the Grandmother of Juneteenth by Alice Faye Duncan and Keturah A. Bobo. I had never heard of Opal Lee before reading this book, and I’m so glad I know her name now. Opal Lee helped organize Fort Worth’s annual Juneteenth celebration and campaigned for years to make Juneteenth a federal holiday, which finally happened in 2021. She also watched white rioters vandalize and then burn down her home on Juneteenth when she was only 12 years old, spurring her to activism. This is an incredible story.

Jayylen’s Juneteenth Surprise by Lavaille Lavette and David Wilkerson. Younger kids will like this Little Golden Book about Jayylen, a little boy who learns about Juneteenth from his grandfather. Jayylen also learns about zydeco music and learns to play it, surprising his grandfather with his new abilities and a special guest. I had never heard of zydeco music and really like it!

Juneteenth for Mazie by Floyd Cooper. I LOVE Floyd Cooper’s beautiful books, and this one is no exception. It follows Mazie, a young girl who is celebrating Juneteenth but learns a lot about her ancestors and heritage from her father in the process.

The Juneteenth Cookbook: Recipes and Activities for Kids and Families by Alliah L. Agostini, Taffy Elrod and Sawyer Cloud. My whole family enjoyed this book that explores the history of Juneteenth through recipes you can make to celebrate. I guarantee your mouth will be watering by the end.

Juneteenth Is by Natasha Tripplett and Daniel J. O’Brien. The illustrations in this story, which beautifully reminds readers that Black history is American history, are darling. I love how this book focuses on the sights, smells, and tastes of Juneteenth and how important the celebration is. Add this one to your library!

They Built Me for Freedom: The Story of Juneteenth and Houston’s Emancipation Park by Tonya Duncan Ellis and Jenin Mohammed. I learned so much about Emancipation Park, in Houston, Texas, and its history in celebrating Juneteenth. This book is a great way to explain to your children how important the holiday is and how it has been celebrated for years, long before it became a federal holiday.

Have you read any great picture books for Juneteenth? I’d love to expand my collection!

Books for Arab American Heritage Month

Posted on April 20, 2023 by Lindsay Books

I am passionate about having my kids read books with diverse characters and viewpoints. Fortunately, we found a lot of great books for Arab American Heritage Month, which admittedly, I did not know much about before we began reading. Whether you are celebrating this month or simply want to learn more Arab culture and history, this list will help you get started.

The Proudest Blue: A Story of Hijab and Family by Ibtihaj Muhammad, S.K. Ali and Hatem Aly. I originally shared this in a 2019 roundup of my favorite picture books, and it continues to be a favorite. Asiyah is wearing a hijab to school for the first time, and her younger sister Faizah stands up for her and explains the hijab when other students ask questions. If you like this one, you’ll also love The Kindest Red: A Story of Hijab and Friendship, which tells Faizah’s story.

Abdul’s Story by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow and Tiffany Rose. This sweet book is about a boy who has a difficult time writing and getting his ideas out of paper. Fortunately, a professional writer talks to his class about the process of writing, and Abdul realizes it’s OK (and normal) to be messy while writing.

The Night Before Eid: A Muslim Family Story by Aya Khalil and Rashin Kheiriyeh. Eid is a really important holiday in Muslim culture, and this book helps everyone to better understand it. The story focuses on a boy and his grandmother making a special treat to share with his school.

The Cat Man of Aleppo by Irene Latham, Karim Shamsi-Basha, and Yuko Shimizu. I loved this true story about a man in Aleppo, Syria’s second-largest city, who saved cats and created a sanctuary for them when others were fleeing the war there. The illustrations are wonderful.

Halal Hot Dogs by Susannah Aziz and Parwinder Singh. We learned so much about Jummah, the Friday prayer in Islam, from this book! Musa looks forward to the family treat they have each week after the Jummah prayer at the mosque and is trying to get his family halal (allowed) hot dogs from a vendor. Of course things don’t go as planned, so he has to figure out a new snack his family can eat. I loved that this book also includes a glossary of Arabic terms at the end!

The Arabic Quilt: An Immigration Story by Aya Khalil and Anait Semirdzhyan. I got chills reading this beautiful book. Kanzi has moved with her family from Egypt to America, and she is trying to fit in. She gets embarrassed when her mom brings a kofta (ground beef and lamb) sandwich to school wearing a hijab. When she writes a poem about the Arabic quilt her grandmother gave her, Kanzi’s teacher has all of the students create a paper quilt with their names in Arabic.

Golden Domes and Silver Lanterns: A Muslim Book of Colors by Hena Khan and Merhdokht Amini. This simple book explains the colors of Islam while also exploring the religious tenets and traditions. It rhymes and is really easy to read, but the illustrations are what make this book shine. We also loved Crescent Moons and Minarets (about Islamic shapes) from the same author/illustrator duo.

In My Mosque by M.O. Yuksel and Hatem Aly. If you buy ONE book for Arab American Heritage Month, make it this one. I love how it beautifully explains Islam and also makes it clear that Muslims have much in common with Christians. The illustrations are stunning and filled with people of all shapes, sizes, colors and abilities.

Under My Hijab by Hena Khan and Aaliyah Jaleel. My daughter especially loved this book and likes to point out when girls at her school are wearing their colorful hijabs. We all learned a lot about hijabs ad how there are different ways to wear them. Most importantly, the book follows strong women in different walks of life. You should probably buy this one, too.

The Librarian of Basra: A True Story From Iraq by Jeannette Winter. Books about libraries and those who lose access to them always make me emotional. This true story of Alia Muhammad Baker, who helped to save thousands of books from her library in Basra, Iraq, when war broke out is SO inspiring. We had some good discussions after reading this book, too, since many people are currently banning books across the United States.

Ten Ways to Hear Snow by Cathy Camper and Kenard Pak. This picture book impressed me so much when it was first published in 2020. It’s about Lina, who is walking through the snow to visit her grandmother, Sitta. Because Sitta can no longer see very well, Lina thinks about ways she can describe the snow to her and realizes how it sounds. Grandparent/grandchild relationship books are so special, and this one is especially delightful.

Lailah’s Lunchbox: A Ramadan Story by Reem Faruqi and Lea Lyon. My kids and I really enjoyed this story about Lailah, who recently moved to the U.S. from the United Arab Emirates. She is afraid to tell her classmates that she is fasting for Ramadan and decides to hide in the library rather than going to the lunchroom. Her librarian encourages her to write down her feelings, and together they figure out a way she can explain her culture and religion to others. This is such an excellent book!

Homeland: My Father Dreams of Palestine by Hannah Moushabeck and Reem Madooh. In this incredible book, a father tells his three daughters his memories of Palestine, the homeland he had to leave years before. This story really makes Palestine come to life and captures the emotions of being unable to return to the country of your birth.

Your Name is a Song by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow and Luisa Uribe. This book is important for EVERYONE. After multiple teachers and classmates mispronounce a little girl’s name, she expresses her sadness to her mom. Fortunately, her mom takes the time to tell her that her name (and other names) are musical and have meaning. Such a great reminder that names are important!

A Girl Called Ghengis Khan: How Maria Toorpakai Wazir Pretended to be a Boy, Defied the Taliban, and Became a World-Famous Squash Player by Michelle Lord and Shehzil Malik. I had never heard of Maria Toorpakai Wazir before reading this, and as the LONG title suggests, she did in fact become a famous squash player despite all odds. My daughter especially loves stories about girls/women who enter spaces traditionally reserved for men, so this was a big hit for her.

What are your favorite books for Arab American Heritage Month? We had so much fun reading these books together, and I would love more recommendations.

24 more Christmas picture books

Posted on November 29, 2022 by Lindsay Books

Covers of Christmas picture books, including "How to Trick a Christmas Elf," "Christmas in the Big Woods," "Ho Ho Homework," "The Christmas Carpenter" and "Piñata in a Pine Tree."

I own enough Christmas picture books to wrap up 24 and put them under our tree each year for an advent, and I’ve shared that list for several years. This year, I decided to create another list of our favorites so you have even more options to choose from. There are so many great books celebrating this holiday — and I always end up buying a few more after writing these. Here are 24 Christmas picture books to check out.

A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens and Brett Helquist. Apparently this one is out of print, so maybe check eBay for a copy? I bought this one immediately after we read it a few years ago because it beautifully tells Charles Dickens’ classic story — and the illustrator, Brett Helquist, is known for the Series of Unfortunate Events. I love his illustrations and the depth he brings to this book. Seriously, you need to find this one somewhere and add it to your Christmas books.

Dasher by Matt Tavares. I adore Matt Tavares’ art (buy Red and Lulu if you haven’t already) and knew we needed this book when it came out a few years ago. Dasher longs for a different life and sets out on her own to pursue adventure, eventually meeting Santa and being asked to pull his sleigh.

Lighthouse Christmas by Toni Buzzeo. Yes, this one is also out of print, but I have confidence you can find it on eBay (where I bought mine) or at a thrift store. Why do the prettiest books go out of print? In this one, a brother and sister live with their dad on an isolated island where they man a lighthouse. They are determined to make Christmas special even though they can’t be with the rest of their family, and then an unexpected visitor makes the holiday sweeter. I would love to live near a lighthouse and am basically obsessed with nautical stories, so I love this one.

Christmas Day in the Morning by Pearl S. Buck and Mark Buehner. When I was a kid, we had a VHS with a short video produced by BYU called The Gift from the 1970s. I was surprised to discover that it was based on this Pearl Buck story about a boy who gets up early to do the chores for his dad Christmas morning so he can see everyone opening their gifts. This is a really awesome reminder about how service is the best gift you can give.

The Carpenter’s Gift: A Christmas Tale About the Rockefeller Center Tree by David Rubel and Jim LaMarche. I scored this for $2 at Savers a couple months ago and was so excited to add this to our collection. We have several books about the Rockefeller Center tree, but this one centers on a boy who grew up during the Great Depression and wants to pay kindness forward when strangers build his family a new home on Christmas.

12 Days of Christmas by Lara Hawthorne. If you want to sing your way through a book (or even if you don’t), this is a beautifully illustrated version of the traditional 12 Days of Christmas carol. Lara Hawthorne’s Silent Night is also a favorite.

Merry Christmas, Anne by Kallie George and Genevieve Godbout. This book is a pairing made in heaven. A classic story from L.M. Montgomery’s Anne of Green Gables and Genevieve Godbout’s dreamy illustrations? I need to buy this one for our collection because it makes me ridiculously happy.

Carla and the Christmas Cornbread by Carla Hall and Cherise Harris. We read this cute story last year about a little girl who worries she ruined Christmas by eating the sugar cookie left for Santa. Luckily, her grandma helps her make cornbread with cinnamon butter for Santa instead. There are not enough Christmas books out there with characters of color, and this is an excellent one!

How to Trick a Christmas Elf by Sue Fliess and Simona Sanfilippo. Sue Fliess is a MASTER at rhythm, and we own several of her holiday books because they’re fun to read aloud. This one instructs kids on tricking an elf into letting them see what’s on Santa’s list. By the way, I DESPISE tricks (April Fool’s is the worst), so know that this is more about crafting than it is teasing. All of Sue Fliess’ books also have instructions for creating your own craft in the back, too, which is so fun.

Christmas is Joy by Emma Dodd. Sometimes you want a really quick, beautifully illustrated Christmas story to read for bedtime. This sweet book featuring two reindeer in the snow fits the bill. I love the gold foil and the calming rhythm.

A Piñata in a Pine Tree: A Latino Twelve Days of Christmas by Pat Mora and Magaly Morales. We all LOVED this Latino version of the 12 Days of Christmas! There are dancing donkeys, piñatas instead of partridges, and singing moons, among other items. I really like bilingual picture books, and this one has Spanish words sprinkled throughout and a full glossary. So fun!

Merry Christmas, Strega Nona by Tomie DePaola. Everyone in my family is a big Strega Nona fan, probably because we have listened to the audiobook of the first book at least 50 times. Strega Nona and Big Anthony are back in this story, but this time Strega Nona has a strict rule about not using magic at Christmastime. Luckily, Big Anthony is willing to help with the feast.

Christmas in the Big Woods by Laura Ingalls Wilder and Renee Graef. I had this book when I was a child and rediscovered it a few years ago. If you grew up loving the Little House on the Prairie books, you’ll love this picture book version of Laura’s Christmas memories in their little cabin in Wisconsin.

Here Comes Santa Cat by Deborah Underwood and Claudia Rueda. All of the Cat books are fantastic! In this one, Cat is worried he is on the naughty list and won’t get any gifts, so he tries to redeem himself by getting into the holiday spirit. These books are a delight because of the illustrations and the playful narrator that interacts with Cat. We love them.

Too Many Tamales by Gary Soto and Ed Martinez. This is another book I remember loving as a child that still holds up. Maria gets to help make tamales for Christmas dinner and tries on her mother’s beautiful diamond ring when she leaves the room. Suddenly, Maria has misplaced the ring and is sure someone will choke on it when they eat the tamales. She and her cousins decide to eat their way through the tamales so no one gets hurt. I love the Mexican culture displayed in this book and the family that bands together.

Cookies for Santa by America’s Test Kitchen Kids and Johanna Tarkela. I am admittedly not a baker (or a cook), but I love this story about Santa losing his family’s Christmas cookie recipe. Every year, he bakes cookies for his elves and reindeer to show his appreciation, and he’s worried he won’t be able to without the recipe. Fortunately, families around the world band together to bake and make sure Santa can have a happy Christmas. Like other America’s Test Kitchen books, this one includes a recipe and is all about encouraging families to cook and bake together.

Santa Claus and the Christmas Surprise by Dorothea Lachner and Maja Duskov. This beautifully illustrated book tells the story of two kids whose village is snowed in for Christmas. Though Anna and Michael worry that Santa won’t be able to get through the snow to deliver gifts, he makes it — and his gift requires everyone to dig through the snow and come together.

Ho Ho Homework by Mylisa Larsen and Taia Morley. If you need a book to read in a classroom, this is PERFECT. Jack and his classmates have a new substitute teacher, Mr. Clausen, and he has a long white beard. He also eats milk and cookies as a snack. Is he Santa Claus?

One Starry Night by Lauren Thompson and Jonathan Bean. I love this simple and gorgeous book about the night Jesus Christ was born. It focuses on the animals who are also comforting their babies during that starry night and would be perfect for bedtime.

Arthur’s Christmas by Marc Brown. Nineties kids, you’ll love this one! My brothers and sister and I were OBSESSED with Arthur growing up, and this book inspired the TV series. Arthur is looking for the perfect gift for Santa for Christmas, and his little sister D.W. ends up helping him (with some mishaps along the way). If you aren’t familiar with the Arthur books, D.W. is really the star of the show. Her wit is the best.

Christmas Farm by Mary Lyn Ray and Barry Root. WOW. This book is stunning. I love this story of a woman who plants thousands of balsam seedlings in a garden and then nurtures them over the years with the help of her young neighbor, Parker. I had a real Christmas tree growing up and had never considered all the work that goes into growing these beautiful trees.

Maple & Willow’s Christmas Tree by Lori Nichols. I love the sweet relationship between sisters Maple and Willow in all of Lori Nichols’ books. In this one, Maple and Willow are in the woods about to get their first real Christmas tree. Unfortunately, Maple starts sneezing whenever she gets close to the trees, so it looks like they won’t be getting a real tree after all. Willow has plans to make the holiday magical for her sister anyway.

Olive, The Other Reindeer by Vivian Walsh and J. Otto Seibold. This quirky book is based on the line in the song “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” that says “All of the other reindeer used to laugh and call him names.” When Olive the dog hears this line, she assumes she must really be a reindeer and heads to the North Pole to help Santa with Christmas.

Bear Stays Up for Christmas by Karma Wilson and Jane Chapman. My kids loved this book when they were in preschool, and it’s perfect for little kids and even older ones. Bear normally hibernates during the winter and sleeps through Christmas, but his friends are determined to keep him awake so he can enjoy the holiday.

Please share your favorite Christmas picture books with me! I always get great suggestions whenever I post these lists.

20 picture books for Native American Heritage Month

Posted on November 22, 2022 by Lindsay Books

picture books for Native American History month

Like most American kids, I learned very little about Native Americans in school and especially around Thanksgiving. I’ve been excited to read picture books for Native American Heritage Month and learn about their extraordinary heritage with my kids. Here are 20 books you can share with your family for November, which marks Native American Heritage Month. They are great options for Thanksgiving as well.

Fry Bread: A Native American Family Story by Kevin Noble Maillard and Juana Martinez-Neal. I included this in my Thanksgiving picture books list as well because it’s a beautiful story about Native American culture. It’s also about the history of fry bread (which taught me so much!) and gorgeously illustrated by one of my favorite artists, Juana Martinez-Neal.

Powwow Day by Tracy Sorell and Madelyn Goodnight. I absolutely adored this book about a little girl who is ill and sad that she can’t participate in her community’s powwow. She ultimately learns about the healing power of powwows and is welcomed by those who dance on her behalf. My kids and I learned so much about the dances and rituals from this story!

I Sang You Down From the Stars by Tasha Spillett-Sumner and Michaela Goade. Parents, you’ll want a tissue reading this book (or at least I did). It focuses on a mother preparing for her baby to be born by gathering a medicine bundle with a white feather, sage, cedar, a stone, and more. I love the illustrations and the emotions of this book and the beautiful traditions it explains.

Keepunumuk: Weeâchumun’s Thanksgiving Story by Danielle Greendeer, Anthony Perry, Alexis Bunten and Gary Meeches Sr. This story helped me talk to my kids about the first Thanksgiving and how the Wampanoag people were instrumental in helping the Pilgrims make it through their first winter. I also really appreciated that this book includes a pronunciation guide and Native American words throughout. It turns out I was pronouncing Wampanoag completely wrong.

Still This Love Goes On by Buffy Sainte-Marie and Julie Flett. I am a big fan of Julie Flett’s work, and this book featuring song lyrics about the Cree people is gorgeous. It’s also about gratitude for your heritage and for the earth, so it’s perfect for Thanksgiving as well.

We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga by Traci Sorell and Frane Lessac. Members of the Cherokee nation use the word otsaliheliga to express gratitude. This book goes through the different seasons and talks about Cherokee traditions and ways the people are thankful. Like the other story above, it also includes a glossary to help you pronounce the words used throughout. I love this book and bought it for our home.

Berry Song by Michaela Goade. As I turned the pages of this stunning book with my family, I was reminded of my own (very different) summers picking huckleberries as a kid. The story centers around a girl and her grandmother picking berries and fishing and singing a song of gratitude to the earth. I need to buy this one for our collection.

Giving Thanks: A Native American Good Morning Message by Chief Jake Swamp and Erwin Printup, Jr. This is another book I’ve included on a Thanksgiving list because it is all about being grateful for the things we have. It includes a traditional Iroquois ceremonial address as well.

The Circle of Thanks by Joseph Bruchac and Murv Jacob. I am trying to find more books that introduce my children to poetry. This compilation of 14 poems about nature and Thanksgiving from Abenaki author Joseph Bruchac is beautiful and a wonderful reminder of the importance of gratitude.

Stolen Words by Melanie Florence and Gabrielle Grimard. While this is a heavier book for kids, I think it does a wonderful job of talking about schools that separated indigenous children from their families. The story follows a little girl who asks her grandfather to say something in Cree. When he responds that his language was stolen from him as a boy, she helps him reclaim his language and heritage. Check this one out for sure.

And They Walk On by Kevin Maillard and Rafael López. In this story, a boy whose grandmother recently passed away pictures all the things she is doing on her next journey. The end of the book explains the Indigenous concept of “walking on,” or going to a new place after death. This was such a sweet book.

Moon Song by Michaela Goade. Yes, I have several books illustrated by Michaela Goade in this list because she is incredible. My kids and I were all gaping over her stunning illustrations and the beautiful story of children experiencing the forest by moonlight. I’m planning to buy a copy for our shelf.

Daughter of the Light-Footed People: The Story of Indigenous Marathon Champion Lorena Ramírez by Belen Medina and Natalia Rojas Castro. I have a Goodreads category called “Girlpower” with books about powerful girls and women. This book immediately made that list and is so inspiring. Learn more about runner Lorena Ramírez, who is known for running 60-mile marathons in the traditional attire (dresses and sandals) of her people. We all loved this one!

Chester Nez and the Unbreakable Code by Joseph Bruchac and Liz Amini-Holmes. WWII history buffs will probably know about the Navajo codebreakers, but this story about Chester Nez details his life on a reservation and his path to creating an unbreakable code years later. I was so impressed with Nez and the other codebreakers’ courage, especially as others derided their heritage and language.

Kindred Spirits: Shilombish Ittibachvffa by Leslie Stall Widener and Johnson Yazzie. Did you know that after 1845 potato famine in Ireland, the Choctaw people of America gathered money to donate? They did this even though they had little to give and had suffered during the Trail of Tears. The connections between the Irish and the Native people continue to this day. I adored this book.

My Powerful Hair by Carole Lindstrom and Steph Littlebird. This empowering story is about how hair is important to indigenous cultures. In fact, the author notes that hair is memories and a source of strength. The book also talks about the generational trauma many Native Americans experienced as a result of boarding schools. Get yourself a copy! The illustrations are also so beautiful.

Remember by Joy Harjo and Michaela Goade. Well, you should probably consider this list a tribute to Michaela Goade’s work, and I regret nothing. She breathtakingly illustrates this poem by U.S. Poet Laureate Joy Harjo about remembering your heritage. The poem is also a beautiful reminder of how we are all connected to each other.

Classified: The Secret Career of Mary Golda Ross, Cherokee Aerospace Engineer by Traci Sorell and Natasha Donovan. WOW. I loved this biography of Mary Golda Ross, Lockheed Aircraft Corporation’s first female engineer, and how she designed classified airplanes and spacecraft. My son, who knows all things about aircraft and fighter jets, was impressed to find out she was part of Skunkworks.

When the Stars Came Home by Brittany Luby and Natasha Donovan. I love stories about families coming together, and this one about a young boy named Ojiig who misses his old home is so special. His parents help him realize that he is connected to his ancestors with a special quilt that reminds him of their love.

I Am Osage: How Clarence Tinker Became the First Native American Major General by Kim Rogers and Bobby von Martin. This inspiring biography, written by a Wichita author and illustrated by a Choctaw artist, tells the story of soldier Clarence Tinker, who had a goal of becoming an Army officer and overcame incredible hardships to do so.

I would love to know your favorite picture books for Native American Heritage Month! I’m especially interested in those written and illustrated by Native American authors.

31 picture books for Halloween

Posted on October 5, 2022 by Lindsay Books

Covers of "Creepy Crayon," "A Spoonful of Frogs," and "There's a Ghost in this House"

I’ve shared 13 of my favorite Halloween books, 13 MORE favorites, and then even MORE favorites here. However, I thought I’d put together a big list you can easily save for the library (or buy books from if you want to add to your collection). Here are 31 picture books for Halloween you’ll love for your whole family!

Creepy Crayon by Aaron Reynolds and Peter Brown. I LOVE the Creepy Tales series so much, and I actually preordered this one (which I never do). It did not disappoint. Jasper is struggling in school until he finds a creepy purple crayon that magically helps him finish his work.

A Spoonful of Frogs by Casey Lyall and Vera Brosgol. This new release had my kids and I laughing out loud and reminded me of one of our favorites, How To Give Your Cat a Bath: In Five Easy Steps. In this story, the witch is trying to make frog soup and needs to add the final ingredient: a spoonful of frogs. Of course, it’s impossible to get the frogs into the pot, so chaos ensues.

There’s a Ghost In This House by Oliver Jeffers. Who doesn’t love Oliver Jeffers’ illustrations? I love that this one uses vellum to deposit little ghosts in different areas of the house as you turn the page.

Brains! Not Just a Zombie Snack by Stacy McAnulty and Matthew Rivera. I adore everything that Matthew Rivera illustrates. This one has the double-whammy of being creepy enough for Halloween and also teaching kids about how the brain works.

The Little Ghost Who Was a Quilt by Riel Nason and Byron Eggenschwiler. This story turns what you know about ghosts being transparent and white on its head. This ghost looks like a quilt. However, quilts provide warmth (unlike sheets), so this ghost has an experience with kids trick-or-treating he otherwise wouldn’t have.

The Witch Who Lives Down the Hall by Donna Guthrie and Amy Schwartz. This one is harder to find, since it was published in 1985. However, I thoroughly enjoyed the story of a little boy who is SURE his neighbor is a witch. His mother reassures him she is not, and as the story progresses, he learns how sweet his neighbor really is.

Los Gatos Black on Halloween by Marisa Montes and Yuyi Morales. I am a big fan of bilingual books, and this one throws in Spanish words like bruja (witch) and esqueleto (skeleton). The rhythm in this is also excellent, perfect for reading aloud.

Stumpkin by Lucy Ruth Cummins. It’s a favorite in our house for a reason. Lucy Ruth Cummins’ illustrations are beautiful, and I love the story of a pumpkin who just wants to become a jack-o-lantern.

Sir Simon, Super Scarer by Cale Atkinson. I laugh out loud every time I read this book to my kids. When a boy and his grandmother move into a house Simon currently haunts, Simon decides to get the boy to do his scaring for him.

A Tiger Called Tomás by Charlotte Zolotow and Marta Alvarez Miguens. The illustrations make this repurposed 1960s story from Charlotte Zolotow shine. I think everyone can identify with the little boy who is too shy to try to make friends. When Halloween comes, he happily puts on a costume, only to realize it doesn’t hide his identity. PLEASE buy this book. It is so sweet.

Pick a Pumpkin by Patricia Toht and Jarvis. I can’t say enough good things about this book. It has great rhythm, inclusive and gorgeous illustrations, and a fun story that will make you want to go to a pumpkin patch with your family.

The Little Kitten by Nicola Killen. We own all four books in Nicola Killen’s animal friends series, and I love this sweet story! Ollie returns a lost kitten to its home, only to realize that her own cat, Pumpkin, is now lost. The foil on the pages and cover make this book a keepsake and also beautiful for displaying.

How To Make Friends With a Ghost by Rebecca Green. You need to buy this one, too, because it is perfection. Like all good how-to books, it provides easy-to-follow steps for enticing a ghost to be your friend. Hint: They love bedtime stories.

Bonaparte Falls Apart by Margery Cuyler and Will Terry. This was one of the first Halloween picture books I ever read to my kids, and we still love it. A skeleton, Bonaparte, is nervous for the first day of school because his bones keep falling off. Luckily, he has some kind friends who help him pull himself together.

Big Pumpkin by Erica Silverman and S.D. Schindler. I know many teachers love this book, and it is perfect for elementary-age kids because of its rhythm and repetition. The witch grows a huge pumpkin and can’t get it off the vine to make a pumpkin pie, so she enlists the help of friends to move it.

Winnie the Witch by Valerie Thomas and Korky Paul. Though this is another one that’s hard to find, it’s absolutely worth it if you can get a copy! Winnie the Witch lives in a completely black house and is always tripping over her black cat, Wilbur, so she comes up with a creative way to see him.

Room on the Broom by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. You probably already own or have read this book, but it’s a classic we love. The witch keeps allowing more animals to fly on her broom with her until it gets so heavy it cracks. The ending will surprise you! Also, Julia Donaldson is the QUEEN of rhythm. We also love The Gruffalo by this author-illustrator duo.

The Little Old Lady Who Was Not Afraid of Anything by Linda D. Williams and Megan Lloyd. This is another one your kids will probably be familiar with from school. A little old lady is walking home in the woods and hears some noises behind her. Because she’s not afraid of anything, though, she refuses to let the loose pants, shirt, shoes, and gloves scare her.

The Berenstain Bears Trick or Treat by Stan and Jan Berenstain. I have collected almost every Berenstain Bears book ever written for my kids, and I have always loved this one. Brother and Sister are going trick-or-treating with friends, but they don’t want to go to Old Miz McGrizz’s house because they think she’s scary. Luckily, they realize that appearances can be deceiving.

Ghosts in the House! by Kazuno Kohara. This book is ADORABLE and so creative. When a girl moves into a house that turns out to be haunted with ghosts, she comes up with a clever solution. Soon, ghosts become tablecloths, curtains, and blankets for the bed.

What Was I Scared Of? by Dr. Seuss. Kind of similar to The Little Old Lady book above, this classic Dr. Seuss book is about a character who is terrified of a pair of pants he sees floating around. He learns that the pants are just as scared of him. As an added bonus, some of the editions of this book have glow-in-the-dark pants on the pages.

She Made a Monster: How Mary Shelley Created Frankenstein by Lynn Fulton and Felicita Sala. I love picture book biographies, and this one is about feminist author Mary Shelley! I like to throw in a good nonfiction book at Halloween when we’re surrounded by supernatural stories.

Ghost Afraid of the Dark by Sara Conway. Yes, another book with glow-in-the-dark illustrations! This one also has a great message about asking for help and surrounding yourself with good friends.

Frankenstein Doesn’t Wear Earmuffs by John Loren. I grew up in east Idaho, where it often snowed before Halloween, so I can relate to the boy in this book. His parents keep making him put on layers so he’ll stay warm while trick-or-treating, but he is not thrilled that they’re ruining his costume.

Gustavo, The Shy Ghost by Flavia Z. Drago. If you loved the movie Coco or love the Mexican holiday Dia de Los Muertos, you’ll love Gustavo. This cute ghost wants to invite some people over to celebrate the Day of the Dead and make some friends, but he’s really shy and not sure they’ll come.

Can You See What I See? On a Scary, Scary Night by Walter Wick. The illustrator of the I Spy books has this super-fun Halloween book with pictures to find throughout the pages. Your kids will love it.

Sammy’s Spooktacular Halloween by Mike Petrik. My kids liked this cute story about a little boy who likes to play tricks (only harmless ones) on his family and has been planning his Halloween antics all year. I like that it focuses on family and NOT on pranks, because I don’t like pranks.

Snowmen at Halloween by Caralyn Buehner and Mark Buehner. We all love the Snowmen books at our house (there are five books in the series), and this Halloween one is darling. My kids also like looking for the hidden mouse on each page.

Go Away, Big Green Monster! by Ed Emberley. This was my kids’ FAVORITE book when they were about three, and they still pull it off the shelf every once in a while even though they’re eight years old now. The pages have die-cuts of scraggly hair and teeth and eyes that allow you to build the monster and then take everything away. It’s adorable!

Goodnight Goon: A Petrifying Parody by Michael Rex. If you read Goodnight Moon to your kids a lot like I did when mine were babies, you’ll love this parody that keeps the rhythm of the original.

How to Scare a Ghost by Jean Reagan and Lee Wildish. You may have read this duo’s book How to Babysit a Grandma. This one is similar, with steps that explain how to scare a ghost. Like other Jean Reagan books, How to Scare a Ghost has a lovable ending.

Did I list your favorite picture books for Halloween? Tell me what you’ve been reading with your family in the comments!

13 great picture books for spring

Posted on March 7, 2022 by Lindsay Books

Utah is being sneaky right now and surprising us with sunny days and temperatures in the 70s — followed, of course, by snow again. I have a post of favorite Easter books already, but I felt spring needed its own post as well. If you’re like me and love seeing the tulips and crocuses pop up, you’ll enjoy these stories about nature and the beautiful colors of the season. Here are 13 picture books for spring.

Goodbye Winter, Hello Spring by Kenard Pak. I absolutely love everything this wonderful author/illustrator creates, and his books about changing seasons are my favorite. A boy and his dog take a walk in nature and watch how winter is ending and spring is beginning. The illustrations are so pretty!

The Hidden Rainbow by Christie Matheson. We have enjoyed all of Christie Matheson’s books because they’re interactive and fun for kids. In this one, bees need the reader’s help to find different plants to pollinate. Each page showcases brightly colored flowers in rainbow colors and also teaches kids how gardens work. I also love her book Plant the Tiny Seed for spring.

Carl and the Meaning of Life by Deborah Freedman. If you told me five years I would love a book about an earthworm, I would have laughed at you. Don’t be deceived by the cover and the idea that an earthworm is explaining the meaning of life, though. This story is all about how we all have a purpose, even earthworms, and also helps you better understand science and ecosystems.

Up in the Garden and Down in the Dirt by Kate Messner and Christopher Silas Neal. I find all of the books in Kate Messner’s botany series so interesting, and I don’t even like gardening! In this one, you learn what happens above ground in the garden that you can see (plants growing) and what’s also happening in the dirt below (insects are moving). I have learned so much from this book and her others, and my kids love them, too.

Singing in the Rain by Arthur Freed and Tim Hopgood. Normally I would not enjoy a picture book that is literally the lyrics of a famous song, but I make exceptions sometimes. This one has the most beautiful and happy illustrations, and I love the images of children with many different skin tones. If you’re looking for a book that makes rain seem fun, this is it.

The Forever Garden by Laurel Snyder and Samantha Cotterill. This book will tug at your heartstrings. It focuses on a little girl named Laurel and her friendship with Honey, the woman who lives next door. Honey and Laurel spend a lot of time together tending the garden, until Honey has to move away to take care of her mother. Laurel worries about what will happen to the garden when Honey is gone and comes up with a solution.

We Are the Gardeners by Joanna Gaines and Julianna Swaney. I am not a fan of Joanna Gaines’ other book, but this one is really sweet and made me want to garden with my kids! (Remember how I said earlier that I don’t enjoy gardening?) It’s about the journey her then-four kids went on to create a garden at their home and offers tips on creating your own.

Bloom Boom! by April Pulley Sayre. You will want to plant a million flowers after reading this gorgeous book full of amazing photographs. The text is sparse but has a great rhythm and rhyme, and at the end of the book you learn more about the flowers pictured. This would be so pretty on a bookshelf in your home or library. I like April Pulley Sayre’s book Full of Fall as well.

When Spring Comes by Kevin Henkes and Laura Dronzek. If it’s got Kevin Henkes’ name on it, you can bet that I will read it and probably buy it. His wife also illustrated this one, and it’s so sweet. Each page describes what you can look forward to as winter leaves and spring arrives.

Planting a Rainbow by Lois Ehlert. Is it obvious yet that I am drawn to bold illustrations? Lois Ehlert’s beautiful paper collages are SO fun. In this story, a mother and daughter plant seeds, seedlings and bulbs and watch as they grow into flowers. If you like this one, you’ll love her other books, like Leaf Man.

Rain! by Linda Ashman and Christian Robinson. Raise your hand if rain makes you grumpy sometimes. I’ll admit that I identify more with the grumpy old man in this story who is cursing the rain and the puddles. On the other side of the city, though, a little boy is excited about the rain — and then he meets the grumpy old man. This is also a book about how a positive outlook can help cheer others up, and I love it. I also love Christian Robinson’s illustrations!

In a Garden by Tim McCanna and Aimée Sicuro. This book has such great rhythm and also explains the way gardens grow and how insects and soil contribute to that. SO many books are clunky to read aloud, but this one is actually fun. The illustrations are so pretty, too. I would even give this to an adult who loves gardening. It’s got to be included on a list of picture books for spring.

The Little Lamb by Judy Dunn and Phoebe Dunn. As I was thinking about books I loved as a child, this one came to mind. I ADORED this book because of the beautiful photos of a little girl taking care of her lamb. It may be hard to find at your library since it’s 40+ years old now, but there are plenty of used copies available on eBay and Amazon.

What are your favorite picture books for spring? Do you ring in the season by planting new flowers?

13 more Halloween books you’ll love

Posted on October 14, 2021 by Lindsay Books

I have already shared 13 Halloween picture books we love and then more Halloween favorites in another post. What can I say? We really like Halloween books, and I’ve added a few others to our collection I want to share. Check out these books for a spooky October.

Ghost Afraid of the Dark by Sara Conway. The illustrations in this book are so cute, and the cover glows in the dark! Ghost is (as the title explains) afraid of the dark and has to learn to be brave and overcome his fears. What I love, though, is that he asks for help and ends up realizing he has many friends that are there for him.

The Little Kitten by Nicola Yoon. I love ALL of Nicola Yoon’s animal friend books, and this one is such a sweet story. Ollie finds a lost kitten and helps it find its way home, but in the process she gets separated from her own cat, Pumpkin. When they finally find each other, they enjoy a surprise together. The gorgeous illustrations and die-cut pages with pretty foil detail make this one stand out.

She Made a Monster: How Mary Shelley Created Frankenstein by Lynn Fulton and Felicita Sala. Shake things up by adding a nonfiction book to your Halloween reads! This one is a biography of author Mary Shelley, who wrote Frankenstein, and how she came up with the story. Mary Shelley was the ultimate feminist, so I especially liked reading this to my kids and explaining how cool it was that a woman wrote this story 200 years ago. The illustrations also complement the book so well.

The Ghosts Went Floating by Kim Norman and Jay Fleck. So many rhyming books fall short when it comes to rhythm, but this one is perfect. You’ll find yourself singing it because it’s set to the tune of The Ants Go Marching. It helps kids learn to count while also introducing them to different Halloween characters like ghosts, witches, zombies, and mummies. This would be a fantastic read-aloud in a preschool or elementary school classroom.

Go Away, Big Green Monster! by Ed Emberley. We’ve owned this book for years because my kids were obsessed with it when they were in preschool. Even now, they still love it, and it’s perfect for Halloween. You turn the die-cut pages to build a monster with scraggly hair, sharp teeth, and huge eyes. Then, since you’re NOT scared of the monster, you take away all the pieces of the monster and tell him not to come back. Just trust me on this one. Kids adore it.

Can You See What I See? On a Scary, Scary, Night by Walter Wick. From the same author/photographer of the I Spy series, this fun book has a bunch of spooky scenes with hidden images to find. It doesn’t give you any hints, so it can keep kids (and adults) busy for hours. I ordered this from the Scholastic book fair last year for a great deal, so I recommend buying it there rather than through Amazon.

Sammy’s Spooktacular Halloween by Mike Petrik. I am not a fan of pranks or any kind of mischief, so I was wary of this one about a boy who plays tricks on his family all year long. Luckily, it’s really cute and all about working together as a family to make holidays fun. Plus, none of the pranks he pulls are hurtful. This one is adorable.

Frankenstein Doesn’t Wear Earmuffs by John Loren. If you have read Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, you know that Frankenstein is the name of the scientist who creates the monster, NOT the monster himself. So I will confess here that I get annoyed when people call the monster “Frankenstein” like they do in this book. However, it’s SO creative and cute that I am willing to overlook this pet peeve of mine. Anyone who grew up with freezing cold falls and winters knows how annoying it is to have to wear a coat or gloves or a hat with their costume. This kid’s parents keep adding layers to his costume so he’ll stay warm, but he draws the line at earmuffs.

At the Old Haunted House by Helen Ketteman and Nate Wragg. This is another book that would be perfect for preschool or kindergarten. The story introduces different characters who live in the haunted house, slowly counting from one to 10. The illustrations are really cute and make this more fun than scary.

Which Way to Witch School? by Scott Santoro. I actually think this would be fun for back-to-school time, too, but it’s all about a bunch of witches who go to school together. It has a great rhyme scheme and cute illustrations, and the witches learn science and regular subjects along with broom-flying and potion-making.

Monster Trucks by Joy Keller and Misa Saburi. No, this book is not about monster trucks, the trucks with giant wheels that crash into each other in arenas. It’s about monsters who drive trucks and tractors during their “off-seasons” when they aren’t scaring kids at Halloween. If your kids love vehicles, they’ll dig this book (pun intended).

How to Scare a Ghost by Jean Reagan and Lee Wildish. You’ve probably read How to Babysit a Grandpa or one of Jean Reagan’s other books, and this one is written in the same vein. It gives step-by-step instructions for kids to find a ghost and then scare it. Of course, when the kids realize scaring a ghost isn’t much fun, they also have instructions for playing with the ghost and including it.

Creepy Carrots by Aaron Reynolds and Peter Brown. I cannot tell you how much I love this book and its sequel, Creepy Pair of Underwear. The black-and-white illustrations with pops of orange are perfection and the tongue-in-cheek humor is amazing. Just buy this one and prepare to laugh every time you read it. I crack up every time I see the carrots in the bathroom.

Have I missed any of your favorite Halloween books?

picture books

Lindsay

Recent Posts