I delight in discovering new and wonderful picture books every summer. Many I find at the Eric Carle Museum’s bookstore, as they’re often the one to have the best books. Some I discovered through a fellow book lover. We share our ‘finds’ every August. We’re like two children on Christmas morning.
Return, by Aaron Becker
I’m a big fan of wordless books, as they spark more language and creativity than books with words. Becker is a master at wordless books, and Return is the latest in his series which began with Journey. His illustrations are glorious and very detailed. They will take you to another world of magic.
The Monster in the Lake, by Leo Timmers
Three ducks do not believe their friend who insists there is a monster in the lake. The book is full of whimsey, with readers rooting for the duck and discovering there actually is a monster, who is a party lover.
The Uncorker of Bottles, by Michelle Cuevas
I knew as soon as I saw the book that the soft illustrations reminded me of the Amos McGee books. Yup, same illustrator. The storyline is lovely. His job was of the utmost importance, to find any bottles at sea and deliver the message. He loved his job but wished there would one day be a message for him. He finds a message in a bottle about a party, but cannot find the recipient, so he goes to the party. The ending is warm and wonderful.
Little Witch Hazel, by Phoebe Wahl.
This delightful story begins with Spring, where Little Witch Hazel finds an orphaned egg. When no one claims the egg, she rolls the egg home. Hazel is very tiny, and when the egg hatches, out comes an owl. As the chapters (seasons) continue, Hazel and the other little witches enjoy summer and fall, until the owl grows and eventually flies away. On the coldest of winter nights, it returns! The illustrations are rich in color and detail, including the endpapers map of the woods.
Goldfinches, by Mary Oliver
If you are a bird lover, this is the book for you. Mary Oliver is a poet, and she won the Pulitzer Prize. This book is her words for children. Not only are the poetic words beautiful, the reader learns about the life of a Goldfinch with lovely illustrations depicting nature and science.
A Walk in the Words, by Hudson Talbott
This is the book for slow readers. Talbott found it difficult to read, as many children do. The story is about a boy who loves stories and loves to draw. The many words in a book could be terrifying. It started with the word ‘overwhelm’, which was exactly how he felt. What if he took away ‘over’ and focused on ‘whelm?’ Yes, it’s a word. Bit by bit, at a slow pace, he learned new words. The illustrations of stepping stones are perfect. And, the end of the book has famous people who were slow readers, like Shakespeare and Einstein.
Wonder Why, by Lisa Varchol Perron
I think I saved my favorite for last. This is the story of a thunderstorm. That alone will be exciting for any child. Each beautifully illustrated page ends with, “How I wonder, wonder why.” It begins with the sky, the sun, the wind, pressure – on and on to describe a growing thunderstorm. The text is rhyming, making the story even better. The illustrations are fabulous, and the book encourages children to ask why.
Jennie
A Teacher's Reflections 
What a bumper crop of fascinating books for younger readers, Jennie. Thanks for showing them to us, I have noted a couple of titles that might be suitable for our younger grandchildren.
Best wishes, Pete.
It’s a bumper crop for sure. I hope some will work for the grandkids. Many thanks!
You find the most amazing books, or perhaps they find you!!
I think it works both ways! 😀
I do too. I was in Glasgow a few days ago and came upon an outlet that collects books and gives them away. I found a book I had been planning to read for some time!
That is wonderful!
I shall never outgrow the joy of picture books. They are as delightful to write as they are to read.
Hear, hear!
As a long-time Mary Oliver fan, I posit that introducing Mary Oliver to youngsters has the potential to keep a child hooked on poetry throughout their lives in different age-stages. Yay! But the new 5-star book for me is ‘A Walk in Words’. It’s premise and execution of that idea is genius! I bet it works wonders and opens doors for struggling readers. Reading is an adventure and reveals life’s adventures.
I was so surprised, and delighted, that she has written poetry for children. It is wonderful, and perhaps she was thinking like you, that this will get children ‘hooked’ onto poetry for life. I dearly wish A Walk in the Words had been written when I was a child. Yes, it will open doors for struggling readers. I love your last sentence, “Reading is an adventure and reveals life’s adventures.” Thank you, Laura. Now…if only I could get adults to read outstanding picture books.
🙂
Lovely books… I want to read them all 💜💜
😍💕😀❤️
Thank you for sharing these!
You are welcome.
A delightful group of wonderful stories, Jennie.
Thank you, Dan.
All of these look amazing. A Walk in the Words–especially delightful. I would have missed all of these if not for following your blog.
Thank you so much, Jacqui. I wish A Walk in the Words had ben around when I was a child, as a poor reader. I’m so glad you like these books, and especially glad you follow my blog. 😀
I really love when you post this each year. I’m a huge fan of children’s literature, both to share with children and to keep in my collection.
I’m so glad you like this annual summer book post! Of course you’re a huge fan of children’s literature, and now that you’re out of the classroom it must be exciting to read about new books.
absolutely
😍
Great collection of books here, Jennie. I think my favorite initially is The Monster In The Lake. I am a sucker for ducks and that cover grabbed me right from the start. Thanks for sharing these titles.
You picked a winner, Bruce! I’m so glad you enjoyed the books. Many thanks!
I want the book Goldfinches for me! She’s my favorite poet and you know I love birds.
This looks like a wonderful collection of books.
Deborah, this book is a win-win for you! Before I read the book, I did know she had won a Pulitzer Prize. I’m so glad you enjoyed the collection. Many thanks!
You’re welcome!
Oh! Jennie! “A Walk in the Words” really speaks to me…and I know exactly who to gift it to! Love you much…thank you! ❤️😉❤️
I’m so glad!! Many thanks, Vicki, and much love. 😍
Xo! 😘
Thank you for the lovely thoughts about these books, Jennie. They all sound good.
You’re welcome, John. Yes, they are good.
A multitude of reading riches! The Uncorker of Bottles in particular appeals to me. What a great job to have!
Liz, I knew this book would appeal to you. Really. Yes, so many reading riches. Many thanks!
You’re welcome, Jennie!
I see some wonderful book there! Thanks for sharing, Jennie!
Thank you, Cathy!
Having good friends who suggest new favorites is part of the joy of reading. I frequently have these moments when I discover a new book (some are new or I just haven’t read them before) and think, If I were still teaching, this book would become one of my regular reads with children. I am very impressed with the quality of children’s books these days.
That’s so nice, Pete. Good friends and sharing books is a joy! Thank you. Actually, I am not impressed with the quality of children’s books today. When I find a good one, I’m over the moon. I know, I’m picky.
Very rich collection!
Thank you!
Great to share such treasures. Thanks Jennie.
Glad you enjoyed, Flower.
Hi Jennie, all of these books sounds wonderful. I particularly like the ones about the owl and the goldfinch 🦉
I’m glad you enjoyed these, and I’m not surprised those two are your favorites. 🙂
🙃
What a great collection you found, Jenny! I will forward to our parents interested in teaching their children English for fun, and without a hassle. Best wishes, Michael
Many thanks, Michael! All the best to you.
Hi Jennie, thank you for this wonderful selection of books!
You are welcome, Charles. I’m glad you enjoyed the selection. I love when I discover books!
What a great collection of children’s books, Jennie. It’s getting harder and harder to get my grandkids to sit and let me read to them anymore. They are so hooked on their technology. It’s so sad as those times together are priceless.
I know what you mean. It’s really hard as they get older and get into technology. Yes, those times are priceless.