Staff Faves 2023: Kids Picture Books
Every year we ask our staff across the library system for their favorite books published in a given year. Enjoy this list of some of our favorite picture books for kids—some with staff annotations and others with annotations from Kirkus and Booklist, unless otherwise noted. (Created November 2023)
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A Walk in the Woods
"A Black boy opens an envelope from his recently deceased father and finds a treasure map marked with a red X...Joy and hope walk alongside sadness and grief in this unforgettable work." [Kirkus Reviews]
Format: Book
Availability: Available
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A Day With No Words
"In a lovely slice-of-life story, a boy’s nonverbal experience is highlighted—and celebrated—as he and his mother spend a typical day together." [Booklist]
Format: Book
Availability: Available
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Remember
"As Harjo, a member of the Mvskoke Nation, entreats readers to look back on their ancestors and the stories that have been passed from generation to generation, Goade draws from her Tlingit culture, depicting first the trickster Raven, who brought light to the world (“Remember the sun’s birth at dawnâ€), then a young Tlingit girl...A contemplative, visually dazzling masterpiece that will resonate even more deeply each time it is read." [Kirkus Reviews]
Format: Book
Availability: Available
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Big
"A young Black girl who is told she is too big learns which labels to keep...A healing balm with the power to make the world a bit kinder." [Kirkus Reviews]
Format: Book
Availability: Available
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Sometimes It's Nice to Be Alone
"Being alone can be fun—but so can spending time with a pal...A sparkling reminder that nothing is as powerful as a child’s imagination. " [Kirkus Reviews}
Format: Book
Availability: Available
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Say My Name
"Six children of Chinese, Tongan, Persian, Diné, Nahuatl, or Akan descent share the meaning and history of their names...A beautifully empowering declaration." [Kirkus Reviews]
Format: Book
Availability: Available
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Cape
"Through few words and forceful images, a child grapples with grief at the loss of a beloved adult." [Booklist]
Format: Book
Availability: Available
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Molly's Tuxedo
"Starring a protagonist facing outward pressure to conform to binary gender norms, this picture book about self-expression foregrounds the self-knowledge involved in feeling one's best and looking "like you." [Publisher's Weekly]
Format: Book
Availability: Available
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I Will Swim Next Time
"With nurturing from Mama, a young child gradually learns to love swimming." [Kirkus Reviews]
Format: Book
Availability: Available
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One Upside-downy Day
"What to do on one of those days when nothing goes right?...A clear and useful message: Feelings change, and, ultimately, “It’s all going to be okay.†[Kirkus Reviews]
Format: Book
Availability: All copies in use
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