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 Garden in My Hands
"A child of South Asian descent describes what henna means to them. An intimate, lyrical story about an ancient artistic tradition." [Kirkus Reviews]
Format: Book
Availability: Available
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Simon and the Better Bone
LOCAL AUTHOR "A tale of canine fun and friendship inspired by Aesop’s “The Dog and His Reflection.†A charming, clever, and feel-good version of a classic fable." [Kirkus Reviews]
Format: Book
Availability: Available
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Ramen for Everyone
"Get ready for ramen, handmade to order and delightful to devour! A celebration of the complexity and care that go into making this Japanese staple." [Kirkus Reviews]
Format: Book
Availability: All copies in use
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Can You See It?
"Warm guidance on the difference between looking and seeing." [Kirkus Reviews]
Format: Book
Availability: Available
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When You Can Swim
"A gorgeously rendered love letter to swimming and the magical experiences that it can unlock." [Kirkus Reviews]
Format: Book
Availability: Available
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Grandad's Pride
"The protagonists of Grandad’s Camper (2021) return in this tale of love, identity, and community. A winner from beginning to end—and affirmation that Pride belongs in every community." [Kirkus Reviews]
Format: Book
Availability: Available
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I Want to Be Spaghetti!
"Ramen announces they would much rather be spaghetti...but discovers their true destiny. [A tale of] Learning to love yourself for who you are." [Kirkus Reviews]
Format: Book
Availability: Available
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Nell Plants A Tree
"Linked stories about the planting and multigenerational use of one tree unfold in rhythmic verse. Gorgeous images and text chronicle joyful childhood experiences—a future classic." [Kirkus Reviews]
Format: Book
Availability: Available
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Slowly, Slowly
LOCAL AUTHOR "A child experiences a year and the shifts in nature that come with it. Delightful and soothing encouragement to slow down and enjoy life." [Kirkus Reviews]
Format: Book
Availability: Available
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