Story Time: New & Notable Picture Books (3)

Story Time is a new feature at The Hiding Spot in which I share some of my favorite new, old, & overlooked picture books.

Not a parent, teacher, or librarian? Picture books make fantastic gifts, from baby showers to birthdays and holidays. As bookworms, we all know how important books are – be the one who hands that special kid in your life the book that will make them fall in love with the magic of reading!

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New & Notable

Duck and Goose Go to the Beach

Written & Illustrated by Tad Hills

Readers will fall in love with Duck and Goose all over again in this newest offering from Tad Hill. DUCK & GOOSE GO TO THE BEACH follows best buds Duck and Goose as they set out on an adventure that takes them far from their familiar meadow. Goose is reluctant to leave the meadow, but Duck has his heart set on a hike and new sights. At the top a hill, Duck and Goose spot the beach, where they meet the locals, play in the waves, and lay in the sand. While Duck and Goose enjoy their new experiences, as evening approaches, they're ready to head home to the meadow they know and love.  Add on Goodreads.

Peanut Butter and Jellyfish
Written & Illustrated by Jarrett J. Krosoczka

Peanut Butter and Jellyfish love being best friends and exploring their underwater home, but they don't love Crabby, who constantly heckles the two friends and tries to make them feel bad. When Crabby finds himself in trouble, the Peanut Butter and Jellyfish decide to do the right thing and help Crabby, despite his previous bad behavior and taunts. Crabby is thankful that the two would help him after how horrible he's acting and gathers the courage to apologize and tell Peanut Butter and Jellyfish why he was so mean. A simple story about saying sorry and doing the right thing, PEANUT BUTTER AND JELLYFISH sends a straightforward and worthwhile message. Add on Goodreads.

The Adventures of Beekle: The Unimaginary Friend
Written & Illustrated by Dan Santat

"This magical story begins on an island far away where an imaginary friend is born. He patiently waits his turn to be chosen by a real child, but when he is overlooked time and again, he sets off on an incredible journey to the bustling city, where he finally meets his perfect match and-at long last-is given his special name: Beekle." I love, love, love everything Dan Santat does. His books are magic.  Add on Goodreads.

I Pledge Allegiance
Written by Pat Mora, Illustrated by Patrice Barton

Libby's aunt, Lobo, came from Mexico as a young girl and now, many years later, is becoming an American citizen. At the end of the week, Lobo will say the pledge of allegiance with the other new citizens and Libby will lead her class in saying the pledge. On the days leading up to Libby & Lobo's big day, they practice the pledge together and Lobo tells Libby why it's important to her to become a citizen: "When I was a young girl, my father wanted a safer place for us to grow up, and we came to the United States. The American flag - red, white, and blue - wrapped itself around me to protect me." I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE is a touching, beautiful story about the Pledge of Allegiance and being proud to be an American citizen. Add on Goodreads.

Following Papa's Song
Written & Illustrated by Gianna Marino

“Papa?”asked Little Blue.
“Are we going very far?”
“Yes, Little Blue. We will travel farther
than we have ever gone before.”

As two whales swim together through the big ocean, Little Blue has many questions for Papa, especially ones about the long migration. How will they know the way? Will he be able to keep up? What will they see along the way? Papa has answers for all these questions, but Little Blue remains curious as they begin their journey. What could be down below, where they can’t see? The answer is a magical world and Little Blue is enchanted . . .  until there is only darkness surrounding the young whale.  But if Little Blue is quiet and listens, can Little Blue hear Papa’s song? FOLLOWING PAPA'S SONG is beautiful and touching story filled with colorful and sweeping illustrations. Add on Goodreads.

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Love any of the books featured this week? Want to see a certain theme explore, author, or illustrator explored in an upcoming Story Time post? Let me know in the comments!