Story Time: New & Notable Picture Books

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

Sparky!

Written by Jenny Offill; Illustrated by Chris Appelhans

The little girl in SPARKY! is promised a pet - "as long as it doesn't need to be walked or bathed or fed." The helpful local librarian introduces the girl to the sloth, which in addition to being the laziest animal in the world, fulfills all of her mother's requirements. When the sloth arrives, she names him Sparky and, once delivered to his tree in the back yard, he doesn't wake for two whole days. Sparky might not be like most pets - he doesn't fetch or roll over, though he is really quite good at playing statue - but she loves him all the same. Adorable illustrations and a quirky story about a girl and her pet sloth, SPARKY! is sure to become a new favorite! Add on Goodreads.

How to Babysit a Grandma
Written by Jean Reagan; Illustrated by Lee Wildish

 

A companion to HOW TO BABYSIT A GRANDPA, Jean Reagan's new book tackles everything you need to know about babysitting a grandma. Filled with fun activities and illustrations, kids and grandmothers alike will delight in HOW TO BABYSIT A GRANDMA and be left eagerly awaiting their next babysitting adventure. Add on Goodreads.

A Gift for Mama
Written by Linda Ravin Lodding; Illustrated by Alison Jay

In A GIFT FOR MAMA a kind young boy searches the streets of Vienna for the perfect birthday gift for his mother. When he sees a gorgeous yellow rose, he knows he has found the perfect gift for his mother, but a series of chance meetings cause the boy to trade away the rose and each gift he chooses to those in greater need. A beautifully illustrated read aloud story with lessons of kindness and love, A GIFT FOR MAMA is sure to enchant.  Add on Goodreads.

Mama's Day with Little Gray
Written by Aimee Reid, Illustrated by Laura J. Bryant

As Mama and Little Gray spend a day together, Little Gray contemplates life with Mama after he grows up. "Mama," Little Gray asks, "When I grow up, will you grow down?" Simple and touching illustrations paired with the quiet conversation between a mother elephant and her calf makes this picture book a perfect gift for mothers with children of all ages. Add on Goodreads.

The Most Magnificent Thing
Written & Illustrated by Ashley Spires

Ashley Spires might be best known for her Adventures of Binky the Space Cat, but readers will quickly fall in love with THE MOST MAGNIFICENT THING. When a little girl and her dog set out to make the most magnificent thing, the girl, with her dog as assisting, expects it to be a piece of cake. Many tries later, she's frustrated and explosively calling it quits! When her assistant suggests a walk to cool off, the girl reluctantly agrees, and, before long, she's seeing things from a different perspective. Armed with a new point-of-view, she notices that they are good things about all of her mistakes. Suddenly, she knows exactly what she must do to finally make the most magnificent thing... and that perfect changes with perspective.  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!