Storytime: New and Notable Picture Books (18)

This week's Storytime features a wordless rainy day adventure, a late bloomer, a lost whale, a bunny with ninja skills, and a scaredy cat or two.

Float

Written & Illustrated by Daniel Miyares
Ages 4-8

Buy It 
Goodreads

A boy's small paper boat and his large imagination fill the pages of this wordless picture book, a modern-day classic from the creator of Pardon Me! that includes endpaper instructions for building a boat of your own.

A little boy takes a boat made of newspaper out for a rainy-day adventure. The boy and his boat dance in the downpour and play in the puddles, but when the boy sends his boat floating down a gutter stream, it quickly gets away from him.

So of course the little boy goes on the hunt for his beloved boat and when the rain lets up, he finds himself on a new adventure altogether.

If you're intimidated by wordless picture books, but want to give one a try, be sure to pick up Daniel Miyares' Float! This gorgeously illustrated story follows a boy as he searches for his lost paper boat. Lots of action and detailed illustrations will quickly engage readers and provide plenty to explore.

And Nick
Written by Emily Gore; Illustrated by Leonid Gore
Ages 4-8

 Buy It
Goodreads

There are four mice brothers: Rick, Mick, Vick and Nick!

Nick is the youngest, and while his brothers each know exactly what they want, Nick is never quite sure. Which color shirt is the nicest? What does Nick want to eat? Which flower will be best to pick from the meadow? Nick doesn't know! But... He might just be waiting for the right moment to bloom.

I loved this story about Nick, a late bloomer who is always trailing behind his brothers. The theme and quiet illustrations of this one reminded me of Leo the Late Bloomer, which was one of my favorites growing up!
 

To the Sea
Written & Illustrated by Cale Atkinson
Ages 2-5

Buy It

Goodreads

Sometimes Tim feels invisible at school-until one day, when Tim meets Sam. But Sam isn't just any new friend: he's a blue whale, and he can't find his way home! Returning Sam to the sea is hard work, but Tim is determined to help. After all, it's not every day you meet a new friend!

This picture book about the power of friendship by new talent Cale Atkinson is brought to life by charming, dynamic illustrations.

Cale Atkinson is one of my new favorite author/illustrators! The color choices paired with this heartwarming story of a boy who befriends a lost whale have lodged themselves in my mind (and heart!).

Ninja Bunny
Written & Illustrated by Jennifer Gray Olson
Ages 3-7

Buy It
Goodreads

A fresh, funny, and hip picture book about a little bunny who wants to be…a ninja!

How to be a SUPER AWESOME NINJA:
· Rule #1. You must always work alone.
· Rule #2. You must be super sneaky, especially in the most dangerous of situations.
· Rule #3. A super awesome ninja must: possess incredible strength, achieve invisibility, master the skill of climbing, gain the ability to fly….

Our little bunny is ready to embark on his path to becoming a ninja. But is he cut out for the ninja life? Especially if it means leaving his friends behind?

In Ninja Bunny, one little bunny is willing to do whatever it takes to become a super awesome ninja, even if that means going solo. But, after coming up against a big enemy, Ninja Bunny realizes that sometimes you need a little help from your friends - and that's okay too! Ninja Bunny is a perfect reminder that asking for help and needing your friends doesn't mean you're not super awesome.
 

Miss Hazeltine's Home for Shy and Fearful Cats
Written by Alicia Potter; Illustrated by Birgitta Sif
Ages 5-8

Buy It
Goodreads

A tale with many tails, perfect for cat lovers everywhere!

Miss Hazeltine is opening a very special school for shy and fearful cats. They come from all over, and Miss Hazeltine gives them lessons in everything, from “Bird Basics” to “How Not to Fear the Broom.”

The most timid of all is Crumb. He cowers in a corner. Miss Hazeltine doesn’t mind. But when she gets in trouble and only Crumb knows where she is, will he find his inner courage and lead a daring rescue?

Filled with adorable illustrations and ideal for fans of Disappearing Desmond and The Invisible Boy, Miss Hazeltine’s Home for Shy and Fearful Cats is a story that’s perfect for shy and fearful children as it both helps them face scary situations and accepts them just as they are.

At Miss Hazeltine's Home for Shy and Fearful Cats even the most timid cats are welcome. Here, cats will learn how to brave scary noises and brooms, as well as how to climb up (and down too)! Little Crumb struggles to overcome his fears but, when Miss Hazeltine goes missing, he might be the only one who can save her. Bolstered by love, Crumb leads the troupe of shy and fearful cats out into the dark, where they work together to bring Miss Hazeltine home. A fantastic story about overcoming your fears and believing in yourself, this read aloud is sure to make readers smile.

 ___________________________________________

Love any of the books featured this week? Let me know in the comments!