2023 Bookshelf: My Favorite Picture Books
In the enchanting world of children's literature, each year brings a treasure trove of delightful picture books that captivate young minds and warm the hearts of young and old readers. As we step into the pages of 2024, it's a pleasure to share with you my personal selection of favorite picture books from 2023. These stories have left an indelible mark on my heart and have also woven a tapestry of wonder, imagination, and life lessons for readers. Join me on this literary journey as we explore the magic, creativity, and heartwarming tales that make these picture books stand out in the ever-growing landscape of children's literature.
At the forefront of my list of remarkable books stands "BIG," my favorite. This book holds a special place in my heart as a Black woman because it touches upon a subject that resonates deeply with me. Far too often, Black women are confronted with stereotypes that label us as "too loud," "too aggressive,” or just plain too much - BIG. This narrative isn't something that starts when Black women reach adulthood; it's a burden we carry from a young age. "Big" addresses this reality, highlighting the universal desire for individuals to find a sense of belonging while staying true to themselves.
BIG by Vashti Harrison is the perfect book to show students they do not have to fit in the box others (literally or figuratively) try to put them in.
Aren’t you too big to cry?
Have you tried to be smaller?
Why can’t you just fit in?
Be BIG, be happy, and be yourself is the message in Big.
BIG shows how individuals can reclaim their power by returning instead of holding on to hateful words from others.
"Wombats are Pretty Weird" is a delightful book filled with charming illustrations and a wealth of fascinating facts about these unique creatures. Whether you're an educator planning a unit on marsupials, interested in Australian wildlife, or simply have a penchant for the wonderfully weird in the animal kingdom, this book is an absolute must-read.
Wombats are Pretty Weird: A [Not So] Serious Guide by Abi Cushman. Explores facts such as the fact that there are three distinct wombat species. These marvelous marsupials can cover up to 2.5 miles in a single night and have pouches like kangaroos. And here's the kicker: their teeth exhibit perpetual growth, and their peculiar cube-shaped excrement adds an extra layer of fascination to these remarkable creatures. This book's illustrations and facts made it one of my favorite reads of 2023.
Have you ever had the opportunity to witness a cave drawing in person? Personally, I haven't, but diving into the pages of "Ancestry: The Mystery and Majesty of Ancient Cave Art" provides a captivating glimpse into the five essential questions: who, what, when, where, and why of cave drawings. The book's stunning visuals and the wealth of information presented in the text made it an utterly enjoyable and enlightening experience.
Ancestory: The Mystery and Majesty of Ancient Cave Art by Hannah Salyer delves into the enigmatic world of cave art across the globe. The book delves deep into the techniques and historical context behind these diverse drawings. One particularly intriguing aspect is the depiction of ancient animals only surviving within these cave walls.
I recently found an intriguing interview with Jason Reynolds, a beloved author whose work I deeply admire. He told a fascinating tale about coming across a picture that Chester Higgins Jr. had taken. The image depicts renowned authors gathered in a New York library to celebrate the legacy of Langston Hughes. Jason Reynolds found this picture incredibly compelling and, inspired by it, ventured into the world of picture books for the first time. If you're as intrigued as I was, I highly recommend checking out Jason Reynolds' debut picture book. Hughe's ashes are concealed on the library floor, and guests are there to celebrate him and his wonderful literary works.
“Laughter, the language of ha ha ha, loud like the love in the library..." There Was A Party for Langston King O’Letters by Jason Reynolds, Illustrated by Jerome and Jarrett Pumphrey, is a celebration It’s an invitation to blow out for Langston Hughes. You will not believe the guest list.
Who knew mushrooms could be interesting? Because of the illusions, Fungi Grow is fascinating. The picture truly enhances the reading and makes learning about mushroom growth fascinating.
Fungi Grow by Maria Gianferrari, illustrated by Diana Sudyka, explains pretty much anything you might want to know about mushrooms. It explains how they twist, vine, bear fruit, and root. Furthermore, some are toxic, some are medicinal, and some are edible.
I love a good stereotype-busting book. Boys Don't Fry does exactly that. It challenges the idea that boys cannot or should not cook. I do no know why some people still don’t want boys to learn to cook, but watching the Cooking Channel should change their view.
A young Malaysian boy defies gender expectations in Kimberly Lee's book Boys Don't Fry (2023), which Charlene Chua illustrated. He wants to help his family cook, but when he volunteers, he is told that he will only get in the way and that the kitchen is not a playground until his grandmother, the queen of the castle, steps in and invites him into the kitchen.
I strongly oppose the practice of book banning, as it has far-reaching negative consequences. Banning books is not only detrimental to individual freedoms but also stifles intellectual growth and restricts our access to "window books" – those that provide insights into the lives of others—and "mirror books" – those that reflect our identities. This issue is particularly critical for marginalized communities.
Rather than resorting to book bans, promoting open dialogue, encouraging critical thinking, and addressing concerns through constructive discussions is essential. By fostering an environment where diverse viewpoints can coexist and be examined thoughtfully, we can better understand one another and work toward a more inclusive and informed society.
The Great Banned-Books Bake Sale by Aya Khalil Banned Banned! What does that mean? Kenzi and her class go to their school library and find that books about Black, Brown, and immigrant children are gone. The students sponsored a bake sale to raise money for books and protested to express how removing the books from the school library made them feel.
Tomfoolery!: Randolph Caldecott and the Rambunctious Coming-of-Age of Children's Books explains the person behind the many awesome children’s books to enjoy. The book is the biography of Randolph Caldecott. I loved learning Caldecott's story and how picture books evolved.
Tomfoolery!: Randolph Caldecott and the Rambunctious Coming-of-Age of Children's Books by Michelle Markel, illustrated by Barbara McClintock. In 1850, picture books were rigid and uninviting. However, Randolph Caldecott, whose inventive and creative pictures turned the original picture books into the happy works of literature we are familiar with today. This picture book biography tells the story of Caldecott, his creative pictures, and his actions before publishing his first picture books in 1878. It includes a list of his books, an index, and annotations.
"My Teacher Has Tattoos" is another book that challenges stereotypes. It's interesting how some aspects of education remain unchanged despite evolving times. When I began teaching over 30 years ago, teachers often concealed their tattoos as if they were a source of shame or a scarlet letter. Visible tattoos were considered taboo for various reasons. While attitudes have shifted over the years and tattoos have become more acceptable, there are still individuals who struggle to see educators as regular people, and this makes them believe teachers having tattoos is unprofessional. That's why this book holds a special place on my list. I appreciate the story's message and how it emphasizes to students and their parents that having a tattoo should not be viewed negatively or as unprofessional. The book encourages us to embrace diversity and recognize that educators are multifaceted individuals with unique identities.
My Teacher Has Tattoos by Darron Lopez, illustrated by Bhagya Madanasinghe, is a great book for exploring stereotypes. Xavier has his first male teacher, Mr. Mendoza, who is also his baseball coach. One day, Xavier sees something under Mr. Lopez’s sleeve. Could that be a tattoo? If it is a tattoo, does that mean the teacher is a bad guy? After all, only bad guys have tattoos.
In times when both students and teachers are experiencing heightened stress levels for various reasons, books that delve into the realm of social-emotional awareness are an absolute necessity. "Taco Falls Apart" boasts captivating illustrations and features quirky characters that add depth to the narrative. What truly stands out is the book's powerful and meaningful message, which resonates strongly with readers. It serves as a valuable resource for addressing the complex emotions that individuals may encounter, providing insights and guidance for navigating through challenging situations.
One day, Taco hits his breaking point. He gets many ideas from the condiments, toppings, and side dishes on how to make himself feel better. Taco Falls Apart by Brenda S. Miles, Art by Monika Filipina shared ideas to help you stand tall when you feel like cracking.
"Where are you from?" This inquiry may ring a bell depending on your location, appearance, or heritage. At times, it's posed innocently. Perhaps your accent strikes a chord, evoking a sense of home, or your distinctive curly red hair piques people's curiosity. "I'm From" serves as a window into my world. It is a mirror book for me. I share a strikingly similar background to the young Black boy in the book, and reading it feels like revisiting my childhood.
I’m From by Gary R. Gray Jr., illustrated by Oge Mora, looks into the everyday life of a young Black boy in his community. Mora's exquisite drawings enrich the perception of the hero's surroundings and encounters. Although the focus of this book is on a Black family, children of all ethnicities and gender identities will be able to identify with the main character, feeling out of place for anything that externally casts him as “different” from others.
