Reading to our kids is one of our favorite nightly rituals. We’ve rounded up picture books we love that’ll help instill a love of reading and understanding in your preschoolers.
Lovable Lucy Splish Splash Barkyard Bash
By Norma E. Roth and Shayna Rose Penn
Illustrated by Adua Hernandez
When Lovable Lucy’s family holds a barkyard bash, she has to figure out how to include each of her furry friends in the activities. She meets a character who raises deaf awareness, teaching young readers about inclusivity. Lucy also teaches your child about friendship, empathy and acceptance.
Little Lovable Lucy, You’re So Big!
By Norma E. Roth and Shayna Rose Penn
Illustrated by Adua Hernandez
Lucy is growing bigger and fluffier and is ready to take on the world, but she must learn important skills before she can explore her neighborhood. She has to be brave and overcome fears and frustrations. She also learns about self-growth, determination, encouragement, confidence and resilience.
Little Lovable Lucy’s Big Day
By Norma E. Roth and Shayna Rose Penn
Illustrated by Adua Hernandez
Adorable pup Lucy is meeting her forever family for the first time. This picture book addresses feelings, kindness and family life in a heartwarming adventure about love and family bonds.
Addie Ant Goes On An Adventure
By Maren Morris and Karina Argow
Illustrated by Kelly Anne Dalton
Releasing on April 9, this book by country singer-songwriter Maren Morris and her longtime best friend Karina Argow follows Addie Ant as she travels from one garden bed to another on her first solo adventure, getting lost along the way and finding help from her trusted garden pals to find her way home. The lessons she learns, including how to be brave and independent in a new setting, and when to ask for help, are timeless themes for young readers.
All About Nature
By Huda Harajli
Illustrated by Jane Sander
Discover the world outside through an intro to nature perfect for kids ages 3 to 5. This picture book of fun facts teaches preschool and kindergarten kids all about land, water, air, and critters big and small.
All of Those Babies
By Mylisa Larsen
Illustrated by Stephanie Laberis
The bouncy rhymes are perfect for reading along and incorporating fun new words and species’ baby names into your vocabulary: echidnas have puggles, porcupines have porcupettes and wombats have joeys. There’s a lesson for kids on how everyone is born and grows up.
“Ava Takes a Walk!”
By Henry Appiah
Illustrated by Tullip Studio
This book, which is a dedication to Henry’s daughter, takes kids on a journey with Ava and her father, as they embark on a whimsical stroll through their community. As Ava explores her surroundings, young readers will discover familiar sights and treasures hidden in plain sight.
Backyard Bugs: A Shine-a-Light Book
By Carron Brown and Wesley Robins
Your child will meet a humble earthworm wriggling in the soil, a spider spinning its strong, sticky web, and an enchanting moth taking flight in the moonlight. It’s a non-fiction book that explores bug habitats, bodies, diets and behaviors while encouraging your kids to get outside into their own yard to explore.
Beach Santa
By M.B. Paradise
Illustrated by Jay Asch and Erin McGrane
A former New Jersey Family Mom Crush, Ms. Paradise wrote a story about a man her kids saw when looking for shells down the Jersey Shore. A slim older gentleman with a white beard was fishing next to the family, and reached into his cargo vest to pull out three beautiful conch shells. One of her daughters said, “That guy is like a beach Santa.”
Boy Dad
By Sean Williams and Jay Davis
Your son will love reading this book with his father, learning all about the loving men who raise, nurture, and uplift their boys.
Bunnies, Cookies and a Robot!
By Ralph Greco Jr.
Illustrated by Joseph Swarctz
The Echo City Capers children’s book series is written and illustrated by Clifton, NJ, natives. This book includes three classic Echo City Jr. stories in a new hardcover, activity-filled special edition. The stories emphasize cooperation, how putting one’s smarts to a problem can often prompt a solution, and how each of us is unique and should be celebrated.
A Crowded Farmhouse Folktale
By Karen Rostoker-Gruber
Illustrated by Kristina Swarner
Farmer Earl has had enough—his home is too crowded! So, he visits the wise woman in town for help. She tells him to bring all his ducks in the house. Then all his horses. And all his goats, too! How will there be more room with all these animals? This updated folktale uses humor to explore what it takes to gain a new perspective and be grateful for what you have.
Dear Muslim Child
By Rahma Rodaah
Illustrated by Aya Ghanameh
The author of “Dear Black Child” will release “Dear Muslim Child” on February 6, a month before the start of Ramadan on March 10. The picture book is a love letter to Muslim children that celebrates the beauty and tradition of their religion and is meant to empower Muslim children to embrace and be proud of their faith. Author Rahma Rodaah has four children and is passionate about wanting them and others to see themselves in books. Aya Ghanameh is a Palestinian artist, writer and designer from Amman, Jordan.
Don’t Invite a Bear Inside for Hanukkah
By Karen Rostoker-Gruber
Illustrated by Carles Arbat
While he might try to be helpful with decorating and putting candles in the menorah, a bear will start to cause a mess soon enough, especially when latkes, gelt and other holiday food is served. Karen, who has ties to Brooklyn, Pompton Lakes and Branchburg, publishes her 17th book about how you can celebrate the holidays together, no matter your differences. You can preorder the book now before its November 5 release.
Find Momo Everywhere
By Andrew Knapp
Grief will be explained to the youngest readers through the loss of a pet. The story follows Andrew playing hide-and-seek all over the world with his best friend, to connecting with nature, to Momo’s final journey and Andrew holding his paw.
Find the Kind: The Biggest Day in Kindness History
By Samantha Berger
Illustrated by Marina Verola
Published by Highlights for Children, this story is quite an adventure as the Gnumans get ready to move. It’s a read-aloud story mixed with classic search-and-find, with a focus on kindness, friendship and community.
Flight to the Light
By Danny Barron
Illustrated by Nathan Barron
“Flight to the Light” follows the journey of a small June bug on a summer night, drawn to a bright streetlight. Along the way, the June bug meets friends like a buzzing cicada and faces challenges, including a hungry bat. This charming rhyming story not only introduces children to nature but also acts as a spiritual allegory, reminding readers of how we are all drawn to the light of Jesus. This illustrated Christian picture book is the first in the “What Could it Be?” series, designed to share God’s love through the wonders of nature.
Good Night Jersey Shore
By Adam Gamble and Mark Jasper
Illustrated by Brenna Hansen
Young beachgoers will tour Cape May, Asbury Park, Wildwood, Seaside Heights including its famous rides and carousel, Point Pleasant and Jenkinson’s Aquarium, boardwalks, beaches, surfing, local foods, wildlife, lighthouses, and more.
The Great Shape Debate
By Susanne Munn
Illustrated by Amy Towers
These Camden County moms (Susanne is from Cherry Hill and Amy is from Haddonfield) wrote a book that is for anyone who has ever struggled with being, feeling or looking different. One by one, the shapes give their opinion on which shape they’d rather be and why until they all realize: It’s OK to be you. The book comes out on June 3.
Hair Twins
By Raakhee Mirchandani
Illustrated by Holly Hatam
Written by an NJ mom, this is a charming story about the special hair bond between a Sikh father and his daughter as they proudly share their family traditions. Every morning, Papa combs through his daughter’s waves like he does his own. Some days he braids her hair in two twists down the side of her face, and other days he weaves it into one long braid hanging down her back, just like a unicorn tail. But her favorite style is when he combs her hair in a tight bun on the top of her head, just like the joora he wears every day under his turban.
The Highlights Big Book of Activities For Little Kids
Highlights for Children
Kids ages 3 to 6 and their parents can do more than 200 activities together.
In the Night
By Harriet Stone
Illustrated by David Partington
This board book about animal magic takes a nighttime journey so your kid can learn about nocturnal creatures as they turn each page.
Is This Love?
By Cedella Marley
Illustrated by Alea Marley
Are you singing the title? You should be because Bob Marley’s eldest child Cedella Marley wrote a book based on his famous song. The story is about an older child’s love for a younger sibling. From the moment she sees her baby sister, her big sister knows just what she’s going to do: love her and treat her right, every day and every night.
Journey to the Stars: Kalpana Chawla, Astronaut
By Laurie Wallmark and Raakhee Mirchandani
Illustrated by Maitreyi Ghosh
Kalpana Chawla set her sights on flight from an early age. She was told “no” many times in life, but after a long journey of dedication, perseverance and patience, she finally made it to space. The book is based on the true story of the first female Indian American astronaut.
Mia’s Mouses
By Joseph L. Licari
Illustrated by Victor Nieto
Mia is a young girl who loves to dance and learn. One day she makes friends with three little mice in her yard and spends all day with them. But Mia calls her friends mouses, even though her friends and family explain to her that “mice” is the correct word. Combining her curiosity with some help from her teacher, Mia learns the rules for making nouns plural. The story combines rhyming storytelling with educational value, addressing one of the common challenges children face in learning English grammar.
Miausi: The Calico Cat
Written and Illustrated by Karen Castellanos Vasquez
Miausi is a small, beautiful, adventurous Calico cat determined to achieve her dream of finding a family. Join Miausi in this unique adventure, full of tasty food and common places that are not so common for cats.
The Missing Red Envelopes
By Yobe Qiu World
As the Lunar New Year approaches, sisters Lorie and Weina from NYC eagerly anticipate the festive celebrations – from watching the vibrant parade to indulging in delicious Asian cuisine and cherishing precious family moments. The highlight of the occasion is receiving lucky red envelopes filled with surprises from their relatives. However, excitement turns to mystery when Weina realized she lost all of her red envelopes! What will they do?
My Thoughts Have Wings
By Maggie Smith
Illustrated by Leanne Hatch
Smith is the bestselling author of the viral poem “Good Bones,” known for going viral after catastrophic events in the past decade. In her debut children’s book, she creates a picture book for calming active minds at bedtime. The book, set to be released on February 13, has reassuring strategies for self-soothing that can help adults, too.
The Night Before Preschool
By Natasha Wing
Illustrated by Amy Wummer
Natasha has a series of books titled “The Night Before,” ranging from school days to holidays to doctors’ visits and more. They are available in paperback or hard cover, and some are translated into Spanish. In “The Night Before Preschool,” a little boy is so nervous he can’t fall asleep. The friends he makes the next day at school give him a reason not to sleep the next night, either: he’s too excited about going back. The story will help calm the nerves and make kids excited about going to school.
Our Lunar New Year
By Yobe Qiu World
Xiao Mao, Hang, Kwan, Charu and Malai celebrate Lunar New Year in their own special way. You’ll learn how each one of the Chinese, Korean, Thai, Vietnamese and Indian children, and their families, honors Lunar New Year, from dragon dances in China to firecrackers in India.
Over in the Forest: A woodland baby animal counting book
By Marianne Berkes
Illustrated by Jill Dubin
Kids will count baby animals as they learn about forests and the animals in the forest habitat in this book for young explorers.
Roxie Loves Adventure
By Sudipta Bardhan-Quallen
Illustrated by Leeza Hernandez
Your kids will love this bougie pup who encourages them to get out of their comfort zone. Roxie the pug lives a life of luxury and never has to lift a paw. But one night, she has to GO and her humans are asleep – and the door locks behind her when she leaves! Will Roxie be stuck outside forever without her toys, treats and tummy rubs? She goes on an adventure trying to find her way back indoors to her normal life.
Sara’s New Country and New Friend / El Nuevo País y La Nueva Amiga de Sara
By Daniela Palacios
Illustrated by Patricia Patalinjug
Sara just moved to the United States from Ecuador. On her first day of school, she meets Riley, a Mexican-American girl. Throughout the school day, Sara and Riley teach each other their native languages and share about their cultures. The book includes an exclusive coloring page for you reader. Daniela Palacios of Newark is the founder of Para KIDS!, a bilingual children’s book company dedicated to empowering students to become and remain bilingual through engaging Spanish and English books.
Sea Smiles
By Bonnie Kelso
When an otherwise harmless apple becomes the instrument for losing a tooth, a young girl is ready to retire her smile. That is, until she discovers teeth can give us all a lot to smile about. This is a fun story for kids who’ve lost a tooth, are about to, or just love learning about animals with weird teeth in the sea.
Sometimes I Get …
By Ralph Greco Jr.
Illustrated by Joseph Swarctz
“Sometimes I Get …” is a book about emotions. Rose is trying to understand why she gets mad, stuck, happy, scared, sad, shy and loved. The Echo City Capers children’s book series is written and illustrated by Clifton, NJ, natives.
Sprinkles Did It!
By Ralph Greco Jr.
Illustrated by Joseph Swarctz
Eugene explores the fun – and the power – of imagination through adventures with his new friend, Sprinkles. But there’s a difference between what’s real and what’s pretend, as Eugene soon discovers. The Echo City Capers children’s book series is written and illustrated by Clifton, NJ, natives.
Stella And The Mystery of the Missing Tooth
By Clothilde Ewing
Illustrated by Lynn Gaines
Stella, her bestie Roger, and her second-best friend Owen are excited to go see Sue the T-rex at the museum, but when Owen has to leave early because he lost a tooth, Stella becomes determined to find it for him. How did he manage to lose a tooth? Was it stolen? Could the tooth fairy be responsible? Nothing will keep Stella from her investigation, even if she and Roger fear their own teeth could be stolen too. Bookshop.org is offering a 15% discount from February 1-29 for Black History Month using code “BHM24” at checkout.
Suit Up For Launch With Shay!
By Sharon Caples McDougle
Illustrated by Cristielle Pimenta
Why do astronauts wear the suit? Why is it orange? What is it made of? How do you put it on? How do you go to the bathroom in it? Come along with Shay to get answers to these questions and more as she learns all about the orange spacesuit astronauts wear when they launch into space. The author, Sharon McDougle, is a former space shuttle escape equipment crew chief and suit tech.
Sydney’s Big Speech
By Malcolm Newsome
Illustrated by Jade Orlando
In this picture book that’s about perseverance, overcoming challenges, and working hard to achieve your goals, Sydney learns to conquer her fear of public speaking at school, in this affectionate father-daughter story referencing inspiring role models who dealt with similar issues. Sydney’s journey includes practice; encouragement from her loving dad; and a dose of inspiration from such luminaries as Shirley Chisholm, Carol Moseley Braun, Condoleezza Rice and Kamala Harris. Bookshop.org is offering a 15% discount from February 1-29 for Black History Month using code “BHM24” at checkout.
This Baby. That Baby.
By Cari Best
Illustrated by Rashin Kheiriyeh
This darling picture book that comes out on February 27 is about two baby friends who live across from each other in high-rise apartment buildings. This baby meows like his cat and that baby barks like her dog. This baby listens to a story and that baby sings a song. Soon both babies are hungry and a little cranky — how will this mama and that papa make them feel better? A playdate in the park, of course!
What Do Brothas Do All Day?
By Ajuan Mance
Inspired by Richard Scarry’s “What Do People Do All Day?,” these portraits of Black men engaged in everyday life celebrate the deep roots and rich cultures of African American communities.
Where’s Bearry?
By Joe Gatto
Illustrated by Luke Flowers
After a long day of play, Remo has brushed his teeth, put his pajamas on, and gotten into bed, ready to sleep. Nothing can separate him from the sweet dreams he’s about to have. Remo needs his stuffed teddy bear to sleep but his best friend is missing. The book is written by comedian, actor, producer and former star of Impractical Jokers TV show.
Words
By Katherine Davis-Gibbon
Illustrated by Anne Berry
This book teaches kids that words are a lot like people, and can be warm and inviting, or pushy and odd. However, the ones that make a bad first impression can turn things around. This is a way to introduce kids to the power of words.
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