A day in the life of residents of a sizeable apartment begins when a large clock on its front reads 6. It’s morning. Though some people are already at work, most start at 7. Readers will enjoy following activities throughout the day as only the time, sky, and activities change. Detailed papercut illustrations are unique and engaging.
All in a Day
One side of the accordion folds out to show a range of human faces (plus one canine). Infants can see familiar toys and objects on the other side of the foldout. Sturdy pages and bright, simple illustrations are just right for the youngest to examine again and again.
Look: A Tummy Time Book
Young Leo and his dad enjoy a day exploring nature, observing small creatures, and looking at trees and animals. Realistic illustrations and simple language enhance the shared joy.
Leo on a Hike
One toddler thinks she can get dressed all by herself but winds up needing her sister’s help. In Muy verde! / Too Green!, another child is reluctant to try a new green soup but once he does, he wants more! Both attractive board books capture familiar experiences through cheerful, expressive illustrations and short text. Both books are available in bilingual (Spanish/English) editions.
By Myself!
Leo and his mother meet Yu and her mom for a summer day of play in the park, which ends with a picnic. In another picture book by the same author (this one illustrated in a similar style by Rosalind Beardshaw), Lola’s Nana-Bibi Comes to Visit (opens in a new window), Lola and her parents prepare for a visit from Lola’s grandmother. Together the family shares everyday pleasures from cooking to hair braiding. Leo and Lola remind us that there is joy in commonplace activities.
Leo at the Park
A chill is in the air and Bear knows it is time for her winter nap. But first, she must tell Snail. And Snail must tell Skunk. And Skunk must tell Turtle. Each animal who tries to put off going to sleep just a little longer sees, smells, hears, or tastes the signs of the impending season. Finally, Ladybug rushes off to tell Bear — already asleep in her cave — the exciting news. A warm-hearted story about animals of the forest settling down for their winter nap. But, like children who must go to bed for the night, they each find a way to put it off just a little bit longer.
Time to Sleep
A child wonders as she wanders on the beach while visiting grandparents. Lush, textured illustrations echo and expand the child’s musings on a glorious day. Husband and wife creators capture this joy-filled experience.
Little Houses
What can people learn from dogs? How to BE in the moment from waking to bedtime and through the seasons! Charming collage illustrations and straightforward text encourage readers to smell, taste, feel, and see with canine simplicity.
Being a Dog: A Tail of Mindfulness
Every day, everywhere, babies are born. They’re kissed and dressed and rocked and fed — and completely adored by the families that love them. With rhyming text and charming illustrations, this board book is an exuberant celebration of playing, sleeping, crawling, and, of course, very noisy babies doing all the wonderful things babies do best.
Everywhere Babies
Rhythmic text and illustrations with universal appeal show a toddler spending the day with its mommies. From hide-and-seek to dress-up, then bath time and a kiss goodnight, there’s no limit to what a loving family can do together. Share the loving bond between same-sex parents and their children in this hearttwearming story of family. See also Daddy, Papa, and Me (opens in a new window) by the same creators.
Mommy, Mama, and Me
Families with same-sex parents are celebrated in this board book that follows busy moms and their kids throughout their day — eating breakfast, going on a playdate, heading to the pool for a swim, and settling back in at night with a bedtime story and a good-night lullaby. See also My Two Dads and Me (opens in a new window) by the same creators.
My Two Moms and Me
This child and their parent are almost ready for story time – but first, they must find the perfect seat! This cozy picture book takes readers through various opposites (“Too rough! Too slippery!”) as characters search for just the right spot.
The Perfect Seat
When Javier is having breakfast at 7 a.m. in Mexico, it’s 8 a.m. in New York City and Kayla is getting her backpack ready for school. Meet kids from around the world and find out what they’re doing one hour at a time. This brief look at different places, times, and cultures is expressively illustrated punctuated with visual and textual detail.
One Moment in Time
As Billy blew out the candles on his birthday cake, an ambulance rushes down the street. Could his wish for some excitement have caused a dear neighbor friend to become ill? Billy and his family, first introduced in The Year of Billy Miller (opens in a new window) return in this quiet, touching, and relatable standalone volume.
Billy Miller Makes a Wish
The joy of a summer swim in a pool is jubilantly depicted in animated illustrations augmented by well-placed, lyrical language that bubbles up along with the young swimmer. The girl is ultimately joined by a more reluctant younger swimmer with floaties on his arms, sure to reassure more timid swimmers that pleasure awaits.
Bubbles … Up!
A boy and his playful pup have a great day outdoors — best day ever! That is until the pup gets in a bit of trouble. All’s well that ends well though, and boy and dog return outside to play. The illustrations depict the boy unhindered by his wheelchair in this inclusive and appealing book.
Best Day Ever!
A cat and dog live together and are awakened at the same time. Their distinct personalities shine through in line drawings and limited text on open pages that follow them through the day. Sometimes the pair cooperate, other times they are distinctly different, but always likeable.
Yes & No
Momo, a black and white border collie, explores the great outdoors with a young canine friend named Boo. Crisp photographs on sturdy, well-designed pages make this seek-and-find book and adventure as well as an opportunity to talk about what young readers are viewing.
Let’s Find Momo Outdoors!
Kenny is a whirlwind of everyday activities. Children will recognize what Kenny does in four vignettes — from getting up to getting dressed to getting ready for bed with lots in-between. Swirling black lines and touches of color on open pages present an active boy in a warm family.
Time for Kenny
A kitten’s play is temporarily halted with a bump and thump down some stairs. The comforting mother, however, makes sure all is well and soon the animated play begins again. Jaunty illustrations and alliterative language create a memorable play day.
Joy
Photographs of infants on their tummies are accompanied by a brief and reassuring, gently rhyming text. This lively board book unfolds accordion-style and can be placed upright — tummy-time babies will lift their heads to see the beautiful, diverse faces surrounding them.
Tummy Time Friends
Jabari is definitely ready to jump off the diving board. He’s finished his swimming lessons and passed his swim test, and he’s a great jumper, so he’s not scared at all. “Looks easy,” says Jabari, watching the other kids take their turns. But when his dad squeezes his hand, Jabari squeezes back. This simple tale about overcoming your fears captures a moment between a patient and encouraging father and a determined little boy.
Jabari Jumps
A mother and daughter look forward to their special Saturday routine together every single week. But this Saturday, one thing after another goes wrong. The up-and-down journey that reminds them of what’s best about Saturdays: precious time together.
Saturday
Fox and Rabbit, unlikely friends with very different personalities, visit a fair, go to the beach, start a garden, and more in five stories. Charming and gently humorous, this is the first in a new, engaging graphic novel series.