Top Shelf: I Am a Story

Sometimes, you find that perfect picture book. For me, I Am a Story falls into this top category.

Dan Yaccarino follows story from being told around a fire to cell phones today. Story has been carved into cave walls and clay. It's been printed, woven, and acted. It's been banned and given to all through public libraries. It's been burned, but yet, story still inspires.

Here is a beautiful tribute to story. Graphic, flat illustrations, heavy on line, dance in this work. What a treasure for libraries to hold I Am a Story.

I Am a Story
by Dan Yaccarino
Harper, 2016

Mommy Snuggles and Daddy Dreams: Anne Gutman and Georg Hallensleben

Two sweet board books from Anne Gutman and Georg Hallensleben. First published in France, the thick paintings pair beautifully with the simple text.

Mommy Snuggles compares how different animals carry their babies. Daddy Dreams illustrates how various animals sleep, while their offspring watch. Both works close with humans.

There is a gentle tone in both works that is perfect for snuggling down and dreaming.

Mommy Snuggles
Daddy Dreams
by Anne Gutman and Georg Hallensleben
Chronicle Books, 2017

More, More, More: We're All Wonders

"Look with kindness and you will always find wonder."

R.J. Palacio has brought the content of her bestselling middle grade novel to a picture book format. Writing and illustrating We're All Wonders, she illustrates how one child formed differently forbears under bullying. With hurt feelings, he is ultimately able to hope all might recognize we are each wonders.

The graphic imagery and large format portraying diverse people is bold and beautiful. This is a call for kindness. Please share it with your readers!

"I know I can't change the way I look. BUT maybe, just maybe, people can change the way they see."

We're All Wonders
by R.J. Palacio
Knopf, Borzoi Books, 2017

I Love My Mommy, I Love My Daddy: Sebastien Braun

I Love My Mommy and I Love My Daddy is a sweet set of board books from Sebastien Braun. A simple list of what parents do for their babies is gathered and rendered warmly. Paintings of animals and their offspring glow in the illustrations.

My mommy watches
me while I play.
My mommy takes
me swimming.

My daddy looks
after me.
My daddy cuddles me.

The charm is in the imagery and will likely draw and comfort your totz.

I Love My Mommy
I Love My Daddy
by Sebastien Braun
Katherin Tegen Books, Board Book Format, 2017

Mighty Dads

 Father's Day is June 18!

Mighty Dads is my celebration

of you dads, who pave the way for your

daughters and sons.

You guys roar, roar, ROAR!

Thank you, dads!

Find activities here.