Great New Books for Little Ones
Counting on Birds by Kate Riggs & Jori van der Linde
Hot off the press, Counting on Birds delivers both math and science concepts in a fun and engaging way. Lovely earth-tone hued illustrations spring to life as readers spot one nest perched in a tree, followed by two loving parents that feed their three young birds. By the time readers reach the double digits, the feathered sibling set has already opened their eyes for the first time, had a nourishing meal of grasshoppers, nuts and berries, mastered the art of perching on a tree branch and taken to the skies.
Flora and the Ostrich: An Opposites Book by Molly Idle
What do Flora and an ostrich have in common? Well, not much. But they soon discover their differences are what make them the perfect match in this hilarious tale. Thick chunky board book pages with warm orange text unfold to feature Ostrich’s response to Flora’s silly antics. Written by Dreamworks animator and Caldecott Award-winning author and illustrator Molly Idle, this book pairs well with companion Flora books, where the young leading lady graces pages with a menagerie of friends ranging from chicks and penguins to peacocks and flamingos.
His Royal Highness, King Baby: A Terrible True Story by Sally Lloyd-Jones and David Roberts
All is well in the land of Happy Family until a young princess with a flair for the dramatic gets usurped from her throne by a new little tyrant she dubs His Royal Highness, King Baby. The little prince has stolen the show, but his older sister doesn’t understand why. After all, what’s so special about drooling and dirtying a diaper? Everything comes to a head when His Royal Highness approaches his first birthday and the forgotten princess finds out she does have a valuable role in the land after all. Relatable and funny, this would make a perfect gift for an older sibling.
I Want That Nut! By Madeline Valentine
Sharing is for the birds. At least, that’s what best buds Mouse and Chipmunk decide when they stumble upon the most exciting, the most riveting, the most delicious treasure around: an acorn! Both will stop at nothing to ensure they retrieve the nut back, safe and sound in their own paws. Only when the nut becomes unavailable do they realize what a waste is was to fritter around the day trying to steal when they could be playing together! Words and pictures collide in a winning combination by Pratt Institute graduate Madeline Valentine.
Nothing Rhymes with Orange by Adam Rex
Nothing is more frustrating than playing second fiddle to every fruit in the fruit basket, and that’s just how Orange feels when his produce pals perform in a showstopping parade, complete with a song that rhymes with each fruit’s name. After all, nothing rhymes with orange! Leave it to intuitive Apple to make sure everyone’s favorite citrus fruit is included, complete with an amazing new adjective, used to describe how incredible Orange really is. A silly way to instill character and teach inclusivity, this mixed media parable is whimsically crafted by Adam Rex.
Race Car Count by Rebecca Kai Dotlich and Michael Slack
Vroom! Vroom! In this counting book, race cars fly around the bend in hot pursuit of first place. In the process, even the youngest readers learn something about each of the 10 car’s quirky personalities while learning traffic laws in the process. Vibrant illustrations and simple rhyming text make this a winner and a great addition to any young racing enthusiast’s board book pile!
When’s My Birthday? by Julie Fogliano and Christian Robinson
Birthdays are so much fun! There’s just one problem: Our narrator can’t seem to remember when her birthday is. And so begins this tale brilliantly crafted by 2013 Ezra Jack Keats Award-winning author Julie Fogliano and illustrator Christian Robinson. Children can’t help but grow in anticipation of their own big day after reading this sweet tale. A perfect gift on a little one’s birthday.
Lauren Greenlee drinks copious amounts of coffee and stays up way too late reading. She’s passed down her love for warm drinks and the written word to her own three boys. She writes and resides in Olathe.