Great New Books for Young Readers
Looking for some story time inspiration? Check out these new releases sure to please even the pickiest little reader in your home!
Dinosaur Dance! by Sandra Boynton
Who knew dinosaurs were so light on their feet? From the ferocious T. rex to the flittering pterodactyl, each dinosaur has a full page to showcase its favorite dance moves in the latest Boynton book, Dinosaur Dance. These adorable behemoths shimmy, shake and quivery quake in a way that will inspire your preschoolers to tap their toes along to the beat of the hilarious prehistoric party text.
Indestructibles: Beach Baby by Kate Merritt
Indestrucibles is a line of books that lives up to the name, providing durable reads that are built with babies in mind. This series can withstand anything that’s thrown at them, from drooling to chewing, bath time to rough play. One hundred percent baby proof, the nontoxic paper-like pages can take a beating. And if they get dirty, a wash in the dishwasher will have them good as new! The latest read, Beach Baby, is a perfect way to introduce the younger crowd to a day on the beach. And, you guessed it, it’s also sand-proof, sunscreen-proof and waterproof!
If You Give a Mouse a Brownie by Laura Numeroff
If you thought Mouse only had a thing for cookies, you’re in for a treat when he makes a comeback for his new favorite dessert: brownies! Hilarity ensues when Mouse decides brownies need ice cream. And ice cream needs a spoon. And a spoon, after all, is a perfect tool for drumming on the table…which inspires Mouse to start a band. In true Numeroff style, this ninth title in the If You Give series gives its readers a wild and playful ride that starts and ends with chocolate—and what could be better than that?
Les Miserables: A Babylit French Language Primer by Jennifer Adams
Victor Hugo for toddlers? You’d better believe it! Little ones can get a taste of the classics thanks to the Babylit series, which introduces babies to characters and plot lines of revered literary favorites. In the newest edition, author Jennifer Adams couples lovely illustrations with text in both French and English. A perfect baby shower gift for all the bibliophiles in your life!
Llama Llama Yum Yum Yum! by Anna Dewdney
For over a decade, Llama Llama has delighted the preschool crowd through a slew of zany adventures. In the last of the series, Llama Llama and his mother whip up tasty treats in the kitchen and invite your little one to scratch and sniff their scrumptious creations, which include orange juice, pink juice, jelly, pickles and a cherry! Llama Llama encourages healthy eating choices through engaging rhymes and simple text that fans have grown to know and love from Llama Llama’s beloved author, Anna Dewdney, who, sadly, passed away this year.
Sheep Go to Sleep by Nancy Shaw
It’s bedtime, but the sheep can’t seem to get to sleep. An ever-patient border collie comes to their aid only to find that helping sheep hit the hay isn’t easy! Soft-colored pencil illustrations and soothing text will have your own reluctant sleepyheads counting sheep in no time. The perfect bedtime story!
This Is a Serious Book by Jodie Parachini
Reading a serious books calls for a lot of rules. First and foremost, there are absolutely no funny faces, no silly voices and no shenanigans allowed whatsoever. Readers must be respectful and stoic at all times. And so begins this side-splitting page-turner that has the narrator at odds with the characters, who take it upon themselves to ruin the nature of the story. It can only mean one thing: this best-seller is seriously funny!
We Found a Hat by Jon Klassen
We Found a Hat tells the tale of two tortoises that stumble upon a hat that happens to look fabulous on both of them. The problem is, there are two of them and only one hat. What are these reptile besties to do? In a surprising turn of events, the tortoises decide their friendship trumps the envied fashion accessory, proving kindness—unlike a hat—never goes out of style. This is a sweet read-aloud with equally pleasing muted-tone illustrations from famed Caldecott medalist Jon Klassen.
Freelance writer Lauren Greenlee is an Olathe mom whose favorite parenting activity is reading aloud to her three sons.