Learn something new – parents and kids – this month with these fantastic new picture books. Teachers, there are some choices here that you will want to add to your classroom. The outlier? A fun piñata book that is hard to resist for toddler story time.
“Hit the Piñata”
by Jeffrey Burton, illustrated by Neil Clark (Little Simon, ages 1 – 4).
Teach little ones all about piñatas with this bright, unique board book. Shake the book and surprises pop out – and probably giggles too.
“I Am La Chiva!: The Colorful Bus of the Andes”
by Karol Hernández, illustrated by Lorena Alvarez Gómez (Dial Books for Young Readers, ages 2 – 5)
Take a trip through the Andes on La Chiva, a beautiful bus bound for the mercado. This intricately illustrated picture book takes story time to new heights, with rhyming text that incorporates some Spanish lessons along the way. (There’s a handy glossary, in case your Spanish is a little rusty.) Read this one again and again, with new details to look for each time.
“Daughter of the Light-Footed People: The Story of Indigenous Marathon Champion Lorena Ramírez”
by Belen Medina, illustrated by Natalia Rojas Castro (Atheneum Books for Young Readers, ages 4 – 8)
This is the true story of Lorena Ramírez, an Indigenous Rarámuri ultramarathoner from Mexico, who runs in a traditional skirt and huaraches (sandals). It is also about family, tradition, perseverance and pride – all wonderful qualities to talk about as you share this story.
“Barrio Rising: The Protest That Built Chicano Park”
by María Dolores Águila, illustrated by Magdalena Mora (Dial Books for Young Readers, ages 4 – 8)
Another beautiful, true story – this time, young readers can learn about Chicano Park in San Diego. It was built because of the bravery and protest of the residents who live nearby. Their struggle continues. For older kids, be sure to share the more detailed history at the end.
“As the Seas Rise – Nicole Hernández Hammer and the Fight for Climate Justice”
by Angela Quezada Padron (Atheneum Books for Young Readers, ages 4 – 8)
This is a powerful picture book that is ideal for reading and discussing at home and in the science classroom. Environmental scientist Nicole Hernández Hammer empowers communities with the knowledge they need to fight for climate justice and make the world better for the next generation. After reading the story together, don’t miss the information in the book about Hammer, climate change, and what everyone can do to make a difference.
“The Wolf Effect – A Wilderness Revival Story”
by Rosanne Parry, illustrated by Jennifer Thermes (Greenwillow Books, ages 4 – 8)
This is an amazing book (for parents too!) about the resilience of nature and how we can protect it. Each member of the ecosystem plays an important role. Remove one, especially one as powerful as wolves in Yellowstone, and the ripples touch other animals, plants, even the earth itself.
“A Mind of Her Own: The Story of Mystery Writer Agatha Christie”
by Robyn McGrath, illustrated by Liz Wong (Beach Lane Books, ages 4 – 8)
This is how you engage young readers who are “always in their head.” The story of Agatha Christie as a young girl and then as struggling writer is wonderfully told, with an afterword that is not to be missed. Teachers, this is the start of a whole study unit in one picture book.
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