Close Menu
    Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram Pinterest LinkedIn YouTube TikTok
    • Home
    • Submission Guidelines
    • Advertise
    • Mentorship
    • Editing Services
    • About
    • Contact
    Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram Pinterest TikTok
    The Children's Book Review
    Subscribe
    • Books by Subject
    • Books by Age
      • Ages 0-3, Infant and Toddler
      • Ages 4-8, Preschool to Elementary
      • Ages 9-12, Preteen and Tween
      • Ages 12+, Teen and Young Adult
      • Books for First Grade Readers
      • Books for Second Grade Readers
      • Books for Third Grade Readers
    • Favorites
      • Diverse and Inclusive Books
      • Books About Activism
      • Best Books for Kids
      • Star Wars Books
      • Board Books
      • Books About Mindfulness
      • Dr. Seuss Books
    • Showcase
    • Interviews
      • Growing Readers Podcast
      • Author Interviews and Q&A
      • Illustrator Interviews
    • Kids’ Book Giveaways
    • Directory
    • Podcast
    The Children's Book Review

    Best New Picture Books | December 2016

    Bianca SchulzeBy Bianca Schulze5 Mins Read Ages 0-3 Ages 4-8 Best Kids Stories Book Lists Picture Books
    yoga-bunny-by-brian-russo-cover
    Share
    Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Email

    The Children’s Book Review | December 1, 2016

    9 New Release Picture Books

    Love, hugs, and loneliness are the main themes you’ll discover from our best-of-the-best picture book list that we feel represents the highlights of December. And, just to counter the sweetness that oozes from these loving tales, we have a non-fiction picture book about an amazing woman scientist, Eugenie Clark, also known as “The Shark Lady.”


    emma-doddLove

    Written and Illustrated by Emma Dodd

    Publisher’s Synopsis: Join little rabbit and her parent as they spend a glorious sunny day together in the meadow. Little rabbit finds love everywhere, but knows that a parent’s love is always the best love of all.

    Ages 2-5 | Publisher: Nosy Crow | December 13, 2016 | ISBN-13: 978-0763689414

     


    what-color-is-a-kissWhat Color is a Kiss?

    Written and Illustrated by Rocio Bonilla

    Publisher’s Synopsis: This sweet, heartwarming story asks one simple question: What color is a kiss? Sassy and intrepid Monica loves to paint and sees her world in every color of the rainbow, but this question nags at her. She paints and paints, hoping to discover the answer. With the help of her mother, Monica discovers that kisses and love come in all colors.

    Ages 2-5 | Publisher: Charlesbridge | December 6, 2016 | ISBN-13: 978-1580897396


    thats-me-loving-youThat’s Me Loving You

    Written by Amy Krouse Rosenthal

    Illustrated by Teagan White

    Publisher’s Synopsis: This book fits perfectly on the shelf next to the classic The Runaway Bunny and is a gift that promises continuous love.
     
    Amy Krouse Rosenthal captures parents’ desire to be ever-present in this simple and touching poem offering reassurance of their love. Signs of affection can be found in the natural world around us—from a soft breeze to a shimmering star.

    Ages 3-7 | Publisher: Random House Books for Young Readers | December 27, 2016 | ISBN-13: 978-1101932384


    when-an-elephant-falls-in-loveWhen an Elephant Falls in Love

    Written by Davide Cali

    Illustrated by Alice Lotti

    Publisher’s Synopsis: From the bestselling author of I Didn’t Do My Homework Because… comes an irresistible meditation on the quest for connection. When an elephant falls in love, he does many foolish things. He hides when the elephant-object of his affection is around. He writes dozens of letters that he will never send. And he tries to be healthy, but ends up finishing the cheesecake. This soulful book is at once relatable and revealing, a reminder that love is worth striving for, and that the very best things in life will come to those who wait.

    Ages 4-7 | Publisher: Chronicle Books | December 20, 2016 | ISBN-13: 978-1452147277


    i-heart-you-by-meg-flemingI Heart You

    Written by Meg Fleming

    Illustrated by Sarah Jane Wright

    Publisher’s Synopsis: This tender, rhyming picture book is a lively celebration of love.

    Little ones adore being independent and trying new things. But they also need Mom and Dad’s reassurance and snuggles. With her spare, lyrical text, debut author Meg Fleming captures the exuberance, the affection, and the tender push-and-pull of life with a child. And illustrator Sarah Jane Wright’s evocative illustrations infuse the story with generous helpings of warmth and love.

    Ages 4-8 | Publisher: Beach Lane Books | December 6, 2016 | ISBN-13: 978-1442488953


    Yoga BunnyYoga Bunny

    Written and Illustrated by Brian Russo

    Publisher’s Synopsis: Even bunnies do yoga!

    It’s a perfect day for yoga, and Bunny is practicing his poses and wishes his friends would do yoga with him! But Lizard is too tired, Fox is in a rush, and Bird has the hiccups. Will Bunny ever be able to get his friends to slow down and realize that yoga just might be the solution to their problems?

    Akin to I Am Yoga by Susan Verde, Yoga Bunny helps readers relax and unwind as they learn beginning yoga poses, from downward dog to tree pose. Debut author-illustrator Brian Russo shows readers just how relaxing yoga can be.

    Ages 4-8 | Publisher: HarperCollins | December 6, 2016 | ISBN-13: 978-0062429520


    hedgehugs-and-hattiepillarHedgehugs and Hattiepillar

    Written by Steve Wilson

    Illustrated by Lucy Tapper

    Publisher’s Synopsis: In this sequel to Hedgehugs, Horace and Hattie return for another sweet story of friendship.
    It’s spring! And everything is colorful―rainbows in the sky and flowers blossoming on trees. When Horace and Hattie Hedgehog see a caterpillar become a butterfly and take flight, they decide to try a transformation of their own. When these two best friends put their minds to solving a problem, nothing can stand in their way!

    Ages 4-8 | Publisher: Henry Holt and Co. | December 13, 2016 | ISBN-13: 978-1627794145


    the-lonely-giant-by-sophie-ambroseThe Lonely Giant

    Written and Illustrated by Sophie Ambrose

    Publisher’s Synopsis: After inadvertently destroying his home, a well-meaning giant must learn the true value of the natural world.

    In the middle of a vast forest lives a giant who spends his days hurling and heaving, smashing and bashing. Over time, the animals flee as their homes vanish, the birdsong dwindles away to silence, and, finally, the forest itself disappears. Now the lonely giant misses the crackling warmth of a fire and the sweet songs of the yellow bird — but will he realize it’s up to him to restore what he loves? Sophie Ambrose debuts with a beautifully illustrated modern fable offering a poignant environmental twist.

    Ages 4-8 | Publisher: Candlewick | December 13, 2016 | ISBN-13: 978-0763682255


    Swimming with SharksSwimming with Sharks: The Daring Discoveries of Eugenie Clark

    Written by Heather Lang

    Illustrated by Jordi Solano

    Publisher’s Synopsis: Before Eugenie Clark’s groundbreaking research, most people thought sharks were vicious, blood-thirsty killers. From the first time she saw a shark in an aquarium, Japanese-American Eugenie was enthralled. Instead of frightening and ferocious eating machines, she saw sleek, graceful fish gliding through the water. After she became a scientist―an unexpected career path for a woman in the 1940s―she began taking research dives and training sharks, earning her the nickname “The Shark Lady.”

    Ages 5-8 | Publisher: Albert Whitman & Company | December 1, 2016 | ISBN-13: 978-0807521878


    For more of the best new picture books for kids, follow along with our articles tagged with New Books for Kids, Picture Books, Books for Ages 0-3, and Books for Ages 4-8.

    What to Read Next:

    1. Best New Kids Books | August 2016
    2. Best New Picture Books | November 2016
    3. Best New Picture Books | January 2018
    4. The Best Picture Books of 2018

    *Disclosure: Please note that this post may contain affiliate links that share some commission. Rest assured that these will not affect the cost of any products and services promoted here. Our team always provides their authentic opinion in all content published on this site.

    Albert Whitman & Company Alice Lotti Amy Krouse Rosenthal Beach Lane Books Best Books for Kids Best New Kids Books Brian Russo Candlewick Charlesbridge books Chronicle Books Davide Cali Emma Dodd HarperCollins Heather Lang Henry Holt and Co. Jordi Solano Lucy Tapper Meg Fleming Nosy Crow Picture Books Random House Books for Young Readers Rocio Bonilla Sarah Jane Wright Sophie Ambrose Steve Wilson Teagan White
    Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email
    Previous ArticleLinda Greiner Discusses Sashi and the Puppy Mill Girl
    Next Article Best New Books For Preteens And Tweens | December 2016
    Bianca Schulze
    • Website
    • Facebook
    • X (Twitter)
    • LinkedIn

    Bianca Schulze is the founder of The Children’s Book Review. She is a reader, reviewer, mother and children’s book lover. She also has a decade’s worth of experience working with children in the great outdoors. Combined with her love of books and experience as a children’s specialist bookseller, the goal is to share her passion for children’s literature to grow readers. Born and raised in Sydney, Australia, she now lives with her husband and three children near Boulder, Colorado.

    Leave A Reply Cancel Reply

    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    TCBR Supporter
    Recent Articles
    • Interview with M.H. Clark, Author of ‘We Needed a You’
    • Tiki Time: It’s My Turn | Awareness Tour
    • Drawing Cute Animals Shape by Shape: Learn to Draw Over 100 Adorable Animals Step by Step | Dedicated Review
    • Tiny Bird, by Sabrina Edralin | Dedicated Review
    • I Don’t Think So!, by K. Joyner | Book Review
    TCBR Supporters
    sponsored | become a TCBR supporter today
    sponsored | become a TCBR supporter today

    sponsored | become a TCBR supporter today
    sponsored | become a TCBR supporter today
    Discover Kids Books by Age
    Best Books For Kids
    Media Kit: The Children's Book Review
    Author and Illustrator Showcase
    SEARCH
    BOOKS BY SUBJECT
    Archives
    Professional Resources

    Book Marketing Campaigns

    Writing Coaches and Editing Services

    Mentorship

    Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram Pinterest YouTube LinkedIn TikTok
    • Submission Guidelines
    • Policies
    • Advertise
    • TCBR Buzzworthy Mentions
    • About TCBR
    © 2025 The Children’s Book Review. All rights reserved.

    Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.