The Children’s Book Review | July 21, 2017
7 New Release Picture Books
We have 7 of the best new picture books for you to read your way through. Included in this round-up of picture books is a a uniquely spellbinding book that readers will return to again and again, a clever and poignant picture book by award-winning artist Antoinette Portis, a story that reminds readers of all ages that time with our loved ones is the most precious gift of all, and a companion picture book to Chris Colfer’s #1 New York Times bestselling Land of Stories series. Our selection of best new picture books will give you plenty of outstanding reading material! Which one are you going to read first?
Written and Illustrated by Jon J. Muth
Publisher’s Synopsis: Start your engines: The race is on! And Mama Lion and Tigey are off — with their cool goggles and snazzy sports car!
Racing teams gather from far and wide for this madcap race. But who will take home the big trophy? Will it be the playful Flying Pandinis? The mischievous Knitted Monkey crew? Or will Mama Lion and Tigey speed past the finish line in first place?
While everyone hopes to win, it’s the journey itself — filled with joy, beauty, fun, and friendships — that is the best prize of all.
With cars inspired by the early days of Italian motor racing, and characters based on his children’s beloved toy animals, Jon J Muth has created a uniquely spellbinding book that readers will return to again and again.
Order a Copy Now: Indiebound | Amazon | Barnes and Noble
Ages 3-5 | Publisher: Scholastic Press | July 25, 2017 | ISBN-13: 978-0545852821
Written and Illustrated by Antoinette Portis
Publisher’s Synopsis: This is my favorite cloud. . .because it’s the one I am watching.
This is my favorite tree. . .because it’s the one where I’m swinging.
This is my favorite tooth. . .because it’s the one that is missing.
Follow a little girl as she takes you on a tour through all of her favorite things, from the holes she digs to the hugs she gives in Now, a clever and poignant picture book by award-winning artist Antoinette Portis.
Order a Copy Now: Indiebound | Amazon | Barnes and Noble
Ages 3-6 | Publisher: Roaring Brook Press | July 11, 2017 | ISBN-13: 978-1626721371
Written by Kate Klise
Illustrated by M. Sarah Klise
Publisher’s Synopsis: Eli the dog has been with Astrid since her parents brought her home from the hospital as a baby. Now Astrid is getting older, and so is Eli. Before he slows down too much, Astrid wants to make fun memories with him. So she makes a bucket list for Eli, which includes experiences such as eating with him in a restaurant, and taking him down a slide at the playground.
But in the end, what is most important to Eli is the time he spends with Astrid, whom he loves dearly. Sisters Kate and M. Sarah Klise have created a story that reminds readers of all ages that time with our loved ones is the most precious gift of all.
Order a Copy Now: Indiebound | Amazon | Barnes and Noble
Ages 3-5 | Publisher: Feiwel & Friends | July 18, 2017 | ISBN-13: 978-1250107145
Written and Illustrated by Bob Shea
Publisher’s Synopsis: Reader beware! This is the scariest book ever! Or so claims its melodramatic ghost narrator. You can go ahead and turn the page, but don’t expect him to come with you. Anything might pop out of that black hole in the middle of the forest. What do you mean it’s just a bunny? Well, it’s probably a bunny with big fangs. Watch out, it’s–picking pumpkins with its friends, you say? Actually, despite the ghost’s scare-mongering, none of the animal characters in the illustrations seem scary at all. . . . What’s up with that? Many delights, such as surprises after the page turn, an alarmist narrator, and punch lines to anticipate make this book a scream for both kids and parents.
Ages 4-7 | Publisher: Disney-Hyperion | July 18, 2017 | ISBN-13: 978-1484730461
Written by Patricia MacLachlan
Illustrated by Chris Sheban
Publisher’s Synopsis: If you were a little girl
who listened to stories
over and over and over;
and who read books
every night,
every day,
even as her mother led her across the street,
You might be me,
a writer.
Follow a little girl in acclaimed writer Patricia MacLachlan’s semi-autobiographical picture book, Someone Like Me. Filled with gorgeous and thoughtful illustrations by Chris Sheban, learn what it might take to grow up to become a writer.
Order a Copy Now: Indiebound | Amazon | Barnes and Noble
Ages 4-8 | Publisher: Roaring Brook Press | July 3, 2017 | ISBN-13: 978-1626723344
Written by Maria Gianferrari
Illustrated by Patrice Barton
Publisher’s Synopsis: For Zara’s dog, Moose, nothing is more important than being with his favorite girl. So when Zara has to go to school, WHOOSH, Moose escapes and rushes to her side.
Hello, Moose!
Unfortunately, dogs aren’t allowed at school and Moose has to go back home.
Goodbye, Moose.
But Moose can’t be held back for long. Through a series of escalating escapes, this loyal dog always finds her way back to Zara, and with a little bit of training and one great idea, the two friends find a way to be together all day long.
Order a Copy Now: Indiebound | Amazon | Barnes and Noble
Ages 4-8 | Publisher: Roaring Brook Press | July 25, 2017 | ISBN-13: 978-1626721777
Written by Chris Colfer
Illustrated by Brandon Dorman
Publisher’s Synopsis: Celebrate Queen Trollbella’s birthday in this companion picture book to Chris Colfer’s #1 New York Times bestselling Land of Stories series.
It’s Queen Trollbella’s birthday and she’s throwing herself an epic celebration. She has everything a troll girl would want: musicians, magical creatures, carnival rides, a gigantic cake, and more. So why isn’t she having any fun?
Order a Copy Now: Indiebound | Amazon | Barnes and Noble
Ages 5-8 | Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers | July 11, 2017 | ISBN-13: 978-0316383400
*Header image illustration from Stay: A Girl, a Dig, a Bucket List, written by Kate Klise and illustrated by M. Sarah Klise (Feiwel & Friends 2017)
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.