Fall Board Book Round-up, Part II
See Board Book Round-up, Part I here: Fall Board Book Round-up, Part I (bayviews.org).
New Single Titles
Churnin, Nancy. Counting on Shabbat. Illus. by Petronela Dostalova. Kar-Ben, 11/2023. [10p.] $8.99. 978-1-7284-6068-0.
In this simple rhyming counting story, elements used at Shabbat, such as candles or challah bread, are used as examples. There is no explanation of the holiday or what items symbolize, so adult readers will need to fill in that information. One big plus is the diverse guests at the table for the celebration, as shown in the colorful illustrations.
McQuinn, Anna. Leo On a Hike. Illus. by Ruth Hearson. Charlesbridge, 09/2023. [18p.] $8.99. 978-1-62354-341-9.
Leo rides in a backpack while he and his father hike in the woods and near a steam. In this spinoff of the “Lola” books by McQuinn, her younger brother and father are the focus, celebrating a Black family. A needed addition to board books featuring BIPOC characters.
Musgrave, Ruth A. Becoming a Butterfly. National Graphic, 03/2023. [24p.] $7.99. 978-1-4263-7412-8.
Dramatic full color close-up photos of butterflies are the stand-out feature of this factual book for toddlers. The text simply explains the life cycle, from egg, to caterpillar, to chrysalis, to butterfly. An age-appropriate science book.
Timmers, Leo. Kind Crocodile. Gecko Press, 03/2023. [30p.] $16.99. 978-1-77657-470-4.
In this oversized board book with cartoonish artwork, a crocodile helps smaller animals being pursued by larger ones. The text contains the repeated “Grrrr!” from the crocodile and other repeated phrases to invite participation. The animals all appear to be from the African savannah, which allows the adult reader to extend the story. Libraries will find this popular and original.
Board Book Editions of Picture Books
Atinuke. Baby, Sleepy Baby. Illus. Angela Brooksbank. Candlewick, 04/2023. [26p.] $9.99. 978-1-5362-2990-5.
Various family members cuddle and rock the baby to sleep, using a positive, repetitive text. With a Black father and white mother, the artwork shows relatives of various skin shades and type of hair, all united in helping the baby. The watercolor artwork and sweet message work well in this board format.
Collins, Ross. There’s a Mouse in My House. Candlewick, 09/2023. [24p.] 09/2023. 978-1-5362-3199-1.
Using a clever rhyming text, a polar bear describes the mouse who has moved into his house. This funny story has cartoonish artwork that goes well with the text. Because this is slightly larger than most board books, and the text is brief, this new edition is a great choice to go along with the 2020 picture book version. Original!
Dodd, Emma. Counting Our Blessings. Templar, 05/2023. [24p.] $10.99. 978-1-5362-2977-6.
Originally published as a picture book in 2020, this oversized board edition has padded covers. A dachshund and her pup count their blessings, which include good food, a loving family, playing, and other common activities. The rhyming text is joyous and reassuring, perfect for social and emotional learning. The full color gouache artwork will grab a toddler’s focus.
Dodd, Emma. What Matters Most. Templar, 05/2023. [24p.] $10.99. 978-1-5362-2978-3.
Originally published as a picture book in 2020, this oversized board edition has padded covers. A horse and her foal discuss things that matter, focusing on opposites. “Is it having lots of stuff, or not that much at all?” The rhyming text is joyous and reassuring, perfect for social and emotional learning. The full color gouache artwork will grab a toddler’s focus.
Haughton, Chris. Don’t Worry Little Crab. Candlewick, 04/2023. [46p.] $10.99. 978-1-5362-2989-9.
Originally published as a picture book in 2020, Little Crab is afraid to go into the ocean until Very Big Crab reassures him. The graphic style artwork uses earthtones and unusual shapes to depict the ocean creatures. With repetition and onomatopoeia, this is a great storytime choice if one uses the larger hardcover version.
Jarvis. Follow Me, Flo! Candlewick, 03/2023. [32p.] $8.99. 978-1-5362-2991-2.
Originally published as a picture book in 2020, Flo the duckling doesn’t obey her father and gets lost. Fortunately, he taught her a song about following him, which helps her out of the predicament. Coloful artwork and a repetitive text makes this a nice readaloud.
Martin, David. Peep and Ducky: It’s Snowing! Illus. by David Walker. Candlewick, 10/2023. [24p.] $7.99. 978-1-5362-3328-5.
Pals Peep and Ducky enjoy sledding and making a snowman in this winter story. The rhyming text has plenty of repetition to engage younger toddlers. The full color cartoon artwork works very well with the text. Originally published as a picture book in 2018, this board edition is about the same size as the original. Sure to be popular.
McBratney, Sam. Will You Be My Friend? Illus. by Anita Jeram. Candlewick, 11/2023. [24p.] $8.99. 978-1-5362-3340-7.
Little Nutbrown Hare plays by himself because father is busy. He notices his reflection in a puddle and his shadow, but soon he meets another hare who becomes a friend. The watercolor artwork is pleasant but a little too detailed for this smaller format. Because this is fairly text-heavy, the 2020 original picture book edition is preferable.
Taylor, Sean. A Brave Bear. Illus. by Emily Hughes. Candlewick, 05/2023. [32p.] $9.99. 978-1-5362-2963-9.
A bear cub describes a hot day where he and his dad walk to the river to cool down. The text has repetition and shows the cub overcoming obstacles. The rich artwork adds to the fun. With the hardcover edition now out of print, only this board book version is available.
Penny Peck, SJSU iSchool
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