or
Bookshop.org is another excellent choice for supporting local stores.
For remembering how wonderful the world is in this dark time:
If You Come to Earth by Sophie Blackall.
This isn't the first time a Blackall title has been my favorite of the year. The spreads in this book are phenomenal. I'd recommend this for 3-7 year olds. It has a feel similar to an old school Richard Scarry book in that you'll spot something new each time it's read. If I could only recommend one title this year this is it.
You Matter by Christian Robinson
Robinson can do no wrong and this book continues his streak of excellence. His images and messages are filled with joy. This title is best for ages 2-6 or so, but could be enjoyed by older children as well. If you're looking for a fun art activity to do with tiny children Robinson's Making Space video series, created early in the pandemic, offers an opportunity to interact with the material of a children's literature creator your family may not yet be familiar with.
For your favorite toddler or preschooler:
This adorable new board book series by author Grace Lin combined simple toddler-friendly stories with basic math concepts.
Seasonal Titles by Kevin Henkes and Laura Dronzek
With the addition of this year's Summer Song, the season books by husband-wife duo of Henkes & Droznek are complete, making this an ideal year to gift the set to a little one in your life. The lilt of the text makes these great bedtime selections, but toddlers and preschoolers will also enjoy poring over the pictures.
Animalphabet & Counting Creatures by Julia Donaldson and Sharon King-Chai
Pair these concept books by British author Julia Donaldson, of The Gruffalo fame, for an exciting romp through earth's wonders. The cut-paper pages do require some grown-up supervision, but the delicacy is worth it. Toddlers and Preschoolers will be entranced.
Lilly & Friends Treasury by Kevin Henkes
Speaking of Henkes, a Lilly & Friends Treasury was released this fall. With their gentle illustrations and relatable storylines I've yet to meet a 3-6-year old who isn't a fan of the "mouse" books. Owen was the favorite in my home. Find yours!
For the animal fan:
Homes in the Wild and Play in the Wild by Lita Judge
Journey through animal habitats through these engaging titles, which explore the similarities animals and humans share.
In the Woods by David Elliott and Rob Dunlavey
2020's David Elliott poetry selection has shown up on several Caldecott Medal shortlists. Pair it with his other animal and dinosaur related titles for a gentle introduction to poetry with some animal facts thrown in.
For the young scientist in your life:
The Kitchen Pantry Scientist : Chemistry for Kids:
Homemade Science Experiments and Activities
Inspired by Awesome Chemists, Past and Present
by Liz Lee Heinecke
We use Heinecke's books frequently at the library when planning S.T.E.M-based programs, and they are also popular with our homeschool families. How much fun would this book be packaged with the materials needed for a few of the experiments?
Cityscape by April Pulley Sayre
If you prefer your science a little less hands on, look no further than April Pulley Sayre. This year's newest title, Cityscape, introduces S.T.E.M. concepts through photographs of architecture and other urban elements. All of Sayre's titles offer great nonfiction picture book content. Being Frog is a personal favorite.
Grow: Secrets of Our DNA by Nicola Davies and Emily Sutton
A nonfiction picture book about DNA? Who doesn't want to read that? Hmmn, maybe I spend too much time around children's books. Hand to the kid ages 6-10 who wants to know all the things.
Off the beaten path picture book nonfiction:
The Fabled Life of Aesop by Ian Lendler and Pamela Zagarenski
With an admitted bias towards "books about books" this title is probably my favorite nonfiction selection this year. The images are etherial and the content works on several levels. Including short versions of Aesops better known fables, as well as information about the storyteller himself this one is appropriate for ages 4-8 and even some literary big kids!
Among a Thousand Glass Flowers by Evan Turk
Picture books about lesser known artists are my jam. Fortunately children also enjoy them quite a lot. This one features the life of Marietta Barovier, who lived on the island of Murano, in the early Renaissance. Hand to artists ages 6+.
For graphic novel fans:
El Deafo the Superpowered Edition! By Cece Bell
If your middle grade readers are unfamiliar with El Deafo they are in for a real treat. This title, which made history by being the first graphic novel to win a Newbery Honor in 2015, is the semi-autobiographical story of the author, who is hearing impaired. Here's a 2015 Washington Post piece about the book if you'd like to know more. The Superpowered Edition contains 40 pages of additional content, which weren't published in the original book.
Twins by Varian Johnson and Shannon Wright
This title marks one of the few times I'll recommend something I haven't personally read yet. Like many graphic novels, it flew off our library shelves before I had the chance to peruse it! Like Johnson's The Parker Inheritance this book appears on every "Best of the Year" list I've seen for 2020 so far!
For Middle Grade (4th-6th) readers:
Front Desk and Three Keys by Kelly Yang
I haven't handed Front Desk and this year's sequel to any kid who didn't enjoy them.
Flooded by Ann E. Burg
This prose novel marks the other "haven't read it yet" recommendation on my list. I haven't gotten my hands on this one yet, but the reviews are solid, and it gets bonus points from this PA native for bringing middle grade readers to the story of the Johnstown Flood. Strong recommendation for historical fiction fans from 4th grade and up!
Everything Comes Next by Naomi Shihab Nye
This title marks the 2nd of this list that brought me to tears. The treasury comes from award-winning poet Naomi Shihab Nye and is a collection of her best poetry. Give this one to poetry fans and writers from 5th grade up.
While this strange year of primarily teleworking did not offer me as many chances to peruse the #kidlit world as I may have liked I still spend way more time there than your average bear. If you need additional book title recommendations may I offer you the incomparable Betsy Bird.
