Every year we ask our staff across the library system for their favorite books published in a given year. Enjoy this list of some of our favorite picture books for kids - some with staff annotations, and some with annotations from Kirkus, School Library Journal, and others.
No Cats in the Library
Stray kitty Clarisse tries to make a new home in the library, but the librarian does not like cats! - Christiane
Format: Book
Availability: All copies in use
View No Cats in the LibraryWe Are Definitely Human
Three blue, oddly shaped strangers appear in Mr. and Mrs. Li’s backyard one night. “Hello,” the tall one says. “We are DEFINITELY human.” [Kirkus]
Format: Book
Availability: Available
View We Are Definitely HumanLet's Go!
A sweet tribute to being a beginner. I love how this story celebrates families who cheer on your new passions, the courage-boosting power of friends joining you, and how Indigeneity is part of everything we do as Native people. - Bean
Format: Book
Availability: Available
View Let's Go!The Mochi Makers
A Japanese American grandmother and child cook, pound, pat, and munch yummy mochi! [Kirkus]
Format: Book
Availability: Available
View The Mochi MakersYour House Is Not Just A House
LOCAL AUTHOR / In this rhyming ode to imagination, a young child moves through the house envisioning fantastical purposes for ordinary objects. An exuberant paean to creativity. [Kirkus]
Format: Book
Availability: Available
View Your House Is Not Just A HouseA Flicker of Hope
Like the monarch butterfly, Lucía’s father migrates according to the seasons, retracing the steps of his ancestors. [Kirkus]
Format: Book
Availability: Available
View A Flicker of HopeNose to Nose
A new dog in town has trouble making friends. A real tail wagger. [Kirkus]
Format: Book
Availability: Available
View Nose to NoseAt Our Table
Take a seat at a table alongside a diverse group of characters who eat, ponder, and express gratitude for all they’ve been given. [Kirkus]
Format: Book
Availability: Available
View At Our TableBuffalo Fluffalo
A sweet and silly buffalo who tries to bluff and fluff his way into being bigger than he really is. [NoveList Plus]
Format: Book
Availability: All copies in use
View Buffalo FluffaloMonster Hands
Two friends use American Sign Language to ward off a monster. A thrilling tale of bravery, friendship, and the power of signing. [Kirkus]
Format: Book
Availability: Available
View Monster Hands