Published by Greenwillow Books

Summary:  A girl visiting her grandparents ponders what she sees at the beach with a sense of wonder.  She and her grandmother collect shells, which her grandmother calls little houses.  That makes her wonder about what used to live there, which leads her to think of everything under the sea.  Her grandfather says, “The world is so big and there is so much to know.  And someday you’ll know it all.”  She thinks about all the things she would like to know.  One thing she does know is that she’ll take home all the shells–the little houses–back to her house and keep them on a shelf with all her favorite things.  40 pages; ages 3-8.

Pros:  Another beautiful collaboration by the husband and wife team of Kevin Henkes and Laura Dronzek.  The text and illustrations help foster a sense of wonder and curiosity in young children, and make a perfect story for a summer day.

Cons:  I’m always happy to see a new book by Kevin Henkes, but sometimes I miss Lilly and the rest of the mice.

Published by Dial Books

Summary:  Emily is traveling with her two moms to the Rainbow Parade.  They see all kinds of people on the train and in the crowds lining the streets, wearing “whatever makes them feel most like themselves.” They wait and wait.  Finally the parade starts, with people marching, juggling, singing, dancing, and chanting.  When they see a banner that says LGBTQ+ Families, Emily’s moms hop over the fence to join them.  Emily feels shy, but her mothers assure her that pride takes practice, and this is the perfect way to get that practice.  Marching with the families is lots of fun, and Emily enjoys seeing families that are similar to her own.  On the train ride home, she declares that she is going to practice pride all year long.  Includes three photos and a note explaining that this story is based on the author’s childhood.  32 pages; ages 4-8.

Pros:  Another excellent book for Pride month (or any month) that captures the fun and “be yourself” spirit of a Pride parade while also showing that it can be a little intimidating sometimes to show that pride.

Cons:  I wish there had been a longer author’s note and some resources at the end.

Published by little bee books

Summary:  A dog explains why he left home to become a “lone wolf”.  Trying to be a good boy all the time, getting dressed up in silly costumes, pooping in public with everyone watching…he’s definitely better off on his own.  But then he sees his owner out walking a new dog. They’re playing, sharing treats, and taking selfies.  It turns out she’s only dog sitting, but the jealousy serves a purpose.  Pretty soon he’s back on the couch, dressed in a pullover sweater, and enjoying some scratches behind the ears.  After all, “relationships are all about compromise.”  40 pages; ages 4-8.

Pros:  I could definitely relate to the dog’s struggles between needing people and wanting to be a lone wolf, and I’m guessing others–both kids and adults–will as well.  There’s plenty of sly humor, and a reassuring message about taking a break but returning to those you love.

Cons:  Some of the humor may be a little over the heads of the intended audience.

Published by Nancy Paulsen Books

Summary:  From the team that brought you The King of Kindergarten comes this companion about MJ Malone, the Queen of Kindergarten.  She’s got a new dress, freshly braided hair, and a sparkly tiara.  Before she sets out for her first day, her mother reminds her that queens are caring, kind, and helpful.  MJ remembers those lessons when she gets to school, helping a girl who is homesick, promising to share her lunch with a boy (“sharing is my jam!”), and enthusiastically participating in every part of school.  That night she reports about her day to her parents, and her mother tells her she’s earned the right to keep the tiara.  32 pages; ages 3-5.

Pros:  It’s never too early to be thinking ahead to first-day-of-school read-alouds, and this book is perfect for those getting ready for kindergarten.  MJ’s enthusiasm and kindness are sure to inspire kids to try their best on their first day of school, and the illustrations make everything look like fun.

Cons:  Art, music, and gym all on the first day of school?  Sounds exhausting.

Published by Candlewick

Summary:  Lily is a little sailboat who is excited to be greeting a visiting fleet of tall ships.  To get to the harbor, she needs the lift bridge to raise itself and let her through.  She calls out to the bridge, but bigger, louder ships get ahead of her.  She finally makes it through and meets up with the tall ships: a sloop, a schooner, a brig, and a barque.  But none of them has any way to alert the bridge that it needs to let them through again, and it’s up to Lily to find a solution to their dilemma.  Includes an author’s note about lift bridges and her personal experience with sailboats and bridges.  32 pages; ages 3-7.

Pros:  Budding engineers will enjoy seeing all the different types of bridges and ships, and all kinds of kids will appreciate that Lily is the heroine of the story, despite her small size.

Cons:  Some of those big ships were kind of obnoxious.

Published by Greenwillow Books

Summary:  Asa feels big when he’s allowed to go outside by himself.  He’s also big when he compares himself to his dog, his cat, his rabbit, the birds, a bee, and especially an ant.  He could crush the ant with his foot but decides he’d rather watch it carry a big crumb instead.  Asa loves being big, but when his mom comes out to tell him breakfast is ready, he is happy to go back to being small and let her carry him inside.  32 pages; ages 3-6. 

Pros:  Preschoolers will relate to Asa’s observations about size and the natural world.  The illustrations, described as “digitally drawn and collaged…incorporating photographs and textures created by the artist,” are unique and beautiful.

Cons:  A scary bee.