Archives de catégorie : Picture Books

KITTY AND CAT: OPPOSITES ATTRACT de Mirka Hokkanen

Meet Kitty! Kitty wants to play! Meet Cat. Cat just wants to nap. Bold, whimsical artwork and plenty of humor engage little ones in a sly and stylish introduction to opposites.

KITTY AND CAT: OPPOSITES ATTRACT
by Mirka Hokkanen
Candlewick, April 2023
(via KT Literary)

This deceptively simple concept book introduces readers to grumpy, old, exhausted Cat, who just wants to be left alone, and to happy, new, energetic Kitty, who longs to make friends. In a story told entirely through well-chosen pairs of opposites and drolly expressive artwork, author-illustrator Mirka Hokkanen manages to elevate the humble concept book into a true work of art—one that is bound to have readers giggling and crying for more!

Mirka Hokkanen is an author-illustrator who likes fun, quirky animal characters and dislikes soggy cereal that’s been left in a bowl for too long. She began her career as a fine art printmaker before transitioning to picture book illustration. She is the illustrator of Four Otters Toboggan: An Animal Counting Book by Vivian Kirkfield and the author-illustrator of the early-reader graphic novel Mossy and Tweed: Crazy for Coconuts. When not holding a paintbrush or a pen, Mirka Hokkanen likes to knit, sew, and explore the outdoors with her three energetic kids. But she dislikes stepping on slugs after rain and getting her socks wet after someone has tracked water in the house. Mirka Hokkanen was born in Finland and has lived all around the world as a military spouse.

NILA’S PERFECT COAT de Norene Paulson

An engaging and accessible picture book about having enough and helping others in need.

NILA’S PERFECT COAT
by Norene Paulson
illustrated by Maria Mola
Beaming Books, February 2023
(via Kaplan/DeFiore Rights)

Nila and her mom love shopping at the thrift store. But when Nila finds the most perfect, shiny, puffy coat, Mom says no: Nila’s winter coat still fits her just fine. With a lot of determination and some birthday money from Dad, Nila sets out to prove the coat really is perfect–but along the way, learns maybe it’s perfect for someone else. Someone who needs both a coat and a friend.

Norene Paulson writes picture books that celebrate friendship, acceptance, and inclusion. She is the author of Benny’s True Colors and What’s Silly Hair Day with No Hair? A former language arts teacher, Norene is passionate about sharing her love of words with young readers. She’s a member of SCBWI and lives in Iowa.
Maria Mola is an illustrator from Barcelona currently living in Boston with her husband and their three children. She has illustrated Sparkle BoyMaya PapayaKoala Challah, and more.

SIMON THE HUGGER de Stacy B. Davids, illustré par Ana Sebastián

A story about hugs, consent, and a lovable, huggable sloth named Simon.

SIMON THE HUGGER
by Stacy B. Davids
illustrated by Ana Sebastián
Beaming Books, November 2022
(via Kaplan/DeFiore Rights)

Simon the sloth loves to hug. He hugs plants. He hugs rocks. He hugs his friends. He even hugs himself! So when his best friend, Elsa the jaguar, and others around him start saying no to his hugs, he is crushed. Why wouldn’t someone want to be hugged? After being rejected several times, he learns that both he and his friends need to want a hug at the same time so they both feel comfortable.
This lighthearted story about a lovable, huggable sloth is a gentle introduction to the importance of receiving consent before offering physical affection to others, and respecting others’ boundaries.

Stacy B. Davids, PhD, is a psychologist and a former special education teacher. Her highly praised picture book, Annie’s Plaid Shirt, won Silver in the Foreword INDIES Book of the Year Awards. She lives in Florida and loves cats, cookies, and chocolate.
Ana Sebastián is a children’s book illustrator based in Spain. She studied fine arts at the University of Zaragoza and Université Michel de Montaigne, Bordeaux, France. She also completed a master’s degree in digital illustration. Her work is focused on colors and light. Working mostly with her iPad Pro, she also likes working with colored pencils, gouache, and watercolors.

ONE SMALL THING de Marsha Diane Arnold & Laura Watkins

A gentle and powerful look at how small actions can make a big impact.

ONE SMALL THING
by Marsha Diane Arnold
illustrated by Laura Watkins
Beaming Books, May 2023
(via Kaplan/DeFiore Rights)

After Raccoon’s home burns down in a lightning storm, his friends don’t know what they can do to help. Squirrel, Beaver, Mouse, Badger, and Rabbit all go back to their own homes, trying to focus on something other than Raccoon’s tragedy. But each animal discovers one small thing they can do for Raccoon—and it turns out that each small act may not be so small after all.

Marsha Diane Arnold is a multi-award-winning picture-book author of twenty-three books, with over one million copies sold. Her books have garnered state book awards and honors such as multiple Junior Library Guild selections. Marsha is a member of SCBWI and currently lives in Florida.
Laura Watkins has illustrated international children’s books, designed greeting cards, painted murals, and worked in art galleries. She is the winner of The Northern Illustration prize. Laura lives in London with her Red Setters, pens, pencils, and chocolate.

I HEAR YOU, OCEAN de Kallie George & Carmen Mok

This joyful and soothing picture book about ocean sounds will transport readers to the seaside.

I HEAR YOU, OCEAN
by Kallie George
illustrated by Carmen Mok

Greystone Kids, September 2022

When a child visits the ocean with his little brother, he whispers to him, “The ocean has lots to say, if you listen.” Together, they hear wondrous things, like the rumble of pebbles tumbling and filling the beach with shiny gems, the bark of a seal playing peekaboo, and the whooshing of a shell murmuring messages.
The second book in the Sounds of Nature Series for young children, I HEAR YOU, OCEAN
 is an excellent resource for outdoor education and social-emotional learning, helping to teach: 

How to engage with nature in fun and respectful ways 
• Mindfulness and empathy with the world around us
• Positive and gentle play with younger siblings
• The ocean makes magical sounds—you just have to listen!

Kallie George is an author and picture book editor who has written numerous acclaimed books for children. She grew up on the Sunshine Coast in BC, where she spent her days roaming the forests and listening to all the sounds within. Now, she and her husband have made a home in the woods so that her son can do the same.
Carmen Mok has received several illustration awards, including the SCBWI Canada East People’s Choice Portfolio Award for Illustration and the Storyteller Award. Mok is the illustrator of I Hear You, Forest, Grandmother’s VisitViolet Shrink, and A Stopwatch from Grampa. She lives in St. Catharines, Ontario.