1) The walk
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"On a chilly morning, a grandmother and her granddaughter head out for a walk. They stop along the way so friends and neighbors can join them. The granddaughter soon learns this is not just any walk through town - it is "The Walk" that will take them and all those walking with them to a destination that will impact their lives and their futures. The illustrations are beautifully rendered in watercolors, and the writing conveys the importance of community in a quietly powerful way. A lovely book to share with family and friends of all ages." - Sharon L., Odenton Library
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"This picture book is all about friendship, and what that means for an unlikely duo. An egret and a rhinoceros strike up a symbiotic friendship, with the egret doing much (or all) of the talking. He gets to know his new pal by making puns about important aspects of friendship – respect, boundaries, communication, loyalty, and compromise. This sweet book has colorful drawings that any young child will find engaging, and also teaches great lessons about what it means to be a good friend." - Liz K., Library Headquarters
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"If you are looking for an elementary aged picture book that puts slavery in the spotlight, Alexander’s new picture book is spot on! “You can’t change the past, but you can do better in the future.” I loved the story behind the story, sharing his reasons for this writing at the end of the book. This piece pairs well with The 1619 Project: Born on the Water by Nicole Hannah Jones & Renee Watson, illustrated by Nikkolas Smith. I would absolutely recommend it for the best of the year blog post." - Cortney G., Odenton Library
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"Liddy is so excited to go to the Dim Sum Palace with her family tomorrow that when she eventually falls asleep, she dreams of going to a real palace with all the dim sum food! This is a cute book about the excitement of a new restaurant, expectations, family, cultures and food!" - Cortney G., Odenton Library
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"This story is great for children who are creative and have big imaginations. For every song, piece of art, or dream that begins with an idea the Fantastic Bureau of Imagination (F.B.I.) is there. One employee of the F.B.I. is Sparky, a quiet mail carrier who loves to write poems. When a catastrophe happens at the F.B.I., Sparky must learn to believe in himself and be confident enough to share his creativity with the world. The illustrations are full of detail and allow for kids to have a fully immersive experience." - Liz K., Library Headquarters
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"A little girl imagines what her life would be like if she was a horse. As always, Blackall’s story and art are charming, perfectly balanced and heartfelt. Perfect for cozy reading together, especially with young horse lovers." - Teresa F., Odenton Library
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"One of my favorite JP books of 2023 is The Loud Librarian by Jenna Beatrice. Penelope is the star of this story and she is a super student library helper. She loves books, is helpful and organized. The catch is that Penelope is very loud. Her booming voice causes things to tumble, shake and break. How can she be the best little librarian when her voice is anything but quiet? As a loud librarian myself I can relate to Penelope's quandary and was thrilled that she could be herself, find a solution and do what she loves. Anyone with a good sense of humor and an appreciation for unique personalities and over the top images will love this book." - Maureen D., Deale Library
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"If your child wants to listen to a funny, yet informative, story about pollination – this is a great audiobook. A butterfly and a bee have a conversation about how they pollinate the flowers in the garden while learning a lesson about how there are many different ways to accomplish the same task. Bee must convince Butterfly that he has wonderful traits and does not have to try to be someone that he is not." - Liz K., Library Headquarters
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"This is a sweet picture book of a quiet boy who observes all the ways his classmates communicate other than using their words. Though Nathan doesn’t have a lot to say, he has a lot on his mind, and it is fun to get a glimpse of some of that through his thoughts. This has a great representation of diversity throughout the story." - Cortney G., Odenton Library
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10) My powerful hair
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"'Native and Indigenous peoples believe that hair holds strength and power.' This story follows a young girl as she shares memories of the people she loves while explaining the significance of hair in her life journey. From being a small child with short hair, hoping one day to grow her hair long, to cutting her hair short when her Nimishoomis (grandfather) travels to the spirit world - her memories are interwoven into her hair. This story features wonderful familial bonds and incorporates ancestral beliefs. The book also includes an author’s note about her Native American family’s experience at Indian boarding schools, and how their experiences shape who she is today." - Liz K., Library Headquarters
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"Oraib and her family live in a refugee camp surrounded by olive trees. The olive trees provide them with sustenance, oil to cook with, and even homemade soap! But soon, the olive harvest work will suddenly stop, and their tents and belongings will be packed up as the threat of war approaches. The soft colors and distinct illustrations beautifully convey a sense of place, and details about the olive harvest are gently woven into the story of a family searching and hoping for a place to call home." - Sharon L., Odenton Library
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