ONCE UPON A NORTHERN LIGHT (PICTURE BOOK)

Once Upon a Northern Night by Jean E. Pendziwol and Isabelle Arsenault. A wintry lullaby, framed in frost. Recommended by The PlanetEsme Plan.  Link for information, please support your local independent bookseller.

KING FOR A DAY (PICTURE BOOK)

King for a Day by Rukhsana Khan, illustrated by Christiane Kromer. A boy in a wheelchair bests a bully during Basant, the spring kite-flying festival in Pakistan. Unique multimedia collage illustrations add color and interest to a realistic story with many facets. An excellent addition both to multicultural and general collections, and always fun to learn about another celebration in the world! Recommended by The PlanetEsme Plan.  Link for information, please support your local independent bookseller.

OWL KNOW HOW (PICTURE BOOK)

Owl Know How by Cat Rabbit and Isobel Knowles. The cloud town is sinking! Through some ingenious problem-solving of a DIY-minded rabbit and some owls with very strong wings, the town will be saved. Charming illustrations are photographs of handmade dolls, a la Etsy. The book even comes with a pattern for making your own owl! Recommended by The PlanetEsme Plan.  Link for information, please support your local independent bookseller.

CUTE & CUTER (PICTURE BOOK)

Cute & Cuter by Michael Townsend. Sir Yips-a-Lot vs. Lady Meow-Meow.  Place your bets now.   Funny and slightly edgy appreciation of what we bring to the table, regardless of where we fall on the cute-o-meter. Recommended by The PlanetEsme Plan.  Link for information; please support your local independent bookseller.

MY NEIGHBOR IS A DOG (PICTURE BOOK)

My Neighbor Is a Dog by Isabel Minhos Martins, illustrated by Madalena Matoso. So many interesting neighbors are moving in! A dog, an elephant couple, a crocodile...but the boy's parents are miffed (never mind that they are giraffes) and pack their bags. In his heart, the narrator knows he will return...someday. This Portuguese import is a subtle story about acceptance that uses a mod style to be peachy instead of preachy. Recommended by The PlanetEsme Plan.  Link for information, please support your local independent bookseller.

BROWNIE GROUNDHOG AND THE WINTRY SURPRISE (PICTURE BOOK)

Brownie Groundhog and the Wintry Surprise by Susan Blackaby and Carmen Segovia. Nothing could be worth rousing Brownie from his winter rest...or could it? Lovely washy watercolors, and a solid secular pick for the season that still has the air of festivity. Recommended by The PlanetEsme Plan.  Link for information, please support your local independent bookseller.

SNOWFLAKES FALL (PICTURE BOOK)

Snowflakes Fall by Patricia Maclachlan and Steven Kellogg. A poetic romp in the snow by two children's lit talents as our guides.  Written in honor of the children and families at Sandy Hook. Recommended by the PlanetEsme Plan.  Link for information, please support your local independent bookseller.