SECRET PIZZA PARTY (PICTURE BOOK)

Secret Pizza Party by Adam Rubin and Daniel Salmieri. Silly raccoon! Pizza's for kids! Can't blame a guy for trying, though. Count on this author to make us laugh out loud. Recommended by The PlanetEsme Plan.  Link for information; please support your local independent bookseller.  

WHO PUT THE COOKIES IN THE COOKIE JAR? (PICTURE BOOK)

Who Put the Cookies in the Cookie Jar? by George Shannon and Julie Paschkis. Gotta love a book that shows kids where their food comes from. Large, folksy illustrations are a pleasure to share with a group. Recommended by The PlanetEsme Plan.  Link for information; please support your local independent bookseller.  

THE ANIMAL BOOK (NONFICTION)

The Animal Book: A Collection of the Fastest, Fiercest, Toughest,Cleverest, Shyest--and Most Surprising--Animals on Earth by Steve Jenkins.  Boom! A massive collection of animal information by the master, accented with amazing cut and torn paper illustration. Recommended by The PlanetEsme Plan.  Link for information; please support your local independent bookseller.  

OPEN THIS LITTLE BOOK (PICTURE BOOK)

Open This Little Book by Jesse Klausmeier and Suzy Lee. A story within a story within a story that's full of surprises! Recommended by The PlanetEsme Plan.  Link for information; please support your local independent bookseller.

JONATHAN AND MARTHA (PICTURE BOOK)

 
 Jonathan and Martha by Petr Horacek. In this worm love story, two invertebrates become entangled in an argument, but learn to love each other through pear-sharing, sickness, health and bird attacks. Most offbeat and resonating little affair since the butterflies in Trina Paulus' Hope for the Flowers. Recommended by The PlanetEsme Plan.  Link for information, please support your local independent bookseller.

WILD (PICTURE BOOK)

Wild by Emily Hughes. Artwork as free-spirited as the main character! Recommended by The PlanetEsme Plan.  Link for information, please support your local independent bookseller.

MARY HAD A LITTLE LLAMA (PICTURE BOOK)

Maria Had a Little Llama / María Tenía Una Llamita by Angela Dominguez. A classic with a Peruvian and bilingual twist. Recommended by The PlanetEsme Plan.  Link for information; please support your local independent bookseller. 

JOURNEY (PICTURE BOOK)

Journey by Aaron Becker. Wordless adventure with a magical red marker. Harold and the Purple Crayon, all-growed-up. (Picture updated:  a Caldecott honor book!) Recommended by The PlanetEsme Plan.  Link for information; please support your local independent bookseller.  

DEEP IN THE SAHARA (PICTURE BOOK)

 
Deep in the Sahara by Kelly Cunnane and Hoda Hadadi. Beautiful story about a Muslim girl in Mauritania who will be allowed to wear the malafa (head covering) once she understands what it truly means. Recommended by The PlanetEsme Plan.  Link for information; please support your local independent bookseller.

LAIKA: ASTRONAUT DOG (NONFICTION)

Laika: Astronaut Dog by Owen Davey. Striking, spot-on illustration inspired by vintage Russian poster art about the first dog sent into space. Ending is bittersweet, albeit fictional...I cried and cried and cried. A picture book tour de force. Recommended by The PlanetEsme Plan.  Link for information; please support your local independent bookseller.

CATERINA AND THE PERFECT PARTY (PICTURE BOOK)

Caterina and the Perfect Party by Erin Eitter Kono. A little bird is getting ready to host her first party, how exciting! But when best laid plans go awry, it's the guest list that makes all the difference. Love how this story plots out the real steps it takes to plan a fête...perfect for future Pinterest pinners. Fetching, cheerful illustrations will make this a favorite! You're invited to read! Recommended by The PlanetEsme Plan. Link for information, please support your local independent bookseller.

A LONG WAY AWAY (PICTURE BOOK)

A Long Way Away by Frank Viva. A beautiful story, whether you read it back-to-front or front-to-back! Recommended by The PlanetEsme Plan.  Link provided for information; please support your local independent bookseller.