1.) Mooshka: A Quilt Story, by Julie Paschkis
Julie Paschkis's lush illustrations evoke the beauty of artists, poets, and folktales. She is both the writer and illustrator for this lovely story about a girl and the patchwork quilt that whispers family stories to her—the kind of book that could easily become as well loved as the quilt in the story.
2.) Bat and Rat, by Patrick Jennings, Illustrations by Matthew Cordell
This is a sweet best-friend story about two little creatures who are very different, but share a love for music and love for each other. Together they create and perform a song about their favorite things: "My favorite dinner? A rotten egg roll. My favorite singer? Rat King Cole…" You will appreciate the book's charming humor just as much as your kids.
3.) The Fairy Dogfather, by Alexandra Day
The author-illustrator who brought us "Carl the Rottweiler" introduces a new, exceptional dog in this story. Young Hector, who has a tendency to confuse how to write the letters "d" and "g", mistakenly asks for help in the form of a fairy dogfather. The fedora-wearing, big-word-using dogfather doesn't seem like he's going to be much help, but the canine fairy comes through in the end. Also look for Alexandra Day's latest Carl book, "Carl at the Dog Show."
4.) Vote for Me!, by Ben Clanton
The bickering, boasting, bragging, and mudslinging elephant and donkey in this story appeal to both kids and adults. Kids will enjoy the childish back-and-forth ("Booger-breath!"… "Smellypants!"… "Snot-Sucker!," etc.) and the surprise winner in this elections send-up, while parents get to enjoy the parody. The book could even be an opportunity to spark your child's interest in the democratic process.
5.) Dinosoaring, by Deb Lund, illustrated by Howard Fine
In this follow-up to the popular "Dinosailors" and "All Aboard the Dinotrain," those crazy reptiles take to the skies. They zip and zoom in an air show and, when the air antics make them sick, go for a bail out using their dinochutes.
