December’s Best Picture Books

I’m Going to Give You a Bear Hug!, by Caroline B. Cooney and Tim Warnes
I’m just going to put it out there—every page here is a hug. In her latest padded board book, bestselling author Cooney imagines all the different ways your little reader can give, receive, and enjoy life’s embraces. This story starts out with silly, playful rhyme, but the gentle rhythm ultimately soothes and comforts little readers who are eager to keep story time going.

Five-Minute Peppa Stories (Peppa Pig Series), by Eone
If you have a dedicated Peppahead sleeping in your house, you might want to consider this new collection of 8 stories—all of which can be told in 5 minutes (though we can’t account for all the retellings). Four of the cheerful tales were previously unavailable in the United States, so even the most discerning Peppa Pig fans can agree—this is a rare edition, making it perfect for story time TONIGHT!

Pig the Pug, by Aaron Blabey
Pig the Pug has all he could ever desire—a comfortable home, sumptuous chew toys, and a veritable buffet of delectable treats. Though his luxuries are many, Pig remains unwilling to share space or a single morsel with his roommate Trevor, a gregarious dachshund. In fact, at Trevor’s mere suggestion of sharing—and playing together—Pig the Pug’s teeth are bared, he jumps upon his pile of treasures, and, of course, his bug eyes protrude ominously. This hilarious tale of friendship and sharing is the perfect antidote to toddler tantrums—and it will have the whole family rolling!

Pups Save Friendship Day! (Paw Patrol), by Golden Books and Mike Jackson
It’s Friendship Day, but something is holding up the mail! Luckily, the Paw Patrol is ready on the double, and it’s up to them to uncover the mystery and deliver the mail. Can they save Friendship Day in time? Teamwork and friendship are necessary to make this mission complete!

That’s Me Loving You, by Amy Krouse Rosenthal and Teagan White
Most assuredly, this moving poem about the eternal nature (and fierceness!) of parental love will become an instant favorite in your house. The natural world is brought to life on every page, and your little readers will recognize—and be comforted by—all the reminders of their moms and dads in twinkling stars, gentle breezes, and the murmurs of swaying trees.

The Joker’s Big Break (The LEGO Batman Movie), by Michael Petranek
The Clown Prince of Crime has been transported from the big screen to your littlest reader’s twin bed in this wild new storybook. Batman is always ready to protect his city, but is the Joker just tricky enough to outsmart him? Tensions will be high at story time tonight—cross your fingers for a happy ending in Gotham City!

The Secret Life of Squirrels: A Love Story, by Nancy Rose
If you and your little readers have fallen in love with Rose’s still images and meticulous backdrops in The Secret Life of Squirrels and Merry Christmas, Squirrels, then prepare to swoon once more. Mr. Peanuts is climbing trees and scrounging for nuts one fine afternoon when he realizes that his life would be more meaningful if he had someone to share it with—is a potential Mrs. Peanuts out there somewhere? The answer is simply adorable!

Yoga Bunny, by Brian Russo
The forest floor is the perfect place for yoga, and Bunny is enjoying his practice. He knows it would be even better if his friends joined him—but Lizard, Fox, and Bird are too tired, frustrated, or preoccupied. Bunny is undeterred, however, and through a series of poses depicted in eye-catching illustrations, he might just be able to convince them (and maybe you and your little reader too!) to slow down and try something new!