The Best New Picture Books of April 2018

Scientist, Scientist, Who Do You See, by Chris Ferrie
If you have a budding scientist in your midst, they’ll love this parody that highlights some of the greatest scientific minds of the past two centuries. Simple rhyming text will draw in your youngest readers, while older kids will appreciate the deeper biographical information located in the back.

The Berenstain Bears Just Grin and Bear It: Wisdom from Bear Country, by Mike Berenstain
If there was ever a family to learn from, it’s the Berenstains. From their charming treehouse in the glen to their sturdy no-frills jalopy that gets Mother Bear to the market and back, it’s clear that the Berenstains understand how to live a practical life. This board book features scenes from their multi-decade run as one of our favorite literary families. Filled with refreshingly simple advice, it’s a perfect gift, or use it to drop some homespun wisdom on your youngest readers at your next storytime!

Heal the Earth, by Julian Lennon, Bart Davis, and Smiljana Coh
The second story in Lennon’s inspiring trilogy will whisk readers away on another incredible journey aboard the White Feather Flier. All passengers will be invited to help people and animals along the way, and they’ll encounter wondrous sights too! You can feel good about bringing the world to your next storytime—a portion of every book sale will support Lennon’s humanitarian organization, the White Feather Foundation.

Sometimes You Fly, by Katherine Applegate and Jennifer Black Reinhardt
With heartfelt words and captivating illustrations, this encouraging book recognizes every milestone, and celebrates persistence. It’s a wonderful book to give, but one you’ll want to treasure with your young readers too, delighting in Applegate’s honest acknowledgement (and helpful reminder!) that “sometimes you fail…sometimes you fly.”

Back to the Future, by Kim Smith
We know you’ve featured it on Family Movie Night, so it’s time to add Back to the Future to storytime as well! It’s a hilarious time-traveling adventure that’s as perfect for picture book pages as it is for the big screen! Go back in time tonight!

People Don’t Bite People, by Lisa Wheeler and Molly Idle
Punchy rhymes and vivid illustrations will immediately draw readers of all ages in, and you will relish every opportunity to read this hilarious tale aloud. (Which is a good thing, because this story will be requested A LOT!). Add this story to your collection today, and remind your kids that people don’t taste like cake!

Sleep Train, by Jonathan London and Lauren Eldridge
This spellbinding story has it all—soothing rhymes, fantastic illustrations, trains, and endless opportunities to count the night away. It’s a veritable one-way ticket to dreamland—what’s not to love? Climb aboard the Sleep Train for storytime—toot toot!

Rhyme Crime, by Jon Burgerman
There’s a rhyme robber afoot, stealing one thing and replacing it with another that rhymes with it, and readers need to jump into the story to get to the bottom of things. Think you’re up for it? Vibrant illustrations make the story come alive, but don’t be fooled—this is no lighthearted read. This is a real mystery! Engaging for readers of all ages—and especially inspiring for budding poets—Rhyme Crime will quickly become a storytime favorite.

Moon, by Alison Oliver
This touching story invites us to step away from the confines of our busy lives and simply enjoy the moment. Moon is a little girl with a lot on her plate, but when she meets Wolf, she learns how to howl, hide, be still, and be wild. This unlikely friendship teaches her how to be herself, and it teaches an important lesson to us all: be free!

Hello Lighthouse, by Sophie Blackall
The life of the lighthouse keeper is a simple one, and this well-researched, beautifully illustrated story pays homage to a bygone era. Luminous waves jump off the page, and a tender tale comes to life in gorgeous color. Caldecott award winning Blackall has created yet another masterpiece, and you won’t want to miss it!