Elementary

A celebration of birding, making new friends, and the power of self-love make these picture books excellent choices for summer reading and all year round.

For collection development or year-around displays, this celebration of joy and all things Jewish takes readers around the world. There’s a Sukkot in Uganda, a seder in Depression-era Washington, DC, and another set in COVID-19-era Jerusalem. Family is the thing, and from the personal to the universal, the gamut of human experience runs through these picture books.

Cascarones are empty eggshells that are decorated, filled with confetti, and sealed. A Latinx Easter tradition involves breaking them over loved ones’ heads. Join in the fun with these two picture books.

Looking for bunnies? Looking for eggs? Whatever your young readers are looking for this Easter season, these tactile and interactive offerings will take them on a fun-filled journey.

From conservation and recycling to a simple appreciation of nature, these books provide a greater understanding of the world and our place in it.

Holi, also known as the Festival of Colors, is a Hindu festival celebrating spring. Young readers will enjoy these colorful picture books about the holiday.

Purim is a Jewish holiday that commemorates events told in the biblical Book of Esther. Hand these titles to young readers so they can share in the parties, costumes, and food that are all part of the festivities.

Shark Teeth by Sherri Winston and Black Girl You Are Atlas by Renée Watson are this year's winners in the younger readers and teen categories, respectively.

Some kids love narrative nonfiction; others, expository literature. Learn more about these two styles of books and browse a list of recent outstanding examples.