I’m a children’s librarian, so while I don’t post about many kids’ books on this blog, I read A TON of them. That’s why my TBR goal for 2022 was so high, though not as high as 2021 when I was actively reading more new release titles for work.
Since I don’t share all of my children’s book reads on this blog, this post is for sharing the ones I read in the first half of 2022. I usually break things down into categories, but since I read less this year than I was reading in 2021, I’ll just share Goodreads descriptions.
Note: This post contains affiliate links. When you click on and/or purchase from some links, I make a portion of the sale. This helps keep Bitch Bookshelf running.
Dad Bakes by Katie Yamasaki
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Always love this author/illustrator.
The Big Bath House by Kyo Maclear
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book is about the ritual of a family attending a bath house together in Japan. I loved the story about connection between families and the message of body positivity – that all shapes, sizes, and ages of bodies are beautiful. Features nude illustrations – not overly detailed, but does include male genitalia, breasts, and pubic hair – which normalize how all bodies look.
Your Legacy: A Bold Reclaiming of Our Enslaved History by Schele Williams
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
“Now take a deep breath, close your eyes, and receive your ancestors: Love, intellect, determination, courage, brilliance, strength, ingenuity, grace, and dignity. They are part of you. Honor them and their sacrifices. You are meant to do great things. Walk tall, hold your head high, and change the world.”
My Two Border Towns by David Bowles
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Vibrant illustrations and a great story about a boy and his dad who visit a town across the border in Mexico every few weeks. On their way back, they stop to give some of their purchases to refugees who are waiting to immigrate to either Mexico or the US.
My First Day by Phùng Nguyên Quang
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Awesome illustrations.
El Cucuy Is Scared, Too! by Donna Barba Higuera
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
So cute. I wanted to read Donna Barba Higuera’s picture book after adoring The Last Cuentista and it did not disappoint. A boy and his monster, El Cucuy, confront change and the unknown after moving.
Groundhog’s Runaway Shadow by David Biedrzycki
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Silly & cute.
Riding the Ferry With Captain Cruz by Alice K. Flanagan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
⛴ 🧡💙
Amara’s Farm by JaNay Brown-Wood
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Great illustrations with different fruits and vegetables than are often highlighted in books. Loved that Amara and her family are Black – I cannot think of a farm-themed book I have read before that featured anyone other than white characters, animals, or just the produce itself.
I WILL!: A Book of Promises by Juana Medina
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I love the message of this book and can see using it for kindness themed storytimes.
New Shoes by Chris Raschka
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Fun – I can see using for a shoe themed storytime or before a foot lap sit song.
Love in the Wild by Katy Tanis
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Lisa Frank vibes. Nice for Valentine’s Day or Pride or any storytime about love!
Applesauce Is Fun to Wear by Nancy Raines Day
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Cute.
Bird Builds a Nest: A First Science Storybook by Martin Jenkins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I love this from a science perspective about birds or pushing/pulling. Either way it’s lovely and made me want to be a bird.
You Hold Me Up by Monique Gray Smith
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I would use this for a kindness storytime.
Thingamabob by Marianna Coppo
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Cute.
We Want a Dog by Lo Cole
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
So funny!
Brown: The Many Shades of Love by Nancy Johnson James
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
x
A Kiss Means I Love You by Kathryn Madeline Allen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
x
All Kinds of Kisses by Nancy Tafuri
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
x
A Book of Babies by Il Sung Na
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Cute story, beautiful illustrations!
Animals in Spring by Kathryn Clay
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
x
Waiting for Wings by Lois Ehlert
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I always appreciate Ehlert’s backmatter!
Rah, Rah, Radishes!: A Vegetable Chant by April Pulley Sayre
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I LOVE nonfiction books for kids that include photographs rather than illustrations. Illustrations are fabulous too, but the bright colors in the photos of these vegetables with the fun chant really makes this title memorable, and made me hungry.
Pride Colors by Robin Stevenson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Cute, inclusive photos.
