Here are some of my favorite new titles due for release in May or June 2021. (links are Amazon affiliate links, I will receive a small financial incentive for every title purchased via this link)
May Releases
Carol and the Pickle Toad by Esme Shapiro
Do not be put off by the strange title,I love this book! The story centres around Carol’s very bossy pickle toad hat, that is always telling her what to do. If you have read Glennon Doyle’s Untamed, (which by the way I highly recommend), this is a picture book that explores many of the same themes . It teaches children to listen to their inner voice and not to be afraid to be who they are, rather than who someone else want you to be. Yes, it is quirky, and I’m not really sure why the hat is a pickle toad , but for me, that adds to the charm. The illustrations are beautiful and I smiled as Carol went on her journey to find herself. I think it would appeal to young children’s oddball sense of humor and is a great conversation starter.
Sloth and Squirrel in a Pickle by Cathy Ballou Mealey
Pickles seem to be a bit of a theme this month!
Sloth and Squirrel are good friends but they have different ways of doing things and different speeds of doing them. So, when Squirrel gets them jobs as pickle packers to earn money for a new bike, things don’t go according to plan. Sloth and Squirrel in a Pickle is a fun story that I think little children will love. The illustrations perfectly embrace the personalities of the characters, through wonderful facial expressions. The story is slightly off the wall and zany, which always grabs the attention of my young readers. Hopefully we will see more Sloth and Squirrel adventures in the future.
This is Ruby by Sarah O’Leary
This is a perfect book for a play advocate like me. It shows all the wonderful places your imagination can take you and the many things that play may, or may not lead to when you are a grown. It also relishes living in the moment. Another aspect I like about this book are the interactive elements promoting discussion between parent/teacher and child. It’ can be difficult to find books with children of diverse cultures, race and ability that are not specifically about that difference – Ruby does this perfectly. There isn’t really a story to the book but it has a good message and would be a valuable addition to a diverse library of books.
June Releases
Dancing in Thatha’s Footsteps by Srividhya Venkat
This is a beautiful story about a boy who wants to dance just like his sister and his grandfather who shows everyone that dancing isn’t only for girls. Through the story, we learn about bharatanatayam, an ancient classical dance from India. The illustrations perfectly embody the movements in the dance, you can clearly picture Varun and Thatha dancing. Dancing in Thatha’s Footsteps ticks all the boxes for an inclusive picture book and I will be adding this to my preschool library.
Let’s go for a walk by Ranger Hamza
This book is for families who love the outdoors. Go for a walk with Ranger Hamza from CBeebies ‘Let’s go for a Walk’. Each page has different things to look out for and can be used time and again. When my children were young, I would often encourage them to walk for longer by challenging them to find things along the way. Let’s go for a walk could be used in this way and as a story at home to talk about all the things you see when out and about. I love the vibrant colours and the suggestions to look up, down and use all of your senses.
I hope you enjoy my choices and find some other great new titles this month.
Right from the Start 