Autumn and Winter Preview: Picture Books

Ordering picture books is one of the toughest parts of my job. Every season I select literally double the number of picture books I can afford, and then have the daunting task of removing about 100 titles from my shopping cart. Ordering pictures books is also one of my favourite parts of my job. I love to hear what children and caregivers think of new picture books, and there are few joys as great as putting a book into a toddler’s hands that I know they will love.

September to December 2018 will see the arrival of just shy of 100 picture books, but here are the titles I am most looking forward to sharing:

 

Big Brother Peanut Butter, by Terry Border

Release date: September 4

Border rose to fame at our library for his previous title, Peanut Butter and Cupcake, which became an instant favourite. As the new title suggests, it appears Peanut Butter is going to have a new sibling.

 

Cook and the King, by Julia Donaldson

Release date: October 16

Almost everyone knows The Gruffalo, and many of Donaldson’s other titles are beloved at our library. We are so excited to have her new title join our shelves in which a King is searching for a new cook, and an unlikely chef might be the best fit.

Giraffe Problems, by Jory John

Release date: September 25

A companion to John’s previous title, Penguin Problems, we’re going to learn about all the problems facing this giraffe and his enormous neck!

Good Night, Mr. Panda, by Steve Antony

Release date: August 28

What can we say about Mr. Panda? With his deadpan expression, he has been teaching children manners since he first appeared on the scene in Please, Mr. Panda. Now he’s back with a classic bedtime theme.

If You Ever Want to Bring a Pirate to Meet Santa, Don’t!, by Elise Parsley

Release date: October 16

I love to take Elise Parsley’s books for classroom visits; they are hilarious and are always in a setting that children can relate to – school, the library, the beach. I can’t wait to see what Magnolia is up to in this seasonal cautionary tale.

Sophie Johnson, Unicorn Expert, by Morag Hood

Release date: November 20

Unicorn books never last long on our shelves and we cannot wait to add this title to our collection. Sophie Johnson is so busy being a unicorn expert, she doesn’t notice the unicorn right under her nose!

The Very Sleepy Bear, by Nick Bland

Release date: August 28

We haven’t seen our favourite bear since 2015 when he was very noisy! We cannot wait to share Bland’s newest title with our young readers.