A Little Bit Brave by Nicola Kinnear

Logan and Luna are friends but opposites. Logan prefers to stay inside and be safe while Luna bravely explores outside and has adventures. An argument prompts Logan to be a little bit brave and venture outside. 

Thoughts: Such a great story with lovely illustrations. I love that Logan and Luna are opposites because that's the way my best friend and I are. We have a lot in common and enjoy a few of the same things, but we have some marked differences in personality and that's what makes our friendship interesting. The illustrations are lively and colorful. 

Download coloring and activity sheets from the author's website. 

Themes: Friendship, Rabbits 

(Orchard Books, 2019.)

That's My Carrot! by Il Sung Na

Two expert carrot growers get into an argument over a huge carrot. When it disappears, they have to work together to find it. 

Thoughts: I love Na's books and the newest one doesn't disappoint. I love the arguing rabbits. They remind me of Too Tall Houses by Gianna Marino and Sam and Dave Dig a Hole by Mac Barnett. The ending is a surprise and one I think readers will like. The illustrations are colorful and I like the lack of outlines. 

Themes: Rabbits, Vegetables, Gardens 

(Knopf, 2020.)

The Elephants' Guide to Hide-and-Seek by Kjersten Hayes

Hie-and-seek is not an easy game for an elephant to play. After all, have you ever tried to hide an elephant? 

Thoughts: This book is fun and colorful. I like that the intrusive narrator is another elephant. I can't wait to use this book in storytime. My favorite illustration is the elephant pretending to be a chair. This book would pair well with Hide & Seek by Il Sung Na, Everybunny Count! by Ellie Sandall, and Peek-a-Boo Bunny by Holly Surplice. 

Themes: Elephants, Games, Hide-and-Seek

(Illustrated by Gladys Jose. Sourcebooks, 2020.)

Beehive by Jorey Hurley

One word per two page spread illustration introduces readers to what bees do. 

Thoughts: The brief text and digitally created illustrations that are reminiscent of cut paper collage combine to create a wonderful introduction to bees. I love this format so much and can't wait to share Beehive in storytime and with students when I visit elementary schools. I love that the author's note both explores and explains the words Hurley chose for her book. Beehive would pair well with Beware by Bob Raczka, unBEElieveables by Douglas Florian, and The Honeybee by Kirsten Hall. There are also bee poems in On the Farm by David Elliott and Things to Do by Elaine Magliaro. 

Themes: Bees, Bugs/Insects, Spring

(Paula Wiseman, 2020.)