To celebrate Picture Book Month, we are going to post five of our 100 picture books to keep on the shelf every day.
All Different Now: Juneteenth, the First Day of Freedom by Angela Johnson, illustrated by E.B. Lewis
With notes from the author and illustrator, a timeline of important dates, and a glossary of terms this picture book is perfect for teaching young readers about the first Juneteenth, the day that freedom came to the last slaves in the South.
Alma and How She Got Her Name, by Juana Martinez-Neal
A heartfelt story about a little girl with a big name. Follow Alma Sofia Esperanza José Pura Candela, who thinks her name is far too large, as she learns the history behind each of her six names.
Beautiful Blackbird, by Ashley Bryan
Vibrant cut-paper illustrations tell the story of how the birds of the forest get their black markings. Envious of the beauty of Blackbird’s feathers, they beg Blackbird to paint their feathers with some of his beauty. Though Blackbird agrees, he reminds the other birds that true beauty is from within, not without.
Because by Mo Willems, illustrated by Amber Ren
Mo Willems delivers a story about how one person’s dreams can make a large impact in many lives. His words remind us that we never know how we can affect another person, and how one show of kindness or beauty can change the life of another.
Ben’s Trumpet by Rachel Isadora
Black and white illustrations follow the story of a boy who plays an imaginary trumpet and dreams of playing with a real instrument. The illustrations draw in the eye and convey music without instruments.