Some of our favorite Children’s Department staff are sharing their favorite picture books of 2021! What are YOUR favorite picture books that came out this year? If you haven’t read their picks or want to read them again, check them out at the Homewood Public Library Children’s Department or place a hold on them through the links provided below. Enjoy!
-Miss Cristina
- Eyes That Kiss in the Corners by Joanna Ho
- This powerful picture book shows how young Asian-American girl embraces her features and heritage. Filled with inspiration and beauty, this lyrical story shines a light on the importance of being proud of one’s self, culture, and being true to yourself.
- Milo Imagines the World by Matt de la Peña
- Imagination plays a big part in this colorful picture book, illustrated by one of the bests, Christian Robinson. As Milo rides in a subway, he tells a story of each people he encounters through his imagination. This clever, yet poignant book, is a reminder that not everything is what it seems.
- The Light in Me Sees the Light in You by Lori Nichols
- When a young girl befriends a red bird, her life changes, and she experiences different waves of emotion. This picture book by local author and illustrator, Lori Nichols, shows the beauty and sadness of losing a someone dear to us.
- When a young girl befriends a red bird, her life changes, and she experiences different waves of emotion. This picture book by local author and illustrator, Lori Nichols, shows the beauty and sadness of losing a someone dear to us.
- Ruby’s Reunion Day Dinner by Angela Dalton
- This picture book is sure to make readers hungry! Ruby and her relatives have arranged a plethora of delicious types of food for everyone to eat, which pays homage to the African-American tradition of family reunions. It also doesn’t hurt that the vivid illustrations also make the foods extra appetizing!
- No Pants! by Jacob Grant
- Pablo’s refusal of wearing pants to a cookout, along with his dad’s frustration, will send readers rolling on the floor laughing. Adults will also enjoy this picture book, because of the interaction between a parent and a hilariously, stubborn child.
- Chez Bob by Bob Shea
- In this trickster tale, an alligator thinks of ways to capture his meal. One way is to make his snout into restaurant where birds can dine on, and a result, CHOMP!, dinner will be served for himself. Yet another hilarious picture book by Bob Shea, this story is great for a read aloud for all ages.
- Tomatoes For Neela by Padma Lakshmi
- Food can be a reminder of plenty of things, but in this picture book, readers are going to be reminded of their grandparents. As Neela and her amma prepares to go shopping for tomatoes, Neela thinks fondly of memories she shared with her grandma living all the way in India. Be warned: each page of this book with make your mouth water.