My, My March!

We are roaring in to March with not one, not two, but NINE new picture book debuts! That’s a lot of stories to fall in love with!

March 5th debuts:

When Grandma Gives You a Lemon Tree by Jamie L.B. Deenihan and Lorraine Rocha

Kirkus nailed it…this book “charms from cover to cover.” When Grandma gives her granddaughter a lemon tree for her birthday, instead of one of the electronics on her list, the little girl will have to grow to love the gift. I didn’t have to grow to love this book, though. It had me hooked right from the start. Adorable, funny, and great for birthday gifts.

Cavekid Birthday by Cathy Breisacher and Roland Garrigue

There are so many layers to this adorable and sweet take on The Gift of the Magi. The humor is just right, the art is perfectly matched, and the twist ending is utterly satisfying. You’ll fall in love with Caveboy and Cavegirl.

 

Tiny T. Rex and the Impossible Hug by Jonathan Stutzman and Jay Fleck

Tiny T. Rex will melt your heart! This determined little character is on a mission to hug his best friend even though it’s really hard for him to do so since his arms are so tiny.  Poor T. Rex! The simple art adds so much emotion to this story. Good news: this is just the first in a series of Tiny T. Rex books!

 

 

March 12th debuts:

Lola Shapes the Sky by Wendy Greenley and Paolo Domeniconi

I love this book and its fresh approach to a classic message- embracing what makes you unique. This story is both beautifully uplifting and beautifully illustrated. Get ready to fall in love with Lola’s spirit.

 

 

A Green Place to Be by Ashley Benham Yazdani

This nonfiction debut about the creation of Central Park is outstanding! Beautifully told and illustrated, you’ll find yourself saying, “I never knew that,” over and over as you read this story. For those who have visited this iconic park, it will transport you right back to this green place in the heart of NYC. For those who haven’t visited, beware…you’ll be left wanting to book your first trip by the time you finish reading.

March 15th debut:

Four Otters Toboggan by Vivian Kirkfield and Mirka Hokkanen

This lyrical counting book, with its beautifully descriptive language and art, makes you want to linger on each page. The story structure follows nature as it turns from dawn to dusk. And as the reader engages with the dragonflies, fox, otters, and mud turtles, he/she experiences the beauty of nature and the importance of protecting wild habitats.

 

 

March 19th debuts:

Let’s Have a Dog Party by Mikaela Prevost

I mean, will you look at that cover?! Seriously adorable! Dogs are a hit, ALWAYS, and Prevost nailed it with this story. Why? Because this is a fresh take on an important topic- empathy. Full disclosure, I’m a cat person, but this story makes me want a Frank to cuddle with and it will make you want one, too.

 

 

Dancing Through Fields of Color: The Story of Helen Frankenthaler by Elizabeth Brown and Aimee Sicuro

A stunningly beautiful nonfiction picture book of Helen Frankenthaler. The lyrical language and dazzling art evoke such emotion while you read. One will get lost on these pages. You don’t have to be an art connoisseur to appreciate the beauty of this book.

 

 

The Real Farmer in the Dell by Sandra Sutter and Chantelle and Burgen Thorne

This is an absolutely adorable retelling of the classic song we’ve all sung as kids! Told from the perspective of the little mouse who was around when everything went down, we learn that it wasn’t about the farmer after all! The colorful illustrations are action packed and complement the text perfectly.