Head Full of Clouds by Joanne Schwartz, illus. Afsaneh Sanei

Sanei’s illustrations highlight the diversity of beings that the little girl appreciates throughout her day. Charming creatures like wandering geese, watchful sparrows, and a playful dog add whimsy and a sense of connectedness. The natural environment is depicted through an abundance of greenery, from light to dark. The brightness of Sanei’s palette makes the illustrations sparkle with animation. … More Head Full of Clouds by Joanne Schwartz, illus. Afsaneh Sanei

The Search for the Giant Arctic Jellyfish by Chloe Savage 

The slow emergence of Dr Morely’s prized jellyfish adds a sneaky seek-and-find element to the story that is sure to delight young readers. Expect to be flicking back and forth as you try to find it on each page! Similarly, plan to spend some time poring over the detailed cross section of the research ship, which is filled with intricacies and easter eggs. … More The Search for the Giant Arctic Jellyfish by Chloe Savage 

Roy is Not a Dog, by Esmé Shapiro and Daniel Newell Kaufman

One take-away readers can draw from this story is the importance of meeting one’s neighbors and community. As Roy emphasizes, you never know who your neighbors could be, the interesting stories they have, or the fun skills they may have mastered. It can also be daunting moving somewhere new, and this story may help encourage a young reader to reach out and make friends in their community. … More Roy is Not a Dog, by Esmé Shapiro and Daniel Newell Kaufman

Welcome, Dark by Charis St. Pierre, illus. Rachel Wada

Our imaginations bloom in inarticulate ways at times—magnifying a simple rustle or bird call, or the sound of rain on window’s glass. St. Pierre’s poetic story offers answers: the rustle is the wind, and the call of birds are just a normal part of the world at night, which has its own purpose in the time. … More Welcome, Dark by Charis St. Pierre, illus. Rachel Wada