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We have so many fresh titles arriving this fall that we may even hold some back to stagger our NEW display over the unfolding weeks. Which of course means that you'll come in the library, give our current offerings a cursory glance, and go, “Ok. I want to see the ones you’re holding back”. ‘Cuz that’s how you do. In terms of picture books, we’re looking forward to new material from Adam Rex, Nancy Tillman, Nick Bland, Jonathan Stutzman, James Dean, Leslie Patricelli, and Jory John, among many others. Here’s a look at a few of our most anticipated releases.
I Believe in You by Sabrina Moyle with illustrations by Eunice Moyle
For those in the mood for light, uplifting, sweet sort of stories, there’s no greater picture book team to discover than sisters Sabrina Eunice Moyle (a.k.a. brand Hello!Lucky!). Some of their more popular titles include My Mom Is Magical!, My Dad Is Amazing!, and Christmas Is Awesome! Are you picking up on a bit of a positivity vibe here? It’s subtle. In their new title, I Believe in You, we encounter a rather unlikely but exceptionally encouraging friendship between a reassuring unicorn and a tiny dragon. Dragon soon learns that with true friends in your corner, you can do almost anything – but more importantly, just be yourself too. And, bonus for us, the journey involves a lot of ‘awww’-inducing hugs. The duo also have an equally adorable title, Sloth and Smell the Roses, slated for this January. The human writing duo, not the mythical creatures.
Lights on Wonder Rock by David Litchfield
David Litchfield is an exquisite illustrator with a real skill for crafting very special, thoughtful stories with unique narratives and exceptional characters. He is best known for The Bear and the Piano, The Boy and the Giant, and then later The Bear, the Piano, the Dog, and the Fiddle (fingers crossed for a third installment with a cat and a clarinet). Touted as an E.T. for the new era, Lights on Wonder Rock is a visually stunning account of a lonely girl who meets a friendly alien that will unexpectedly teach her more about life on Earth than would her desired existence among the stars. You can also catch Litchfield’s beautiful illustrations in another new fall release called Rain Before Rainbows, written by Smriti Prasadam-Halls.
Not Me by Elise Gravel
Elise Gravel has fashioned some of the most smartly original children’s titles in recent years, including The Mushroom Fan Club, amusingly offbeat Olga series, and our personal favourite, A Potato on a Bike (which hardcore fans will know also includes a cameo from a cupcake on a skateboard). This time she’s back with a silly little tale that pokes a hole in the understanding that children are merely trying to make excuses for abandoned vegetables and scattered socks. Soon the Not Me creature is accusing Not True, who turns to the perpetually protesting Not Fair (that’s Not Surprising). A playful and amusing spin on some of the more serious moral tales, Gravel is always a delightful read with a welcome touch of whimsy.
Nothing in Common by Kate Hoefler with illustrations by Corinna Luyken
An old man, a plucky pouch, and two neighbours that have nothing in common – until, of course, they do. So much for an article sans spoilers. Hoefler and Luyken use the story of a lost dog and two very different kids to show how their shared desire to help illustrates the timely though eternal notion that most people have at least something from which they can build common ground. Readers will be as awed by the stunning imagery as they are by the poignancy of communal experience. Luyken recently explained that the symbol of stars and their universality inspired her palette for this book, at once representing the emotional, visible, and abstract ideas of interconnectedness. A great starting point for young readers to foster this important understanding. Adults too.
Pig the Slob by Aaron Blabey
It’s no secret that we love Pig the Pug books and yes, also Pig the Pug’s attitude. Though he may be a fibber and a stinker and now apparently a slob, he is also a charming and lovable sort – and we all know someone who can get away with that exact combination. Usually not a human. In his latest misadventure, Pig will not get off the couch where he has been eating and watching tv, eating and watching tv, followed by watching tv and eating (sometimes you gotta shake things up). Perhaps this lazy tale may have been more impactful pre-covid when these behaviours would suggest a lack of some collective motivation. But no, perhaps we still see a slight problem. While all Trevor’s insistence will not get Pig out of his chair, by the end of the story something will. You can always trust Pig to turn things around. Except, of course, when he’s fibbing.
Look out for all the new picture book titles hitting our shelves in the coming months. And no, we will not be holding any back. In case you’ve been worrying about that first paragraph for this entire article. We know how you are. We’re also now open for you to check out other titles by any of these fabulous authors/illustrators. No appointment necessary.
Mondays Thursdays, 10-8 and Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays Saturdays 10-5.
