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2019 Staff Picks: Books for Early Readers

By Skokie Staff Youth Services

Our favorite 2019 books for kids in kindergarten through 3rd grade. Happy reading, everyone!

  • The Undefeated

    2019 by Alexander, Kwame

    Dream team Kwame Alexander and Kadir Nelson have created an unforgettable ode to the achievements of black Americans. Alexander's rhymes are filled with awe, rhythm, and respect while Nelson's vibrant paintings have never looked so thunderous, realistic, and deep. Recommended by Jarrett Dapier.

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  • Perfect

    2019 by Amato, Max

    The inside jacket flap of this book says it best: "When we embrace imperfection, we embrace the unknown, opening ourselves up to the world." Recommended by Lorrie Hansen.

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  • The Green Giant

    2019 by Cottle, Katie

    A young girl spending the summer in the countryside at her grandfather’s house initially finds her surroundings boring. When she and her dog Iris stumble upon a greenhouse, they find a lush and timely reminder about making our environments greener. Recommended by Christine Goertz.

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  • Planting Stories: The Life of Librarian and Storyteller Pura Belpré

    2019 by Denise, Anika

    Here is the story of the life of Pura Belpré, the first Puerto Rican librarian in New York City who advocated for culturally diverse library services and bilingual storytelling. Belpré's life is conveyed in brief moments throughout and brought to life by warm, festive illustrations. Recommended by Jarrett Dapier.

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  • A Piglet Named Mercy

    2019 by DiCamillo, Kate

    For everyone who has ever wondered how Mercy Watson came to live on Deckawoo Drive. Recommended by Shelley Sutherland.

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  • Rabbit and the Motorbike

    2019 by Hoefler, Kate

    When homebody Rabbit inherits his best friend's motorbike, he learns to love adventure and life as a free spirit. A gorgeously illustrated book written in sensitive prose, it moved me deeply. Especially recommended for children who have experienced loss. Recommended by Jarrett Dapier.

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  • When Aidan Became a Brother

    2019 by Lukoff, Kyle

    A heart-warming book about a transgender boy getting ready to become a big brother and wanting to make sure his little sibling is happy. Recommended by Quetzalli Cortez.

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  • Hum and Swish

    2019 by Myers, Matt

    This vivid picture book evokes the hypnotizing sounds and feel of a day at the beach, along with the feeling of making art for the sake of creating. Recommended by Jarrett Dapier.

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  • Miep and the Most Famous Diary: The Woman Who Rescued Anne Frank's Diary

    2019 by Pincus, Meeg

    Did you ever wonder how Anne Frank's diary survived? This picture book tells the story of Miep Gies, the woman who secretly rescued Anne's diary and saved it from destruction. Recommended by Jarrett Dapier.

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  • Hand in Hand

    2019 by Rosenbaum, Andria Warmflash

    A beautifully written and illustrated story that could be a tremendous introduction to the Holocaust. Recommended by Karen Trier.

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  • It Feels Good to Be Yourself: A Book about Gender Identity

    2019 by Thorn, Theresa

    A powerful and lovely book about being yourself and the different ways to self-identify. Recommended by Quetzalli Cortez.

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  • Crab Cake: Turning the Tide Together

    2019 by Tsurumi, Andrea

    When the ocean becomes flush with litter and pollution, the creatures of the sea band together to throw it all back at the humans. This book is full of hilarious details and memorable marine animal characters that will have readers poring over each page. Recommended by Jarrett Dapier.

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  • Hedy & Her Amazing Invention

    2019 by Wahl, Jan

    Told in a fairytale-like narrative (complete with villains), this young biography celebrates the other side of movie star Hedy Lamarr's life. Without her, we may not have had WiFi or GPS technology! Recommended by Mandy O'Brien.

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  • Alphabreaths: The ABCs of Mindful Breathing

    2019 by Willard, Christopher

    Breathing and mindfulness is as easy as A-B-C. Brightly colored illustrations accompany playful exercises to help kids manage stress and practice gratitude. Recommended by Lorrie Hansen.

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  • Harold & Hog Pretend for Real!

    2019 by Willems, Mo

    This book is for all ages. A take-off on Elephant and Piggie, it adds another layer to the wonderfulness of how people can be very different and still be best friends. Recommended by Shelley Sutherland.

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  • My Name Is James Madison Hemings

    2016 by Winter, Jonah

    The confusing life of Thomas Jefferson and Sally Heming's enslaved redheaded son is delicately told in this compelling picture book. Recommended by Mandy O'Brien.

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  • Amy Wu and the Perfect Bao

    2019 by Zhang, Kat

    Amy is on a mission to create the perfect bao. While perfection is just quite out her grasp initially, Amy smartly (and messily) works her way to a delicious outcome. Recommended by Christine Goertz.

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