Counting Down My Favorite Picture Books of 2022!

As we get ready to welcome in the new year tomorrow, I welcome the opportunity to count down my favorite picture books of the past year. There are SO many amazing ones to choose from – it was hard to narrow it down to just ten (or 11 if you are counting!) Note – if you are a GearPicksPack subscriber, you will recognize many of these titles! I have included a few runner-up titles at the end.

Stand-out themes this year?   Intergenerational stories (grandparent and granchild) and books about supporting and supportive communities.    

Here we go….

10. Knight Owl – Christopher Denise

High on the cuteness scale, #10 on my list is the story of a small, brave, and totally adorable owl who dreams of becoming a knight. When knights begin disappearing and a call goes out to recruit more, his dream comes true.  Owl becomes a knight and is assigned to the “Knight Night Watch”. Heart-warming story, detailed illustrations and the bonus is the humorous wordplay!  This book was included in this year’s GearPicksPack Fall subscription box.

9.  Lizzy and the Cloud – Fan Brothers

A “best books of the year” list would not be complete without a contribution from the amazing Fan Brothers.  Coming in at #9 is Lizzy and the Cloud (also included in the fall GearPicksPack!) It tells the quirky, whimsical story of Lizzy and her pet cloud, Milo.  When Milo grows too big to manage, Lizzy has to make the difficult decision to let go.  This gorgeous book is perfect for inferring and could be used to talk about so many tough subjects.  Message is gentle, respectful, and positive.  Another gift from the extraordinarily gifted Fan Brothers. 

8. Big Truck Little Island – Chris Van Dusen

When a huge tractor trailer with a “wide load” fails to make a corner on a twisty island road, four kids come up with an ingenious solution.  Based on a true event, #8 on this year’s list is a clever story about problem-solving, community, and sharing. Kids come up with an ingenious solution. Rhyming wordplay, whimsical illustrations and plenty of cars and trucks for transportation-loving readers.

7. Witch Hazel – Molly Idle 

A gorgeous, quiet book, literally filled with love and magic takes the #7 spot. This book speaks to so many of the things in my heart that I love in a picture book.  It is a gentle story that celebrates the connection between grandparent and grandchild, the importance of passing on family stories, and the gift of making new memories together.  I would also recommend this gentle book for inferring – lots of room for interpretation. 

7. Luli and the Language of Tea – Andrea Wang

Luli’s teapot was empty, but her heart was full. Parents attending English as a Second Language classes drop their kids off in the childcare room next door. None of the children speak the same language so everyone plays by themselves until Luli has a wonderful idea: serve tea, a drink that everyone in the room recognizes. #7 on my list is such a wonderful story and a great anchor book for discussing cultural food (drink) and traditions. 

6. This is a School – Jon Schu 

One of my favorites from the fall GearPicksPack subscription, this book is a perfect “back to school” read-aloud in a classroom or opening assembly.  Number 6 on my list is a celebration of all that a school signifies – work, play, creativity, a supportive community.  A joyful book – for your eyes, ears, and heart! 

5. Gibberish –  Young Vo

From the Spring 2022 GearPicksPack, #5 depicts the experience many immigrant children feel when starting school, surrounded by a language they can’t understand.  Young Dat is in a new school where everyone around him speaks gibberish.  This leaves him feeling very alone, until Julie comes along.  The illustrations beautifully carry the parts of the story that are hard to communicate in words.  This is the perfect picture book to read at the beginning of a new school year, especially if you have new language speakers in your class. 

4. Walter Had a Best Friend – Deborah Underwood

Oh my… I discovered this book only recently and I LOVE it!  It is gentle, kind and beautiful…and SO important!  It tells the story of Walter who had a very best friend until, over time, they just stopped being best friends.  Such an important book that addresses the concept of gaining and losing friends in a way that is both hard and hopeful. Many connections will be made and the story and a perfect one for discussing friendships.  I will definitely be adding it to my Powerful Understanding booklist! 

3.  Can Sophie Change the World? – Nancy Wallace

This inspiring book in the #3 spot is about paying it forward and being kind from a Jewish perspective is a perfect anchor book for a class kindness project.  When Sophie asks her Grandfather what he would like for his birthday, he says he would like her to “change the world”.  He teaches her about “mitzvahs” – small, kind deeds and soon, Sophie is weaving kindness into her daily life.  LOVE! Click HERE for a free template you can use with this book.

2.  Love in the Library – Maggie Tokuda-Hall

Another pick from last spring’s GearPickPack, this moving story in the second spot is based on the true story of the author’s grandparents who fell in love while living in a Japanese-American internment camp during the second world war.  It is heartbreaking and hopeful and makes me teary just thinking about it.  There are very few books that focus on this subject and this one is a gem. 

And now…my favorite picture book of 2022 is…. DRUM ROLL please….

1. Berry Song – Michaela Goade

It wasn’t hard to decide which book took the Number 1 spot this year. This book is a gorgeous story about a girl and her grandmother (oh, how I love grandparent and grandchild stories!), who find all kinds of gifts from the land during the different seasons.  Who knew so many berries existed? Lush watercolors and lyrical text depict the respect and wealth of the land by the indigenous peoples.  Author note explains more of her native heritage.  This might be the most beautiful picture book I’ve ever read (and I’ve read A LOT!).

Runners Up

Farmhouse – Sophie Blackall

Opening this beautiful book is literally like walking back in time and stepping inside an old farmhouse – a farmhouse the author bought in upstate New York.  Blackall carefully catalogues everything she finds in the house and, through the objects, fictionally reconstructs the lives of the Swantak family and their 12 children who had lived there. There are actual pieces of the old farmhouse included in the illustrations!  I especially loved the last two-page spread with the farmhouse laid open like a dollhouse. I can understand why there is a lot of Caldecott buzz about this book. 

A Spoonful of Frogs – Casey Lyall

If you are looking for a laugh-out-loud read-aloud – look no further!  A witch with a cooking show is preparing her favorite frog soup. All the other ingredients are mixed and ready, so it’s time to add the key one. Just put the frog on the spoon and . . .oops!  This book will have you and your students in stiches as the chaos and frustration mounts!  So clever and SO FUNNY!

This Story Is Not about a Kitten – Randall de Sève

No, it’s not about a kitten – it is about a community who comes together to save a kitten.  So clever!  This would be a great book practice inferring theme:  “If this book isn’t about a kitten, what is it about? What is the author’s message? How did the author convey that message?”  Could also be used as a writing anchor to prompt students to write their own stories “not about a —-“ to convey a theme of their choice.

I Hope / nipakosêyimon – Monique Gray Smith

Touching message about loving, nurturing and wishing the best for our children. It showcases multicultural groups of children from different parts of the world and includes stunning illustrations by Gabrielle Grimard.  This dual-language book (English and Plains Cree) would make a lovely grad gift and will no doubt resonate with all parents, grandparents and caregivers.

Every Dog in the Neighborhood – Philip C. Stead

I love Philip C. Stead (A Sick Day for Amos McGee)  I love dogs.  I love this book.  When a boy wonders how many dogs live in the neighborhood, his grandmother encourages him to find out. This leads him to knock on doors and meet all of the neighborhood dogs. Adorable! While Louis is doing this, his grandmother is also up to something but it might take re-reading to find out what that is!  (HINT:  making a difference in your community!)

And there you have it! My favorite picture books of 2022.

What books are on your list? What books will you be adding?

Can’t wait to start sharing some of the great new titles we can all look forward to reading and sharing in 2023.

Happy New Year and happy reading, everyone!

Top Ten Tuesday! 10 New Back to School Books for 2022 (plus a few more!)

As much as it’s hard to face – back to school is on the horizon. Many have enjoyed holidays, much anticipated travel, and time with family and friends this summer. Some may already be heading back to class soon, others have a few weeks left of summer bliss to enjoy. Whatever stage you are at shifting into school mode, it’s never too early or late to start exploring a few new “back to school books”. Starting school with a good collection of “back to school” themed books to share with your students during those first few weeks can really help spark important discussions and help to start building your class community. These books also are a great way to model and practice making connections to the range of feelings associated with heading back to school.

Here are my top 10 favorite new “back to school” books for 2022, along with a few old favorites! (And yes, I have trouble counting to ten!)

This is a School – Jon Schu

A book celebrating school not just as a building, but all that it signifies and represents: all the people who work and learn together, supporting each other to create a caring community. A perfect book to start the school year, to practice “Transform” (Knew-New connections!), but also one that would make a wonderful anchor book for writing about your special school!

NOTE: If you are a GearPicksPack subscriber, this book is included in your Fall box (Primary). For those who are subscribers, because many of these titles are ones you would want to share in the first days and weeks of school, no other books listed here are included in the fall GearPicks Packs as we don’t usually ship the first boxes until the end of September.

 Lupe Lopez – Rock Star Rules – Pat Zietlow Miller

Super cute book about following class rules! Lupe is a spit-fire, drum loving Kindergartener who loves to drum on everything! But when she gets to school and discovers the “no drumming” rule, this little rock star is not ready to put down her drum sticks. Eventually she decides to listen to her teacher, and makes a few new friends along the way! Love the addition of Spanish words throughout this energetic story, reminiscent of Lily’s Purple Plastic Purse.

Mae’s First Day of School – Kate Berube

Mae refuses to go to school and makes up many reasons why she should not go. Upon entering the schoolground, she decides to avoid entering and climbs a tree. Another girl who is afraid to go in decides to join her in the tree. Then, the teacher, also afraid of the first day of school, climbs the tree, too! I love the humour, along with the connections kids will make about why Mae doesn’t want to go to school.

  Hello World! – Kelly Corrigan

A young girl sets off with her dog to go explore the world to meet new people. She asks questions, connects to people, listens to their advice, and learns along the way. A perfect analogy for starting school and a great Reading Power anchor book for practicing asking questions!

That’s Not My Name – Anoosha Syed

I LOVE books about names and this new one is SUCH a wonderful addition to my collection. Mirha is so excited for her first day of school: she can’t wait to learn, play, and make new friends. But when her classmates mispronounce her name, she goes home wondering if she should find a new one. Such a great book about the importance of pronouncing people’s names correctly.

The Queen of Kindergarten – Derrick Barnes

A sweet companion to The King of Kindergarten (I think I might even like this one more!), this book follows MJ as she starts kindergarten. Lively, colorful and heartwarming and I LOVE that there is a focus on kindness and helping others. A must-have for your school library collection!

Blue Flower – Sonya Hartnett

I got a little teary reading this one! A perfect book for making connections to feelings of not fitting in, feeling different, making friends, and anxieties associated with starting school. I love the simple, small moments of self realization, perseverance, and resilience. Stunning illustrations. LOVE this one!

The Little Bear – Nicola Killen

I’m a fan of this author/illustrator, so was excited to see her new book! A very sweet story about a about a bear cub soothing a little girl’s fears about starting school. The story is sprinkled with a little magic and adorable illustrations. Would make a great read-aloud and perfect bed-time story.

First Day Critter Jitters – Jory John

This book came out a few years ago, but I only just discovered it, so thought I would include it. This is a true laugh-out-loud picture book about a group of animals who are all tense about the first day of school. The sloth worries about being late, the mouse about being too small, the kangaroo about leaving mom’s pouch, the parrot about too much repeating, and so on. The creatures are adorable and I love the message of reassurance of starting school mixed with humour. A PERFECT read-aloud for the first day of school!

Lunch From Home – Joshua David Stein

WOW! I’m so in love with this book! Such a great book to discuss the importance of culture and food. Four students are teased by “the sandwich kids” for bringing culturally-specific lunches to school. Readers follow each student as they learn to manage their first “lunch box moments”. Love how this book inspires everyone to stand up and be proud of their food and culture and encourages empathy and respect. This is a PERFECT new book to add to my Powerful Understanding “Others” book list!

Narwhal’s School of Awesomeness – Ben Clanton

Another delightful addition to the graphic novel series for beginning readers. In this story, Narwhal and Jelly become substitute teachers! They teach their “school of fish” some interesting subjects, including “Wafflematics”. Surprise bonus in this book are all the TRIPLE SCOOP WORDS! Every time a fish responds to a question, the other fish respond in synonyms! Sweet, silly and great for vocabulary building! Available in FRENCH.

 A Letter from Your Teacher on the First Day of School – Shannon Olsen

This book came out last year but it is definitely worth a second mention. SO much to love about this heartfelt, honest letter from a teacher to her/his students. A perfect back to school book to highlight a teachers purpose and to help build a positive classroom community. The illustrations are beautiful and inclusive. This book is also now available in French.

Our Class is a Family – Shannon Olsen

By the same author as A Letter from Your Teacher, this is one of my favorite books for helping to build a positive class community at the start of a school year. In it, the teacher compares the class to different families both traditional and non-traditional and how, like their family at home, a family environment in a classroom means making sure everyone is accepted, cared for, and loved.

All Are Welcome – Alexander Penfold

Last, but certainly not least, you can’t have a “back to school” book list without including this one! This is one of the best books on diversity and inclusion you can find – and sends a warm message to all children that no matter who they are, what they wear, what language they speak, and what they eat for lunch – they are all welcome at school. A perfect back to school read aloud but an even better book for a principal to share at the “Welcome Back” assembly! There is even a SONG written from this book!

Thanks for stopping by! I hope you have discovered one or two new titles to add to your “back to school” book collection! Happy reading and sharing book joy with your class this year!