SLJ Best Picture Books 2023Like this list

15 items

• Mr. S

  Arnaldo, Monica

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  "Is it a mystery? A story of classroom rebellion, or even a coup? When a silent but imperious sandwich on their teacher’s desk seems to substitute for the day, the students are only too willing to comply—or else. A sidesplitting take on…Read moreRead more of this annotation

• The Tree and the River

  Becker, Aaron, 1974-

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  "Nature bites back after a tree and a river cohabit in a bucolic and wordless setting as humans overbuild. A catastrophic event wipes the slate clean, while tiny acorns reboot the process by the last page. This meditation on time, climate…Read moreRead more of this annotation

• We Are Here

  Charles, Tami

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  "'If All Because You Matter' was an anthem to Black childhood, this companion piece is a march of ancestral pride, highlighting how Black history is one with world history, and that the long, steady train of accomplishment continues.…Read moreRead more of this annotation

• A Human for Kingsley

  Evans, Gabriel, 1991-

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  "Kingsley, a large hairy dog, has decided to “own” a human and goes out in search of the right one. He becomes intrigued by a girl in a red beret who needs him just as much as he needs her. A funny and unique tale." Also available as a…Read moreRead more of this annotation

• Something, Someday

  Gorman, Amanda, 1998-

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  "A child notices trash piles and resolves to do something about them to help beautify the community. With delightful collage illustrations, this book reminds readers that everyone has the power to come together and make a change."

• I'm From

  Gray, Gary (Gary R.), Jr

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  "A Black boy asked the question “Where are you from?” answers in the best way possible by highlighting his home and culture, as well as all the things that make him who he is. Heartfelt text and vibrant illustrations work together in this…Read moreRead more of this annotation

• Big

  Harrison, Vashti

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  "Being called a “big girl” was once a compliment, but starts to feel less so when a girl gets mocked for her size. After she tells people that their words hurt her, she says proudly that she likes herself the way she is. A lovely…Read moreRead more of this annotation

• My Powerful Hair

  Lindstrom, Carole, 1964-

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  "Hair carries a powerful legacy and connection in Native/Indigenous cultures. Lindstom’s sparse, poetic language (“Our ancestors say: Our hair is our memories. Our source of strength”) and Littlebird’s bright palette capture both serenity…Read moreRead more of this annotation

• To the Other Side

  Meza, Erika

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  "A splendidly rendered migrant story that is awash in contrasts: light and dark, white space and ghostly shadows, bright colors and stark fences, peril and hope. Siblings play what begins as a game with three overarching rules: “Avoid the…Read moreRead more of this annotation

• Mina Belongs Here

  Niebuhr-Siebert, Sandra

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  "A young immigrant’s experience starting at a new school in a new language is captured in expressive illustrations that use a slow introduction of color to mimic how Mina adapts to her new life. As she grows more comfortable, her world…Read moreRead more of this annotation

• My Grandfather's Song

  Phung, Nguyen Quang

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  "A unique book about migration sprinkled with Vietnamese mythology as seen through the eyes of a little boy and his grandfather as their special relationship unfolds. Breathtaking illustrations steal the show as the significance of…Read moreRead more of this annotation

• ¡Vamos! Let's Go Read

  Raúl the Third, 1976-

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  "A book festival celebration presented in a graphic novel style as English and Spanish words are intertwined throughout. This story is a great representation of all the wonderful services a public library can offer, from a map room and…Read moreRead more of this annotation

• There Was a Party for Langston

  Reynolds, Jason

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  "This brilliant story shares the positive impact Langston Hughes had on so many—big and small—through music, dance, and, of course, words. The Pumphreys strike again as they expertly weave text through their illustrations like streams of…Read moreRead more of this annotation

• My Baba's Garden

  Scott, Jordan, 1978-

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  "A little boy visits his Polish grandmother, Baba, every morning, and although there is a language barrier, they communicate beautifully through the simple acts of sharing food, humming, and gardening. Iridescent art amplifies a…Read moreRead more of this annotation

• Hanukkah Upside Down

  Weissman, Elissa Brent

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  "Cousins Nora and Noah live in opposite parts of the world. As Hanukkah approaches, the two begin a friendly battle over who will celebrate it best. This glowing book shows family connections across the globe and remains true to the…Read moreRead more of this annotation