1. Maps (Big Picture Press) Aleksandra Mizielinska & Daniel Mizielinski
This book of maps is a visual feast for readers of all ages, with lavishly drawn illustrations from the incomparable Mizielinskis. The maps show not only borders, cities, rivers, and peaks, but also places of historical and cultural interest, eminent personalities, iconic animals and plants, cultural events and many more fascinating facts associated with every region.
2. Almost Everything (Roaring Brook Press) Joelle Jolivet
A skyscraper? An igloo? A high-speed train? A horse and cart? Encyclopedic and stylish, Almost Everything is full of things both familiar and unexpected, arranged in simple categories — buildings, transportation, costumes, plants, animals, and much more. The wealth of detail and oversize design is matched by bold, dramatic block print art, in a book that will capture and hold young children’s attention.
3. Books (Ammo Books) Murray McCain & John Alcorn
BOOKS! by Murray McCain and John Alcorn, the beloved classic children’s book originally published in 1962, is now re-released for the first time in a new, large format.
4. The Very Hungry Caterpillar (Penguin Putnam) Eric Carle
The grandfather of all classic children’s books, that is still as popular as ever.
5. The Invisible Kingdom (Hutchinson) Rob Ryan
THE INVISIBLE KINGDOM is about a small boy, a big imagination and learning to be your own person
Oh… and here are a couple of others that were too good not to be included…
Paul Thurlby’s Alphabet (Templar Publishing) Paul Thurlby
Discover an alphabet like no other! In his first children’s book, highly-collected graphic artist Paul Thurlby creates an amazing world where each letter of the alphabet becomes its word. From B for bounce, with two bouncy balls, to Y for yoga, with a stretching yoga instructor, this is a stunning alphabet that helps to make the shape of each letter memorable for first readers
I Want My Hat Back (Walker) Jon Klassen
The bear’s hat is gone, and he wants it back. Patiently and politely, he asks the animals he comes across, one by one, whether they have seen it. Each animal says no, some more elaborately than others. But just as it he begins to lose hope, lying flat on his back in despair, a deer comes by and asks a rather obvious question that suddenly sparks the bear’s memory and renews his search with a vengeance. Told completely in dialogue, this quirky take on the classic repetitive tale plays out in sly illustrations laced with visual humour and winks at the reader with a wry irreverence that will have kids of all ages thrilled to be in on the joke.
All books are available at your friendly independent book store, and if you can’t see them on the shelf, you bet that they will order it for you. Enjoy xo
Creative Bus Stop 