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2024 Staff Picks for Babies-PreK

By Skokie Staff Youth Services

These are books we think grown-ups will love to share with the littlest readers in their lives. They range from silly to unusual to deeply meaningful, and everything in-between.

  • When I Feel Loved

    2023 by Bowles, Paula

    Published in the fall in 2023, this is part of the First Feelings series. I love sharing with toddlers what it's like to feel loved! Other feelings in the series include sad, surprised, happy, scared, and angry. Suggested by Mandy.

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  • Penny Lu Porcupine

    2024 by Gilstrap, Katie

    The illustrations are so rich and soft it makes you want to touch them, and there's so much detail within that kids and grown-ups will have fun exploring their depths. I also love the empowering message, and the snappy rhyme scheme begs to be read aloud. Suggested by Caitlin.

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  • A Mischief of Mice

    2024 by Matheson, Christie

    I loved this beautifully illustrated quiet book that is both a mystery and an amazing vocabulary builder. Did you know that a group of raccoons is called a "gaze" and a bunch of spiders a "clutter?" Suggested by Gudrun.

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  • Ride Beside Me

    2024 by Knisley, Lucy

    I love the sense of community and diversity in this welcoming book. The pictures are beautiful and there's plenty to point out to your little ones. It feels like a warm hug! Suggested by Shelley.

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  • Not-a-Box City

    2024 by Portis, Antoinette

    Antoinette Portis, the author/illustrator of Not a Box, does it again! I love the simple way she shares very simple text and drawings to illustrate a complex theme--connecting, sharing, and working together can be more rewarding than doing it on your own. Suggested by Shelley.

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  • Exactly as Planned

    2024 by Nyeu, Tao

    Does life ever go “exactly as planned”? Not for me, and definitely not for Fox and Moose in this charming and creative story that is perfect for an intimate family read-aloud. I enjoyed the dual perspectives and clever illustrations, and I think little ones will, too. Suggested by Mandy.

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  • Peg Gets Crackin'

    2024 by Renfro, Jo

    I love this silly book about a chick who does not want to leave her shell even though she's bored, alone, and squished! Who knows what terrible, scary things could be out there? This picture book is funny, delightful, and very satisfying. Suggested by Shelley.

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  • The Plant Rescuer

    2024 by Rivera, Matthew

    This story about a boy who gets his first plant to take care of was so sweet and funny, I enjoyed reading it multiple times this year. Suggested by Amanda.

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  • Mix a Pancake

    2024 by Rossetti, Christina Georgina

    Adorable illustrations, fun rhymes, and lots of repetition--the perfect board book for anyone who likes cats and pancakes. Suggested by Gudrun.

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  • Animal Countdown

    2024 by Seeger, Laura Vaccaro

    I love this conceptual counting book! It's colorful and engaging for the littlest readers, with flaps and an introduction to endangered animals. Suggested by Katie.

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  • Being Home

    2024 by Sorell, Traci

    I loved this joyful story following a Cherokee girl and her mother as they move from the city to their ancestral lands. Michaela Goade’s glowing illustrations bring their home and community to life with such brilliance and love. Suggested by Lill.

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  • The Good Little Mermaid's Guide to Bedtime

    2024 by Sumner, Eija

    This book about a very fearsome little mermaid fighting against bedtime is laugh-out-loud funny and a fun wind down for anyone fighting the inevitability of a cozy night's rest. Suggested by Amanda.

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