Staff Picks
Contemplative Picture Books
- Bryan B.
- Tuesday, January 07, 2020
Collection
These picture books feature introspective characters and themes, allowing young and developing readers to explore not only their thoughts, but the world around them. These range from simple poems on top of beautiful photographs and illustrations, to wordless expressions of art and narrative.
Crown
An Ode to the Fresh Cut
Published in 2017
Celebrates the magnificent feeling that comes from walking out of a barber shop with newly-cut hair.
Why Am I Me?
Published in 2017
In a poetic, philosophical exchange, two children of different races ask themselves why they are who and what they are, and speculate on how they could be different.
Walk with Me
Published in 2017
A little girl imagines a lion taking the place of her father who no longer lives with her family, an animal that keeps her safe on her travels from school to home.
Taiko on a Windy Night
Published in 2001
A cat enjoys the sights, sounds, and smells of a nighttime stroll.
Whale in a Fishbowl
Published in 2018
Wednesday, a whale living in captivity, is inspired by a little girl named Piper to try to reach the sea.
Magritte's Marvelous Hat
A Picture Book
Published in 2012
When painter Magritte, depicted as a well-dressed, floppy-eared dog, buys a playful--and mysterious--hat, his painting enjoys a burst of creativity. Inspired by the art of French surrealist painter René Magritte.
A Cool Drink of Water
Published in 2002
Depicts people around the world collecting, chilling, and drinking water.
The World is Waiting for You
Published in 2013
Intends to inspire children to follow their favorite interests in order to inform them about future careers.
Lines
Published in 2017
In this wordless picture book, each image starts with a single line, whether made by a pencil or the blade of a skate--and the magic flows from there.
Dim Sum for Everyone!
Published in 2001
A child describes the various little dishes of dim sum that she and her family enjoy on a visit to a restaurant in Chinatown.
Draw the Line
Published in 2017
After two boys drawing their own lines realize they can connect them, a misstep creates a rift between them.
Goodbye Autumn, Hello Winter
Published in 2017
"In a simple, cheerful conversation with nature, two young children witness how the season changes from autumn to winter"-- Provided by publisher.
Goodbye Summer, Hello Autumn
Published in 2016
"In a simple, evocative conversation with nature, a young girl witnesses how the season changes from summer to autumn"-- Provided by publisher.
Now
Published in 2017
"Follow a little girl as she takes you on a tour through all of her favorite things, from the holes she digs to the hugs she gives"-- Provided by publisher.
Raindrops Roll
Published in 2014
"In her latest gorgeously photo-illustrated nonfiction picture book, celebrated author April Pulley Sayre sheds new light on the wonders of rain, from the beauty of a raindrop balanced on a leaf to the amazing, never-ending water cycle that keeps our planet in perfect ecological balance."-- Provided by publisher.
Oh, the Places You'll Go!
Published in 1990
Advice in rhyme for proceeding in life; weathering fear, loneliness, and confusion; and being in charge of your actions.
Kitten and the Night Watchman
Published in 2018
As he makes his rounds, a night watchman hears birds calling, insects buzzing, and vehicles roaring by, while a stray kitten keeps him company.
Little Fox and the Missing Moon
Published in 2019
Fox, who hopes to become a famous detective one day, investigates when he looks out the window one night and notices the moon is missing.
And So It Goes
Published in 2017
Explores the way that some people leave the world and others come into it, and how those who come into it eventually leave it.