Elementary

From the Caldecott-winning Big by Vashti Harrison to a bilingual counting book in Mi’kmaw and English, these illustrated works are guaranteed to engage young readers during summer break and all year around.

Characters in these books, including a few classics, are comfortable being different from others and engage with their world in nontraditional ways.

Eid al-Fitr, the end of Ramadan, is expected to fall around April 9 to April 11 in 2024. These picture books, along with a board book and an early reader, can be shared with young ones while they wait for the first appearance of the crescent moon that marks the end of the long month of fasting.

This selection of picture books features various traditions and ways to celebrate the holy month, showing young readers the diversity within the Muslim community while celebrating the shared principles.

Illustrated titles about strong women and self-empowerment for girls from the 2024 Rise Booklist. 

National Tell a Fairy Tale Day is February 26 this year. Young readers can revisit stories about Goldilocks and Jack and the Beanstalk—with new characters and formats giving the classic stories a fresh feel.

Bustard tells the story of a Italian priest who became a saint, Churnin writes about a female entrepreneur in the 1800s, and Strauss informs readers about the preservation of a 14th-century manuscript.

Young readers will love the sense of accomplishment they feel after reading these stories about Valentine's Day on their own or with a caregiver.

The Black Caucus of the American Library Association released its 2023 Best of the Best Books list, featuring more than 75 titles divided into three categories: PreK–4, Grades 5–8, and Grades 9–12.