Another year and another packed schedule of exciting picture books to publish! We have lots of new picture books on offer this year and below we've picked out just some of our favourites but you can expect much more throughout the year.
Stay tuned to Picture Book Party this year for more information on all the books below and many more!
Kiss the Crocodile by Sean Taylor, illustrated by Ben Mantle
February
Down in the jungle, three best friends – Monkey, Tortoise and Anteater – are playing silly games together. Monkey is feeling especially cheeky and, with a twinkly glint in his eye, invents a new game ... a DARING game. KISS THE CROCODILE. Who is brave enough to steal a peck from the croc, with his big tail, pointy teeth and sharp claws? MWAH!
Brimming over with the thrill of friendship and play, this hilarious new story from the author of Hoot Owl, Master of Disguise demands to be re-enacted, and is the perfect match for the animated, visually-rich artwork of Ben Mantle, illustrator of Follow the Track All the Way Back.
Julian is a Mermaid by Jessica Love
February
Mesmerizing and full of heart, this is a picture book about self-confidence and love, and a radiant celebration of individuality.
While riding the subway home with his Nana one day, Julian notices three women spectacularly dressed up. Their hair billows in brilliant hues, their dresses end in fishtails, and their joy fills the train carriage. When Julian gets home, daydreaming of the magic he’s seen, all he can think about is dressing up just like the ladies and making his own fabulous mermaid costume. But what will Nana think about the mess he makes – and even more importantly – what will she think about how Julian sees himself?
Circle by Mac Barnett, illustrated by Jon Klassen
March
This book is about Circle. This book is also about Circle’s friends, Triangle and Square. Also it is about a rule that Circle makes, and how she has to rescue Triangle when he breaks that rule. With their usual pitch-perfect pacing and subtle, sharp wit, Mac Barnett and Jon Klassen come full circle in the third and final chapter of their clever shapes trilogy.
Little Frida by Anthony Browne
April
The artwork of Frida Kahlo inspires former Children's Laureate and twice winner of the Kate Greenaway Medal Anthony Browne in this beautiful and surreal picture book. Telling the story of a lonely young girl who discovers the power of the imagination to set you free. A tribute to an iconic artist exploring themes of belonging, creativity and hope, this is an exquisite and touching picture book.
Hummingbird by Nicola Davies, illustrated by Jane Ray
May
From Nicola Davies and from Jane Ray comes an exquisite Nature Storybook about … hummingbirds!
A hummingbird is smaller than your thumb and weighs less than a 20 pence piece – however you measure it, it’s tiny. But every spring, hummingbirds that have spent the winter in Mexico fly north to make the most of the warmer weather. They nest as far north as Canada and Alaska; a 2,000 mile trip! This is the story of one spring migration: of a tiny bird, its amazing journey and the people it meets along the way.
Tooth Fairy in Training by Michelle Robinson, illustrated by Briony May Smith
June
Tate’s big sister May is taking her out on her very first tooth-collecting mission, and it’s going to be a little … well, dangerous. It will involve trekking through the deep, dark jungle, plunging into the murky ocean, and facing the ice of the Arctic. Because it’s not just sweet, slumbering little children that lose their pearly whites, oh no... All kinds of toothy predators lose their gnashers, too! Can Tate collect missing teeth from crocs, sharks and anacondas ... and all without waking up a single creature?
This Little Piggy by Jarvis
August
Count from one to ten while wiggling your toes in this goofy twist on the classic nursery rhyme!
From award-winning bookmaker Jarvis, the creator of Alan’s Big, Scary Teeth comes a fresh, very funny first number book – perfect for sharing whilst wriggling tiny toes! With bright, beautiful graphics, read-aloud rhymes, and a stylish, sturdy feel, this board book is the perfect gift for a new arrival, and a fantastic addition to a toddler’s first library.
The Child of Dreams by Irena Brignull, illustrated by Richard Jones
September
A little girl wants to know where she came from and why she doesn’t have a father. When her mother cannot tell her, the girl decides to find out for herself. Her journey leads her on a quest through the woods, tracing her own story back to its source with the help of the animals she meets, until she discovers what truly matters in making a family.
Pick a Pumpkin by Patrica Toht, illustrated by Jarvis
September
It’s Halloween! Which means it's time to dangle cobwebs and bats from the windows, put on costumes, and – most important of all – visit the pumpkin patch and pick out that perfect pumpkin! Then cart it home, scoop out the insides, carve a scary face, and finally light a candle inside, transforming it into a one-of-a-kind, glowing jack-o’-lantern...
With warm, autumnal art, and a rhythmic read-aloud text that captures all the excitement and familial feeling of Halloween, this is the perfect book to share by flickering candlelight on the spookiest night of the year.
