Inspiring the youth to read is what we’re all about here at TBIR, so here are 10 Picture Books to get your little readers motivated and excited for this year’s Children’s Book Week! Happy reading!

Climb On! By Baptiste Paul and Jacqueline Alcantara (Illustrator)

Paul and Alcantara come together to create a vibrant and lively showcase of island life, and the powerful relationship between father and child in this new picture book.

I Am Loved by Nikki Giovanni and Ashley Bryan (Illustrator)

This group of poems is combined with rich, colorful, and moving visual imagery illustrated by Bronx native Ashley Bryan to spread the important message of knowing the value in oneself and knowing that each and every one of us is loved.

Kalamata’s Kitchen by Sarah Thomas and Jo Kosmides Edwards (Illustrator)

By embarking on a journey into the world of Food Adventures, Kalamata discovers food’s connection to memory and its powers to bring comfort and provide courage.

No Dogs Allowed!  by Sonia Manzano and John J. Muth (Illustrator)

Once Iris’ family, neighbors, and dog arrive at the lake after a long and stressful roadtrip, a sign reads “No Dogs Allowed!” and rather than sulk or turn around, the family makes do. Bronx native Sonia Manzano shows how this group makes the most out of their situation, devising a plan where even the dog has fun.  

Tar Beach by Faith Ringgold 

Cassie Louise Lightfoot dreams to be truly free—free to do as she pleases and go wherever she likes. Her dream comes true when one night on the rooftop of her family’s apartment building she takes off and flies amongst the stars. Ringgold, the uptown native, shows how Casie rises high above the Harlem skyline.

Nina: A Story of Nina Simone by Traci N. Todd and Christian Robinson (Illustrator)

The life, artistry, and activism of the legendary Nina Simone reverberate through the pages of this picture book as Todd’s storytelling makes this complicated tale into one that is both comprehensible and inspiring for even the youngest readers.

Please, Baby, Please by Spike Lee & Tonya Lewis Lee and Kadir Nelson (Illustrator)

This blockbuster power couple and the award winning artist Kadir Nelson come together to tell the story of one mischievous yet endearing baby girl. The ups and downs of raising a child are presented in a delightful and charming way that’s sure to bring smiles to all who read it.

Paletero Man by Lucky Diaz, Micah player (Illustrat0r), and Dr. Carmen Tafolla (Translator)

The latin-grammy winner and emmy nominated musician Lucky Diaz shares the story of our young narrator who races through his neighborhood in search of Paletero José. When he realizes he doesn’t have any money with him, he enlists the help of his community to get the treat that he so desires.

Why Mosquitoes Buzz in People’s Ears by Verna Aardema and Leo and Diane Dillon

This Pourquoi African tale, tells the mythical reason for why mosquitoes buzz in people’s ears. A long time ago, the mosquito caused chaos throughout the jungle, angering all the animals around them, and causing the mother owl to forget her duty of waking up the Sun, and leaving the jungle with unforeseen consequences.

How Do Dinosaurs Say Goodnight? by Jane Yolen and Mark Teague (Illustrator)

This warm and lighthearted book glances into the lives of baby dinosaurs and their very patient parents. Once it gets dark, bedtime antics ensue and the rackous and playful dinosaurs do all that they can to avoid their parent’s wishes for them to fall asleep.