SUPERMOMS!: ANIMAL HEROES, by Heather Lang and Jamie Harper, Candlewick, March 7, 2023, Hardcover, $17.99 (ages 3-7)

In comics-style panels full of facts and humor, this picture book investigates the amazing lengths animal mothers go to in caring for their young.

An emperor penguin mom treks up to 50 miles to bring food to her hungry chick. A toothy American alligator carefully carries hatchlings in her mouth, shuttling them safely to the water. A piping plover uses her best acting skills to feign an injury, luring predators away from her offspring. Whether building elaborate burrows, forgoing food for months on end to feed their cubs, toting hundreds of spiderlings on their backs, conducting patient swimming lessons, or fearlessly kicking away hyenas, mothers in the animal kingdom — whatever their species — give it their all (and then some!) to keep their little ones safe, fed, and ready to face the world on their own. This first book in a young series on animal science includes in its back matter a look at the “super” qualities of some of the animals and offers a collection of resources for budding naturalists. —Synopsis provided by Candlewick

This comics-style picture book immediately captures attention with its bold colors and action-packed images. Little speech bubbles insert humor throughout, and a two-page spread at the end offers more “super” facts. I can easily see this book inspiring kids to create their own illustrations of their mom’s super powers. It’s lots of fun.

 MOMMY TIME, by Monique James-Duncan and Ebony Glenn, Candlewick, March 28, 2023, Hardcover, $17.99 (ages 4-8)

This intimate picture book debut captures the joys — and occasional struggles — of being a stay-at-home parent. The book follows a day in the life of two rambunctious children and their stay-at-home mother. As fun as it is being a kid, it can be hard work being a mom. When Dad heads to his job, the joyful chaos of getting ready for the day begins. To the children, that day is a happy blur of school and playdates, singing and dancing, supermarket walks and library stops, bath time, story time, bedtime. But Mommy’s time is filled with a whole lot more — sweeping, laundry, stinky diapers — tiring work achieved with love in her eyes and care in her smiles. —Synopsis provided by Candlewick

Mommy Time is an ode to stay-at-home moms through the eyes of a child. This gentle spin on “what it’s like to be a stay-at-home mom” is sure to make kids giggle and, over time, help them see how much work their mom puts in. Rhythmic text and lovely illustrations full of movement move the story forward. This book would be a fun bedtime prompt for recounting what happened during the day.

Copyright © 2023 Cracking the Cover. Unless otherwise noted, all books — digital and physical — have been provided by publishers in exchange for honest and unbiased reviews. All thoughts and opinions are those of the reviewer.

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AMAZING MOMS, By Alison Brown, Silver Dolphin Books, March 7, 2023, Board Book, $9.99 (ages 0-3)

Moms are different in every family, but one thing’s for sure: they are all amazing. With a mix of silly and serious, this adorable board book uses colorful illustrations, rhyming text, and sweet animal mothers and babies to put a spotlight on everything that makes moms special! —Synopsis provided by Silver Dolphin Books

Simple rhythmic text combined with silly and expressive illustrations make this board book fun for parent and child.

ABC I LOVE YOU, by Candace Warren, Maggie Fischer, Grace Habib, Silver Dolphin Books, Dec. 6, 2022, Board Books, $7.99 (ages 0-3)

Say the “I love you” ABCs with this sweet book!
A is for adorable, like your dimples when you giggle.
B is for how brave you are when you try new things
Learn 26 new ways to say “I love you” in this adorable alphabet board book. —Synopsis provided by Silver Dolphin Books

The dual stars of this book are the letters of the alphabet and the theme of love. Bright colors and sweet illustrations draw in little ones, and explanatory text helps build vocabulary while reinforcing concepts of love.

FOREVER MY BABY (PADDED BOARD BOOKS FOR BABIES), by Kate Lockwood and Jacqueline East, Silver Dolphin Books, July 12, 2022, Board Book, $6.99 (ages 0-3)

Forever My Baby celebrates a parent’s love and the experience of watching their children grow up. The illustrations feature all kinds of mother and father animals raising their babies and watching them explore the world. —Synopsis provided by Silver Dolphin Books

This padded board book is the perfect size for little hands. Some of the rhymes take a few reads before rolling off the tongue, but it’s charming nonetheless. Little ones will enjoy pointing out all the cute creatures in this one.

I’LL LOVE YOU MORE (PADDED BOARD BOOKS FOR BABIES), by Andi Landes and Jacqueline East, Silver Dolphin Books, Sept. 28, 2021, Board Book, $6.99 (ages 0-3)

A precious love poem written from parent to child, I’ll Love You More is a sweetly illustrated board book that will melt hearts. Parents will enjoy sharing these reminders of the special moments they share with their little ones as they grow up. I’ll Love You More includes space on the inside front cover to write a personal message in this keepsake book that is a gift to be treasured. —Synopsis provided by Silver Dolphin Books

This gentle book is warm and tender. Its padded format makes it good for small hands, and its adorable illustrations are sure to catch attention.

I LOVE YOU SO: A BOOK OF HUGS, by Patricia Hegarty and Thomas Elliott, Silver Dolphin Books; Illustrated edition, Dec. 1, 2020, Board Book, $7.99 (ages 0-3)

Flip the flaps to watch the baby animals snuggle up! This interactive board book contains illustrations of baby animals as they cuddle close to their parents. Young ones can flip the sturdy flaps to see the baby animals snuggle up to their mommy and daddy in this little board book. —Synopsis provided by Silver Dolphin Books

This board book’s unique design makes it stand out from standard board books. The differently shaped flaps fit perfectly with the flip of a page and create a sense of motion. Lovely illustrations enhance the book’s message of love.

Copyright © 2023 Cracking the Cover. Unless otherwise noted, all books — digital and physical — have been provided by publishers in exchange for honest and unbiased reviews. All thoughts and opinions are those of the reviewer.

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AGES 0 & UP

IN MY HEART, by Mackenzie Porter and Jenny Løvlie, Little Simon, March 10, 2020, Board Book, $7.99 (ages 0-3)

A working mother reassures her child that even when they’re apart, they’re always in each other’s hearts.

Though we’re not together
we’re never truly apart,
because you’re always on my mind
and you’re always in my heart.

This is what a mother tells her child as she leaves for work each day. This board book captures the sentiment that many women feel about being a working mom. The text takes us through a mother’s day away, showing us that although she’s working hard, her child is always on her mind and always in her heart.

HAND IN HAND, by Alyssa Satin Capucilli and Sheryl Murray, Little Simon, Jan. 7, 2020, Board Book, $7.99 (ages 0-3)

In this New Books for Newborns book, a parent and their child set out for a fun-filled day of adventure. Whether it’s having fun at the park, or letting your child learn something new, this rhyming board book is the a good way to tell your little one that no matter where you are or what you’re doing, all that really matters is doing it together, hand in hand.

The New Books for Newborns series is “just right” for parents to read to their babies. With short, lilting and lullaby-like texts, these board books help parents introduce reading to their children with snuggly, soothing read-alouds perfect for first story times.

WELCOME, BABY! by Karen Katz, Little Simon, Dec. 17, 2019, Board Book, $6.99 (ages 1-5)

Celebrate the sweet moments that come with welcoming a new baby to the family in this lift-the-flap book from bestselling author Karen Katz.

From baby’s first tiny pajamas to the ever-important baby’s first blanket, this snuggly lift-the-flap book showcases all the ways parents show their love to new babies.

Welcome, Baby! is a way to let parents share childhood stories and memories with their child about the day they became a family.

I WILL TALK TO YOU, LITTLE ONE: READ TO YOUR BABY, by Phyllis E. Grann and Tomie dePaola, Little Simon, Jan. 21, 2020, Board Book, $9.99 (ages 0-3)

This board book by beloved author Phyllis E. Grann is filled with first promises a parent has for their child.

From saying their name starting the day they are born to reading books aloud as they get older, this story highlights the importance of talking to your little ones from the very beginning.

Paired with illustrations from award-winning illustrator Tomie dePaola, this board book is a must-have for new parents.

I HEART YOU, by Meg Fleming and Sarah Jane Wright, Little Simon, Dec. 3, 2019, Board Book, $7.99 (ages 0-5)

Little ones adore being independent and trying new things. But they also need Mom and Dad’s reassurance and snuggles. With her spare, lyrical text, Meg Fleming captures the exuberance, the affection, and the push-and-pull of life with a child. And illustrator Sarah Jane Wright’s illustrations infuse the story with generous helpings of warmth and love.

AGES 2 & UP

GO, GRANDPA, GO! and GO, GRANDMA, GO!, by Lynn Plourde and Sophie Beer, Little Simon, March 10, 2020, Board Book, $7.99 (ages 2 and up)

These board books capture the special bond that grandparents have with their grandchildren.

Grandpa is on the go in this board book! From pulling the wagon, to swinging on swings, to splashing in puddles, grandpa and grandchild are always having a blast!

Grandma is on the go in this board book! From pushing the stroller, to swinging on the swings, to hiking up a mountain, grandma and grandchild are always having a ball!

AGES 4 & UP

JUST LIKE A MAMA, by Alice Faye Duncan and Charnelle Pinkney Barlow, Denene Millner Books/Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, Jan. 14, 2020, Hardcover, $17.99 (ages 4-8)

Carol Olivia Clementine lives with Mama Rose. Mama Rose is everything—tender and sweet. She is also as stern and demanding as any good parent should be. In the midst of their happy home, Carol misses her mother and father. She longs to be with them. But until that time comes around, she learns to surrender to the love that is present. Mama Rose becomes her “home.” And Carol Olivia Clementine concludes that she loves Miss Rose, “just like a mama.”

This read-aloud is, on the surface, all about the everyday home life a caregiver creates for a young child: she teachers Clementine how to ride a bike, clean her room, tell time. A deeper look reveals the patience, intention, and care little ones receives in the arms of a mother whose blood is not her blood, but whose bond is so deep—and so unconditional—that it creates the most perfect condition for a child to feel safe, successful, and deeply loved.

WHAT IS LIGHT? by Markette Sheppard and Cathy Ann Johnson, Denene Millner Books/Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, May 5, 2020, Hardcover, $17.99 (ages 4-8)

This picture book explores the beauty of the everyday moments in a child’s world.

Light can be so many things! The twinkle of a faraway star, a firefly captured in a jar, a mother’s love, a turtle dove…

Through this thoughtful and celebratory book, young readers will discover the special glow in everything from nature to the smiles of loved ones. Each page reveals a different sparkle found in a child’s simple but extraordinary world. The light revealed on the final page makes a fitting finale for this sweet, bright tale.

HUNDRED FEET TALL, by Benjamin Scheuer and Jemima Williams, Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, Feb. 11, 2020, Hardcover, $17.99 (ages 4-8)

This picture book shows us that with just the right amount of care and support, even the smallest of seeds can grow to stand one hundred feet tall.

Thanks for the love that you’ve shown me
Right now I’m so very small
But with water and light
I will keep gaining height
And then one day I’ll stand at a hundred feet tall

Hundred Feet Tall is a tender ode to the power of unconditional, immutable love. Because no matter how small you are now, with patience and persistence, with encouragement and devotion, you, too, will someday grow strong.

 AGES 8 & UP

FOREVER GLIMMER CREEK, by Stacy Hackney, Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, April 7, 2020, Hardcover, $17.99 (ages 8-12)

There’s no accounting for Miracles, at least that’s what the folks of Glimmer Creek say. Every year, one lucky inhabitant survives danger, and bits of magic cling to them for a lifetime.

Rosie Flynn doesn’t know how to get a Miracle but knows for sure they’re real. It’s the same way she’s certain she’ll always have her two best friends, Henry and Cam, that she’ll be a famous film director someday, and that she and her Mama are the perfect team of two.

But when someone Rosie loves goes missing, she just might discover that the true Miracle of Glimmer Creek is much different than she’d always believed and that the relationships she holds dear are the most fortunate gift of all.

KATIE CUPCAKES AND WEDDING BELLS (CUPCAKE DIARIES BOOK 33), By Coco Simon, Simon Spotlight, May 5, 2020, Hardcover, $17.99 (ages 8-12)

Katie’s mom is getting married! Katie and her three best friends couldn’t be happier and have so much fun pitching in with getting ready for the big day—especially with cake testing! But when Katie finds out her mom’s marriage means her family has to move, suddenly the wedding isn’t as joyous an occasion. What will life be like in a new home with a new family?

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THAT’S ME LOVING YOU by Amy Krouse Rosenthal and Teagan White, Random House Books for Young Readers, Dec. 27, 2016, Hardcover, $16.99 (ages 3-7)

On March 3, Amy Krouse Rosenthal published the essay You May Want to Marry My Husband in the New York Times. The essay was published as part of the Times’ Modern Love column. In the piece, Amy announced her she was dying from ovarian cancer and sought a new partner for her husband, Jason. She died 10 days later.

The essay celebrates her love for her husband and family. And when you read That’s Me Loving You, one of her final books for children, you can’t help but read it with a lump in your throat.

Wherever you are,
Wherever you go,
Always remember
And always know. . . 

That feeling you always have in your heart?
That’s me loving you.

That’s Me Loving You celebrates a parent’s love for a child in all things big and small — a soft breeze, the bright sun or the feeling in your heart. Amy’s text is warm and inviting and will resonate with readers of all ages.

Teagan White’s charming illustrations perfectly pair with Amy’s text. With the exception of three scenes, Teagan’s artwork focuses solely on children. It’s the perfect way to help little ones visualize being loved even when a parent isn’t there. I love the muted colors and simple scenes that give That’s Me Loving You a classic feel.

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BOARDBOOK

FIRST STORIES: BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, Feb 7, 2017 by Dan Taylor, Silver Dolphin Books, Feb. 7, 2017, Boardbook, $8.99 (ages 1 -4); FIRST STORIES: CINDERELLA by Dan Taylor, Silver Dolphin Books, March 14, 2017, Boardbook, $8.99 (ages 1 -4); FIRST STORIES: RAPUNZEL, by Dan Taylor, Silver Dolphin Books, March 14, 2017, Boardbook, $8.99 (ages 1 -4)

Beauty and the Beast, Cinderella and Rapunzel come to life in Silver Dolphin Books’ First Stories series by Dan Taylor. These are the classic tales you know and love simplified in scope but embellished with push, pull and turn elements.

At 3, my daughter has almost outgrown boardbooks, so it takes something really enticing to get her to open one. The minute she saw these three books, she took them away and figured them out on her own. She went through each one at least twice before moving on to something new. I think these books will enter into our “gift rotation” for a couple of nieces and nephews who are on the way.

AGES 2 AND UP

WHAT WILL GROW? by Jennifer Ward and Susie Ghahremani, Bloomsbury Children’s Books, Feb. 14, 2017, Hardcover, $16.99 (ages 2-5)

Seeds can be big or small, round or pointy, and all sorts of colors. They can become flowers, trees, fruits, or vegetables, and they sprout all times of year, during spring, summer, fall, and winter. But all seeds have one thing in common–inside each is a new plant life waiting to emerge. What kind of plant will bloom? Wait and see what will grow! —Synopsis provided by Bloomsbury Children’s Books

What Will Grow is the perfect book for this time of year. At our house, we started tomatoes, peppers and eggplants inside at the beginning of March. This weekend we planted peas, shallots and strawberry starts in our new raised garden beds. Our 3-year-old helped us with the whole process.

I can’t think of a better way to reinforce the idea that flowers, trees, fruits and vegetables come from seed rather than the grocery/home store. Our daughter loves the charming illustrations, including a ladybug on almost every page (her favorite!), and the pull-out gatefolds that make What Will Grow more than a book. There’s a fact section at the end of the book detailing when and how to plant the seeds featured and a chart showing the stages from seed to plant.

Pair What Will Grow with a packet of seeds to create an awesome gift. This could make for a really fun family activity that continues throughout the summer.

WE’RE GOING ON AN EGG HUNT, by Laura Hughes, Bloomsbury Children’s Books, Feb. 14, 2017, Hardcover, $17.99 (ages 2-5)

We’re going on an egg hunt.
We’re going to find them all.
We’re REALLY excited.
Hooray for Easter Day!

Join a family of bunnies as they set off on an lift-the-flap Easter egg hunt. There are ten eggs to find and count–but watch out for the obstacles along the way . . . Lambs, chicks, bees, and ducks await, and there’s even a wolfish surprise, so be careful! —Synopsis provided by Bloomsbury Children’s Books

A very small part of me groaned when I first read this book. That’s because it feels very much like another book — We’re Going on a Bear Hunt, by Michael Rosen and Helen Oxenbury. It reads like it, too: “Oh, no —BEES! Can’t go over them. Can’t go under them. Can’t go around them. Got to go through them… Buzz! Buzz! Buzz!” We’re Going on an Egg Hunt is a definite riff of the original.

But beyond that, I can’t complain. Readers are invited to help find eggs in a lift-the-flap-style layout. And the repetitive nature of the text keeps the story moving forward. I particularly like Laura Hughes’ sweet illustrations, which bring the story to life.

PLAY WITH ME! by Michelle Lee, G.P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers, Jan. 24, 2017, Hardcover, $16.99 (ages 2-5)

Playtime means very different things to these two spirited friends. Pip is full of ideas for what to play: Dress up! Magicians! Dolls! Only, Nico doesn’t want to play any of them, and Pip gets mad. REALLY mad. But don’t worry—Nico finds the perfect way for them to play together. —Synopsis provided by G.P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers

Learning how to play with other children is hard. I’ve spent a lot of time watching 3-year-olds play next to each other or follow one another around. They don’t quite grasp how it works, and often want to do different things. Hilarious illustrations paired with simple text help little ones see the big picture.

AGES 3 AND UP

RAIN by Sam Usher, Templar, March 28, 2017, Hardcover, $16.99 (ages 3-7)

Sam wants to go out, but it’s pouring rain, so Granddad says they need to stay inside until the rain stops. Sam drinks hot chocolate and reads his books and dreams of adventures while Granddad does some paperwork. When Granddad needs to mail his letter, it’s time to go out—despite the rain and floods—and Sam and Granddad have a magical adventure. The follow-up to the acclaimed Snow, this is the second title in a four-book series based on the weather from creator Sam Usher. —Synopsis provided by Templar

I can’t tell you how much I adore Rain. It’s as if Sam Usher met my 3-year-old daughter and wrote a book about her. She’s just hit that magical stage where her imagination and the real world collide. And there’s nothing she likes more than splashing in puddles.

Usher has done a superb job balancing text and illustrations, allowing each to speak for themselves or play a lesser role when needed. His bright and imaginative illustrations pop off the page. This is the perfect book for spring.

I WILL LOVE YOU, by Alyssa Satin Capucilli and Lisa Anchin, Orchard Books, March 28, 2017, Hardcover, $17.99 (ages 3-5)

In the very first moment, when you came to be,
I looked at you, and you looked at me.
I whispered these words as I held you near,
for all time, for all space, for the world to hear
I will love you.”

This is a story of precious mother/daughter moments. Every parent wants to reassure they will always be loved. —Synopsis provided by Orchard Books

I Will Love You celebrates a mother’s love for her daughter. Together they travel vast landscapes while exploring honing in on simple things — a rainbow, butterfly wings, dandelion seeds. Alyssa Satin Capucilli’s silky text begs to be read aloud, and Lisa Anchin’s detailed illustrations quickly draw you in. This would be a good choice as a Mother’s Day gift for moms new and old.

CHARLOTTE AND THE ROCK, by Stephen W. Martin and Samantha Cotterill, Dial Books, March 14, 2017, Hardcover, $16.99 (ages 3-5)

Charlotte has always really wanted a pet, so when her parents present her with one for her birthday she expects a cat, dog, or maybe a bird. Instead, she receives a rock. Rocks can’t cuddle, fetch, or even help her eat her vegetables, but that doesn’t stop Charlotte from loving her rock as if he were real. If only he could love her back…or can he? —Synopsis provided by Dial Books

Oh, my gosh! The surprise twist at the end of Charlotte and the Rock is awesome! As a parent of a child who loves pets, but can’t have one, I totally understand where Charlotte’s parents are coming from. I also love how Charlotte is able to see beyond an inanimate object and really fall for her rock as a friend. This is a sweet story and the illustrations are great.

AGES 4 AND UP

HAPPY DREAMER, by Peter H. Reynolds, Orchard Books, March 28, 2017, Hardcover, $17.99 (ages 4-8)

While the world tells us to sit still, to follow the rules, and to color inside the lines, Happy Dreamer celebrates all those moments in between when the mind and spirit soar and we are free to become our own true dreamer maximus! This picture book reminds children of how much their dreams matter, and while life will have ups and downs, he enlists readers to stay true to who they are, to tap into their most creative inner selves, and to never ever forget to dream big! —Synopsis provided by Orchard Books

Happy Dreamer celebrates and fosters imagination. There’s a fine line between setting boundaries and stifling creativity. This book will give readers the words needed to voice what kind of dreamer they are and want to become. Peter H. Reynnolds has crafted this book with a rather loose format and flowing illustrations that play well to the overall theme. This book will appeal to older readers, too, and is reminiscent of Oh, The Places You’ll Go.

ARE WE STILL FRIENDS? by Ruth Horowitz and Blanca Gomez, Scholastic Press, Feb. 28, 2017, Hardcover, $16.99 (ages 4-8)

Beatrice and Abel are the finest of friends. Beatrice raises bees. Abel grows apples. In summer, they gather sticky, sweet honey together, and in fall, they harvest ripe, red fruit. They make a perfect pair in every season, and so do the bees and the trees. Until one spring morning, Abel startles a bee–ZING!–and gets stung. “WHEE HEE HEE!” he cries. But Beatrice hears only the silly sounds and laughs. OUCH! Is their friendship strong and steady enough to weather the stinging words and messy quarrel that stem from misunderstanding? —Synopsis provided by Scholastic Press

Are We Still Friends begins with a simple misunderstanding between two friends. The book helps children recognize missed social cues and mistakes, and helps them see the value of an apology. By mirroring real life, the lessons immediately become applicable.

This book is also a good tool for parents who are trying to explain the isolationist views have been at the forefront of politics in recent months. Are We Still Friends simplifies the concept so that even a small child can see how interconnected things are and how dependent we are upon each other.

A charming story paired with equally charming illustrations makes this a good choice for children learning about friendship.

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