Picture Books on Self-Acceptance, Connection, and the Changing Seasons

It’s near summer and I am finally on the mend. We still have sick people in our home, however. 2024 was definitely a year of multiple viruses passing through our doors.

While I am sad that a quarter of the year is over and I’ve mostly been at home, I am super grateful to be recovering from long Covid, and for all the time I had and likely needed to rest. It also gave me many days of reflection, painting, and of course reading.

I’m going to do a quick review of three picture books that left an impact on me and my 8-year old. If you are 1) a parent who is looking for a picture book about embracing difference 2) a picture book writer who is looking for unique ways to tell a story, then you’ll find these worth reading.

1. Molly’s Tuxedo is written by Vicki Johnson, illustrated by Gillian Reid, and published by Little Bee Books. I can’t take credit for finding this one. It was featured at our local library in Kailua and well-worth picking up. Although the story is pretty much summed up in the title, the adorable illustrations and the voicy-ness of Molly’s character (who is in Kindergarten) makes it an entertaining read even for my 8-year-old. There is also an underlying message here about acceptance and allowing your children to be true to themselves. This is seen in the fact, that Molly’s mother allows her to ultimately decide (important in giving the MC agency) what to wear for picturing taking even though she would prefer her to wear the dress she bought. I also love all the descriptions here: “She stretched the tight parts and smooshed down the puffy parts. She tugged at the collar and yanked at the waist.” It’s a joyful book with a strong important message to share.
2. The Voice in the Hollow by Will Hillenbrand and published by Holiday House is a piece of art. It’s beautifully illustrated to the point where children, at least mine, will want to go back and see all the hidden drawings of animals in the snow. What I love so much about this book is how every word is perfectly chosen. Its sparse text helps to elevate the story which is also carried through by the gorgeous illustrations. Take the first line: “To Hubert Cumberbun, a good story was everything.” This hints and ties back to the ending. But there are lines in between that up the creepy factor just a bit. This is a winter story, but would be great for Halloween or any time of the year. The page turns were also smartly placed and I took note. There was one line that was so good that it made my son pause. It felt like a scary story, but with elements that help readers feel safe, and curious. My son, for example, kept saying, “But it wasn’t a shortcut.”
3. Hopefully the Scarecrow by Michelle Houts, illustrated by Sara Palacios and published by Flamingo Books, was another memorable picture book in its ability to make readers empathize with the main character. I was blown away by the author’s ability to make me care so much for a scarecrow. To me, it was through in the character’s emotions, vulnerability, and being alone that captured my heart. My son and I also loved seeing how the characters change throughout the seasons. Although a perfect picture book for fall, this one would also be a great read for little gardeners during the spring season.