Favorites of the Year: June to June

It’s my birthday today! Therefore, I am sharing my favorite picture books published this past year (from June 2021 to now). In fact, these are all in my favorites-of-all-time list… you’re welcome! 

First are six books that are transcendently joyful and beautiful: 

We All Play = Kimêtawânaw, by Julie Flett  (technically published May 25th 2021, but that’s still Gemini season so it stays) 

Walrus Song, by Janet Lawler, illustrated by Timothy Basil Ering

The Whole World Inside Nan’s Soup, by Hunter Liguore, illustrated by Vikki Zhang 

Emile and the Field, by Kevin Young, illustrated by Chioma Ebinama 

The Big Bath House, by Kyo Maclear and Gracey Zhang 

A Garden of Creatures, by Sheila Heti, illustrated by Esmé Shapiro  (to me, this is one of the most beautiful picture books ever created) 

Next are my favorite funny books: 

Mr. Watson’s Chickens, by Jarrett Dapier, illustrated by Andrea Tsurumi 

Bathe the Cat, by Alice B. McGinty, illustrated by David Roberts 

My Parents Won’t Stop Talking, by Emma Hunsinger and Tillie Walden  

Best Day Ever! by Marilyn Singer, illustrated by Leah Nixon  (I really relate to this one as someone who loves a dog who loves to roll in the worst possible things) 

And finally, my favorite nonfiction titles: 

The People Remember, by Ibi Zoboi, illustrated by Loveis Wise

Let’s Go for a Walk, with Ranger Hamza, illustrated by Kate Kronreif 

Happy Sloth Day! by April Pulley Sayre with Jeff Sayre

The Wolves of Yellowstone: A Rewilding Story, by Catherine Barr and Jenni Desmond 

Bodies are Cool, by Tyler Feder  (yes, I’m going to find a way to work this title in to every one of my blog posts)