Fabulous February Reads
Young Black girl is reading and surrounded by books, hearts, and a happy pink dragon.
February is right around the corner and our round up of fabulous February books is here for all your picture book needs! I love February because it is a month FILLED with so many special days and wonderful topics to dive into! We’ve got Black History Month, Valentine’s Day, Lunar New Year, and President’s Day. PLUS this year is a Leap Year! What a plethora of amazing books to choose from. Take a peek at some of our favorites for this month.
Black History Month
Mae Among the Stars by Roda Ahmed
"Mae Among the Stars" is an one of my favorite kids' book of all time. It tells the story of Mae Jemison, the first Black woman in space. Roda Ahmed's writing is super engaging, making Mae's journey easy to follow. The pictures by Stasia Burrington are vibrant and really bring the story to life. It's not just about space; it's about following your dreams despite the doubts of others. The combo of the words and pictures is perfect – makes the book fun to read and teaches you something important. If you like space and want to feel inspired, this book is a great pick for a quick, enjoyable read.
The Undefeated by Kwame Alexander
The Undefeated is a masterpiece that beautifully intertwines Kwame Alexander's poetic prose with Kadir Nelson's evocative illustrations. (Honestly, anything illustrated by Kadir Nelson gets an automatic 5 star review from me.) This picture book is a celebration of African American resilience, strength, and triumphs throughout history. Alexander's words resonate with power, conveying a profound sense of pride and identity. Nelson's striking artwork brings each page to life, capturing the essence of historical figures and everyday heroes. The synergy between words and images creates an emotional journey that is both visually stunning and emotionally resonant. "The Undefeated" is a testament to the enduring spirit of a community, making it a must-read for all ages.
The Proudest Blue by Ibtihaj Muhammad and S.K. Ali
The Proudest Blue is a heartwarming celebration of identity, courage, and sisterhood. It tells the story of a young girl named Faizah who is excited for her sister Asiya's first day of school, where Asiya wears a blue hijab. The narrative beautifully explores themes of identity, pride, and the significance of wearing a hijab in the context of faith and family. The book has been praised for its positive representation and messages of acceptance and self-confidence. If you like this book, check out the sequel The Kindest Red.
The World Belonged to Us by Jacqueline Woodson
Jacqueline Woodson is a gift to American poetry and a light reminding us of the joys of childhood. The World Belonged to Us is a reminiscence of summer and growing up in Brooklyn in the 1970’s. Nostalgia and fun soak through every page and you leave the book wishing you too had a fire hydrant to crack open and jump ropes to skip. Leo Espinosa’s illustrations have a hint of School House Rock to them, making them feel even more like they belong in the decade of 70’s. A real treat for those who are children or children at heart.
Harlem Grown by Tony Hillery
Tony Hillery is the founder of Harlem Grown, a nonprofit organization dedicated to inspiring youth through urban farming and mentorship in Harlem, New York. Through community gardens and educational programs, Harlem Grown empowers children to develop a connection with nature, healthy eating habits, and valuable life skills. On top of this, he’s written a children’s book by the same name about his incredible organization and how it came to be. This book will make you want to get up and grow.
Lunar New Year
The Lucky Red Envelope by Vikki Zhang
This book is by far the most interactive book on Lunar New Year I have ever seen. There are flaps to lift, surprises to discover, and so many tiny details drawn on every page. It’s immersive, informative, and exquisite. If you love Lunar New Year or if you’re new to the holiday and eager to learn more, this book is right for you.
Bringing in the New Year by Grace Lin
Any list of Chinese American children’s book without Grace Lin is incomplete in my opinion. Therefore, I had to include Bringing in the New Year by Grace Lin. It captures the joy and traditions of the Lunar New Year. With vibrant illustrations, it follows a Chinese-American family as they prepare for the festivities, offering a culturally rich and heartwarming exploration for young readers. An engaging way to introduce kids who aren’t Chinese to diverse celebrations and customs and for Chinese American children to see themselves wonderfully celebrated in the pages of a book.
Ruby’s Chinese New Year by Vickie Lee
Ruby’s Chinese New Year takes the story of Chinese zodiac with a dash of Little Red Riding Hood and a sprinkle of adorable illustrations to create a truly adorable tale. Ruby wants to take a gift to her grandmother for Lunar New Year. On her way she meets each of the 12 animals in the Chinese zodiac. All of them pitch in to help her however they can, even when it seems all is lost, reminding us that family comes in all shapes, sizes, and species.
Boy’s Don’t Fry by Kimberly Lee
This brand new book is everything I want in a book this Lunar New Year. It has a great story, beautiful illustrations, defiance of gender norms, delicious food, and depiction of Lunar New Year from a country that rarely sees representation in American children’s books. You’ll meet Jin, a young Malaysian boy, and read about his desire to help in the kitchen for Lunar New Year and how his Mamah helps him achieve that goal. High fives and stars all around for this book.
The Nian Monster by Andrea Wang
Author Andrea Wang makes me so happy. Everything she does is just so wonderful and The Nian Monster is no different. It draws inspiration from the Chinese New Year legend of the Nian monster. The story follows a clever young girl named Xingling, who uses her ingenuity to outsmart the Nian monster and save her village. Filled with vibrant illustrations, the book not only provides an entertaining narrative but also introduces readers to the Chinese traditions and customs associated with the Lunar New Year.
Valentine’s Day
Worm Loves Worm by J.J. Austrian
Worm Loves Worm is a charming picture book that celebrates love and inclusivity. Two adorable worms decide to get married, breaking away from traditional wedding norms. With delightful illustrations, the story teaches young minds about acceptance and the beauty of love in a simple, heartwarming way. It's a perfect bedtime read for parents seeking to instill open-mindedness and love in their little ones' hearts.
This is NOT a Valentine by Carter Higgins
What I love about this book is how it redefines the concept of love. Perfect for young children, it follows a sweet story of a boy expressing affection through everyday actions, proving that love is found in simple gestures. The charming illustrations capture the essence of heartfelt connections, making it an ideal read for parents seeking to teach their little ones about the diverse ways love can be expressed beyond traditional Valentine's Day celebrations.
Love by Matt de la Peña
Love is beautifully written and illustrated children's picture book that explores the many dimensions of love. The story, complemented by Loren Long's illustrations, depicts love in various scenarios, from everyday moments to more profound experiences. "Love" encourages readers, both young and old, to find and appreciate love in the world around them.
The I Love You Book by Todd Parr
Who doesn’t love a good Todd Parr book? The I Love You Book uses simple and colorful illustrations to convey the message of unconditional love. The book explores various ways that love is expressed, highlighting the diversity and uniqueness of relationships. It's a delightful and reassuring read for young children, emphasizing the importance of love in various forms. And you can get it easily in board book form for your youngest Valentine.
Eleven Words for Love: A Journey Through Arabic Expressions of Love by Randa Abdel-fattah
A Palestinian family has fled their homeland with only a single suitcase. As they navigate life as a refugees from their homeland, they stay connected to their family, culture, and hopes for the future by focusing on 11 different Arabic expressions for love. A timely book that reminds us of what love means to a family and a nation.