I have two young kids. And their feelings are always SO BIG! The joy, anger, sadness. All of it is always big feelings. There are some new picture books that are good at talking about feelings with toddlers. Here are some of my favorites: Because of a Shoe By Julie Fogliano Illustrated by Marla Frazee New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 2026. Picture Book. This book makes me laugh out loud as a parent. It talks all about how a young child won’t put on their shoes and instead goes through all the emotions (including responding to the frustrated emotions of their caregiver). Read this to the children who have meltdowns over what seem like small things (and then trigger possible grownup meltdowns as well). They will see all the emotions and feelings that build and bubble and burst into the world when things don’t go exactly as planned. Delightfully real. A Book of Loves By Cythia Rylant New York: Beach Lane Books, 2026. Picture Book. In...
Cinderella (Original Brothers Grimm Version) By the Brothers Grimm Illustrated by Bernadette Watts New York: NorthSouth Books Inc., 2026. Picture Book. If you know me, you know a few things about me. And one of those things is that I have LOVED Cinderella stories ever since I was a little girl. (No really, if you don’t believe me come visit my office where a giant Cinderella quilt hangs on my wall—thanks, Mom!) Anyway, I love a good retelling of Cinderella. And I also love a good classic retelling of Cinderella. And this is one of those. Although this retelling might not be for the youngest of readers (it is the version where the step-sisters cut off parts of their feet to make their foot fit into the slipper), those who want to read the more traditional (non-Disney) story of Cinderella will find this a great book. And know that the text is a bit lengthy and true to the Brothers Grimm original tale. Also, Watts’ illustrations are beautiful and convey the i...