There have been many good picture books published recently, and many of them are great to read aloud to young boys. Here are five of my favorite newer picture books to read to preschool boys. Enjoy!
By Alex Latimer
New York: Roaring Brook Press, 2023. Picture Book.
In this book, the narrator is trying to get a duck to blink, and the narrator asks the readers for help. That silly duck stares and stares as ideas are tried and then fails to get that duck to blink. The best part of this book is when a young reader sees what happens when the narrator goes away and takes a break (hint, it has something to do with a duck and blinking...) This book gets kids laughing as they realize that the duck is on their side in this story that breaks the fourth wall.
By Marcus Cutler
New York: Little, Brown and Company, 2024. Picture Book.
An unnamed monster declares that he does not eat children; however, the children that surround him magically start disappearing one by one as the beast continues to inform the readers that he doesn't eat children. Young boys who read this silly story will giggle and gasp as they realize the monster may be lying to everyone. And readers will wonder what will happen as the book concludes. This is the perfect book for boys who like monsters, have messy endings, and ensure justice is served to monsters who may not be telling the truth.
By James Howe
Illustrated by Sakika Kikuchi
New York: Abrams Books for Young Readers, 2023. Picture Book.
This may be a little quieter of a book than most rambunctious young boys tend to gravitate toward; however, this book shows just how an ordinary walk can feel a bit like an adventure. Milo and his mom go for the same walk every day. With Milo's observations and imagination, there are more and more things to explore, think about, and see as they go for their walk. This book will help young boys realize that they can find their own adventures right around the corner.
Written by Jesús Trejo
Illustrated by Eliza Kinkz
Minerva, 2023. Picture Book.
Little Jesús is tasked with helping his father at work. Jesús needs to watch the water-jug, which will help Jesús and Papá know when it is time to go home (an empty water-jug will mean that it is the end of the workday). However, when Papá notices that Jesús has "helped" the water-jug empty faster than normal, it doesn't mean the work is through. This is a great story to showcase how a father and a son can bond over working together, and it also shows that a father and son can also be loving and affectionate while being strong and working hard.
Written by Julie Leung
Illustrated by Hanna Cha
New York: Henry Holt and Company, 2023. Picture Book.
There are two different forests where two different types of dragons live. As the mother of this child tells all about the two dragons (one Eastern and one Western), the child learns not only of the power and majesty of the two diverse beasts, but also how they can coexist at the same time. One dragon is not mightier or better than the other. They are equally amazing and can both be part of the child's heritage. This is a great story to help young boys realize that they too can have different complex aspects of their lives --they don't have to just be one thing.
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