Blog

Never Miss a Beat

A Kidlit Picture Book Booklist for Family Fun Month

In the United States, Family Fun Month is celebrated in August each year. It is the perfect reason to take that long-awaited family vacation together or to simply put away all the devices and enjoy quality time with each other.

So what are some creative ways to enjoy some offline time as a family?

  • Order pizza camp out in the backyard.
  • Take a road trip to see a national monument.
  • Build a backyard fort.
  • Go on a family bike ride.
  • Plan a day trip to the zoo or hike in the woods with a bird and plant identification book.

We especially like the last suggestion because it involves BOOKS!

Reading is another way to take a break from the rush of summer and just enjoy quality books. If you are the parent of Littles, this is also a great time to get back into the read-aloud habit. We have discovered some beautiful picture books that are new releases that we think will be a great addition to your “must read” pile. Enjoy.

A Kidlit Picture Book Booklist for Family Fun Month

Everyday Superheroes: Women in Energy Careers by Erin Twamley and Joshua Sneideman.

This awesome middle-grade diverse book honors all of the multicultural women in STEM who are Energy Superheroes.

We all know Wonder Woman, but have you ever heard of Energy Superheroes? These are the women who are leading the energy transition, from our national labs to renewable energy farms. In this book, meet thirty-four real-life energy superheroes powering our planet. This book series is relatable and inspiring, demonstrating the limitless possibilities for girls and the next generation of STEM Superheroes.

Shelly Bean the Sports Queen Loves Tennis! By Shelly Boyum Breen

The Shelly Bean series has covered many timely and important topics, but now it’s time for Shelly Bean and her friends to meet a real sports legend! Not only does this wonderful picture book teach kids about the sport of tennis and all it has to offer – but they get to meet Billie Jean King!

Learn more about Shelly Bean the Sports Queen Loves Tennis and other Shelly Bean books HERE.

Rico Eats A Rainbow by Jessica M. Miller

Have you ever imagined how rainbows taste? Follow Rico on a fun journey where he explores what it means to “eat a rainbow.” Dr. Jessica Miller is the author of this story, aiming to provide a fun, healthy eating message for children.

Sweet People Are Everywhere by Alice Walker


“The poetic stylings of Alice Walker will convince children across the world that Sweet People Are Everywhere… Children of all ages will be able to enjoy the illustrations; the timeless images show how beautifully diverse the world is.” – Seattle Book Review

Sweet People Are Everywhere, an illustrated picture book featuring a poem by internationally renowned writer and activist Alice Walker, is a powerful celebration of humanity. The poem addresses a young boy getting his first passport, taking the boy––and the reader––on a journey through a series of countries around the globe where “sweet people” can be found.

They are all over the globe. Sweet people can be found from Canada to Congo to Cuba, from Afghanistan to Australia, from Ireland to Iraq…there are sweet people in the thirty-seven places listed in these pages and almost everywhere else on the planet. Take a trip through the lines of this large-hearted poem by Alice Walker and meet some of them!

Who Is Tibet’s Exiled Leader?: The 14th Dalai Lama: An Official Who HQ Graphic Novel by Teresa Robeson

Follow the Fourteenth Dalai Lama’s harrowing escape to India in 1959, as he fled Chinese suppression of a national uprising in Tibet. A story of risk and political tension, this graphic novel invites readers to immerse themselves in the incredible story of the Tibetan spiritual and political leader — brought to life by gripping narrative and vivid full-color illustrations that jump off the page.

Happy Reading!