Eerdman’s Books for Young Readers published twenty wonderful picture books in 2020. Sixteen of them are hardcover books and four are paperback. These books are great conversation starters that will provide you with an opportunity to talk to your children and help them understand your family’s values.
Night Wishes
Perfect for bedtime reading and re-reading, Night Wishes will transport young readers into a wonderful, whimsical world of dreams.
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Leave a Message in the Sand
Poems about Giraffes, Bongos, and Other Creatures with Hooves
Written by Bibi Dumon Tak
Illustrated by Annemarie van Haeringen
Translated by Laura Watkinson
6 & up
HARDCOVER
ISBN: 978-0-8028-5548-0
64 Pages
Trim Size, in inches: 7.75 x 9.875
What would a boar text to a pig, a camel post on a dating site, or a goat shout from the mountaintops? In this unforgettable poetry collection, even-toed ungulates take the spotlight. Ever asked a giraffe about the clouds, read an okapi’s letter to the editor, or debated which gnu would win the race across the Serengeti? Playful poems and whimsical illustrations feature hoofed creatures from all around the world, from Siberian musk deer to African dik-diks to South American vicuñas.
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Dreams for Our Daughters
Written by Ruth Doyle
Illustrated by Ashling Lindsay
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Songs for Our Sons
What hopes do you have for the future? Who do you long to become? This warm, inspiring book encourages boys to shape a world so much gentler and brighter than before. Playful rhymes and tender illustrations invite them to notice nature, embrace their emotions, and use wise words as their weapons. Whether they’re dynamic dazzlers or marvelous mud sculptors, this book is an opportunity to imagine all the incredible adventures up ahead.
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The Bear and the Duck
One late winter day, a strange noise startles Bear out of his slumber. Grumpily searching for the source, he finds Duck, trapped in the thicket—but not for long. Bear frees Duck with a few scoops of his big paws, and their friendship begins. The more time the two spend swimming, exploring, and telling stories, the less Bear wants to go back to his lonely old life. As spring turns to summer, and summer turns to fall, what else will change?
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Mexique
A Refugee Story from the Spanish Civil War
Written by María José Ferrada
Illustrated by Ana Penyas
On May 27, 1937, over four hundred children sailed for Morelia, Mexico, fleeing the violence of the Spanish Civil War. Home was no longer safe, and Mexico was welcoming refugees by the thousands. Each child packed a suitcase and boarded the Mexique, expecting to return home in a few months. This was just a short trip, an extra-long summer vacation, they thought. But the war did not end in a few months, and the children stayed, waiting and wondering, in Mexico. When the war finally ended, a dictator—the Fascist Francisco Franco—ruled Spain. Home was even more dangerous than before.
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Herd Boy
Malusi is a herd boy, which means that he must look after his grandfather’s sheep and goats and protect them from harm on the grazing slopes. This is a big job for a small boy and one Malusi does well. Still, he dreams of being more than a herd boy: he wants to be president!
When Malusi mentions these hopes, his friend Lungisa laughs and laughs. But after an attack by a hungry baboon and an encounter with Nelson Mandela, Malusi wonders if his dream isn’t so impossible after all…
In this poignant story set in South Africa, greatness often comes from humble beginnings. Niki Daly’s captivating prose and atmospheric illustrations help readers consider what builds the strength, courage, and integrity of a great leader.
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Red
This heartfelt book will inspire readers to find the courage to take a stance against bullying and show compassion towards others.
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Talking is Not My Thing
This little sister might not use words, but she’s got plenty to say! Narrated through thought bubbles, this energetic book invites readers into the day of a nonverbal girl with autism. She has so much to do—games to play, spaghetti to eat, and a missing stuffed animal to find! Sometimes life can be noisy and overwhelming, but something new is always around the corner. Talking isn’t the only way to make a joke, ask for Grandma’s help, or surprise your brother…
Illustrated in bright colors, Talking Is Not My Thing is a joyful portrait of neurodiverse family life.
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The Christmas Feast
When Wolf, Weasel, and Fox steal a turkey for their Christmas feast, no one expects the meal to have her own ideas about the celebration. Don’t they want to fatten her up first? Haven’t they even hung up mistletoe or baked gingerbread? But the more time the three friends spend with Turkey, the less anyone wants the fun to end…
Perfect for holiday story times, this festive book will provide plenty of laughs with its witty narration, amusing characters, and playful illustrations.
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The Last Tiger
When hunters invade the jungle, all the animals try to hide—except the tiger. He is strong, proud, and powerful; why should he flee like a bird or a monkey? But the humans are even more fearless than the tiger is, and he soon finds himself in a cage in the city. Will he ever see his home again?
Illustrated in glowing colors, The Last Tiger is a thoughtful fable about the dangers of pride and the value of freedom.
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The Hunter and His Dog
Ages 5 to 9
Spotting a bird in the distance, the hunter and his dog begin a madcap chase across the world of Pieter Bruegel the Elder. They stumble into some of the artist’s most famous scenes: wedding dances, snowy villages, even the winding stairs of the Tower of Babel. Will they ever find the place where they belong?
This wordless book introduces young readers to the Flemish Renaissance artist and his most beloved works, including The Hunters in the Snow and Children’s Games. Includes informational endnote on Bruegel and an index of the paintings that inspired each illustration.
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As It Is In Heaven
HARDCOVER
Trim Size, in inches: 8 x 11
Éric Puybaret’s atmospheric paintings illuminate classic Christian prayers, drawn from over two thousand years of faith. Selections include the Apostles’ Creed, the Magnificat, and the Lord’s Prayer, as well as prayers from St. Francis, St. Augustine, and St. Bernard of Clairvaux. Each contemplative pairing of text and art invites readers to find new meaning in familiar words.
This book is an opportunity to introduce—or rediscover—words that have been prayed by people around the world for centuries.
Letters from Bear
Trim Size, in inches: 8.25 x 10.66
Bear can’t imagine a whole winter without her friend, so when Bird migrates south, Bear decides to follow. She’s never left the forest before, but that won’t stop her from crossing oceans and mountains—and sending letters along the way. But a surprise is waiting for Bear on the beach…
Richly told in amusing letters and lush illustrations, this adventurous story invites readers to consider just how far they’d go for their friends.
What a Masterpiece!
HARDCOVER
Trim Size, in inches: 10 x 10
In this wordless picture book, the Western world’s greatest art is closer than you expect. A boy’s daily routines bring him face-to-face with Escher’s winding stairs, Banksy’s balloon girl, Picasso’s dancing fauns, and many more familiar sights. Maybe the boy’s bedroom looks a little like Van Gogh’s. Maybe that apple looks a bit like Magritte’s. And maybe another masterpiece is on its way…
A celebration of creativity across the centuries, What a Masterpiece! will inspire young artists to find wonder in their everyday lives. An art index after the story helps readers identify the cultural treasures behind the illustrations.
Me and My Sister
HARDCOVER
Getting along with your sister is never easy—especially if your brains work in different ways! Based on the author’s childhood, Me and My Sister is a gentle exploration of growing up with an autistic sibling.
Life in a neurodiverse home isn’t straightforward: these siblings communicate and behave in different ways. They’re also unique people with different likes and dislikes. Misunderstandings are bound to happen! But despite the occasional bickering and confusion, maybe this brother and sister can discover new ways to love and help one another.
Siblings of all backgrounds will connect to this playfully illustrated story about embracing difference.
Vote for Me!
Trim Size, in inches: 10.125 x 7.5
The lion loves elections—he wins every time. But when the mouse decides to run for president, other animals offer up their own candidates. Each one has a cause to champion: the ant wants a busier schedule, the German shepherd wants more law and order, and the wildebeest just wants everyone to live in peace. With so many options, how can the animals ever decide?
Amusingly told through vibrantly colored illustrations, Vote for Me! introduces readers to the wild process of selecting a good leader.
Mom’s Sweater
HARDCOVER
Trim Size, in inches: 8.25 x 11
What does it look like to live on, even when Mom is gone? In this grounded, sensitive story, a young girl looks for ways of dealing with the anger, loneliness, and jealousy that death can create. Finding comfort in her mother’s old sweater, she discovers that grief doesn’t necessarily grow smaller over time—but little by little, day by day, we can grow into grief.
With striking, bold illustrations and evocative text, this story will be a gentle companion for young readers who are experiencing loss.
The Chickens Build a Wall
NEW IN PAPERBACK
Trim Size, in inches: 10.25 x 8.25
A fable for the modern day, The Chickens Build a Wall invites readers to examine the power of prejudice in their own communities.
Kids can add their own personal touch with a coloring page. Crayons not included.
Ben and the Emancipation Proclamation
Full-color Illustrations Throughout
But after the Civil War breaks out, his master leaves town and Ben finds himself in a slave prison. One night, the prisoners bribe a guard to get their hands on a newspaper, and to the applause of his fellow slaves, Ben reads aloud the momentous news of Mr. Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation — surely one of the most remarkable readings of that document ever.
Based on the true story of Benjamin Holmes, Pat Sherman’s stirring text and the memorable illustrations of Coretta Scott King medalist Floyd Cooper pay tribute to the power of freedom — and to the power of the written word.
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Night Wishes | Leave a Message in the Sand | Dreams for Our Daughters | Songs for Our Sons | The Bear and the Duck | Mexique
The Herd Boy | Red | Talking is Not My Thing | The Christmas Feast | The Last Tiger | The Hunter and His Dog
As It Is In Heaven | Letters from Bear | What a Masterpiece! | Me and My Sister | Vote for Me! | Mom’s Sweater
The Chickens Build a Wall | Ben and the Emancipation Proclamation
Dreams for our Daughters sounds amazing! I am so happy I found this list of books. I think it is so important to find books for the family that teach valuable lessons (kindness, self-worth, empathy, etc). A book that 100% needs to be added to a future list is “Mia and Nattie: One Great Team” by author Marlene Bell (https://www.marlenembell.com). This book was so wonderfully heartwarming and is actually based on a true story. Mia nurses a little lamb back to health at her grandma’s farm and names her Nattie. Nattie has a hard time fitting in with the other lambs because physically she’s different. Mia also has a difficult time with kids her age and she and Nattie form an unbreakable bond. Mia’s grandma wants to sell Nattie to a neighbor and Mia has to come up with a way to show her family just how wonderful and special Nattie is. I have read and reread this book to my kids multiple times just this month alone. I can’t recommend it enough.