“This is the beginning of anything you want.” —Author Unknown.
Every New Year is synonymous with a new beginning, we set resolutions and goals for the year ahead which sometimes leads to challenging transitions in our children’s lives. Perhaps this will be the year your child starts a new school, welcomes a new sibling or relocates to a new home. No matter the new challenge in your child’s life, picture books are a great way to inspire, motivate and encourage children with the challenges of new beginnings.
Florette, by Anna Walker
“Both word and breathtaking illustration work seamlessly together to share Mae’s experience, her patience, adaptability and influence on her new community and new friends.” — Summer from @readingisourthing
Clare’s Goodbye, by Libby Gleeson and Anna Pignataro
“Clare’s Goodbye is a poignant yet peaceful tale that is relatable even if one hasn’t moved house before. We say goodbye often over a lifetime, and we each have our own different ways and processes. Gleeson and Pignataro portray this perfectly.” — Summer from @readingisourthing
The Digger and the Flower, by Joseph Kuefler
“Kuefler’s selective use of color highlights the differences in sensation between being amongst urban city buildings and being in nature.” — Mel from @spiky_penelope
The Journey, by Francesca Sanna
“Reading it with my daughter was one of the first times I openly cried about something so real and tender in front of her.” — Katie from @afriendlyaffair
Snuggle the Baby, by Sara Gillingham
“There’s even a little baby to pop out and play with!” — Claire from @alittlebookhabit
I Sleep in a Big Bed, by Maria van Lieshout
“If you are transitioning your toddler from crib to big kid bed, this story may ease this sometimes scary change..” — Leah from @astoryaday
The Tiny Seed, by Eric Carle
“Such an inspiring and lovely read to start the year” — Kim from @bookbairn
Norman, the Slug with the Silly Shell, by Sue Hendra
“Follow Norman as he fulfills his snail studded dreams.” — Miranda from @bookbloom
The Tomorrow Book, by Jackie French and Sue deGennaro
“An inspiring story about a wonderful tomorrow.” — De from @books_and_babycinos
Through the Gate, by Sally Fawcett
“This book is beautifully poignant, genius in its simplicity and the illustrations are irresistible.” — Carissa from @bookskidslove_
Ice in the Jungle, by Ariane Hofmann-Manjar
“Can a polar bear adjust to life in the jungle?” — Arielle from @childrensbooksgalore
Tree, by Danny Parker
“It is a tale of discovery that every end can also be a new beginning and also explores the cycle of life and death, the turn of seasons and survival of the fittest.” — Rossa from @curiouslittlepeople
The Sloth Who Came To Stay, by Margaret Wild
“This is such an amusing story with a lovely message (and the cutest sloth ever!) to slow down and enjoy the simple things in life.” — Rossa from @curiouslittlepeople
Jelly and the Leaf, by Mary McCaffrey
“Jelly and the Leaf is a sweet story that teaches kids mindfulness and a practical skill on how to overcome fear.” — Rossa from @curiouslittlepeople
Did You Hear What I Heard?: Poems about School, by Kay Winters and Patrice Barton
“The charming watercolor illustrations showcase a diverse cast of students and teachers.” — Charnaie from @hereweeread
After the Fall, by Dan Santat
“It’s truly a magical moment when a story can transcend its pages and reach into our own lives.” — Wendy from @homegrownreader
Pup and Bear, by Kate Banks and Naoko Stoop
“New beginnings are exciting, but they can be scary too. If you’re lucky, help can be found for those hard starts.” — Heather from @kidlitbookbits
Here We Are, by Oliver Jeffers
“With lovely illustrations and tenderly truthful words, I love reading this book with my own small humans.” — Anna from @kidlitcrafts
The Great Race, by Christopher Corr
“This is a top-quality read for this niche in the picture book market and perfect for the Year of the Dog starting on February 16th.” — Shannon from @ohcreativeday
Moon: A Peek-Through Picture Book, by Britta Teckentrup
“It is simple but beautiful. And such a great way to talk about the phases of the moon and new beginnings.” — Michelle from @the.book.report
School’s First Day of School, by Adam Rex and Christian Robinson
“Both Adam Rex and Christian Robinson are American Children’s Literature flag bearers, and TOGETHER they are hitting every mark!” — Liam from @words.and.illustrations
