New Picture Book Favorites

By Eric Carle and friends

Fourteen children's book illustrators (including snake-loving Mo Willems and pet terrier-fan Rosemary Wells) answer this question through their drawings and stories. Moms loved that they could read a couple of the entries at a sitting rather than having to finish the entire book.

By Lori Nichols

A perfect story for a child who is going to have a new sibling, this sweet book about a nature-loving girl made our reviewers smile.

By Angela DiTerlizzi and Brendan Wenzel

Good news: This book's beautiful illustrations are accompanied by labels to help kids learn about different bug species. Potentially upsetting news: Your child might be motivated to start collecting some real crawling friends.

By Scott Campbell

"This book about a kid who excels at hugs manages to be absolutely adorable without ever turning into cloying schmaltz," says Elizabeth Bird, youth-materials specialist at the New York Public Library. Read it to your own little hug machine pronto.

By K.G. Campbell

Move over, Ariel: This mermaid book has a message. "This story is about not just discovering what you're good at, but also the advantages of having a quick, inquiring mind and asking lots of questions," says Bird.

By Ashley Spires

A girl's project doesn't go as planned but turns out awesome anyway. "This is an empowering book for girls, especially ones who love to tinker," says a mom of a 5-year-old.

By Hervé Tullet

This unique interactive book breaks the fourth wall on the second page and put our kid reviewers on a fun hunt for a story. "My typically squirmy 4-year-old listened intently," says one mom.

By David Soman

On a quest to fix a mistake before momma bear finds out, three little bears learn the importance of sticking together and forgiveness.

Copyright © 2014 Meredith Corporation.