2019 Children’s books to look forward to in August

Another month, and another month of new book releases! These are some of our favourite 2019 children’s books coming out in August.

Jen and Tilly’s favourites

The Evil Princess vs. The Brave Knight by Jennifer L. Holm and Matthew Holm (6 August, Random House Children’s Books)

This is a really fun picture book with great fairytale elements, awesome illustrations, and good storytelling. It’s a fabulous book for exploring sibling relationships — a bit old for Tilly now but a book that I plan on sharing with her when she is older, especially if she ends up with a sibling.

Old MacDonald Had a Truck by Steve Goetz, illustrated by Eda Kaban (13 August, Chronicle)

Putting this book on the list feels a little bit like cheating because it’s been out as a picture book for awhile, but this release date is referring to its publication in board book format. I loved this book! The classic song with farm animals is rewritten with vehicles and is just as fun to sing. Maybe moreso, if you’re getting tired of animal noises. Sick of pretending to be a cow or sheep? Here, be a truck instead!

Snowmen at Halloween by Caralyn Buehner, illustrated by Mark Buehner (20 August, Dial Books for Young Readers)

I didn’t realise there were other ‘Snowmen’ books, and this was the first one I read. This is a very cute book about what snowmen do when we’re not looking — on Halloween. Coming from a country that doesn’t celebrate Halloween or have much snow, this was a fun glimpse into another world for me. I love the illustrations in this and think this would be a great addition to a Halloween collection, especially if you enjoyed the other ‘Snowmen’ books.

A Stone Sat Still by Brendan Wenzel (27 August, Chronicle)

My favourite out of the books on this list. This is a beautiful, beautiful book about nature, perception, and perspective. The prose is lovely to read aloud and the illustrations are gorgeous. I adore this book.

Margaret and Marian’s Favorites

Alfred’s Book of Monsters by Sam Streed (6 August, Charlesbridge)

This is a great picture book for Halloween, in the same vein as Boris and the Monsters by Elaine MacMann Willoughby, one of my favorites as a child. While it’s perfect for the Fall season, any kid who loves scares and monsters will enjoy this. I was definitely one of those kids. For early elementary ages.

Did You Burp?: How to Ask Questions (or Not!) by April Pulley Sayre, illustrated by Leeza Hernandez (6 August, Charlesbridge)

This is such a neat reference book that teaches early elementary ages how to ask questions. It’s prime questioning phase in the 1st-3rd grades. This could be used as a wonderful introduction to research and interviewing, or just as a fun book to read at home.

Red Bird Sings: The Story of Zitkala-Ša, Native American Author, Musician, and Activist by Gina Capaldi and Q.L. Pearce, illustrated by Gina Capaldi (6 August, Carolrhoda Books)

I haven’t had a chance to read this one yet, but as an admirer of Yankton Dakota Sioux activist and writer Zitkala-Ša, I consider it a must-own already. If adults haven’t read her yet, I highly recommend checking out American Indian Stories and Old Indian Legends. Zitkala-Ša is an important figure in United States History. Born on a reservation in 1876, she went on to attend an Indian boarding school, helped write an opera, founded the National Council of American Indians, spoke out on behalf of Indigenous American rights and for Women’s rights, and more.

Riding a Donkey Backwards: Wise and Foolish Tales of Mulla Nasruddin by Sean Taylor and the Khayaal Theatre, illustrated by Shirin Adl (13 August, Candlewick)

I love folklore, and it’s really difficult to find Middle Eastern and/or Muslim folklore translated into English from #ownvoices editors/writers. While Sean Taylor is not Muslim or Middle Eastern, he did team up with the Khayaal Theatre Company to collect these 22 ultra-short and funny tales. The felt-like collage illustrations are cute and funny too.

My Grandma and Me by Mina Javaherbin, illustrated by Lindsey Yankey (13 August, Candlewick)

This is my favorite book on the list. I have a soft spot for books about grandparents, and this is one of the sweeter ones. In Iran, a little girl shares all the special, small moments she loves best with her grandmother. I love the simple and colorful illustrations that look like pencil drawings colored in.

DUCK! by Meg McKinlay, illustrated by Nathaniel Eckstrom (13 August, Candlewick)

A duck shouts DUCK! causing utter mayhem and much snottiness on the farmyard. This is a good one to read to young kids, especially ones (like my daughter) who are learning the names of farm animals and the noises they make. Slightly older kids will understand the humor better though.

Dancing Hands: How Teresa Carreño Played the Piano for President Lincoln by Margarita Engle, illustrated by Rafael López (27 August, Atheneum Books for Young Readers)

I haven’t read this one yet, but I want to read it based on the cover alone. Also, I’m a classical music fan. The illustrations just look gorgeous, and I’m so interested in learning how a little girl from Venzuala came to play piano for Abraham Lincoln!

Which of these books are you looking forward to reading?