3 new picture books for spring

I regularly receive picture books to review, and this list includes three new titles I’ve enjoyed reading this spring:

Avocado Asks by Momoko Abe (Orchard Books, £12.99)
After reading the unique new picture book, Avocado Asks by Momoko Abe, we ended up discussing whether avocados and tomatoes are fruit or vegetables. But the underlying message in this book is much more profound, and the sweet story about the avocado who’s wondering where she fits in is also about identity and self worth, teaching readers about how we can feel happier when we’re comfortable in our own skin. The bold illustrations in the book portray avocado’s journey around the supermarket sections and remind us of works by pop art artists from the 1960s. For keeping children entertained at home at these uncertain times, we’ve also enjoyed the free downloadable Avocado Asks colouring sheets and guide to drawing the avocado character available from the Hachette Schools website.

The Crow and the Peacock by Johanna Fernihough (Oxford University Press, £6.99)
In The Crow and the Peacock by Johanna Fernihough, a crow starts comparing himself to a dove, putting himself down. But the dove isn’t content either, saying the nightingale’s singing is the best. As the crow meets more birds, he realises everyone’s comparing themselves to others and when it’s time to return home, he feels happy being a crow. With a sweet story and colourful illustrations, The Crow and the Peacock teaches young readers about identity and the importance of feeling happy in your own skin.

Elephant in my Kitchen by Smriti Halls (Egmont, £6.99)
In Elephant in my Kitchen by Smriti Halls, a boy realises his house has been turned upside down by animals that should have been living in the wild, but have taken over his space instead. With rhyming text and bright and funny illustrations by Ella Okstad, Elephant in my Kitchen is a wonderful story for introducing children to sustainability. Readers can learn about how we’re all responsible for working together to look after our world, and at the end of the book, there’s also an overview of some simple changes families can make to help the environment.

Tags: Children's books, Egmont, Hachette Children's, Orchard Books, Oxford University Press, Picture books, Review