One of my 2026 reading resolutions is to read 48 new to me picture books. I thought it would be fun to take one Friday a month and spotlight four (or son) picture books I have read recently. This month I focused on books about love and friendship.
A Family for Louie by Alexandra Thompson
I wanted to hug every page of this heartwarming picture book about wonderful Louie looking for a just right fit family. The illustrations are adorable and detailed and the feelings behind them just pour out. Such a great picture book to share during the month of love or anytime.
Cranky Makes a Friend by Phúc Trần
A book about big trucks, big feelings and friendship. This one didn’t work for me as well. Cute pictures, but it felt heavy on the text and not as funny as I had hoped. Maybe if your reader was really into big trucks, this would be a hit.
Dinky the Tinysaur by Maggie Edkins Willis
“An oversized dinosaur named Dinky helps two siblings discover that a person’s heart matters more than their appearance.” Oh Dinky, you are so cute and funny! I love watching Dinky grow and the two siblings struggle with what to do. Such fun illustrations and Dinky’s tiny arms cracked me up.
The odd couple in the story of two very different dogs. This was so stinking cute. And the illustrations expressed the thoughts of the two dogs so perfectly. My daughter loved the Ladybug Girl books when she was young so it was fun to revisit an author we loved. A wonderful story of friendship.
I Am Ingrid:The Adventures of the World’s Greatest Guide Dog by Aria Mia Loberti, Vivienne To
Based on the life of Ingrid, the real guide dog to actress, author, and UNICEF Ambassador Aria Mia Loberti! This was such a sweet story and such a great explanation of guide dogs – how they work so hard to become one and all the purposes they serve.
Love Finds A Way by Vern Kousky
“Oscar the bird is worried that one day love will find him. After all, there’s a scurry of friendly squirrels in the forest who just can’t help showering him with affection. Determined to keep it — and them — away, he gets a scruffy guard dog and names him Brutus.” I cannot love this darling book more. The illustrations are perfect and so expressive. And it’s just delightful how love sneaks up on Oscar and how Brutus fills a spot in his life he didn’t even know he needed – in fact a spot he thought he didn’t need!
sarahcantstopreadingbooks.com 
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