Dad's Bookshelf: July 2022
I don’t know what the weather is like where you’re reading this, but it’s been a consistently sweltering 100 degrees or more for a while here. Summertime is in full force, and it’s giving us a pretty excuse to hide indoors and read for most of the day.
We recently released our annual picture book summer reading list as well, so if you’re looking for some good books to pick up at the store or the library, make sure to go there next. Not only does it feature lots of favorite picture books from last year, but it has a short list of our favorite books of 2022 so far on there as well.
And speaking of our favorite books of 2022, this month’s Dad’s Bookshelf is pretty special. It features a return to our very favorite picture book series - the Pop Classics from Quirk Books. In case you’ve forgotten, that’s the series that picturebookifies lots of classic movies and shows from the 80s and 90s.
You’ll also find the new release from one of our favorite picture book duos - Davina Bell and Allison Colpoys. They created one of my favorite picture books ever made - All the Ways to be Smart - and their newest release is truly another instant family favorite.
The 3rd and final book on this month’s Dad’s Bookshelf is one I’ve been looking forward to all year. It’s the follow up to Flavia Z. Drago’s surprise smash hit Gustavo the Shy Ghost. Not only is it obviously shortlisted for our annual Halloween list, but it may even find it’s way onto our favorite books of the year as well.
It’s certainly a special month full of wonderful new picture books, and I hope you enjoy them as much as we do. Go check them out at your local library or grab them in a local bookshop - and then hopefully go read them in an air-conditioned environment away from this unbearable heatwave!
Dad’s Bookshelf is a continuing, monthly series featuring the kids books we are most excited about each month. The series is named after the real life bookshelf we have in our home, where I keep all of my favorite picture books of all time. While the books we share on Dad’s Bookshelf are often new releases, it’s also not uncommon for us to be excited about an older book we just discovered.
Disclosure: Some of the books in this month’s Dad’s Bookshelf were provided to us by their publishers, with no expectation of inclusion on this monthly article of the books we’re most excited about. All thoughts and opinions are our own. Some of the links in this article are affiliate links that will lead you to view the books on Bookshop.org and Amazon.
Leila the Perfect Witch
Written and Illustrated by Flavia Z. Drago
Gustavo the Shy Ghost came in as our 2nd favorite Halloween book in 2020, and, if I’m being honest with myself, I think I have to say I slightly regret that decision. In retrospect, Gustavo has stuck in my mind for a long time, making it not only the most memorable Halloween book of 2020, but one of my most beloved Halloween picture books ever.
I love Drago’s artwork so much, I even preordered her Halloween books for babies - despite the fact our kids are far past the need for learning their numbers or colors. Her style and aesthetic brings me joy like very few illustrators do. Leila the Perfect Witch is something I looked forward to all year, and I’m so glad it’s finally here.
It’s a wonderful story about friendship and expectations - but the absolute highlight is the unbelievable talent for character creation on display. I compare it to Ben Hatke’s ability to fill a picture book with what feels like an entire world of imaginative and lovable creatures. And that goes a long way making it feel like a special work of art.
Ferris Bueller’s Day Off
Adapted by Rebecca Gyllenhaal and Illustrated by Bonnie Pang
The Pop Classics series from Quirk Books is one of the oldest reoccurring features on Dad Suggests. I’ve been talking about them and recommending them for years, and I always very much look forward to their next release. I think they do a wonderful job of choosing movies and shows that people feel nostalgic about, and introducing them to the next generation.
This time around they’ve chosen to tackle Ferris Bueller’s Day Off - another great choice! But there’s also something different this time around. This is the first book that doesn’t feature the illustrations of Kim Smith - whose name has in some ways become synonymous with the series. This book is illustrated by Bonnie Pang, and I’m happy to report that the spirit of the series is in tact and in good hands.
Pang’s style is similar to Smith’s in some ways, which makes for an easy transition. The characters, and especially their eyes, capture much of the same spirit and aesthetic. That leaves me feeling very happy, knowing that the Pop Classics will not only live on, but continue to feel like the same cohesive series of picture books. And it’s a great way to introduce my kids to the world’s favorite hooky player.
Tomorrow is a Brand-New Day
Written by Davina Bell and Illustrated by Allison Colpoys
Davina Bell and Allison Colpoys have done it again. They’ve created a beautiful rhyming picture book with an important message and top-notch, memorable illustrations. Tomorrow is a Brand-New Day is about making mistakes and hurting someone’s feelings, and it immediately strikes me as another picture book that every child needs to hear.
The message that everyone makes mistakes, and that it’s important to learn from them and it’s possible to make amends, is so important for kids. But even more important than that is stressing the final message of the book: you are still loved.
I think we love this book so much right now because our little girl is such a mischievous little goose right now, and sometimes quick to anger as well, so we very much enjoy reading this book to her. It can feel like the end of the world when kids start to feel guilt about something they did or said. And hearing that they’re still loved no matter what can be so powerful and important.
What picture books have you been enjoying lately? Have you read any of these fantastic books yet? Let us know in the comments!
