On the Shelf: New children's books with sweet little stories and very big ideas

For preschool story time or after-school reading logs, there are some wonderful tales to get in front of little readers this month. Don’t miss “The Baby-Changing Station” for big siblings or new books from Lowey Bundy Sichol for ambitious junior entrepreneurs.

“Big Green Garage” by Jen Arena, illustrated by Mike Dutton (Chronicle Books, ages 2 – 4)

A hefty, oversized board book with 15 movable pieces – and it is all about what happens in a garage? This one is bound to be big hit with little readers, especially tactile learners. One page lets them drive a truck around a track, which might make it the last page that gets read. Loads of fun, though maybe not the best choice for bedtime reading.

“The Baby-Changing Station” by Rhett Miller, illustrated by Dan Santat (Little Brown and Company, ages 4 – 8)

From singer-songwriter Rhett Miller, of Old 97’s, and Caldecott Medal winner Dan Santat, this funny, charming story of siblings will have kids giggling and parents smiling at what turns out to be a sweet tale (even if it starts with a stinky diaper). As always, Santat’s art practically pops right off the pages, and Miller’s rhymes become reading lessons when little ones learn to say the last word of each sentence. This is a great gift for a new big brother or sister, too.

“The Very Best Sukkah: A Story from Uganda” by Shoshana Nambi, illustrated by Moran Yogev (Kalaniot Books, ages 5 – 10, available Sept. 6)

When she finishes her training in 2024, author Shoshana Nambi will be the first female rabbi in Uganda, and she also knows how to weave a beautiful story of community and cooperation. This tale can skew younger and older than the recommended age range. Little ones will love the vibrant illustrations, and older readers are bound to learn something new.

Big Ideas – Books from Lowey Bundy Sichol

“From an Idea to…” series by Lowey Bundy Sichol, illustrated by C.S. Jennings (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, ages 8 – 12)

Each book in this nonfiction series covers the origin of a company kids will know well, like LEGO, Disney, Nike, and Google. For creatives or budding entrepreneurs, this is a winning formula of background information, behind-the-scenes stories and much more.

“Idea Makers: 15 Fearless Female Entrepreneurs” by Lowey Bundy Sichol (Chicago Review Press, ages 12 and older)

Featuring a diverse range of enterprises, including 23andMe, Stacy’s Pita Chips, Girls Who Code, Drybar and more, girls and boys can learn how successful women-owned businesses got their start – and why they succeeded – even as they gain some role models for pursuing their own dreams.

The Ultimate Food Atlas (National Geographic Kids, ages 8 – 12)

This book is nothing less than an absolute feast for the eyes, with foods new and familiar from near and far. Learn about people and places from what they eat and grow, how they celebrate foods, and how the food supply shows the interconnectedness of us all. There is much to see here, along with games, maps, and more.

This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times: On the Shelf: Sweet little stories and very big ideas