February is serving up a literary buffet of delight for kids, and I am here for it. We have unicorns on a sugar high, nature’s tiny wonders, an eco-warrior crash course, and a musical ode to spring. Whether you are in the mood for a laugh-out-loud bedtime read or a heartfelt journey into the wild, these four new children’s books are here to make storytime a little more magical.
Joanna Gaines is back with another beautifully illustrated picture book, and this one is all about pressing pause and taking in the little things. Inspired by her own son’s habit of stopping to observe the world, The World Needs the Wonder You See is a gentle reminder that wonder is all around us—if we just take the time to notice.
The book follows a diverse group of kids as they wander through hidden worlds beneath leaves, across treetops, and even under the ocean. Julianna Swaney’s dreamy illustrations bring these imagined landscapes to life, where snails trek through mushroom fields and stars paint stories in the sky. It is a book that whispers, “Hey, put your phone down and look around”—which, honestly, is a message we all need. If you loved The World Needs Who You Were Made to Be, this companion book is another keepsake-worthy addition to your shelves. Click here to get the book.
If you have ever wished your kid would get as excited about saving the planet as they do about Paw Patrol, Bindi Irwin is here to help. You Are a Wildlife Warrior! is an inspiring and educational picture book that takes readers on a behind-the-scenes tour of Australia Zoo, introducing them to incredible animals along the way.
Part storybook, part conservation guide, this book blends fascinating animal facts with real-life photos of the Irwin family and their work protecting wildlife. Readers will meet kangaroos, rhinos, and, of course, a few crocodiles. But more importantly, they will learn what they can do to help protect animals and their habitats. It is like a crash course in conservation, but with way more adorable creatures. If your little one has a soft spot for animals (or just really wants a pet snake), this book is a serious must-read. Click here to get the book.
If bedtime at your house needs a serious fun injection, Unicorns Love Ice Cream is here to save the day. This riotous, fast-paced picture book is the latest in the Mythical Feasts series, following in the goofy, sugar-fueled footsteps of Dinos Love Donuts.
The book is packed with wild rhymes, a wacky plot, and illustrations that feel like a Lisa Frank fever dream in the best way possible. Expect unicorn races, unexpected twists, and a storyline that moves at lightning speed. If your kids love Dragons Love Tacos, this book will have them begging for one more read—and you might enjoy it too, thanks to the clever humor sprinkled throughout. Bonus: it is a great way to introduce some fun vocabulary words without making it feel like homework. Click here to get the book.
Ellie Holcomb’s board book Spring Sings is a love letter to the season of new beginnings. With bright, cheerful illustrations by Laura Ramos, this book is a celebration of all the little signs that winter is finally over. Birds are chirping, flowers are blooming, and every page feels like a deep breath of fresh air.
As a singer-songwriter, Holcomb brings a musical quality to the book’s rhythm, and—because she is an overachiever—she is also releasing a companion children’s song. Whether you are reading it aloud or listening along, this is the kind of book that makes you want to throw open the windows and soak in the sunshine. Perfect for Easter baskets, springtime bedtime stories, or just reminding yourself that warmer days are on the way. Click here to get the book.
