Here are the picture books I read for this January’s #StoryStudy reading challenge that I started, inspired by @taralazar.bsky.social’s #StoryStorm writing challenge.
Thank you for following along, & a BIG thank you @mlapointemalchik.bsky.social for joining me in sharing wonderful PBs! 💜 #KidLit
Thank you for following along, & a BIG thank you @mlapointemalchik.bsky.social for joining me in sharing wonderful PBs! 💜 #KidLit
February 3, 2026 at 12:32 AM
Here are the picture books I read for this January’s #StoryStudy reading challenge that I started, inspired by @taralazar.bsky.social’s #StoryStorm writing challenge.
Thank you for following along, & a BIG thank you @mlapointemalchik.bsky.social for joining me in sharing wonderful PBs! 💜 #KidLit
Thank you for following along, & a BIG thank you @mlapointemalchik.bsky.social for joining me in sharing wonderful PBs! 💜 #KidLit
For Day 21 of my PB reading challenge I was in awe of CAT NAP by @brianlies.bsky.social. This book is a monumental work of craftsmanship! Very inspiring to see the dedication to making the illustrations. Not to mention a fun story with a hungry cat 😸 So much to love here! 🎨🐈⬛
#StoryStudy #KidLit
#StoryStudy #KidLit
January 22, 2026 at 6:55 AM
For Day 21 of my PB reading challenge I was in awe of CAT NAP by @brianlies.bsky.social. This book is a monumental work of craftsmanship! Very inspiring to see the dedication to making the illustrations. Not to mention a fun story with a hungry cat 😸 So much to love here! 🎨🐈⬛
#StoryStudy #KidLit
#StoryStudy #KidLit
For Day 24 of my PB reading challenge I was wowed by FIREWORKS by @matthewburgessj.bsky.social & Cátia Chien. I love the kid’s eyes view of the city’s everyday wonders & the glorious illustrations—& that jaw-dropping “finale” page, WOW. A memorable & mesmerizing PB! 🎆💜
#StoryStudy #KidLit
#StoryStudy #KidLit
January 25, 2026 at 1:13 AM
For Day 24 of my PB reading challenge I was wowed by FIREWORKS by @matthewburgessj.bsky.social & Cátia Chien. I love the kid’s eyes view of the city’s everyday wonders & the glorious illustrations—& that jaw-dropping “finale” page, WOW. A memorable & mesmerizing PB! 🎆💜
#StoryStudy #KidLit
#StoryStudy #KidLit
For Day 29 of my PB reading challenge I enjoyed BEAR by Natalia Shaloshvili, a funny & relatable #PictureBook about sharing & bottling up emotions. I was inspired to read it after seeing @mlapointemalchik.bsky.social share a different bear PB for today’s challenge! 🐻🧸😊
#StoryStudy #KidLit
#StoryStudy #KidLit
January 29, 2026 at 11:35 PM
For Day 29 of my PB reading challenge I enjoyed BEAR by Natalia Shaloshvili, a funny & relatable #PictureBook about sharing & bottling up emotions. I was inspired to read it after seeing @mlapointemalchik.bsky.social share a different bear PB for today’s challenge! 🐻🧸😊
#StoryStudy #KidLit
#StoryStudy #KidLit
Day 1 of my PB reading challenge:
Negative Cat by Sophie Blackall
This book has been on my TBR list for a long time & it did not disappoint! Fun cat shenanigans + Blackall’s characteristically lively illustrations = a very POSITIVE reading experience! 😸
#KidLit #StoryStudy
Negative Cat by Sophie Blackall
This book has been on my TBR list for a long time & it did not disappoint! Fun cat shenanigans + Blackall’s characteristically lively illustrations = a very POSITIVE reading experience! 😸
#KidLit #StoryStudy
January 2, 2026 at 1:06 AM
Day 1 of my PB reading challenge:
Negative Cat by Sophie Blackall
This book has been on my TBR list for a long time & it did not disappoint! Fun cat shenanigans + Blackall’s characteristically lively illustrations = a very POSITIVE reading experience! 😸
#KidLit #StoryStudy
Negative Cat by Sophie Blackall
This book has been on my TBR list for a long time & it did not disappoint! Fun cat shenanigans + Blackall’s characteristically lively illustrations = a very POSITIVE reading experience! 😸
#KidLit #StoryStudy
This month I aim to read at least one picture book a day!
Since I’m doing #StoryStorm, I want to do a reading challenge alongside it to help provide daily inspiration.
For now, I’m calling it #StoryStudy (better name TBD lol). Feel free to join if you’d like! #KidLit (1/2)
Since I’m doing #StoryStorm, I want to do a reading challenge alongside it to help provide daily inspiration.
For now, I’m calling it #StoryStudy (better name TBD lol). Feel free to join if you’d like! #KidLit (1/2)
January 1, 2026 at 11:41 PM
This month I aim to read at least one picture book a day!
Since I’m doing #StoryStorm, I want to do a reading challenge alongside it to help provide daily inspiration.
For now, I’m calling it #StoryStudy (better name TBD lol). Feel free to join if you’d like! #KidLit (1/2)
Since I’m doing #StoryStorm, I want to do a reading challenge alongside it to help provide daily inspiration.
For now, I’m calling it #StoryStudy (better name TBD lol). Feel free to join if you’d like! #KidLit (1/2)
For Days 25-26 of my PB reading challenge I read WHAT IS A REFUGEE? and KILLER UNDERWEAR INVASION! by @elisegravel.bsky.social. I love Gravel’s commitment to social justice & whimsy, and I wish more adults would read these powerful children’s books!
#StoryStudy #KidLit
#StoryStudy #KidLit
January 27, 2026 at 12:32 AM
For Days 25-26 of my PB reading challenge I read WHAT IS A REFUGEE? and KILLER UNDERWEAR INVASION! by @elisegravel.bsky.social. I love Gravel’s commitment to social justice & whimsy, and I wish more adults would read these powerful children’s books!
#StoryStudy #KidLit
#StoryStudy #KidLit
For Day 17 of my PB reading challenge I was delighted to read I’M FROM by @garyrgrayjr.bsky.social & one of my fav PB illustrators @ogemora.bsky.social! Poetic, inspiring, & fun, this book sings & soars off the page 💜
#StoryStudy #KidLit
#StoryStudy #KidLit
January 18, 2026 at 2:08 AM
For Day 17 of my PB reading challenge I was delighted to read I’M FROM by @garyrgrayjr.bsky.social & one of my fav PB illustrators @ogemora.bsky.social! Poetic, inspiring, & fun, this book sings & soars off the page 💜
#StoryStudy #KidLit
#StoryStudy #KidLit
For Day 28 of my PB reading challenge I was moved by Angie Kang’s Caldecott Honor book OUR LAKE. A deep & poignant portrait of family & loss. Such a beautiful book 💙
#StoryStudy #KidLit
#StoryStudy #KidLit
January 28, 2026 at 8:34 PM
For Day 28 of my PB reading challenge I was moved by Angie Kang’s Caldecott Honor book OUR LAKE. A deep & poignant portrait of family & loss. Such a beautiful book 💙
#StoryStudy #KidLit
#StoryStudy #KidLit
For Day 7 of my PB reading challenge I travelled back in time thanks to THE HISTORY OF WE by @4nikkolas.bsky.social! This lyrical PB takes us back to the origins of humanity in Africa & celebrates the brilliance of our shared ancestors. The artwork is absolutely breathtaking!
#StoryStudy #KidLit
#StoryStudy #KidLit
January 7, 2026 at 8:59 PM
For Day 7 of my PB reading challenge I travelled back in time thanks to THE HISTORY OF WE by @4nikkolas.bsky.social! This lyrical PB takes us back to the origins of humanity in Africa & celebrates the brilliance of our shared ancestors. The artwork is absolutely breathtaking!
#StoryStudy #KidLit
#StoryStudy #KidLit
For Day 8 of my PB reading challenge I was thrilled to read Felicita Sala’s much-anticipated new book BORED. Funny, imaginative, whimsical, this book is anything but boring. Such a delight and one I’m excited to return to. 💜
#StoryStudy #KidLit #PictureBook
#StoryStudy #KidLit #PictureBook
January 8, 2026 at 11:52 PM
For Day 8 of my PB reading challenge I was thrilled to read Felicita Sala’s much-anticipated new book BORED. Funny, imaginative, whimsical, this book is anything but boring. Such a delight and one I’m excited to return to. 💜
#StoryStudy #KidLit #PictureBook
#StoryStudy #KidLit #PictureBook
For Day 12 of my PB reading challenge I cheered while reading EVERY MONDAY MABEL by @jashar.bsky.social! Reading a #picturebook like this that celebrates the small joys and community helpers is the best thing in the world (according to me)!
#StoryStudy #KidLit
#StoryStudy #KidLit
January 12, 2026 at 11:52 PM
For Day 12 of my PB reading challenge I cheered while reading EVERY MONDAY MABEL by @jashar.bsky.social! Reading a #picturebook like this that celebrates the small joys and community helpers is the best thing in the world (according to me)!
#StoryStudy #KidLit
#StoryStudy #KidLit
Hey Stefan, thanks for choosing 16 Words & Beautiful Noise as part of your #StoryStudy reading challenge! Hope you enjoyed them! LMK if you'd like any backstory on these titles.
March 1, 2026 at 10:13 PM
Hey Stefan, thanks for choosing 16 Words & Beautiful Noise as part of your #StoryStudy reading challenge! Hope you enjoyed them! LMK if you'd like any backstory on these titles.
For Day 31 of #StoryStudy I chose this debut!!! By #TheaLu that is stunning in art and text. It compares Dan and Aki’s very different lives then brings them together in a glorious must-see gatefold spread at the end. 🙏🏽 @stefankarlsson.bsky.social for the January book feast ❤️📚☕️🍩
January 31, 2026 at 8:40 PM
For Day 31 of #StoryStudy I chose this debut!!! By #TheaLu that is stunning in art and text. It compares Dan and Aki’s very different lives then brings them together in a glorious must-see gatefold spread at the end. 🙏🏽 @stefankarlsson.bsky.social for the January book feast ❤️📚☕️🍩
For Day 22 of my PB reading challenge I was deeply moved by Allen Say’s classic Caldecott Medal-winning GRANDFATHER’S JOURNEY. A poignant book that feels personal like a family album yet universal & epic in scope, spanning generations & two countries divided by an ocean & a war. #StoryStudy #KidLit
January 23, 2026 at 6:57 AM
For Day 22 of my PB reading challenge I was deeply moved by Allen Say’s classic Caldecott Medal-winning GRANDFATHER’S JOURNEY. A poignant book that feels personal like a family album yet universal & epic in scope, spanning generations & two countries divided by an ocean & a war. #StoryStudy #KidLit
For Day 13 of my PB reading challenge I was moved by OUTSIDE IN by @underwoodwriter.bsky.social & Cindy Derby🌿 This thoughtful, meditative PB invites us to immerse ourselves in nature, even when we’re inside 💚 #KidLit #StoryStudy
January 13, 2026 at 10:53 PM
For Day 13 of my PB reading challenge I was moved by OUTSIDE IN by @underwoodwriter.bsky.social & Cindy Derby🌿 This thoughtful, meditative PB invites us to immerse ourselves in nature, even when we’re inside 💚 #KidLit #StoryStudy
For Day 6 of my PB reading challenge I’m celebrating #PubDay of THE WILDEST THING by Emily Winfield Martin! 🌿 This book is brimming with imagination & wildness. Is it too soon to pick a favorite #picturebook of 2026? Because this book will surely be on my end-of-year list! 💚
#StoryStudy #KidLit
#StoryStudy #KidLit
January 6, 2026 at 11:24 PM
For Day 6 of my PB reading challenge I’m celebrating #PubDay of THE WILDEST THING by Emily Winfield Martin! 🌿 This book is brimming with imagination & wildness. Is it too soon to pick a favorite #picturebook of 2026? Because this book will surely be on my end-of-year list! 💚
#StoryStudy #KidLit
#StoryStudy #KidLit
For Day 31 of my PB reading challenge, I read THE LIBRARY IN THE WOODS by Calvin Alexander Ramsey & R. Gregory Christie. A poignant, award-winning book about family, libraries, & the Black community creating real-life magic. The best ending to my month-long reading challenge 💜
#StoryStudy #KidLit
#StoryStudy #KidLit
January 31, 2026 at 6:49 PM
For Day 31 of my PB reading challenge, I read THE LIBRARY IN THE WOODS by Calvin Alexander Ramsey & R. Gregory Christie. A poignant, award-winning book about family, libraries, & the Black community creating real-life magic. The best ending to my month-long reading challenge 💜
#StoryStudy #KidLit
#StoryStudy #KidLit
My day 25 StoryStudy January pick (an @stefankarlsson.bsky.social initiative) is BOOKS ON BIKES. #Campoy&Howell with #Magro empower others to provide free books to communities using ❤️volunteers❤️on bikes. Showcases empathy, literacy access, + kid-powered solutions ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
January 26, 2026 at 3:25 AM
My day 25 StoryStudy January pick (an @stefankarlsson.bsky.social initiative) is BOOKS ON BIKES. #Campoy&Howell with #Magro empower others to provide free books to communities using ❤️volunteers❤️on bikes. Showcases empathy, literacy access, + kid-powered solutions ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
For Day 15 of my PB reading challenge I roared along with LENA THE CHICKEN (BUT REALLY A DINOSAUR!) by Linda Bailey & K-Fai Steele! What a hilarious spin on dinosaur PBs, with a fierce & lovable main character who never chickens out in the face of danger! 🐓🦖
#KidLit #StoryStudy
#KidLit #StoryStudy
January 15, 2026 at 10:34 PM
For Day 15 of my PB reading challenge I roared along with LENA THE CHICKEN (BUT REALLY A DINOSAUR!) by Linda Bailey & K-Fai Steele! What a hilarious spin on dinosaur PBs, with a fierce & lovable main character who never chickens out in the face of danger! 🐓🦖
#KidLit #StoryStudy
#KidLit #StoryStudy
For Day 14 of my PB reading challenge I was blown away by THE SNOW THEATER by Ryoji Arai. This wintry PB is brimming with childlike imagination and surreal magic. I always love seeing the books that @enchantedlion.bsky.social releases! ❄️🎭🦋📖 #StoryStudy #KidLit
January 14, 2026 at 7:39 PM
For Day 14 of my PB reading challenge I was blown away by THE SNOW THEATER by Ryoji Arai. This wintry PB is brimming with childlike imagination and surreal magic. I always love seeing the books that @enchantedlion.bsky.social releases! ❄️🎭🦋📖 #StoryStudy #KidLit
For Day 5 of my PB reading challenge I visited THE HIDDEN WORLD OF GNOMES! This whimsical guidebook by Lauren Soloy features gnome traditions, games, recipes, songs, & more. Wonderful for fans of Phoebe Wahl & Moomin stories. I’m excited to check out THE NEWEST GNOME soon! #StoryStudy #KidLit
January 6, 2026 at 5:23 AM
For Day 5 of my PB reading challenge I visited THE HIDDEN WORLD OF GNOMES! This whimsical guidebook by Lauren Soloy features gnome traditions, games, recipes, songs, & more. Wonderful for fans of Phoebe Wahl & Moomin stories. I’m excited to check out THE NEWEST GNOME soon! #StoryStudy #KidLit
For Days 10-11 of my PB reading challenge I read inspiring PB bios written by @lisaljrogers.bsky.social, illus. by Il Sung Na & @cgroenink.bsky.social, respectively. Loved how these books introduce kids to creative icons while showing how music & poetry is all around us! 💜
#StoryStudy #KidLit
#StoryStudy #KidLit
January 12, 2026 at 4:45 AM
For Days 10-11 of my PB reading challenge I read inspiring PB bios written by @lisaljrogers.bsky.social, illus. by Il Sung Na & @cgroenink.bsky.social, respectively. Loved how these books introduce kids to creative icons while showing how music & poetry is all around us! 💜
#StoryStudy #KidLit
#StoryStudy #KidLit
For Day 30 of my PB reading challenge I was deeply moved by MAMA’s NIGHTINGALE by Edwidge Danticat & Leslie Staub, a story of family separation that shows the harm of inhumane immigration practices & also the power of the imagination & collective action to overcome them.
#StoryStudy #KidLit
#StoryStudy #KidLit
January 30, 2026 at 10:28 PM
For Day 30 of my PB reading challenge I was deeply moved by MAMA’s NIGHTINGALE by Edwidge Danticat & Leslie Staub, a story of family separation that shows the harm of inhumane immigration practices & also the power of the imagination & collective action to overcome them.
#StoryStudy #KidLit
#StoryStudy #KidLit
Day 29 of #PB #StoryStudy is a time travel feast that looks at a child exploration of the land his house sits on today by truth tellers #StacySJensen and #VictoNgai Final spread features what appears on each “years ago” spread as all return to cohabit the final striking image. Majestic #PBooking
January 31, 2026 at 12:39 AM
Day 29 of #PB #StoryStudy is a time travel feast that looks at a child exploration of the land his house sits on today by truth tellers #StacySJensen and #VictoNgai Final spread features what appears on each “years ago” spread as all return to cohabit the final striking image. Majestic #PBooking