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Picture books are often ageless - despite the fact that the proposed audience for each of these is for readers who are between 3 and 8. All are award-winning titles and were announced at the American Library Association conference at the end of January.

Their themes invite activism: understanding the significance of water in sustaining life and the importance of Black lives, as well as caring for all creatures in a crisis.

Caldecott Medal

We Are Water Protectors. Illustrated by Michaela Goade. Written by Carole Lindstrom. Roaring Brook Press. Ages 3-6. $17.99.

Water is the first medicine, Nokomis tells me begins this exquisite picture book, both told and illustrated by those of Indigenous ancestry. The narrative is a tale of a black snake that threatens to make the water unfit to drink and the young protagonist who rallies her people to keep the snake away. Together, their mission is to protect the water for all those who cannot do it themselves, all creatures and plants.

Declaring, We are stewards of the earth, the young girl and her community fight the black snake in order to protect the water for future generations. Stunning color-drenched illustrations compel the reader to see the importance of the fight and encourage all to sign the Earth Steward and Water Protector Pledge at the close of the book. Its message is ideal for Earth Day -… and critical all the other days.

Caldecott Honor Books

A Place Inside of Me. Illustrated by Noa Denmon. Written by Zetta Elliott....

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