2021 2×2 Reading List is Here!

The Texas Library Association is delighted to announce the arrival of the 2021 2×2 Reading List!

These beautifully illustrated, often witty and instructive volumes are the best of recent books meant for children aged two to grade two. Librarians serving on the Texas Library Association Children’s Round Table 2X2 Committee read through hundreds of books before narrowing down the list to these selected 20.

The 2X2 books on the list can be read to small children, as well as read by young readers. The list was developed to give parents, caregivers and teachers a curated list of quality books. They are excellent books for storytime at the library or school, bedtime with a parent or grandparent or fun reading at any time.

Among the 2021 selections are:

Federico and the Wolf, by Rebecca Gomez. A Mexican-American version of the classic Little Red Riding Hood story, with bright, bold illustrations, Spanish vocabulary, and a hilarious, spicy twist at the end.

Hike by Pete Oswald. In this nearly wordless picture book, a father and his child head out to the woods for a hike. They make memories while having a snowball fight, eating a picnic-style lunch, bird watching, and many other fun outdoor activities.

I Am Every Good Thing, by Derrick Barnes. A confident young boy wants to tell the world what makes him special. Not only does he provide an eloquent description of all of his qualities, he also shares the determination needed to keep going despite the negative words of others.

The Yawns are Coming! by Christopher Eliopoulos.  Two best friends get together for a sleepover, but their plans to stay up all night are foiled when the yawns show up!

Here is the complete list:

1. Boxitects by Kim Smith. Clarion Books.
2. Every Night is Pizza Night by J. Kenji López-Alt. Illustrated by Gianna Ruggiero. W.W. Norton.
3. Facts vs. Opinions vs. Robots by Michael Rex. Nancy Paulsen Books.
4. Federico and the Wolf, by Rebecca Gomez. Illustrated by Elisa Chavarri. Clarion Books.
5. First Day Critter Jitters by Jory John. Illustrated by Liz Climo. Dial Books for Young Readers.
6. Hike by Pete Oswald. Candlewick Press.
7. I Am Every Good Thing by Derrick Barnes. Illustrated by Gordon C. James. Penguin.
8. Louis by Tom Lichtenheld. Illustrated by Julie Rowan-Zoch.
9. Packs – Strength in Numbers by Hannah Salyer. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.
10.   A Polar Bear in the Snow by Mac Barnett. Art by Shawn Harris. Candlewick Press.
11.  See the Cat – Three Stories About a Dog by David LaRochelle. Illustrated by Mike Wohnoutka. Candlewick Press.
12.  Shapes by Shelley Rotner and Anne Woodhull. Photographs by Shelley Rotner. Holiday House.
13.  Speak Up by Miranda Paul. Illustrated by Ebony Glenn. Clarion Books.
14.  The Three Billy Goats Buenos by Susan Middleton Elya. Illustrated by Miguel Ordóñez. G.P. Putnam’s Sons.
15.  Underground – Subway Systems Around the World by Uijung Kim. Cicada Books Ltd.
16.  Up on Bob by Mary Sullivan. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.
17.  What About Worms!? by Ryan T. Higgins and Mo Willems. Hyperion Books for Children.
18.  What Do You Do If You Work at the Zoo? by Steve Jenkins and Robin Page. Illustrated by Steve Jenkins. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.
19.  The Yawns Are Coming! by Christopher Eliopoulos. Dial Books for Young Readers.
20.   You Matter by Christian Robinson. Atheneum Books for Young Readers.