There were plenty of books in the new place, though, and a nice wide clearing by the side of the bed, so I suspect that, given enough time, it would have housed some kind of Stack 2.0.

Tall stacks of new picture books teeter in my study. Wish me luck in reading them all before my grandchildren arrive to visit. Meanwhile, here are five worthy of your attention.

Here's another stack of picture books — poetry, goofy numbers, a big fish story, books within books, and a gorgeous tale about a boy who just wanted to draw. From board books for tiny kids to a ...