Pair the right artist with the right book and the result is unforgettable. Here’s an example of that: Four years ago I first laid eyes on a picture book biography called Sharice’s Big Voice: A Native Kid Becomes a Congresswoman. The writing was great, but there was just something about the art that stood out and lodged itself firmly in my brain. I hadn’t heard of artist Mangeshig Pawis-Steckley before but I certainly hoped he’d keep creating more books.

That style… it’s impossible not to r...