New urban-focused books for the young and young at heart The perfect children?s book both captivates the young reader and provides enough substance to keep parents from tearing their hair out at bedtime. We combed through this year?s fresh crop of picture books focused on cities, architecture, and design, and discovered 16 new books perfect for young urbanists?and their design-savvy parents. These books are sure to visually delight readers of all ages while teaching kids how to become the next generation of smart thinkers, inventive creators, and model citizens.
Some of our favorite new kids books are illustrated by famous designers, some are about specific cities, some are simply about what it means to be home. All would make great gifts for future Curbed readers. Adults, be sure to peruse our list of 101 books about where and how we live for more grownup gift ideas.
The Sound of Silence by Katrina Goldsaito
Little Yoshio lives in Tokyo, Japan, a bustling, noisy city that never sleeps. When a musician tells Yoshio that the most beautiful sound is ?ma??the sound of silence?he embarks on a journey to find it. It?s a captivating, fresh look at the cacophony of sounds in urban life and what it means to live mindfully.

Ida, Always by Caron Levis
A heart-wrenching story of two polar bears who live in the middle of a big city, this book is an honest look at what it?s like to lose a best friend. But it?s also a love letter to urbanism, and proof that friendship can live...