The 2026 100 Picture Book List

If you are looking for some great picture books to read this summer, I’ve rounded up 100 new favorites! Pop in your email address below and I’ll send the printable list right to your inbox!

Noodles on a Bicycle by Kyo Maclear, illustrated by Gracey Zhang 
My girls were completely amazed seeing the real photos of these incredible food deliverers! In historical Tokyo, bicycle-riding demae weave through crowded streets carrying steaming noodles – it was so fun to read about their impressive skills.

A Cat Like That by Lester Laminack
This is a great book, even for the youngest readers – a sweet, rhyming story about a cat waiting for their human to finish school. It’s short, repetitive, and the kind you’ll have memorized after a few reads (perfect when you need something quick!).

Ra Pu Zel and the Stinky Tofu by Ying Chang Compestine
I will never get tired of a fairy-tale retelling and this one tells the real story of Rapunzel! It takes place in China, with the princess locking herself in a tower…let’s just say she finally comes down for a taste of stinky tofu.

Another Word for Neighbor by Angela Pham Krans, illustrated by Thai My Phuong
Han enjoys a quiet, predictable life filled with tea, newspapers, and tending to his plants. But when energetic neighbors Kate and Olly move in next door, his peaceful routine is suddenly interrupted in ways he never expected.

The Little Chefs by Rosemary Wells 
If you’ve ever had a kitchen experiment go spectacularly wrong, you’ll appreciate this charming collection of three stories. Hidden away in a cupboard is a secret phone that can summon the Little Chefs – tiny helpers who specialize in rescuing culinary disasters before anyone notices. And if you have kids who like Max and Ruby – this is done by the same author!

Miss Leoparda by Natalia Shaloshvili
Every day, Miss Leoparda drives her bus, carrying animals to and fro – every seat filled, just as it should be. But when a flashy little car zooms past in a cloud of dust, everything changes…and not for the better. Can Miss Leoparda find a way to set things right again?

Dive, Dive into the Night Sea by Thea Lu
This gorgeous nonfiction picture book invites readers beneath the waves to explore the wonders of the ocean after dark. With dreamy illustrations, interactive flaps, and fascinating facts woven throughout, it’s a beautiful introduction to the mysterious creatures that come alive in the night sea.

Shoes Off, Please by Helena Ku Rhee, illustrated by Myo Yim
When Mina’s friends come over, she feels embarrassed by her family’s no-shoes rule, even though it’s an important Korean tradition. As she learns more about the meaning behind her family’s customs, Mina begins to realize that every family has traditions that make them special.

Tenacious Won’t Give Up by Pam Vaughan, illustrated by Leanne Hatch
If you’ve ever had a child determined to do something all by themselves, they’ll recognize Tenacious immediately. As she works toward riding her 2-wheeler bike for the Wheel Parade, she discovers that grit is important, but listening to advice and trying a different strategy can be just as valuable.

Springtime Storks: A Migration Love Story by Carol Joy Munro, illustrated by Chelsea O’Byrne
I couldn’t believe this one was based on two real storks?! It’s such a sweet story about them getting separated, braving migration, and then coming back together to raise their chicks – it totally warmed my heart.

How the Forest Feels by Wendi J. Silvano, illustrated by Mirka Hokkanen
This felt like the picture-book version of a slow nature walk. As a boy and his grandfather the woods together, you are invited to notice, touch, and wonder at the world around them (from slippery creek stones to rough tree bark).

Dropbear by Philip Bunting
I loved this books spooky-fun romp through the outback. When woodland creatures whisper warnings about a fearsome figure in the gum trees, one curious bird dares to investigate – only to discover that the scariest creatures aren’t always what they seem.

Zip Zap Wickety Wack by Matthew Diffee
My girls couldn’t stop giggling over this one! When sheep and goat argue over who gets to say “baaa,” Sheep decides to find a sound no one has ever made before, and let me just tell you, the results are hilarious!

This is Orange by Rachel Poliquin
I never realized how much there is to know about orange (both the color and the fruit!). This picture book is especially great for older kids, packed with fascinating history and global context about how orange is used around the world. Plus, the illustrations are beautifully simple and absolutely gorgeous.

Tuck Me In by Nathan W. Pyle
Only Nathan Pyle could make the moon’s nightly task of tucking in beaches feel both ridiculous and completely logical. This funny, imaginative bedtime story sneaks in a little science while capturing the universal struggle of getting comfortable before bed.

Don’t Trust Fish by Neil Sharpson, illustrated by Dan Santat
This one is so clever and such a hit for older kids. It’s a hilarious picture book that warns readers about suspicious fish plotting our doom while hiding underwater.

Cat Nap by Brian Lies
The illustrations alone in this one are stunning – it’s such a fun concept! A cat chases a mouse through a museum poster and ends up in the museum, turning into some of the most iconic art pieces.

The Moving Book by Lisa Brown
Whether your child is excited about moving or feeling nervous about leaving a familiar home behind, this book offers a comforting look at all the big feelings and the steps to expect when moving to a new address. The detailed illustrations are packed with fun touches that make it especially enjoyable to pore over together.

Itty Bitty Betty Blob by Constance Lombardo, illustrated by Micah Player
Itty Bitty Betty Blob is not your typical monster – she loves rainbows and all things cute, which definitely doesn’t fit in with all the other monsters. With picture day approaching, Betty worries she can’t growl or scowl like the others…until a surprising discovery in the woods helps her embrace exactly who she is.

Found You! by Jane Godwin, illustrated by Sylvia Morris
Archie finds the perfect hiding spot during a game of hide-and-seek…maybe a little too perfect. This sweet and relatable story captures the way a small worry can grow and grow, especially when you’re left alone with your thoughts.

To Activate Space Portal Lift Here by Antoinette Portis
You can never go wrong with an interactive book that lets you meet aliens firsthand! What makes this one extra fun is the twist, the aliens think you are the alien.

The Everything Trail by Meg Fleming
Though it has very few words, the poetic text is lovely and the illustrations are absolutely stunning. It follows young explorers discovering the magic of the forest, from towering redwoods to tiny saplings, and everything in between.

Bear and the Three Goldilocks by Patrick Horne, illustrated by Dan Yaccarino
I love a good fairytale retelling, and this one had me giggling! When the Goldilocks family goes camping, a bear wanders into their campsite and chaos (and comedy) ensues – with all the very bear-like things you’d expect at a campground. This is one I could happily read over and over again.

I am NOT Happy! by Caroline Perry
Quokkas (those adorable little marsupials from Australia) might be some of the cutest animals on the planet. But as this book points out, they’re often misunderstood: that famous smile everyone loves might actually be their grumpy face…or even their embarrassed face!

Tulip’s Mess by Anden Wilder
This is the perfect read for kids whose messes tend to get a little out of hand. It follows a little girl named Tulip as she has to confront her ever-growing mess when it swallows her beloved stuffed animal!

Gilbert and the Ghost by Heather Pierce Stigall
The ghost at 632 Savannah Street might be real…or maybe it’s just Gilbert’s imagination. Either way, the thoughtful gifts he leaves for it disappear one by one. And Gilbert is left to think that maybe friendship can be found in the most unexpected places.

Judgy Bunny and the Terrible Beach by Scott Rothman, illustrated by Linzie Hunter
Judgy Bunny is, well…extremely judgy. Nothing about the beach seems good enough for them – until one kind bunny starts sharing, including them, and helping them see things a little differently.

Bored by Felicita Sala
This is one of those books every kid can see themselves in. I loved the reminder for my girls that boredom isn’t a problem, it’s often where the best ideas begin. Rita is SO very bored (more bored than seems possible) but the deeper her boredom gets, the more her imagination takes over.

Hot Food Nice! by Michael Rosen
A little boy grows certain his dad knows everything, until one unforgettable day that proves otherwise! And it all comes down to a very questionable mountain of hot mashed potatoes.

Cranky, Crabby Crow (Saves the World) by Corey R. Tabor
Cranky, Crabby Crow has a talent for sending would-be friends running the other way. Yet after a chat with Cat and a curious phone call, he finds himself doing the unthinkable: saving the world and maybe even making a few friends along the way.

Tiny Worlds by Brittany Cicchese
Some children notice the things everyone else misses, and this sweet story celebrates that gift. When a boy visits his grandmother, he finds entire worlds hidden in ribbons, mushrooms, shells, and tide pools – and slowly invites Grandma to see them too.

Gwei the Hungry Ghost by Emeline Lee, illustrated by Basia Tran
Gwei is cursed with the fate of always feeling hungry no matter how much he eats. One night, as he is out eating through the food markets (and not getting full) a small lonely little ghost follows him. As they spend more time together, Gwei becomes less and less hungry. (This one is a Chinese folktale which coincides with the Hungry Ghost Festival – which some of the back matter in the book talks about.)

Mr. Norton’s New Truck by Huw Lewis Jones, illustrated by Corey Egbert
After a bear borrows his bike (which leaves it unrideable), Mister Norton tries every way possible to get to work, but nothing quite works…until he remembers his grandfather’s truck in the barn.

Plenty of Pancakes by Carrie Finison, illustrated by Brianne Farley
This rhyming picture book is so much fun! As mama bear is nearing the end of her hibernation, her possum friend wants to surprise her with a big stack of pancakes for when she wakes up. But every time she finishes making a stack, they disappear!

I Want to Be Spaghetti by Kiera Wright-Ruiz, illustrated by Claudia Lam
Ramen wishes they could be spaghetti because spaghetti seems cooler and more popular! But after being taken home from the grocery store and cooked as ramen, they realize they’re pretty great just the way they are.

Loops by Jashar Awan
If you have a little one who is learning to tie their shoes, this book is perfect for that! It has all the excitement and challenges of tying shoes and stepping into a BIG-KID role!

I Quit by Kristen Tracy
After being adopted, a cat decides she just wants free reign of the house (very cat-like, I must add), but when the family lays down the house rules, the cat decides to quit! Little did cat know, life in a home is much better than out on the streets, even if it involves some rules.

The Big Green by Ken Wilson-Max
This one is a short and sweet picture book about the Great Green Wall of Africa (a vast wall of vegetation planted as an effort to prevent desertification). When their uncle shows up with little plants and saplings, two siblings work with their community to plant them – of course with music, laughter, and joy!

Bob is the Biggest, Strongest and Smartest by Jean Reidy, illustrated by Amy Jindra Hodgson
Bob is convinced he’s the biggest, strongest, and smartest animal around – and he barely lets anyone else get a word in! But when quiet, curious Bill arrives and takes the time to ask questions and truly get to know everyone, the animals (and Bob) quickly realize who they actually want to be friends with.

How to Read a Very Serious Book by Mireille Messier, illustrated by Kelly Collier
If you’re going to read a very serious book, you need to know how to read it properly—so everyone can appreciate just how serious you and your book are! This hilarious story follows two kids as an ominous narrator teaches them the rules of serious reading. (It’s told in a comic-style format that’s sure to appeal to graphic novel fans.)

Because of a Shoe by Julie Fogliano
If you’ve ever tried to get a stubborn toddler to put their shoes on when they absolutely do not want to, you will completely relate to this book. It perfectly captures the hilarious back-and-forth spiral between parent and child while trying to get out the door, and the ending is especially great.

There is Not Usually a Hole by Daisy Hirst
When Betsy the cat takes her stuffed crocodile, Phillipa, out for a walk, they spot a mysterious hole that definitely wasn’t there before. As strange things begin popping out of it, the pair can’t help but wonder what surprises might be waiting inside.

Crouton by Christine A. Lombardi
In this sweet adoption story, a cat named Crouton shares what it’s like waiting for a human and what happens once she finally finds a home. My favorite part is that Crouton tells the story as if she’s the one adopting the human, which makes it especially charming and funny.

The Future Book by Mac Barnett, illustrated by Shawn Harris
Mac Barnett never misses in our house, and this one is packed with his signature humor. The future he imagines is definitely not the one I would have predicted, but it’s delightfully absurd and so much fun to imagine!

Goldfinches by Mary Oliver, illustrated by Melissa Sweet
If you’ve ever wanted to introduce a child to poetry, this would be a lovely place to start. Mary Oliver’s beautiful words are paired with Melissa Sweet’s stunning illustrations to invite readers to slow down and notice the beauty of the natural world – specifically goldfinches and the thistles they eat.

When the Sun Goes Down by Greg. Pizzoli
This is such a sweet modern bedtime story with a rhythmic, repetitive feel that reminded me a bit of Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?. It follows different animals as the sun goes down before ending with a sleepy child heading off to bed.

Ling & Ting’s Lunar New Year: Two Times Lucky by Grace Lin
Even though this is technically a chapter book, it’s full color with lots of illustrations on every page, I couldn’t leave a Ling & Ting book off this list. The stories about these identical twin girls are always so funny and sweet, and this one follows them as they prepare for Lunar New Year.

How Not to Make a Jelly Sandwich by Ross Burach
If you are looking for something so silly and humorous, this one had us all giggling! You’d think making a jelly sandwich would be pretty straight forward – five easy steps – that’s all! But you’d be surprised what really goes into making a jelly sandwich!

Outside Mom, Inside Mom by Jane Park, illustrated by Lenny Wen
When a little boy starts school, he notices his mom seems to have two sides: a quiet, reserved “outside self” she shows in public and a loud, joyful “inside self” at home. This sweet story thoughtfully explores identity, family, and belonging.

A Bear, a Man, and a Donut Van by Daniel Bernstrom, illustrated by Brandon James Scott
Although this one has few words, it doesn’t fall short on humor! With stunning and very detailed illustrations, this one is phenomenal all about…you guessed it, a bear, a man, and a donut van.

Ruthie by Esme Shapiro
Ruthie is convinced he’s a prince, a pampered little dog doted on by his queen (his owner) and certain that every animal beyond the fence is one of his royal subjects. He’s always dreamed of escaping to explore the wider world, but when he finally gets his chance, he discovers that life with his queen might be his favorite place to be.

Sun, Moon and Star: A Folktale from Korea by Nancy So Miller
When their mother leaves for the village to sell her goods, she warns her three daughters not to open the door for anyone – especially with tigers roaming nearby. But when a knock comes, will they remember her warning? I really loved the illustrations on this one too, they are unique and stunning!

A Door Is to Open by Kyo Maclear, illustrated by Julie Morstad
I never expected to love a picture book about doors this much! It explores all kinds of doors in the world while also beautifully capturing the bigger idea of the opportunities and possibilities that can come when new doors open.

Mungo on His Own by Matthew Burgess
When Mungo starts craving the juicy red berries deep in the woods, he ventures off on his own, far from the warmth and safety of his den. But out in the dark, cold, and spooky forest, Mungo will have to discover whether he’s brave enough to face the unknown.

Baseball for Breakfast: A (Mostly) True Story by  Judy Campbell-Smith, illustrated by Maggie Carroll 
I love a picture book that teaches me history I never knew! Based on a true story, this one shares how, during World War II, the owner of the Milwaukee Brewers started hosting morning baseball games so factory workers, many of them women helping with the war effort, could still enjoy America’s favorite pastime.

The Rare Bird by Elisha Cooper
I’m not a huge pet lover (I know, I know), but I really enjoyed this fun and imaginative picture book about a cat who dreams of all of the wild things it can be.

Going Home with Dad by Simon Howe
Some picture books are all action, and some are all heart – this one definitely falls into the second category. Through a series of thoughtful questions asked during a walk together, a father and child explore the world around them. This one brings up a lot of ideas of home and loss.

String Ball by Chris Monroe
This may be a wordless book, but it’s bursting with emotion! After a child finishes making a string ball and heads off to play with a friend, their curious cat accidentally gets tangled inside – and what follows is a wildly entertaining adventure full of chaos, humor, and heart.

Navigating Night by Julie Leung, illustrated by Angie Kang
Every night, a young girl helps her father make deliveries for their family restaurant, a job she wishes she didn’t have to do. But after hearing the story of his journey to America, she begins to see her father, her family, and their traditions in a whole new light.

Vampire Jam Sandwich by Casey Lyall, illustrated by Nici Gregory 
Told by a young “vampire” named Terrance, this delightfully silly “scary” story recounts the terrifying legend of the Vampire Jam Sandwich! It’s a jam sandwich turned vampire that’s determined to make sure no pantry preserve is safe!

Jeong is Jeong by Jessica Yoon, illustrated by Michelle Lee
There are some words from other language that don’t have a direct English translation, and in this picture book, that applies to the Korean word jeong. Luna goes out with her grandmother and little brother to the park to see if they can find jeong – and it turns out, jeong is jeong.   

Ant Party by Ross Montgomery, illustrated by Sarah Warburton
It’s Andy the ants birthday party and he decides to invite over a few neighbors for dancing and dips. But when word spreads to the entire anthill, things get a little out of hand! Let’s just say, it’s one BIG ant party!

César’s Cerulean Surprise by Jenny Lacika, illustrated by Laura Sandoval Herrera  
Getting a giant box of crayons for your birthday is pretty exciting…until someone asks for a color you’ve never heard of! When César asks to borrow Gabi’s cerulean crayon, the siblings embark on a playful color-solving adventure that is both fun and surprisingly educational.

The Great Escape by Deborah Marcer
Evie loves all things magic (magic tricks, magic spells, and magical adventures) but she can’t seem to find the magic that will give her a little peace and quiet from her three younger siblings, who follow her everywhere. When she unexpectedly finds herself in a truly magical world, she discovers that being a big sister might be its own kind of magic after all.

A Fluffle of Bunnies by  Christie Matheson 
A gray rabbit has gone missing, and a whole host of woodland animals are determined to crack the case. This charming rhyming read-aloud is full of fun collective nouns – including, a fluffle of bunnies!

Aya Has Never Seen a Bear by Gerelchimeg Blackcrane, illustrated by Jiu’er 
Some picture books feel like stepping into another world, and this is one of them. Aya dreams of seeing a bear, and when her grandfather takes her deep into the forests of northern China, you are taken on a quiet, beautiful story into the traditions of the Oroqen people.

My Best Friend is a Lion by Deb Pilutti
After feeling left out by her friends, one little girl decides the solution is obvious: she needs a pet lion. This funny and relatable story perfectly captures the big emotions of friendship struggles while showing how imagination can help us work through tough feelings.

Axl the Axolotl is Not a Frog by Benj Pasek, Justin Paul, and John Paul Brammer, illustrated by Vanessa Morales
On the first day of school, Axl the Axolotl discovers that all the fish, frogs, and lizards have schools of their own – but there doesn’t seem to be one for him. Determined to find where he belongs, Axl sets off on an adventure around Flower Bed Lake in search of his place. If you have an axolotl-obsessed child, this would be a hit!

The Museum of Shapes by Sven Völker
Alma’s museum is filled with triangles, circles, lines, and all kinds of shapes waiting to be explored. I love how simple yet engaging this one is – readers search for shapes, create shapes with their bodies, and discover how geometry appears all around them.

Time to Split by Daniel Fehr, illustrated by Raphaël Kolly
Frog likes his routine exactly the way it is: a bath, a stroll, and a glass of banana juice every single day. But when an unexpected visitor shows up, Frog finds himself on an adventure that just might convince him that trying something new isn’t so bad after all.

Bear Loves His Home by Karen Jameson, illustrated by Ishaa Lobo
As a black bear cub roams forests and fields with his mother, he learns the skills he’ll need to become more independent. Be sure to check out the back of the book, which is filled with fascinating facts about black bears, their behavior, and their role in the natural world.

Isabel’s Birthday Surprise by Debbie Zapata, illustrated by Gabriella Galvez
Everything is set for Isabel’s big birthday celebration…or so she thinks. When things don’t go according to plan, her family helps turn a disappointing day into a special memory filled with love, creativity, and unexpected joy.

The Mixed-Up Owl by Marzena Sowa, illustrated by Joanna Lorho
Why is Owl wide awake when everyone else in the forest is fast asleep? His search for answers leads him on an adventure through the woods as he tries to uncover what makes him different from the other animals.

The Flame Burns On: Lighting the Yahrzeit Candle by Richard Ho, illustrated by  Carmel Ben Ami
Each year, a young girl and her mother light a yahrzeit candle to remember a beloved uncle who has passed away. As they spend the day sharing stories and memories, she begins to understand how traditions can help keep loved ones close, even after they’re gone, and the back matter includes an explanation of this meaningful Jewish custom. 

Go, Sloth, Go! by Toni Yuly
Go, Sloth, go! A determined sloth spends the day moving through vines and trees in search of food, proving that sometimes the slowest journey can be the most interesting.

Rhea’s Rodeo by Laekan Zea Kemp, illustrated by Raissa Figueroa
Rhea loves everything about Rodeo Day: the boots, the horses, the excitement, and most of all, the chance to win. As she competes in an Escaramuza Charra rodeo with her teammates, she learns that sometimes the biggest victories happen outside the arena. 

The Other Side of the Garden by Sili Recio and Elena Djome Lawrence, illustrated by Brianna McCarthy
After her grandmother dies, a young girl finds comfort in revisiting the garden they once shared. This tender story explores grief through the eyes of a child as she discovers that memories can help loved ones stay close, even after they’re gone.

A Room with a View by Joanna Ho, illustrated by Thaís Mesquita
I adored Eyes That Kiss in the Corners, so I was excited to pick up this one. Convinced that camping is all bugs, long drives, and terrible sleeping conditions, Oliver heads off on an outdoor adventure with his mom and soon begins to see their adventure in a whole new light.

More Than a Tree by Sarah Kurpiel
This story follows the special bond between a girl and the tree that has always been part of her backyard adventures. When the tree must come down, she discovers that endings can also make room for new beginnings. This one reminded me a lot of The Giving Tree.

Watermelon Pool by Bonsoir, Lune, translated by Frances Cha
Talk about a book that is the epitome of summer! A giant watermelon becomes the ultimate playground as children and neighbors slide down the rind, splash in the juicy center, and spend a carefree day soaking up the magic of summer.

Gus Upstairs by Carey Sookocheff
After moving to a new apartment, Gus the puppy discovers that being home alone all day is no fun at all. But when he hears music drifting up from the apartment below, an unexpected friendship begins to grow between Gus and his musical neighbor.

Hummingbird’s Big Trip by G. Brian Karas
All the other hummingbirds are excited for their annual trip south, but one nervous bird can only think about everything that could go wrong. As migration day approaches, he faces his biggest challenge yet: finding the courage to take that first flap of his wings.

Hello Baby, It’s s Me, Alfie by Maggie Hutchings, illustrated by Dawn Lo
Alfie can hardly wait to meet his new sibling, so he tracks their growth week by week with the help of some familiar fruits and vegetables. Equal parts informative and reassuring, this is a wonderful choice for any child wondering what their new baby brother or sister is up to while they wait.

The Sweater: A Story of Community by Larissa Theule, illustrated by Teagan White
A lonely bird searching for shelter catches Holly’s attention during her morning walk through the thicket. Determined to help, Holly’s kindness sparks a chain of events that shows how a community can come together to support someone in need.

Arctic Adventure by Jyoti Rajan Gopal, illustrated by Alexandra Cook
When Little Fox sets out to explore the Arctic with Mama Fox, she discovers reindeer, walruses, and other wonders of the frozen tundra. Along the way, she notices a mother and child traveling through the same landscape, and their paths eventually cross in a sweet and unexpected way.

Coco and Stephen, Together Forever by Beth Stern and Margaret McNamara, illustrated by Joanie Stone 
Coco the kitten and Stephen the bunny are both searching for a forever home when they unexpectedly find something else, too – a best friend! Based on a real-life animal friendship, this sweet story follows their journey from lonely shelter animals to inseparable companions, with an author’s note about pet fostering and adoption.

Sarang Saves the School by Korena Di Roma Howley, illustrated by Joowon Oh
After Sarang learns that her small village school may have to close because there aren’t enough students, she comes up with an ingenious solution: invite the local grandmothers – many of whom never had the opportunity to attend school – to enroll. I couldn’t believe this one was inspired by real events in South Korea.

Bread is Love by Pooja Makhijani, illustrated by Lavanya Naidu
From measuring ingredients to sharing the finished loaf, a family’s weekly bread-baking ritual becomes a celebration of time spent together. And as any baker will tell you, the secret ingredient is always a little love.

Yulu’s Linen by Cao Wenxuan, illustrated by Suzy Lee
When Yulu sets out to paint a self-portrait, she thinks she’s found the perfect canvas. Instead, she finds herself facing mistake after mistake! Will she be able persevere through?

Leaving 4B by Chambrae Griffith, illustrated by Amélie Videlo
Apartment 4B isn’t just where a young girl lives – it’s where she plays, hides, dreams, and makes memories with her cat, Suki! When her family moves, she must figure out how to make room for new memories in a new place.

When You Find a Question by Allie Millington, illustrated by Anne Lambelet
In a town where everyone is focused on finding answers, one boy stumbles upon something entirely unexpected: a Question. As it grows bigger and harder to ignore, he let’s it out…and changes his town forever.

Miles Ahead by Mihn Le, illustrated by Lynnor Bontigao
A boy and his dog, Miles, are excited to visit a brand-new baby cousin, but there’s one big problem: the gift they planned to bring has disappeared! As the family retraces their steps searching for it, they uncover treasured keepsakes and memories that help them discover what really makes a gift special.

Cat’s New Book by Nathalie Belhassen
There’s just something about a brand-new book – the crisp pages, the perfect cover, that unmistakable new-book smell. Cat is determined to keep his looking flawless, but after one friend after another borrows it, he learns that the best books aren’t always the ones that stay pristine, they’re the ones that are loved.

Jayden Noticed by Carolyn Crimi, illustrated by Shamar Knight-Justice
When a move leaves Jayden feeling out of place, his beloved rock collection helps him navigate a new neighborhood and connect with someone who shares his gift for noticing the world around them.

Let’s Be Bees by Shawn Harris
This book has shown up on a ton of award lists, and after reading it, it’s easy to see why. Through imaginative play, a father and child transform into buzzing bees, swaying trees, and so much more! This one is perfect for reading aloud and acting out together.

When Cherry Blossoms Fall by Katrina Goldsaito, illustrated by Yas Imamura 
The cherry blossoms bloom for only a short time each year, but Yuna treasures every moment she spends admiring them with her great-grandmother. This is such a sweet story that explores the Japanese idea of mono no aware (the awareness of something’s impermanence).

Forest Bath by Jen Barton, illustrated by Felishia Henditirto
Have you ever heard of this concept of forest bathing? As a mother and child wander through the forest, they slow down to notice the sights, sounds, smells, and textures around them, introducing readers to the calming practice of forest bathing.

Nani and the Lion by Alicia D. Williams, illustrated by Anna Cunha
Nani’s drumming fills her village with music, dancing, and joy – until Lion declares that all noise is forbidden. Determined not to let one grumpy bully silence everyone, Nani comes up with a clever plan to keep the rhythm alive.

It’s My Bird-Day! by Mo Willems
Was I ridiculously excited to discover there was a new Pigeon book? Absolutely! And watching Pigeon navigate his Bird-Day is every bit as dramatic, hilarious, and over-the-top as you’d hope.

Maya’s World by Andrea Pippins
When Maya proudly presents her colorful rainbow artwork, she isn’t expecting her classmates to question it. As she learns to explain her creative choices, Maya inspires her classmates to think differently and embrace their own artistic ideas.

Rumpelstiltskin by Mac Barnett, illustrated by Carson Ellis
We love a good fairy tale retelling at our house, and this one absolutely delivered. Mac Barnett brings his signature wit and humor to Rumpelstiltskin, transforming the familiar story into a version that feels both timeless and delightfully fresh.

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