It’s time for my FAVORITE book list of the entire year! This is the list of picture books my kids (ages 8 and 11) thinks are the best! After reading hundreds of stories in 2023, they has selected their top choices for the books that kept them coming back for multiple readings.
Not surprising, my kids gravitated toward lots of funny books and stories containing adorable animals. One thing is for sure, all these terrific tales are packed with kid appeal!
See any books that your kids or students love on the list? Any that you want to check out?
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Mr. S by Monica Arnaldo, 2023
(Ages 5 and up)
This ridiculously quirky story is without a doubt my children’s favorite book of the year . When a group of children start school for the first time, they walk in to find the room empty except for a sandwich at the teacher’s desk. After much debate, they ultimately decide that the sandwich must be their teacher. What ensues is an abundance of comical events ending with a giant surprise.
Squash the Cat by Sasha Mayer, 2023
(Ages 4 and up)
Named after the vegetable he resembles, Squash the Cat loves nothing more than taking long naps and spending time with his owner Maggie. This hysterical and heartwarming friendship story could not be cuter.
The Fantastic Bureau of Imagination by Brad Montague, illustrated by Brand and Kristi Montague, 2023
(Ages 4 and up)
Readers are introduced to Sparky, a very special creature called a figment who delivers mail for the Fantastic Bureau of Imagination. While Sparky writes many poems, he is too nervous to share his words with the world. When one of the departments, the cave of untold stories, is on the verge of collapsing, however, Sparky must overcome his fear. He bravely writes a poem pleading with humans to share their stories to save the Bureau.
Filled with tons of engaging details, this entertaining story is a perfect way for inspiring children to access their imaginations to create. The end papers even invite children to make their own Fantastic Bureau of Imagination Badge and accept their mission to dream and do great things.
Who’s Afraid of the Light by Anna McGregor
(Ages 4 and up)
This brilliant book uses humor to introduce children to a myriad of deep-sea creatures as well as the concept of bioluminescence. In the opening pages, readers meet Fergus, a creature who resides in the darkest part of the ocean. Because it is so dark, we cannot see him. As various animals approach with their own light, we get a better and better idea of what Fergus looks like until the surprise ending reveals exactly who and what kind of fish Fergus is! There are so many details to love about this book including the informative backmatter and the fact that the cover glows in the dark!
No Is All I Know! by Chris Grabenstein, illustrated by Leo Espinosa
Oliver McSnow loves to say “No!” all the time. Hysterically expressive illustrations follow him as he nopes each meal, book, and offer to do anything. Everything changes, however, when he is introduced to his cousin Jess who prefers to say “Yes”. This book is not only laugh-out-loud funny, it is also a great conversation starter on trying new things.
Butt or Face by Kari Lavelle, 2023
I originally declined reviewing this book when the publisher offered it to me based solely on the title and cover. Then I saw it at my library and after reading through it, I immediately regretted my decision. This interactive book is SO much fun and it is a huge hit with my kids.
Readers are invited to guess if a photograph of an animal is featuring its butt or face. When they flip the page, they find the answer and fun facts about exotic animals. My children absolutely love this one and had a blast playing the game while also learning some really interesting information about animals.
Molly’s Tuxedo by Vicki Johnson, illustrated by Gillian Reid, 2023
It’s school picture day and while Molly’s mother wants her to wear a special dress, Molly really wants to wear her brother’s tuxedo. Molly’s mother encourages her to bring both to school and wear the one she feels best in. It’s hard not to smile at the exuberant look Molly has in her school photo wearing what makes her happy. Molly’s empowering tale of self-expression is expertly told and one that I think many children will relate to! I know my children loved it!
The Queen of Chess by Judit Polgár Changed the Game by Laurie Wallmark, illustrated by Stevie Lewis, 2023
Children learn about the brilliant chess prodigy Judit Polgár in this enthralling picture book biography. Fascinated by the game from an early age, Judit studied hard until she won numerous tournaments and became a national champion and the youngest grandmaster in history at age 15.
The King Penguin by Vanessa Roeder
As a King Penguin, Percival believes that he is meant to rule all the other penguins. Sick of his selfish behavior, the other penguins throw him out of their colony and Percival is forced to find a new flock of followers to reign over with hilarious results. This book is an absolute delight, particularly the play on matching the penguins’ personalities to their classifications.
I Want 100 Dogs by Stacy McAnulty, illustrated by Claire Keane, 2023
(Ages 4 and up)
This amusing story about a girl who asks her parents for 100 dogs perfectly matches humor with subtraction skills to make one charming book!
Each time the girl asks her parents, they provide comical what-if scenarios of what life would be like with so many dogs. As the book progresses, her requests count down from 100 to 90 to 80 and so on until she reaches one adorable and manageable dog. This book is an absolute delight with the most perfect satisfying ending!
Pirate & Penguin by Mike Allegra, illustrated by Jenn Harney
Oh my, this one is so much fun to read aloud! When a pirate mistakes a penguin for his new pet parrot, hilarious hijinks ensue. The plethora of pirate dialogue makes this an excellent choice for reading on Talk Like A Pirate Day in September. You arrrren’t going to want to pass this one up!
How Does Santa Go Down the Chimney? by Mac Barnett, illustrated by Jon Klassen 2023
(Ages 4 and up)
Once again, the dynamic duo of Mac Barnett and Jon Klassen have united for another perfectly executed story that is full of humor. While we may not be entirely sure how Santa enters various houses, this story has some ideas that will have readers absolutely cracking up!
The Boy Who Cried Poop! by Alessandra Requena, illustrated by Guilherme Karsten
As soon as a family descends down 168 steps to their apartment’s swimming pool, the little brother, Marc, immediately needs to go to the bathroom. Back up they go only to discover it’s a false alarm. Up and down the family continues to go passing a myriad of people along the way. Both funny and surprisingly reassuring, this relatable story is a real winner.
The Boo-Boos of Bluebell Elementary by Chelsea Lin Wallace, illustrated by Alison Farrell, 2023
(Ages 4 and up)
This joyous ode to school nurses is a complete delight! From loose teeth, to hurt feelings, to runny noses, Miss Peatree sees it all and treats each student in Bluebell Elementary with the care and concern they need!
Brimming with rollicking rhymes, charming illustrations, and an all-too-familiar cast of students needing a little medical attention and a lot of love from their favorite nurse, this comical story is sure to be a hit in school and home libraries.
Flat Cat by Tara Lazar, illustrated by Pete Oswald, 2023
Flat Cat loves his two-dimensional shape that allows him to squeeze into several nooks and crannies. When he accidentally takes a spin in the dryer however, his is transformed into a round, fluffy ball, which also has surprising advantages. Tara Lazar’s cleverly crafted text is expertly paired with Pete Oswald’s giggle-worthy illustrations in this purrrfect story about flexibility and finding your groove when life takes an unexpected turn.
We Don’t Lose Our Class Goldfish by Ryan T. Higgins, 2023
(Ages 5 and up)
The lovable Penelope T. Rex is back in a new adventure where she has to face her greatest fear, Walter the class goldfish! Walter might appear harmless, but Penelope knows better. With his unblinking eyes, menacing fins and bitey teeth, she worries this dinosaur is no match for a goldfish. When she is tasked with taking Walter home for the weekend, she cautiously plays with him until she lets her imagination get the best of her. But then Walter goes missing! Penelope must confront her fear to find him and realizes along the way that there’s more to Walter than his chomping jaws.
Once again, Ryan T. Higgins mixes the perfect amount of humor with an engaging story that reassures children that they are not alone in their big feelings. This book had my kids laughing out loud and begging to read the entire series again. I also highly recommend the first book We Don’t Eat Our Classmates.
The Big Cheese by Jory John, illustrated by Pete Oswald, 2023
(Ages 4 and up)
After continuously winning every competition he enters, The Big Cheese has a little bit of a big head! Full of confidence, he boasts and brags every chance he gets. When Wedge moves into town, however, and becomes the new champ, The Big Cheese must learn how to process losing. With a new perspective, he learns about empathy, humility, and the joy of participating in a variety of activities even ones he’s not very good at.
Full of humorous puns, this fantastic lesson in social emotional learning is perfect for classroom and home libraries!
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