Deciding which books make it on to my Best Picture Books List at the end of each year is no easy task. Ultimately, the books I choose are the ones that I feel need to be read. They use beautiful illustrations and thoughtful text to strike a special chord within you that causes you to think about the story long after closing the pages.
Whether the story affirms, empowers, surprises, or makes the reader giggle, the below books all have a standout quality that makes them feel truly extraordinary.
I hope these books resonate with you as much as they have with me!
You can also find this list on my BOOKSHOP STOREFRONT.
Beneath by Cori Doerrfeld, 2023
(Ages 4 and up)
“Everyone is more than what you see. Beneath appearances are experiences. Beneath actions are explanations. Beneath what’s different is what’s the same.”
Filled with tender thought-provoking text and eye-catching illustrations, this phenomenal book is a must read for both children and adults. The story follows a grandfather who helps his grandson, Finn, cope with his hurt by demonstrating that there is more to our world than meets the eye. While Finn initially thinks his grandfather could never understand his pain, he learns that underneath the surface, his grandfather is hurting too. In a beautiful act of empathy, the two come together and help each other heal.
There are so many outstanding details to this story that make readers stop and think. This book is a true wonder that will stay with readers long after closing the pages of the book.
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.
I’m From by Gary R. Gray Junior, Illustrated by Oge Mora, 2023
(Ages 4 and up)
The concept of where one is from may conjure a simple street address, a state, or like in this fabulous new book, a collage of small moments that make up a childhood.“I come from early morning wake-ups, handcrafted blankets knitted with memories.” Through the span of one day, readers gain a glimpse into a young boy’s life from his delicious meals, to his positive and negative experiences at school, and, most importantly, the love and support given by his family. All of these things blend together to shape where he is from.
The lyrical language is such a joy to read aloud and, as always, Oge Mora’s signature illustrations shine making this an excellent addition to All About Me units in schools or as a mentor text for using poems to frame one’s identity.
Once Upon a Book by Grace Lin, illustrated by Kate Messner, 2023
This book eloquently captures the transformative power of books. Frustrated with the cold day outside, Alice turns to a book for escape. She becomes immersed in the pages, traveling from place to place with the flip of a page.
Caldecott-Honoree Grace Lin’s impressive illustrations are a real showstopper. Alice’s dress is covered with words and when she steps into each page, her dress blends into backgrounds creating a striking effect. Cover to cover, the book is filled with dazzling details that make this story a joy to pour over again and again.
Mr. S by Monica Arnaldo
(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.
Big by Vashti Harrison, 2023
(Ages 4 and up)
As a young girl grows up, she finds that being called a “big girl” quickly changes from a term of endearment to an insult. The snide jeers from others become hard to shake off and she finds herself disappearing into the background. In a powerful scene, the girl regains her confidence as she takes her life back.
With its beautiful illustrations and powerful text, this standout story both affirms that all bodies are good and reminds readers the long-lasting effects words can have.
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.
Our Pool by Lucy Ruth Cummins, 2023
(Ages 4 and up)
Our Pool uses wonderfully descriptive language and eye-catching illustrations to expertly capture the jubilance a community pool holds. The story follows a young girl as she joyfully joins her diverse neighborhood in beating the heat with a dip in the refreshing water of their city pool.
I honestly, don’t know what I love the most about this book. The skillful cadence of the words that make this story a true delight to read aloud, the striking illustrations with pops of neon, or how it proficiently showcases the absolute bliss of cooling off on a hot summer day.
The Noise Inside Boys: A Story About Big Feelings by Pete Oswald, 2023
(Ages 4 and up)
This moving story, follows a young boy who grows angry when his brothers accidentally knock down his sand castle. Later that night, his dad sits with him and helps him explore his many emotions learning to embrace them by coping with the difficult ones and celebrating the happy ones.
I love how this book helps change the perception that being tough means being stoic and dealing with hardships alone. Instead, this book helps open up conversations that being tough is learning how to deal with our emotions, so that we can become more resilient and confident. When the boy first becomes angry, he runs away from his family keeping them at a distance. He soon learns that by sharing his feelings with his father, he is able to finally feel better and more connected.
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!
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.
The Welcome Home by Amu June Bates, 2023
(Ages 4 and up)
Feeling lonely, Mr. and Ms. Gargleson-Bittle fill their hearts and home with animals…lots and lots of animals. They really want a pet who will play fetch, give kisses, and chase it’s tail, so naturally they get a snail, an elephant, an octopus, and a plethora of other absurd choices. The wonderfully whimsy illustrations brilliantly capture the love felt in this rambunctious home.
The Boy Who Tried to Shrink His Name by Sandhya Parappukkaran, illustrated by Michelle Pereira, 2023
(Ages 5 and up)
Full of similes and other impressive figurative language, this enchanting story follows a young boy who shortens his name to make it easier for his classmates to say. When he meets a new friend, however, she teaches him to skateboard as he slowly shows her how to say his full name.
This powerful story emboldens children to own who they are and to not change themselves in order to fit in with others.
Powerful You by Kate Jane Neal, 2023
(Ages 3 and up)
I just love how this book teaches children to listen to their bodies and empowers them to be assertive in their words and actions. Using child-friendly language and charming illustrations, this story reinforces the power of the words “yes” and “no”. Saying yes can open doors to new experiences and friends, but it is also important to say no when things make you uncomfortable. I just love how this book empowers children to find the courage to say either yes or no depending on the circumstances.
This along with Your Words and Your Heart are must-reads.
No One Owns the Colors Using rich vocabulary and vibrant illustrations, this standout story reminds readers how colors are part of the natural world. I especially love how it goes beyond the typical hues and includes shades like cobalt, mauve, chartreuse, indigo and so many others.
This is a wonderful story of self-expression that empowers children to own what brings them joy and to not judge others for their preferences.
Remembering by Xelena González, illustrated by Adriana M. Garcia, 2023
(Ages 4 and up)
A little girl honors her beloved dog by sharing memories of him, bringing out his favorite toys, and creating an ofrenda for Dia de los Muertos. The thoughtful text recounts the significance of each item she brings to the altar while the spectacular illustrations highlight how the girl’s memories keep the spirit of the dog alive.
An American Storyby Kwame Alexander; illustrated Dare Coulter, 2023
(Ages 6 and up)
“You can’t change the past, but you can do better in the future.” This is the powerful message in the exquisite book An American Story. Kwame Alexander’s poignant text bravely addresses the atrocities of slavery while also honoring the strength of those who carried on and the hope for a better future. The moving words are further enhanced by Dare Coulter’s unbelievably expressive, rich illustrations.
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