My favorite picture books of 2024 include stories that celebrate imagination, connection, and the beauty of everyday moments. From heartwarming tales of family and friendship to empowering social emotional learning stories, these books captivate readers with their enchanting illustrations and meaningful messages. Perfect for home or school libraries, this year’s standout titles promise to inspire, comfort, and delight, making them treasures for any bookshelf.
I hope these books resonate with you as much as they have with me!
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I’m Sorry You Got Mad by Kyle Lukoff, illustrated by Julie Kwon, 2024
(Ages 4 and up)
When Jack knocks over Zoe’s castle, his teacher instructs him to write a sincere apology. This brilliant tale follows Jack’s apologies as they evolve from angry statements of “I’m sorry you got mad.” to more heartfelt confessions revealing how his actions were caused by hurt feelings. This brilliant book demonstrates that there is often more to a person’s actions than first appears.
Jack is such an endearing character and I love how this story brings up discussion points on how to own up for our mistakes and what makes a successful apology. The satisfying ending paired with amusing details found throughout the book are sure to make readers smile.
Touch the Sky by Stephanie V.W. Lucianovic, illustrated by Chris Park, 2024
(Ages 4 and up)
It’s difficult to recognize that some things may come easy for some people, but not others. Vern yearns to soar through the air on the swing, but doesn’t know how to pump his legs. When Gretchen takes the time to help him, he gets the extra push he needs to succeed. This is a terrific story in empathy and overcoming challenges.
Ahoy by Sophie Blackall, 2024
Imagination abounds in this exceptional story from award-winning creator Sophie Blackall. As a busy mother attempts to vacuum a rug, she gets pulled into her son’s inventive game transforming their ordinary living room into the high seas. I absolutely adore this joyful celebration of pretend play.
The Yellow Bus by Loren Long, 2024
(Ages 4 and up)
Wow, just wow! Every now and then a book comes along and pulls at your heartstrings and makes you look at the world differently and The Yellow Bus does just that. The story chronicles the life of a school bus as it transports children from place to place and then finds new life and purpose once retired. In true Loren Long fashion, the illustrations are simply dazzling. The bright yellow bus shines against a detailed black-and-white background. With its heartfelt message about new beginnings, this is a must read!
Gaga Mistake Day by Emma Straub and Susan Straub, illustrated by Jessica Love, 2024
(Ages 4 and up)
I could not love this book more! I just adore how the eccentric Gaga turns any ordinary day babysitting her daughter into the extraordinary with her whimsical sense of humor. Everyone should be so lucky to have a grandmother like this in their lives!
The Book That Almost Rhymed by Omar Abed, illustrated by Hatem Aly, 2024
(Ages 4 and up)
With its clever storyline featuring sibling rivalry turned cute collaboration, this is without a doubt one of my favorite books of the year so far! When a young boy tries to share the rhyming story he wrote, his sister interrupts with her own comical edits. It is almost impossible not to giggle while reading this humorous book as the rhythmic text is interrupted with unexpected twists in the story. The best part is how it all comes together in a heartfelt ending.
The Dictionary Story by Oliver Jeffers and Sam Winston, 2024
(Ages 4 and u)
Tired of being the only book without a story, a lonely dictionary decides to breathe life into her catalogued words. As a hungry alligator emerges, he chases a doughnut with comical results. From the poetic end papers to the endearing characters and the imaginative, intriguing, irresistible story, there is a lot to love about this new book.
That Always Happens Sometimes by Kiley Frank, illustrated by K-Fai Steele, 2024
(Ages 4 and up)
With it’s laugh-out-loud text and humorous illustrations coupled with a character that pulls at your heartstrings and message that we all have something valuable to offer in our own way, this standout story is one of my favorites of 2024.
Max may have trouble sitting still, following directions, and making friends, but his imaginative nature and out-of-the-box thinking save the day in a class project.
Many readers will recognize a Max in a classmate, a student, or in themselves, and take away the knowledge that different is not bad, but instead different can provide a new perspective that can make the world a better place.
Perfect by Waka T. Brown, illustrated by Yuko Jones, 2024
(Ages 4 and up)
This is a heartwarming story about discovering beauty and meaning in imperfection. Miki Amelia Masuda loves everything to be perfect, so when her cherished teacup breaks, she’s devastated. Her grandmother repairs it using kintsugi, a traditional Japanese technique that mends broken pottery with gold, emphasizing its cracks rather than hiding them. Although initially disappointed that the crack are still visible, she ultimately learns to appreciate the unique beauty of those imperfections and discovers that flaws can hold their own special value. Miki’s journey of growth and her newfound joy in the imperfect make is a great lesson for readers.
Walkies: A Dog’s Tale by Estrela Lourenco, 2024
(Ages 4 and up)
No one wants to take their dog for a walk in the rain, but a young boy’s frustration turns to wonder when he discovers the beauty of the outdoors in this entertaining and thought-provoking story. The expressive illustrations bring elements of humor to this adorable wordless wonder that also teaches important lessons in resilience, enjoying nature, and mindfulness.
Go and Get With Rex by David LaRochelle, illustrated by Mike Wohnoutka, 2024
(Ages 3 and up)
Every Pre-K and Kindergarten teacher is going to want to get their hands on this hysterical book that is perfect for introducing letters. When an unseen narrator challenges two kids and their dog Rex to play a game, they are tasked with retrieving items that begin with certain letters. Each time, Rex brings back a surprise that also shockingly fits the assignment. From the alliterative text highlighting each letter to the comical illustrations and the absolutely perfect ending, there is so much to love about this story.
Life is Beautiful by Winsome Bingham, illustrated by Molly Mendoza, 2024
(Ages 4 and up)
Get your tissues ready, this tender tale about embracing grief with a positive perspective will pull at your heartstrings. After spending her weekends with her Granny Dee finding joy in life’s big and small moments, a young girl must bravely face Granny Dee’s declining health. Rich, lush illustrations perfectly capture the deep bond between grandparent and grandchild. The hopeful, heartfelt ending reminds us to find beauty in all of life’s moments, making this story a touching celebration of love and resilience.
Look by Gabi Snyder, illustrated by Samantha Cotterill, 2024
(Ages 4 and up)
Attention teachers and parents, you are definitely going to want to check out this mesmerizing book that encourages children to slow down and notice patterns all around them.
LOOK is not only an excellent math resource for introducing patterns, it’s also a strong social emotional learning story. The book urges children to slow down and take notice of what is around them focusing on looking for patterns when they feel overwhelmed or confused.
Samantha Cotterill is one of my favorite illustrators and her signature 3D artwork highlighting the different patterns is simply sensational. I also love how Gabi Snyder invites readers to find patterns within the pages of the story making this a fantastic interactive read aloud for a class or one-on-one. I also appreciate the helpful back matter that introduces various pattern types as well as different pattern activities featured throughout the book.
Poetry Comics by Grant Snider
(Ages 4 and up)
There is so much to love about this amazing book filled with seasonal poems! The graphic-style illustrations are perfect for grabbing kids’ attention while the poems themselves expertly highlight small, relatable moments. From cloud spotting on a sunny day to waiting for a late bus in the rain to philosophical musings about growing up, each poem is entertaining and thought provoking.
Sourgrass by Hope Lim, illustrated by Shahrzad Maydani, 2024
(Ages 4 and up)
Anyone who has ever had to move away from a best friend knows how difficult it can be, but this stunning story reassures readers of the enduring power of friendship.
Neighbors Sofia and May are the best of friends and spend their free time playing in fields of sourgrass. When May moves away, Sofia worries their friendship will be forgotten. With the return of the sourgrass in the spring, Sofia is filled with sweet memories and a comfort in the steadfastness of true friendship.
Not only are the illustrations beautiful, but so is the hopeful message of the lasting capacity of connection and the promise of new beginnings.
Someone Just Like You by Helen Docherty, illustrated by David Roberts, 2024
Inspired by the quote, “We have more in common than that which divides us.” by Jox Cox, this powerful and timely story about empathy, kindness, and finding connections is one of my favorites of 2024 so far.
I just love the inclusive illustrations featuring a diverse group of children. The pops of neon color really draw the eye in, while the lyrical text touches one’s heart. Simple, but powerful words explain that while people may look different, we experience many of the same feelings on the inside that connects us. It is through that connection, that we can build empathy and extend kindness. This is truly a powerful and poignant story that pulls on the heartstrings.
Big Bear and Little Bear Go Fishing by Amy Hest, illustrated by Erin Stead, 2024
In a time when people constantly find themselves rushing about, this gentle story expertly demonstrates the beauty in slowing down and enjoying the company of a loved one. When Big Bear wakes up in the mood for fishing, he and Little Bear make their preparations and head off to the lake to spend the day together. The soft tones from award-winning artist Erin Stead’s illustrations perfectly set the tone for this delightful tale that has all the makings of a modern-day classic.
This is My Brain! A Book on Neurodiversity by Elise Gravel, 2024
(Ages 4 and up)
This fabulous book that teaches children how everyone’s brain works differently is an excellent read aloud to build empathy and respect for others. Through engaging illustrations and simple text, readers learn that because we all have unique brains, people may learn, act, and feel differently. Furthermore, because we are all different, everyone has something to offer that makes us stronger together. The book ends with tips on how to keep our brains healthy and strong.
Ruby’s Tools for Making Friends by Apryl Stott, 2024
(Ages 4 and up)
Oh my goodness, there is so much to love about this sweet story! Ruby is nervous to start a new school, but she uses her tools and positive self-talk to help calm her worries. When she is assigned a collaborative project to create an egg drop with classmates, she faces new challenges of speaking up in a group. I just love how Ruby’s confidence grows through the story and she learns how to work with others while making new friends in the process. The artwork featuring a group of animals and people could not be more charming while the lessons Ruby learns are sure to resonate with many.
From My Head to My Toes by Aly Raisman, illustrated by Bea Jackson, 2024
(Ages 3 and up)
This is a must read for children. I love the way it empowers kids to love and celebrate their bodies. I also really appreciate how it emboldens them to speak up and set boundaries when they do not want to be touched. A helpful author’s note provides additional talking points for discussing bodies and boundaries with children.
The Quiet Forest by Charlotte Offsay, illustrated by Abi Cushman, 2024
(Ages 3 and up)
A forest is anything but quiet in this hilarious new story that is a must-read for teachers!
When a mischievous mouse steals a rabbit’s pancakes, humorous hijinks ensue creating one uproariously funny tale. The delightful alliteration and onomatopoeia combined with comical action-packed illustrations make this a joy to read aloud and to listen to. Additionally, there are tons of wonderfully descriptive adjectives to inspire budding writers along with a lesson in calming angry feelings and making amends for mistakes.
With so many educational elements effortlessly woven into this one story, it is a perfect choice for classroom and home libraries.
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