Picture Book

written & illustrated by Matt Tavares

40 pages, 4–8 years; published 2023 by Candlewick Press

This heartfelt Christmas story has something for everyone: a talking reindeer, a flying adventure, and the kindness of strangers. Framed text blocks and subtle lighting give Tavares’ illustrations a classic feel, and the detailed close-ups of Dasher prove captivating. Kids will enjoy rooting for the impatient Dasher when she travels alone and loses sight of the North Star guiding her home. This book reminds readers to be brave, kind, and thoughtful—grand notions for the holiday season. (This picture book is a sequel to DASHER but each story stands alone.)

by Tara Lazar

illustrated by Pete Oswald

40 pages, 3–7 years; published 2023 by Flamingo Books at Penguin Random House

Tara Lazar has a knack for tapping into off-beat topics that humor kids, and this picture book is no exception. Flat Cat might not be your typical cat, but that’s just the way he likes it—or is it? This story shows readers how we often don’t know what we really want until we try something new. It includes fun language like splish-splosh, fuzzy-wuzzy, and comfy-cozy, and the illustrations by Oswald push the fun even further. Kids will love seeing Flat Cat in a waffle maker and being sat on by Aunt Harriet—all sure to warrant multiple readings!

by Winsome Bingham

illustrated by E. B. Lewis

40 pages, 5–9 years; published 2023 by Abrams Books for Young Readers

This picture book by Winsome Bingham is a wonderful way to introduce kids to the concept of voting. It tells the story of a young girl and her grandmother embarking on a long walk to a voting site. They stop along the way to pick up friends and neighbors and remind one another about why this freedom is so important to exercise. The paintings by E. B. Lweis are tenderly rendered to show the colorful diversity of the urban setting and its community. It may be a cold fall day, but readers will feel the sun’s warmth on the characters and the hope and dedication in their hearts to carry out this call. 

written & illustrated by Chad Otis

40 pages, 4–8 years; published 2023 by Rocky Pond Books

The Bright Side by Chad Otis brings a much-neglected topic to the picture book realm. His story about an unhoused boy living in a school bus with his parents is autobiographical. This helps Otis present genuine fears and challenges for his character. He brings attention to the fact that schools include children from diverse backgrounds and experiences which warrant compassion and tolerance. There’s a beautiful frankness to the story paired with colorful illustrations conveying emotion and showing readers that kids are both adaptable and resilient. Otis reminds us that staying positive through adversity requires sparks of imagination, something readily available to kids if they continue to be surrounded by love, no matter where they sleep at night.

by Kwame Alexander and Deanna Nikaido

illustrated by Melissa Sweet

32 pages, 4–8 years; published 2023 by Quill Tree Books

How to Write a Poem holds the charm of being both a short story and an imaginative poem. It contains layers of meaning mirrored in the illustrations by Melissa Sweet. Her collages engage your senses with hand-drawn type, organic shapes, and pops of color. Children’s ears and eyes will want to read this picture book over and over again. There is so much to take in, interpret, and explore. Kwame Alexander sums it up in the author’s note when he says he and Deanna Nikaido, “wrote this poem to remind us all that words are fun….” 

written & illustrated by Airlie Anderson

40 pages, 4–8 years; published 2024 by Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

Some may say Only: The Bird Who Liked Being Alone by Airlie Anderson is quiet, but this picture book is also bursting with colorful illustrations and charming birds. Sometimes when the other birds are noisy and playing games, Only flys off on their own to sit and read. This story does a great job of showing how some of us need downtime, quiet time, or alone time. Despite this fact, no one actually wants to be lonely. Kids will see ways you can enjoy friendship in a low-key manner and how empowering it can be to identify what your personality needs and ask for it from others. Readers will also love analyzing the unique details in Anderson’s adorable paintings—something often done quietly. 

by Judith Henderson and Ellen Yeomans

illustrated by Rashin Kheiriyeh

32 pages, 4–8 years; published 2023 by Abrams Books for Young Readers

I love how Henderson and Yeomans built their story around something as simple as a mysterious yellow envelope arriving in the mail. This humorous story is full of spunky grandmas and bright colors courtesy of Kheiriyeh’s detailed artwork. The highlight is the birthday bash, for no one and everyone, that shows how we all simply crave each other’s company—no reason needed. Grandmother’s Galore! has a Grammy, Abuela, Nana, Nonna, Bibi, Nai Nai, Bubbie, and even a Bubbie Two-Two, plus a whole lot of heart.

by George Mendoza, illustrated by Doris Susan Smith

48 pages, 3–7 years; published 2023 by New York Review Books

Need a House? Call Ms. Mouse! was first published in 1981 and later went out of print. I loved it as a child and was thrilled to see it brought back to life by New York Review Books. The story features Henrietta Mouse, a brilliant architect who bucked gender stereotypes in the 80s and continues to be an inspiring character for girls today. The details in Smith’s illustrations make this book stand out (endpapers and copyright page are no exception). Each spread presents one of Henrietta’s designs for her many friends including mole, caterpillar, and rabbit to name a few. Smith’s imaginative dwellings and floor plans are fresh and intriguing with unique furnishings that will captivate the eyes of young and old for many readings. The re-printing of this book is a gift to the picture book world and one sure to resonate with future generations as it did with mine.

written & illustrated by Jon J. Muth     

32 pages, 4–8 years; published 2023 by Scholastic Press

Muth’s watercolor paintings in Stillwater and Koo Save the World bring beauty to the eyes and serenity to the soul while his words tug at the heart. Little panda Koo tells his uncle he’d like to spend the day, “saving the world!” As they tackle several projects throughout the day, Koo can’t help but think he’s not doing enough. Wise Uncle Stillwater helps Koo see that every act of kindness and betterment add up to great things. Everyone, everywhere, doing their part makes a difference. What a wonderful message of hope for all ages.

written & illustrated by Kjersti Annesdatter Skomsvold 

illustrated by Mari Kanstad Johnsen, translated by Kari Dickson

76 pages, 3–6 years; published 2022 by Enchanted Lion Books

How wonderful to have an English version of this charming Norwegian story. Bedtime for Bo is slightly oversized which allows the bold illustrations to truly captivate with their intense compositions and saturation of colors. Bo and his mother share thoughts about animals as he prepares for bed, but there is nothing predictable about this rote exercise. The dialogue and images hold the reader’s attention and spark the imagination. What a unique yet universal story that’s sure to delight all ages. 

by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow, illustrated by Patrick Dougher with photography by Jamel Shabazz

48 pages, 4–8 years; published 2022 by HarperCollins

Hold Them Close: A Love Letter to Black Children is truly captivating and has a soulful intention. Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow’s text reads like poetry, blending words of wisdom and hopeful wishes alongside historical references. Patrick Dougher adds collage-style illustrations with vibrant patterns that envelop Jamel Shabazz’s photographs in dynamic ways. Brilliant back matter gets children started on a valuable knowledge journey. The creative trio packs endless layers of content into this picture book. What a gem to add to any library.