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Books We Love

Here are 10 kids' books we loved this year.

If you've found yourself reading the same picture book over and over (and over and over) to a small but determined audience we see you and salute you! Perhaps you'd like to add a few new titles to the mix? Every year we ask our staff and book critics for recommendations for Books We Love — NPR's annual, year-end books guide . Here are some of the 2023 picture books they selected — to see the full list, including books for older kids — head over to Books We Love.

Beneath by Cori Doerrfeld

A young child named Finn is sad and does not want to get out from beneath their blanket (we've all been there, haven't we?). His loving grandfather gently convinces him to go for a walk, and Finn gradually emerges from his shell as the grandfather points out "what's beneath" all the things they see. Beneath the surface of Cori Doerrfeld's quiet story lies a deep emotional intelligence, and like her other bestselling book The Rabbit Listened, this one will open up important conversations between readers of all ages. — Minh Lê , author of Drawn Together and Enlighten Me

Big by Vashti Harrison

Vashti Harrison's distinctive, charming illustrations underscore the powerful message of this book: that girls – especially girls of color – have a right to take up space and be embraced as they are. In it, a sweet-faced little girl with afro puffs grows and outpaces societal expectations of her body, causing those around her to project their feelings, fears, judgments, and aspersions onto her. Powerfully, the girl gives those painful words back to the adults and kids who tried to constrict her, confident, strong, and capable as she is. — Tayla Burney , director, Network Programming and Production

I'm From by Gary R. Gray Jr., illustrated by Oge Mora

"Where are you from?" is one of those loaded questions that can feel like more than a simple inquiry. Gary R. Gray Jr. acknowledges the thorniness of the phrase, but transforms it into an invitation to kids to explore and celebrate their unique backgrounds. Oge Mora's captivating artwork bounces effortlessly between emotions, deftly moving from the bustle of a school bus to the cold isolation in class to the warm embrace of a loving family. Many of us are so focused on what's next, it's helpful to be reminded that before we can know where we're going, we have to understand where we're from. — Minh Lê , author of Drawn Together and Enlighten Me

The King Penguin by Vanessa Roeder

"Uneasy lies the head that wears a crown." Percival the penguin may not be Henry IV, but he is a king penguin, so he wears the crown, doesn't he? In Vanessa Roeder's charming and pun-filled picture book, Percival rules over his subjects with an iron wing (he takes all their fish for taxes!), and soon enough, they revolt. What's a king penguin to do when he loses his subjects? Look for new ones, of course! But it turns out seals, polar bears and even sardines don't want to put up with Percival's haughtiness. Can Percival be a king penguin without being king? — Juanita Giles , executive director, Virginia Children's Book Festival

Mama Shamsi at the Bazaar by Mojdeh Hassani and Samira Iravani, illustrated by Maya Fidawi

The fun of playing under your grandmother's big chador is front and center in this delightful rhyming tale. Samira is finally old enough to go to the bazaar with her grandmother for the very first time, but it isn't long before shyness sets in. Yet each time she asks to hide under a different part of her grandmother's chador, she's told what kind of silly animal they'd be imitating. Set unofficially at Tehran's Tajrish Bazaar, this lighthearted book is a magnificent storytime read aloud, full of high jinks, humor and satisfyingly authentic details. — Betsy Bird , book critic and author of Long Road to the Circus

My Head Has a Bellyache by Chris Harris, illustrated by Andrea Tsurumi

If you think that Shel Silverstein is the king of poetry for kids, it could be that you just haven't read a book by Chris Harris yet. Bold words? Come at me! Harris indulges readers with 96 poems of elderly cavemen, nail-clipping fairies, AWOL buffaloes and more in this laugh-out-loud triumph of a book. Even the page numbers are funny! It is also, quite possibly, the cleverest book for kids out this year. You don't quite know what's going to happen in this collection. You only know that children are going to freakin' love it. — Betsy Bird , book critic and author of Long Road to the Circus

Rainbow Shopping by Qing Zhuang

A recent arrival to New York from China, a lonely young girl is feeling "gray as a pigeon." Though her grandmother and parents are always working, this rainy Saturday they will all be together for dinner. Accompanying her mother to Chinatown, grocery shopping turns the dreary day into a glorious adventure. Delighted by the familiar foods, spices, and sweet treats, her joy shines through in the simple prose and exuberant watercolor, colored pencil, and crayon images. At home, her father cooks up a delicious feast, and as the family gathers we are reminded that after the rain comes a rainbow. — Lisa Yee , author of Maizy Chen's Last Chance

Remember by Joy Harjo, illustrated by Michaela Goade

How could a pairing by the U.S. poet laureate (a beloved Mvskoke poet) — and a Caldecott medalist (a beloved Tlingit artist) not result in a gorgeously resonant picture book? Yet, it still completely blew away my starry expectations! This book is a blessing to our children, to ourselves, to creation. The sparse, heartfelt text is kid friendly. Flowing illustrations underscore our infinite connectedness. Together, they serve as a quiet call to honor all of our relationships on Earth and beyond. It's my go-to gift book of 2023. Especially recommended to fans of Liz Garton Scanlon and Marla Frazee's All the World . — Cynthia Leitich Smith , author of Harvest House and author-curator of Heartdrum

Twenty Questions by Mac Barnett, illustrated by Christian Robinson

The point of this book – from a pair of children's literature all-stars – is conversation. "Which of these children is dreaming of peaches?" prompts one of the assembled queries from author Mac Barnett. Some of the questions are simple, some complex, and all are paired with provocative, often whimsical, and engaging illustrations from Christian Robinson. The pairings inspire discussions of why you came up with your answer, which may be profound and bias breaking, or silly and belly-laugh inducing. — Tayla Burney , director, Network Programming and Production

A Walk in the Woods by Nikki Grimes, illustrated by Jerry Pinkney and Brian Pinkney

A grieving boy, mourning the loss of his father, follows a treasure map into the woods they used to visit together. Nikki Grimes' powerful, yet tender language is an ideal complement to Jerry Pinkney's loose, softly saturated art. Honest, healing – this is a memorable story of strength and solace. It's the kind of book you'll want to keep forever and revisit for its comforting cadence and loving wisdom. The end notes, honoring Jerry Pinkney and his legacy, are a must-read for anyone who cares deeply about children's books and the best among us who create them. — Cynthia Leitich Smith , author of Harvest House and author-curator of Heartdrum

This is just a sampling of the titles in the Kids' Books section of Books We Love . Check out all of this year's selections, and stick around to browse picks from the last 11 years.

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The 39 Best-Ever Children’s Books According To Moms, Dads And Teachers

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How do you pick the best children’s books for your kids? It’s a daunting task; as I cataloged all of the wonderful books I read as a child and in my career as an English teacher, the task got ever more difficult. To help narrow the list, I spoke to experts including three teachers, two librarians and a vice president of curriculum and education. In the end, some of my top picks of the best children’s books became Chicka Chicka Boom Boom , Wonder and The Rabbit Listened .

Find something new to read with your kids with one of these best children's books, selected by ... [+] educators and librarians.

When looking for kids books, Hayley Speisman, a teacher and lower school literacy specialist at The Ideal School of Manhattan , recommends seeking books that allow readers to “escape” while catering to their interests. It’s also important to read books that provide both mirrors and windows —“A mirror book is a book that a reader can see themself within [while] a window book is one where the readers are looking into someone's life that may have had completely different life experiences,” explains seventh grade language arts teacher Erin Beers .

A child can never have too many books, but navigating through all the options can be difficult. That’s why I pulled together some of the best children’s books for various interests and age ranges based on these educators favorites. If you’re looking for more books for the younger crowd, check out our list of the best baby books , or find a book for yourself with our list of the best parenting books .

Best Children’s Books For Ages 0-2

A book that can help teach the alphabet, chicka chicka boom boom.

I'm a freelance journalist and product reviewer specializing in parenting and education. My writing has been featured by AARP, Scholastic, Insider, Yahoo, MSN, AAA and more. I spent six years as a high school English teacher, and then began writing full time after my daughter was born. I'm the proud mom to her as well as twin boys (and a fur baby). I have a bachelor of science in education from Penn State and a master of arts in education from Michigan State. You can learn more about me or connect with me on  my website . 

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Recommended ages : 0 to 2 years

Quick and memorable text combined with the funny pictures in this book can actually help toddlers learn their alphabet. The story includes rhymes and predictable text, which according to Donna Whittaker, vice president of curriculum and education at Big Blue Marble Academy , promotes the pre-literacy technique called cloze. When you read this book aloud to your little one, omit words at the end of passages and encourage them to fill them in. This technique encourages kids to use higher-order thinking skills as they read.

Photographs Of Real Babies

Global babies.

This is one of my favorite books for kids under age 2, because it’s full of real photographs of babies, which is stimulating for toddlers and young babies. I love that it shows babies from various cultures and ethnicities, providing babies of all backgrounds with faces that feel familiar to them, as well as new to them.

Simple Text And Funny Animal Sounds

Moo, baa, la la la.

Beloved children’s author Sandra Boynton encourages babies and toddlers to learn animal sounds in this catchy book. The book has simple pictures, which helps little ones focus and learn new vocabulary as you read this book to them. Older toddlers will find it hilarious when the pigs say “La La La” instead of “Oink Oink Oink.”

A Lift-The-Flap Book With Animals, Jokes And Rhymes

Lift-the-flap books and other interactive elements appeal to young toddlers who are sometimes otherwise hard to engage in books. This fun book keeps things light, letting kids discover the surprise animal under each flap that the zoo has delivered to the narrator’s house.

A Durable Board Book With Vivid Images

Freight train.

Sometimes the simplest books are the best, especially for babies and toddlers. This book features simple language that can help babies and toddlers learn their colors. It’s a great one to use while they’re first learning to talk when you incorporate sounds and words like “choo-choo” or “go train.”

A Short Book With Predictable Text

Peek-a who.

Another book that’s ideal for bolstering language, Peek-a-Who? has predictable text. The fun story keeps kids guessing about what is going to be on the next page. When they get to the final page, a mirror helps them become part of the story.

Best Children’s Books For Ages 3-7

A funny poetry collection, where the sidewalk ends.

Recommended ages : 3 to 7 years

Where The Sidewalk Ends is full of silly poems and pictures. Books like this that break from traditional prose can help reluctant readers get interested in reading, because they don’t feel so overwhelmed by the text. If your child has a silly sense of humor, they’ll enjoy the funny antics of the characters in this book.

A Book That Reinforces Math Concepts

The greedy triangle.

If you’re looking to hone your child’s math skills or simply make math interesting, give The Greedy Triangle a try. The triangle in the story continually adds sides to himself so he transforms into different shapes as the story goes on. For younger kids who aren’t yet ready to learn about the correct names for polygons, it’s still a fun story that can reinforce colors and basic shapes.

They’ll Wish They Could Talk To These Characters

Sam and dave dig a hole.

A funny and clever story, Sam And Dave Dig A Hole will have kids wanting to jump into the book and talk to the characters. “If I was stranded on a deserted island, and could only bring one picture book, it would be this one. After reading it aloud over 50 times, it still makes me laugh, and I will never tire of the joy it brings to students of all ages,” says Keira Pride, the head librarian at Stratford Schools . The storyline follows two boys who dig a hole ever searching for (and narrowly missing) treasure.

A Classic Tale About Friendship

Charlotte's web.

A beautifully heartwarming tale about animals and friendship, Charlotte’s Web is a classic. It touches on some themes like death that may be difficult for younger readers, so be sure you’re ready to talk about difficult topics before you begin reading this with your emerging reader. If you’re looking for something with nods to a simpler life before cell phones and pervasive technology, Charlotte’s Web is a great pick.

This Visual Book Asks Kids To Participate

This colorful, interactive children’s book from French artist Hervé Tullet follows his celebrated Press Here story. Kids press the pages, count and mix colors together. It’s a playful celebration of color that gets kids thinking. “This is one of my go-to preschooler birthday party gifts,” says Rose Gordon Sala, the Forbes Vetted baby and kids gear editor. “It’s also a favorite on my own kids’ bookshelf. It’s honestly hard to convince them to take turns doing each page’s activity.”

A Choose Your Own Adventure Book

What should danny do.

One of the ways to make reading engaging is to give kids choice, which is exactly what they’ll get in the choose your own adventure story What Should Danny Do? My daughter enjoys reading this book and purposely choosing all of the bad or all of the good answers to see what happens. It’s a great way to teach kids about good and bad consequences for their actions, too.

Beautiful Illustrations Help Tell This Entertaining Story

This beautifully-illustrated book is one that I remember from my childhood and that my kids enjoy, too. It follows the story of what happens to a boy’s mitten when he loses it in the snow. As animal after animal piles into the mitten, kids will start to wonder just how many animals can fit into one little mitten. This is a great one to read in front of the window on a cold winter day.

Best Children’s Books for Ages 8-12

A story that discourages bullying.

Recommended ages : 8 to 12 years

Wonder is one of my all-time favorite books that I think every kid should read. It teaches lessons about acceptance and encourages kids not to judge people by their appearance. When a young boy with a facial difference goes to mainstream school for the first time, he faces challenges and ultimately teaches his classmates to be more kind.

An Inspirational Story About Courage And Peaceful Protest

I am malala.

For many kids, this book serves as a window. Window books provide “completely different life experiences which allows the reader to grow and better understand the experiences of others unlike them,” Beers explains. This memoir tells Malala’s story of growing up when the Taliban took over her region of Pakistan when she was only 10 years old. Ultimately, the reader sees a beautiful example of someone standing up for their own beliefs while simultaneously making big changes in the world.

A Magical Fantasy World Of Young Wizards

Harry potter and the sorcerer's stone.

For 25 years, the Harry Potter books have brought children into a fantasy world, and for many, they’re a stepping stone to becoming lifelong readers. Full of fantasy, daring, friendship and courage, this first book in the series follows a young boy who finds out he’s a famous wizard. “Not only is the writing phenomenal and the characters unique, but the lessons learned on the pages of this series are monumental: the importance of friendship, staying true to your beliefs and my favorite: good can win over evil, especially with some hard work and perseverance,” Pride says.

A Fantasy Adventure Story Rooted In Mythology

Aru shah and the end of time.

Aru Shah And The End of Time follows a 12-year-old girl who must go on an epic journey to save her classmates. Pride recommends any book in the “Rick Riordan Presents” series. “These are written by great middle grade authors from underrepresented cultures and backgrounds, telling their own stories inspired by the mythology and folklore of their own heritage,” Pride says.

A Bestselling Fantasy Series Packed With Adventure And Quests

The lightning thief (percy jackson and the olympians).

The first book in Rick Riordan’s beloved Greek-mythology inspired Percy Jackson series is a must-read for all your young fantasy lovers. These bestselling books follow their young heroes on action-packed quests. “My daughter started on these books in fourth grade and has been tearing through them,” says Sala. “She loves the action and fantasy elements and doesn’t seem to mind the bits of violence.”

Learn What Happens When A Robot Gets Stranded On An Island

The wild robot.

After being stranded on an island, Roz the robot learns to survive by befriending animals. This story is full of adventure and helps kids ponder life, death and big existential questions. The chapters are very short, which makes it a good pick for struggling or reluctant readers.

An Introduction To Dystopian Novels

One of my all-time favorite books and a Newbery Award winner, The Giver is about a dystopian society where people are conditioned not to question authority. As the story unfolds, the protagonist learns more about the world and has to decide if he will stick to the status quo or try to make some changes. The Giver can be a springboard for discussions about following authority, expressing yourself, being an individual and more.

Best Children’s Picture Books

A story that teaches empathy, the rabbit listened.

Recommended ages : 3 to 5 years

Kids will learn what empathy looks like in this book that shows various friends’ responses to the main character’s problem. In my experience, it’s a great read for parents, too, because it serves as a reminder of what kids need when they’re navigating big emotions. Pull this book out after a tantrum to help both you and your child regulate emotions.

A Witty And Memorable Tale

The gruffalo.

The little mouse in this story uses his wits to outsmart the scariest creature in the deep dark wood: the Gruffalo. Whittaker encourages parents to “generate interest in the books by showing enthusiasm, using different voices for characters and using sounds for animals or objects that make a noise.” With various animals in the suspenseful story, The Gruffalo is an ideal book to bring to life with an enthusiastic read aloud. 

An Engaging Read Aloud

Brown bear, brown bear, what do you see.

Recommended ages : 2 to 5 years

Another book that’s engaging as a read aloud, Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? has a surprise ending that breaks the fourth wall. Children who listen to this story often squeal with delight when the characters eventually look at them. Any book that can make reading fun and engaging in this way will always be a winner. 

A Silly Story About Trying New Things

Green eggs and ham.

When my daughter was 2, she went through a phase where Green Eggs and Ham was her favorite book; it’s one of those books I almost have memorized. It features repetition, which can be helpful for language development, and kids find the notion of eating green eggs and ham in silly places hilarious. Pick up a copy of this book, make some green eggs for dinner, and your children will have a fun memory they’ll hold onto for years. 

A Book That Celebrates Women Through History

Little feminist.

Recommended ages : 4 to 10 years

The first time I read this book to my daughter, I immediately thought it should be in every home. Each page features a different woman, from Harriet Tubman to Ruth Bader Ginsburg. The book succinctly summarizes each woman’s accomplishments. It does touch on some heavier themes like slavery, death, and oppression, so be prepared to discuss these topics before reading.

Introduce Them To A Different Culture, Then Make A Tasty Treat

Fry bread: a native american family story.

Recommended ages : 3 to 6 years

I love this book for so many reasons. It introduces kids to Native American culture and customs they may not be familiar with, the story is told via strong metaphors and it includes a delicious recipe for fry bread that I’ve made more than once. It’s also full of historical information, traditions and diversity.

Best Classic Children’s Books

Simple language with unique illustrations, the very hungry caterpillar.

This classic book has been well-loved for many generations. It first published in 1969; the clever story is just as engaging as the unique illustrations that naturally draw children in. Go for the larger, hardcover copy over the board book, so little ones can see all those yummy items the caterpillar eats through in life-size form.

A Heartwarming Story

Corduroy sits in the department store day after day waiting for a child to pick him. When a girl finally does try to take him home, her mom suggests she should pick a better toy. Find out what happens when a little girl is determined to befriend a lonely bear in this classic children’s book.

Stories About Simple Times

Little bear.

This “I Can Read” book is full of common words for early readers, which gives them confidence as they learn to read. It follows playful and adventurous Little Bear as he makes birthday soup and goes to the moon. Parents and kids alike have long loved Little Bear stories because they’re calming, and they echo daily life. 

A Book About A Clever Girl

Kids will empathize with Matilda as she navigates unkind adults, and they’ll root for her as she finds ways to stand up for herself. Long loved by children, this book shows them that it’s OK to be uniquely who they are. It’s a great read for any kid who feels like they don’t quite fit in with their peers. Read it together before they have a chance to watch the new Netflix musical.

They’ll Travel To An Exciting Land With The Main Characters

Dinosaurs before dark.

Recommended ages : 6 to 9 years

In each Magic Treehouse book, kids get to travel to a different land along with the protagonists, Jack and Annie. I like reading these books with my kids because Jack and Annie travel via books, promoting a love for reading and finding adventure between the pages of a book. In this first book in the series, find out what happens when they accidentally enter the land of dinosaurs.

Helps Kids Learn About Protecting The Environment

Recommended ages : 5 to 9 years

Like many people of my generation, I have the phrase “ I am the Lorax. I speak for the trees” ingrained into my brain. This book is a classic for a good reason; it teaches kids how important it is to protect the environment, and it paints a picture of what the world could look like if we don’t protect the Earth. You can also use this book to talk to your kids about speaking up for those who don’t have a voice.

Best Graphic Novel Children’s Books

An entry level comic-style series with plenty of laughs.

Recommended ages : 7 to 10 years

Your first and second graders will laugh their way through this Dav Pilkey series featuring Dog Man and his pals at the local police station and outside it, including Lil’Petey (an orange cat) and his reluctant father who frequents the local jail. Pilkey, also author of the Captain Underpants series, has a way of engaging young kids in his comic strip-like pages filled with silliness and pranks. “My son has read them all,” says Sala, “and can’t wait for the next Dog Man book to come out later this month.”

A Top Pick For Basketball Lovers

The crossover.

Recommended ages : 10 to 12 years

The Crossover is a coming-of-age story about two boys who love basketball. It’s told via one of the main character’s catchy beats. Reluctant readers who are into sports will likely take to this book. Beers says that it often gets swiped from her bookshelf quickly. 

A Well-Loved Favorite In Graphic Novel Form

The baby-sitters club: kristy's great idea.

Ride the waves of all of the trials and tribulations that come along with being a babysitter and a pre-teen in this graphic novel adaptation of the popular series. There are many more Baby-Sitters Club books to discover if kids get hooked. “I fill the libraries at Stratford School with lots of series, that way the students are always looking for the next book. Children love familiarity and repetition; the characters in the stories become their friends,” Pride explains. 

This Book Can Help Kids Who Don’t Fit In

Being the new kid can be really hard. Whether a child feels like they don’t fit in because they’re new or for any other reason, this book can help them feel less alone. If your child can relate to the feelings highlighted in a book, they may be more likely to read. “Ask yourself, ‘What raises an emotional reaction for my child?’ Capitalize on those emotions when selecting a book,” Sanders suggests.

Told From A Unique Point Of View

Speisman recommends El Deafo and describes it as “a graphic memoir about growing up with a hearing impairment. Cece describes her hearing impairment as her superpower and learns to navigate the frustrations of her differences.” Hearing-impaired children will relate to the story while hearing children will get a chance to hear from a different point of view. 

Tweens Will Relate To The Challenges The Main Character Faces

Guts: a graphic novel.

In this coming-of-age graphic novel, tweens will relate to Raina, the protagonist who is trying to cope with life as she gets older and things just get more complicated. From bullies to class presentations to periods, Raina faces many of the same things young kids face as they march inexorably toward adulthood. This is the most recent installment in a three-book series, so if they haven’t already, your kids can check out Smile and Sisters , too.

An Engaging Story About Passions And Friendships

Roller girl.

Recommended ages : 9 to 12 years

This book teaches kids a lesson about overcoming obstacles while simultaneously blossoming into who they are. It’s a Newbery Honor award winning book, and it does such a good job of drawing kids in and capturing their attention. Like many other graphic novels, it’s easy to read, and kids will zip right through it, finding themselves eager to read another book.

The 10 Best Water Tables To Keep Tots Happy And Cool

The 10 best toddler shoes, approved by both parents and kids, how we chose the best children’s books.

As a mom to three young kids, a former teacher, writer and avid reader, I never stop looking for the best children’s books. In fact, this list proved challenging to write, because it was difficult to narrow down the contenders. To help compile the list, I researched the bestselling and most popular children’s books. I also considered the lessons each book can teach kids and prioritized those that teach powerful lessons and that grab children’s attention.

I also interviewed four experts on children’s literature and enticing kids to read: Hayley Speisman, a teacher and Lower School Literacy Specialist at The Ideal School of Manhattan ; Erin Beers , a seventh grade language arts teacher; Sarah Connell Sanders , a teacher and school librarian; Keira Pride, the head librarian at Stratford Schools ; Donna Whittaker, vice president of curriculum and education at Big Blue Marble Academy ; and Geraldine Northrop, a school library media specialist at Holyoke Public Schools.

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The Ten Best Children’s Books of 2021

These top titles deliver amazing facts, fresh rhymes and important life lessons

Megan Gambino

Senior Editor

It’s hard to describe the joy I get reading a children’s book. It’s akin to the feeling when you “dive into the cool, clear water of a lake,” to borrow from Alison McGhee’s Someday , a picture book about a mother’s wish for her child to live life to its fullest, and a personal favorite.

Luckily, as a mother to two young daughters, ages 4 and 7, I’m fully immersed in the world of children’s literature. They are little chain readers, my preschooler handing book after book over for me to read aloud, which I do gladly. It’s like jumping time and time again off a dock—a dive here, a cannonball or a can-opener there. Splash, splash, splash!

As an adult (and an editor) reading children’s books, I can separate the big, fat, belly flops from the swan dives. I know a clumsy narrative when I see one. Of all the new releases in 2021, I find these ten to be the most graceful.

Room for Everyone

When Naaz Khan was working for a refugee resettlement agency in Africa, she took a trip to Zanzibar, Tanzania, to celebrate Eid, marking the end of Ramadan. It was on this trip that she found herself on a raucous, jam-packed, hour-and-a-half-long bus ride to Nungwi Beach. “I literally remember wiggling, giggling and thinking to myself—gosh, someone has to turn this into a children’s book,” Khan told School Library Journal .

Khan pitched the idea to her Swahili-speaking friends, but ultimately they encouraged her to do the writing. “As a Muslim, who was born in India and grew up in the Middle East, it was exciting to see how Zanzibari culture—music, food, language, architecture, clothing, etc, reflected a mix of several worlds I already felt connected to,” said the author of Room for Everyone . Khan and illustrator Mercè López did their research to tell the story in English of siblings Musa and Dada riding the daladala to the beach in an authentic way. As farmers, goats, street vendors, chickens, scuba divers and more cram onto the bus, Khan squeezes in Swahili and Arabic words, and López loads head scarves and umbrellas with African patterns. The “ bighearted ,” “ irrepressible ” and “ energetic ” counting book is as bouncy as you’d imagine the bus to be. (Recommended ages: 4 to 8)

A young boy on a crowded bus discovers that, after some wiggles and giggles, there’s room for everyone in this lighthearted rhyming picture book set in Zanzibar.

The Great Whipplethorp Bug Collection

In the first few pages, Chuck Whipplethorp, the elementary school-aged protagonist in Ben Brashares’ latest picture book The Great Whipplethorp Bug Collection , gives off an “Alexander” attitude. (Alexander of Judith Vorst’s classic, Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day , of course.) Bored, and convinced nothing interesting happens around his new house on Normal Street, he bellyaches to his dad, who is hunched over a laptop. It’s a brutally honest scene that, let’s face it, many parents working from home during the pandemic can relate to: “Am I going to be as boring as you when I grow up?” Chuck asks.

To while away the time, Chuck takes up his dad’s suggestion and starts unpacking their moving boxes. He discovers his grandpa’s very first bug collection (depicted by illustrator Elizabeth Bergeland as a menagerie of colors and legs), and that later in life he actually identified a new species. This leads to Chuck’s dad telling him “all about the great Whipplethorp men before him.” With some subtle humor, Bergeland presents these predecessors in a spread of portraits, from Chuck’s great-great grandfather, decorated soldier and mountain climber Charles Van Velsor Whipplethorp I, on down to his data-analyst dad. As the valiant “Van Velsor” gets dropped, and Charles relaxes to Charlie, the portraits’ frames fittingly go from ornate to downright plain. Over the course of the story, Chuck comes to terms with the changes happening over the generations, deciding that the Whipplethorps aren’t “less great,” just “different.”

“There’s a lot to this story, which champions maker culture, charting one’s own path, and changing gender roles,” writes Publisher’s Weekly . But it is sweet in its simplicity, too. Chuck will definitely make you chuckle.  (Recommended ages: 4 to 8)

Enjoy this witty, heartwarming exploration of father-son relationships and growing up male in today's culture through the lens of a boy yearning to forge his own identity.

Listified! Britannica’s 300 Lists That Will Blow Your Mind

I am a list person, but I don’t think it’s my bias talking here—this encyclopedia of facts is first-rate. I will be giving this to my 7-year-old at Christmas, who will, no doubt, devour it with the same speed and intensity as she does a bowl of ooey, gooey macaroni and cheese.

The 300 lists contained in Andrew Pettie’s Listified! are wide-ranging, and organized in eight themed chapters: space, nature, dinosaur times, animals, the body, being human, inventions and game changers. Readers can learn about 35 different types of snowflake, 11 endangered languages that are now spoken by only one person, eight amazing lost treasures that no one can find, and even how high a human being could jump on nine different planets and moons. At Smithsonian , we pride ourselves on serving up amazing facts in our stories, and this book is chock-full of “some downright bonkers pieces of information,” as GeekDad puts it. “It’s 400 pages of glorious knowledge, engagingly illustrated, and very addictive.”  (Recommeded ages: 8+)

Listified!: Britannica’s 300 lists that will blow your mind

Britannica’s Listified! will surprise, amaze, and amuse inquisitive young readers with 300 ingenious lists that organize the best bits of our awesome world.

Change Sings

When Amanda Gorman recited her poem “The Hill We Climb” at President Joe Biden’s inauguration in January 2021, she transfixed her audiences at the Capitol and at home. The then-22-year-old poet had herself been inaugurated four years prior as the first National Youth Poet Laureate, yet many were hearing her “tightrope-taut verse” delivered with “impossible poise,” as Hamilton creator Lin-Manuel Miranda has described it, for the very first time. When Miranda honored her earlier this year as a “Phenom” on Time magazine’s 100 Next list, he wrote, “Now the world knows the poet’s name.”

As the youngest inaugural poet in U.S. history, Gorman is in a spot to appeal to both young and old. Her new collection of poems Call Us What We Carry followed closely on the heels of her “children’s anthem,” Change Sings . Called a “rallying cry” and an “uplifting serenade,” Gorman’s lyrical verse in Change Sings is paired with Loren Long’s vibrant illustrations, which provide the narrative: a young Black girl and other children she meets work to serve their community—cleaning up a park, delivering groceries, building a ramp for a friend in a wheelchair—and pick up instruments along the way to join in the song.

“My hope was to craft a poem that would take young readers on a journey of self-discovery and ultimately empower them to see how they could become change-makers,” Gorman told the Guardian . “Long took my abstract vision and gave it texture and light. I’m so proud of the mosaic of language and images that we made together.”  (Recommended ages: 4 to 8)

Change Sings: A Children's Anthem

In this stirring, much-anticipated picture book by presidential inaugural poet and activist Amanda Gorman, anything is possible when our voices join together.

Making a Great Exhibition

At Smithsonian magazine, we have a front row seat to the making of exhibitions. From conception and planning to construction and staging, bringing an exhibit to life is a monumental effort, involving artists, curators, lighting designers, catalog editors, and many, many more.

In Making a Great Exhibition , author Doro Globus (daughter of a curator) and illustrator Rose Blake (daughter of an artist) capture the whole process in an accessible way. Blake’s bright illustrations are labeled, as if the book itself is on display, and Globus deftly handles giant questions about art and the making of it. “Being an artist means seeing the everyday world a bit differently,” she writes, before explaining how Viola, one of two artists in the story, “finds forms like circles, swirls, and lines in nature and makes them into something brand new.” I absolutely love the spread where random objects—fossils, a flute, Brutalist buildings, sneakers, chocolate milk—float around the heads of Viola and fellow artist Sebastian in thought bubbles, all sources of inspiration for their work.

Globus achieves her goal to make museums and galleries more approachable. “A lot of people still find these spaces intimidating, and I think if we start with children, and we show how things work,” the author says in an interview with Monocle , “it felt like good thing to do.”  (Recommended ages: 3 to 7)

How does an artist make a sculpture or a painting? What tools do they use? What happens to the artwork next? This fun, inside look at the life of an artwork shows the journey of two artists’ work from studio to exhibition.

Circle Under Berry

Carter Higgins’ board book Circle Under Berry is a delightful study in color, shape and position for toddlers. The author-illustrator uses simple shapes and figures made from hand-painted paper, much like Eric Carle did in his beloved books, and arranges them in lines and columns. With staccato phrases like “berry over square” and “yellow over diamond under guppy over green,” Higgins describes each arrangement. As the pages turn, yellow circles transform into lions, green squares into frogs, and sometimes red is scarlet and yellow is goldenrod. “Higgins offers seeds of conversations about naming and classification,” explains Publisher’s Weekly , in what the Wall Street Journal suspects will become a “nursery staple.” Booklist notes that all the prepositions could be helpful to English language learners of all ages.  (Recommended ages: 2 to 4)

With an elegant and simple approach, this thought-provoking concept book shows young readers that everything in the world can be seen from infinite perspectives.

Milo Imagines the World

In January 2018, Time magazine published a powerful essay by author Matt de la Peña titled “Why We Shouldn’t Shield Children From Darkness.” In it, de la Peña writes, “We are currently in a golden age of pictures books, with a tremendous range to choose from. Some of the best are funny. Or silly. Or informative. Or socially aware. Or just plain reassuring. But I’d like to think there’s a place for the emotionally complex picture book, too.”

First with Last Stop on Market Street  dealing with hunger, then with Carmela Full of Wishes grappling with deportation, and now with Milo Imagines the World addressing childhood with an incarcerated parent, the Newbery Award-winning author is certainly carving a spot for heavy topics. “One of the ways I approach heavier subject matters with young readers is to put it in the margins, where it’s kind of quiet,” de la Peña told PACIFIC in February. “Think of it like turning up or down the volume on a stereo—I turn the volume down on the heavy, so it’s there to be explored but it’s not the only thing to explore.”

At its core, Milo Imagines the World is about breaking down stereotypes. Milo boards a subway train with his sister and, to pass the time, draws pictures of the strangers around him and the lives he imagines they lead. Through Milo, de la Peña describes people—a businessman with a “blank, lonely face” and a bride with a “face made out of light”—in the refreshingly intuitive ways usually only kids can. He also describes feelings in a way relatable to kids. Readers don’t yet know why Milo is anxious and excited, when de la Peña describes him as a “shook-up soda.” When Milo realizes that a young boy he imagined lived like a prince in a castle is headed, like him, to a correctional facility to visit someone, he begins to imagine his drawings differently.

“I think this book has the potential to be healing, to create conversations, to create empathy and compassion,” the book’s illustrator Christian Robinson told NPR . The story is, in a way, his, as his own mother was in and out of prison most of his childhood.  (Recommended ages: 4 to 8)

In their third collaboration, the author and the illustrator of the Newbery Medal winner and Caldecott Honor book once again bring us a moving ode to bustling city life and the love that binds a family.

Try It! How Frieda Caplan Changed the Way We Eat

Frieda Caplan isn’t a household name, and yet for all the produce that might be in your house thanks to her—kiwi, spaghetti squash, baby carrots, sugar snap peas—it should be! The food innovator who worked at L.A.’s Seventh Street Produce Market in the 1950s before launching her own business in the ’60s is the subject of Mara Rockliff’s latest picture book biography, Try It! How Frieda Caplan Changed the Way We Eat .

While many titles that fall in this subgenre of children’s books can be overburdened with facts, this one stays light and lively, as Rockliff tells the story of how Caplan introduced grocers—and therefore, consumers—to offerings more exotic than the usual apples, bananas, potatoes and tomatoes. From a life full of details, the biographer chooses Caplan’s quirks, like how she “got a funny feeling in her elbows when she tasted something new and special,” to make her subject relatable. Kirkus Reviews adds, “Rockliff’s snappy sentences and rollicking alliteration make this a fun read-aloud: ‘Farmers dug for tips on what to grow. Cooks peppered her with questions’; ‘mounds of mangosteen, heaps of jicama, and quantities of quince.’”

Caplan’s daughter, Karen, who is now the president and CEO of Frieda’s, Inc. , told the Los Angeles Times , “[The book] makes fruits and vegetables approachable to a young person and that makes all the difference in the world. Diversity is super important—whether it’s diversity in what we eat or who we speak with, which was very important to my mom.” Frieda Caplan died in 2020 at the age of 96, having worked four days a week into her 90s.  (Recommended ages: 3 to 8)

Try It!: How Frieda Caplan Changed the Way We Eat

Meet fearless Frieda Caplan—the produce pioneer who changed the way Americans eat by introducing exciting new fruits and vegetables, from baby carrots to blood oranges to kiwis—in this brightly illustrated nonfiction picture book!

It Fell From the Sky

What readers will immediately identify as a marble is instead a mystery to the critters that come across it in Terry and Eric Fan’s latest book, It Fell From the Sky . Frog licks it, thinking it’s a gumdrop. Grasshopper assumes it is something catapulted from the cosmos, and Luna Moth speculates it is a chrysalis not yet hatched. But Spider sees it as an opportunity. Claiming it as his own, the arachnid builds WonderVille and invites visitors to buy tickets to marvel at the “Wonder from the Sky.” Before long, a “five-legged creature” (aka a human hand) plucks the marble up, and Spider is left to reflect on the greediness of his endeavor. In the end, he develops a museum of curiosities—a thumb tack, a Lego, a bottle cap, a thimble, a safety pin, and others things that fell from the sky—for all to enjoy.

The Fan brothers cleverly use color as a narrative tool. Just about everything is in a muted graphite, while the objects “from the sky” pop with vibrant hues. “The restrained palette's grayscale and color contrast recalls the film The Wizard of Oz ,” writes Shelf Awareness . If you ask me, though, the book gives off a serious Honey, I Shrunk the Kids vibe.  (Recommended ages: 4 to 8)

It Fell from the Sky

From the creators of the critically acclaimed The Night Gardener and Ocean Meets Sky comes a whimsical and elegantly illustrated picture book about community, art, the importance of giving back—and the wonder that fell from the sky.

Inside In: X-Rays of Nature’s Hidden World

When Dutch children’s book author Jan Paul Schutten saw Arie van ‘t Riet’s photography , he knew he had stumbled upon something, and someone, special. In the introduction to the pair’s collaboration, Inside In , Schutten puts it this way: “He’s one of the very few people who are delighted to receive a dead animal as a gift.”

That’s right. A former medical physicist, van ‘t Riet collects roadkill and deceased pets, hunts for insects, buys fish and picks up specimens from taxidermists, and then X-rays them. From a bat, buzzard and barn owl, to a scorpion, seahorse and squirrel monkey, Inside In is a collection of more than 50 arthropods, mollusks, fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals. Schutten provides information about each animal, but van ‘t Riet’s beautiful bioramas—fauna placed within the flora of their real-life habitats—will be what draw curious readers in.  (Recommended ages: 7 to 12)

Inside In: X-Rays of Nature's Hidden World

Using incredible X-ray techniques, Inside In displays creatures and their natural habitats in a never-before-seen way.

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A Note to our Readers Smithsonian magazine participates in affiliate link advertising programs. If you purchase an item through these links, we receive a commission.

Megan Gambino | | READ MORE

Megan Gambino is a senior web editor for Smithsonian magazine.

Where to Find the Best Children’s Book Reviews

There's more great children's books being published than ever before — this is how to find the best children's book reviews online.

Sarah S. Davis

Sarah S. Davis holds a BA in English from the University of Pennsylvania, a Master's of Library Science from Clarion University, and an MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults from Vermont College of Fine Arts. Sarah has also written for Electric Literature, Kirkus Reviews, Audible, Psych Central, and more. Sarah is the founder of Broke By Books blog and runs a tarot reading business, Divination Vibration . Twitter: @missbookgoddess Instagram: @Sarahbookgoddess

View All posts by Sarah S. Davis

There are more great children’s books being published than ever before, but how do you know which ones to read? Fortunately, today there are so many ways to access children’s book reviews. Here are some of the best places to find reviews of children’s literature.

Part 1: General Children’s Book Reviews

In this first section of our roundup of the best children’s book review websites, I’ll discuss publications that cover all things kid lit.

The Children’s Book Review

As its name implies, The Children’s Book Review is all about book reviews of children’s literature. With huge coverage of all kinds of kid lit, The Children’s Book Review is simple to browse books by subject and books by age, along with buzzy “trending” books and “showcase” books. Your typical book review lays out the specs (intended age, page count, etc.) and provides a medium-sized review with information about the author and/or illustrator. The Children’s Book Review is definitely one of the most comprehensive book review sites for kid lit, and it supplements its reviews with author interviews and curated lists.

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Common Sense Media

Common Sense Media is an organization that reviews media (books, TV, movies, apps, games) with a special focus on educating parents and other adults on “What Parents Should Know,” vis-à-vis content warnings and age appropriateness. Some of the qualities Common Sense Media covers include “Educational Value,” “Positive Messages,” “Positive Role Models and Representations,” and “Language.” Especially notable is Common Sense Media’s focus on diversity, with an invitation to reach out if they’ve “missed anything on diversity.” Also of note, Common Sense Media is one of the few children’s book reviews websites that rates books using a star system. If you just want to know quickly how good a book is, navigate over to Common Sense Media and find a book’s star rating.

The Horn Book

Children’s book review magazine The Horn Book takes its name from”horn books,” which were some of the earliest books made to educate children. The Horn Book is a leading publication in print and online for finding children’s book reviews. This treasured magazine’s website is well-organized, and you can find all the reviews in an easy-to-search database . For the best of the best, browse by The Horn Book ‘s starred reviews . If you buy a paid subscription, you’ll have access to the huge, searchable archive of more than 70,000 reviews, known as “The Guide.” There, you can browse book reviews by Authors/Illustrators, Subjects, Series, and Reviewers. Though some reviews cost a subscription to view, some content, like the “Book Bundles” (check out the one on “Our Bodies, Our Selves” for an example), which group together like-minded books based on themes and include bite-sized reviews, are available for free.

Kirkus Reviews Children’s Books

One of the leading book review sites for all genres and age levels, Kirkus has plenty of kid lit content. Kirkus lets you easily sort by different categories like age, format (picture book, chapter book, etc.), sub-genre (biographies and memoirs, historical fiction), and category (e.g. fiction vs. nonfiction). You can also filter by what books get a coveted Kirkus star. What’s great about Kirkus’s unique format is each review is brief and to the point. If you don’t want to go digging for the bottom line, Kirkus’s kid lit reviews are a good place to start.

Publishers Weekly Children’s Bookshelf

If you’re looking for the buzziest kid lit books, check out Children’s Bookshelf, the free weekly newsletter from Publishers Weekly . This publication is known for its up-to-the-minute chatter about the publishing industry, including children’s books, which are reviewed in roundups, as well as all kinds of bookish content. Subscribing to Children’s Bookshelf is one of the best ways to stay current with kid lit.

School Library Journal

Leave it to the librarians to guide you on what children’s books to read. The long-running School Library Journal has tons of reviews of every kind of kid lit book imaginable. With a special focus on advising libraries whether or not to purchase a book, School Library Journal dishes out bite-sized takeaways (known as a “VERDICT”) at the end of each review. School Library Journal also has tons of non-review content, getting you caught up with the latest news in the world of children’s literature.

Part 2: Special Focus Children’s Book Reviews Websites

In this section, I’ll highlight the places to go for more specialized kid lit coverage.

American Indians in Children’s Literature

This phenomenal site concentrates on promoting the best children’s literature by Indigenous authors and illustrators. Search the site for specific topics or skip right to the “Best Books” for the books most worth celebrating.

The Brown Bookshelf

The Brown Bookshelf is dedicated to featuring book reviews of kid lit by Black authors and illustrators. Start by searching the site or filtering for book reviews . The Brown Bookshelf also compiles great resources for finding more children’s books by Black voices. You’ll find the most up-to-date coverage on the blog .

Disability in Kid Lit

Although no longer updated, the book reviews on Disability in Kid Lit are worth consulting if you’re looking for children’s book reviews about disabled protagonists. You can use the well-indexed search function and browse by different disabilities depending on what condition or identity you’re looking for. Also of note, the “Honor Roll” puts the spotlight on the best representation of disability in kid lit.

Hijabi Librarians

The reviewers and writers at Hijabi Librarians set their lens on children’s and YA books with Muslim representation. Along with author interviews and book discussion guides , Hijabi Librarians includes book reviews and resources for Muslim voices in children’s literature.

Latinx in Kid Lit

Looking for coverage of Latinx authors and illustrators in children’s literature? Definitely be sure to check out Latinx in Kid Lit. This resource compiles reviewed books that feature Latinx representation. You can search by age range — for example, middle grade books — and find that each review includes “Teacher Tips” for educators. The Latinx in Kid Lit blog also has tons of great content, including interviews, Latinx book deals, and publishing industry news specific to Latinx creators.

Social Justice Books

Social Justice Books is focused on…you guessed it, social justice in children’s literature! This site has loads of great guidance on the best social justice topics in kid lit, like the carefully curated booklists by theme . Check out the book review database , which aggregates reviews and is organized by themes like “Activism,” “Asian American,” and “Bullying.” Each book is given a star rating, making for an easy browsing experience if you’re just looking for the best reads.

Special Focus: Can’t-Miss-It Resources for Diversity in Children’s Literature

Cynthia leitich smith’s cynsations.

Bestselling and award-winning author Cynthia Leitich Smith maintains a website all about children’s and young adult books. On Cynsations you’ll find a broad array of content, including diverse author/illustrator interviews and news roundups.

Social Justice Books’ Sources for Book Reviews and Recommendations

Already highlighted above, Social Justice Books is a terrific resource for finding diverse children’s book reviews with a social justice focus. But I also wanted to shine a light on their list of sources for diverse kid lit book reviews if you’re looking for even more sources of diverse children’s literature.

We Need Diverse Books Resources

We Need Diverse Books is a non-profit alliance to further diversity in children’s and YA literature. Although We Need Diverse Books does not publish book reviews, they do have an outstanding roundup of resources for diversity in kid lit that should be a stop on everyone’s journey to find more diverse children’s literature.

Part 3: Children’s Book Review Social Media Accounts to Check Out

Instagram is a great resource for finding children’s book reviews. A diverse range of educators, Bookstagrammers, librarians, and more all highlight great children’s books. Here are some of Book Riot’s favorite children’s book review influencers to follow on Instagram.

@babylibrarians — Margaret and Jen

Run by Book Riot writers Margaret Kingsbury and Jen Sherman , Baby Librarians will get you up to speed on the best and latest in children’s literature.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Baby Librarians (@babylibrarians)

@hereweread — Charnaie Gordon

Charnaie Gordon is a huge book influencer focusing on diversity in children’s literature. You won’t want to miss the books she loves.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Charnaie Gordon | Diversity (@hereweeread)

@leeandlowbooks — Lee and Low Books

The POC-owned Lee and Low Books is a children’s book publisher dedicated to diversity. They feature the best of the best books on their Instagram.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Lee and Low Books (@leeandlow)

@lgbtqkidlit — Laurie and Julie

This account is managed by two moms and showcases children’s book reviews with queer themes.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Laurie(s/h) Julie(s/h)disabled (@lgbtqkidlit)

@littlefeministbookclub — Little Feminist Book Club

As its name implies, Little Feminist Book Club is dedicated to sharing the best children’s books with feminist themes.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Little Feminist Book Club (@littlefeministbookclub)

@noodlenutskidsbooks — Jenn S.

Jenn S. writes book reviews of new picture books focused on diversity.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Jenn S. (@noodlenutskidsbooks)

@readwithriver — Alessandra Requena

This Bookstagrammer promotes the best children’s books.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Alessandra Requena (@readwithriver)

@shelvesofcolor — Saranya & Ishaan

Saranya and Ishaan review diverse children’s books on Bookstagram.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Saranya & Ishaan (@shelvesofcolor)

@thebookwrangler — Mike

The Mike behind this popular bookstagram account is a K–5 librarian who shares his favorite recent reads.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Mike (@thebookwrangler)

@thetututeacher — Vera Ahiyya

Educator Vera Ahiyya shares diverse book reviews on Instagram.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Vera Ahiyya (@thetututeacher)

Still hunting for more great children’s books? Check out our Children’s Books archive , as well as these helpful posts:

• 50 Children’s Books About Diversity That Celebrate Our Differences
• The Best Children’s Books By Age: A Guide To Great Reading
• 13 Places To Find Free Children’s Books Online

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A bright and joyful celebration of the kaleidoscope of colors in readers’ families and communities. Full review >

APRIL 22, 2020

by Michelle Zivkov ; illustrated by Manka Kasha

A peaceful book of mindfulness exercises. Full review >

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60 Nonfiction Books for Kindergarten and 1st Grade, 5- and 6-Year- Olds

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Kindergartners who are 5- and 6-year-old beginning readers need to read nonfiction books as well as fiction books. They’ll practice different comprehension skills & learn how to read for information. Here are some excellent book choices for your readers.

Remember, it’s okay if your children aren’t reading independently. You can read any of these nonfiction books out loud to them.

This list includes nonfiction books, but I’m also including some informational fiction books, too. I like informational fiction (where the characters talk) because they’re like gateway books to pure nonfiction options.

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Nonfiction Books for Kindergarten and 1st Grade, 5- and 6- Year Olds

Cicada Symphony written by Sue Fliess, illustrated by Gareth Lucas From their beginnings as nymphs below ground, this exciting adventure shows the cicada life cycle and I love it! Large text shares a narrative story: “To the surface, up they go. No one tells them. They just know. Gripping tight for one last change. Split. Pop! Wriggle. Looking strange.” Smaller text with informational facts peppers the pages, too. “Cicadas can be as noisy as a lawnmower, motorcycle, or chainsaw.”

As Night Falls Creatures That Go Wild After Dark written by Donna Jo Napoli, illustrated by Felicita Sala Playful and exuberant, see which animals are awake at night. And then, learn about who eats what…Spiders eat goby fish; bumblebee bats eat spiders; racer snakes eat bats… Nimble weasels sneak and snatch, golden jackals pounce and crunch, and tigers eat what they want- all the other animals! Napoli relates these nocturnal wild animals to you– just like when you want to prowl around your room or jump on pillows at night. Sala’s expressive, playful illustrations capture the personalities of the animals and kids. 

Supermoms! written by Heather Lang and Jamie Harper, illustrated by Jamie Harper Did you know animals are moms, too? And they make safe, comfy homes like the groundhogs and red-knobbed hornbill. They’re creative with transportation — just look at a wolf spider mom carrying her spiderlings on her back or an American alligator carrying her hatchlings in her mouth. Fascinating facts about animal supermoms are paired with engaging comic-style illustrations.

How Birds Sleep written by David Obuchowski, illustrated by Sarah Pedry Read about 20 different birds and where they sleep . From the Black-legged Kittiwake who sleeps on the choppy waves of the ocean to the Sandhill crane who sleeps on one leg while others in the flock watch for predators, this is a fascinating book about interesting birds and their sleeping habits. Add to that beautiful blue-colored illustrations, and you’ll feel cozy and sleepy while reading about these sleeping birds.

Colossal: Heavyweights of the Vehicle Universe  written by Stephane Frattini, illustrated by Studio Muti Wonderfully oversized, I predict this will be a favorite book for vehicle-loving kids. In the pages, they’ll  read about gigantic construction vehicles, boats, airships, helicopters, farm vehicles, and more.  The pages feature the vehicle labeled with facts and interesting information.

Pigeon Math written by Asia Citro, illustrated by Richard Watson Hilarious! Addition and subtraction never felt so fun!! Add to that flying pigeons and a determined narrator and you get…an increasingly exasperated narrator who is TRYING to tell the story about ten pigeons but it’s not working out! Why? Because the birds come and go, plus there’s a cat, and well, it makes for some great silliness and inviting math opportunities. I absolutely adore every single thing about this book from the narrator’s voice to the math-infused learning opportunities.

Volcanoes written by Nell Cross Beckerman, illustrated by Kalen Chock The writing in this spectacularly illustrated book SINGS and INFORMS and DELIGHTS. Vivid verbs, figurative language, poetry, and exposition, this nonfiction gem is a must-own because it’s a masterpiece of writing. Use it to teach earth science as well as writing craft. In fact, you’ll be able to model for growing writers the crafts of word choice, figurative language, voice, fluency, research to exposition, and more. This book is an essential, wonderful addition to all classrooms, libraries, and homes.

Creep, Leap, Crunch! A Food Chain Story   written by Jody Jensen Shaffer, illustrated by Christopher Silas Neal The first half of this book is a cumulative food chain story that starts with the sun and the plants, then continues to the smallest prey, a cricket who eats grass.  Each page adds on a predator who eats the prey — the mouse eats the cricket, the snake eats the mouse, all the way up to a brown bear eating the fox. Then, the story gives way to a bit of hope for gentle readers who might be disturbed by all this eating… because some days, the cricket hops away from the mouse, and the fox sneaks around the black bear, and none of the animals get eaten. Hooray! Back matter explains more about the forest and the animals.  This is a perfect  STEM read aloud  introduction to food chains and  forest biomes .

Matter (Hands-On Science)  by Lola M. Schaefer, illustrated by Druscilla Santiago This picture book is a fantastic introduction to chemistry with clear text and illustrations.  Simple, interactive experiments show children hands-on examples of the states of matter from solid to gas to liquid that kids can do at home as they read and in real life. For example, “put” the sugar into juice and watch it dissolve. Next, place the juice in the freezer and close the door, aka. turn the page. While you wait, you can predict what will happen by tapping on the picture showing what you think might happen to the juice in the freezer. You’ll turn the page to see…it’s solid ice! Isn’t that brilliant and interactive!?

Stone Age Beasts  written by Ben Lerwill, illustrated by Grahame Baker-Smith Kids will love this interesting oversized book about the cool creatures from the Stone Age.  Each two-page spread is filled with a mesmerizing illustration and accompanied by fascinating descriptions of the creature along with a sidebar of facts, including a world map of its location. For Siberian Unicorn, the author writes, “ Unicorns in fairy tales are normally dainty and elegant, but this spectacular real-life beast was a gigantic mass of fur and muscle. ” Read about the Wolly Mammoth, Elephant Bird, Wonambi, Saber-Toothed Cat, Cave Lion, Dire Wolf, and more! A new favorite!!

Dictionary of Dinosaurs  edited by Dr. Matthew G. Baron, illustrated by Deiter Braun Got a dinosaur-loving kid?  I predict this illustrated encyclopedia of dinosaurs will be their new favorite book!  Most dinosaurs are colorfully illustrated. Every  dinosaur  includes how to pronounce their name, information about their size, when it lived, where it lived, their diet, and more information. It’s FASCINATING. I also love the graphic-style illustrations.

Home Is Calling The Journey of the Monarch Butterfly  written by Katherine Pryor, illustrated by Ellie Peterson This exceptional picture book shows the monarch butterflies’ long journey, traveling day after day to a new home, distant relatives, and safety.  Written from the “we” point of view, the butterflies see sunsets and sunrises, sunsets and sunrises. They fly and fly, feast and drink, shelter and huddle, soar and ride the wind. After two months, they arrive, safe at last, to their new home with all the other orange and black butterflies!! The stunning illustrated pages are filled with monarchs in motion.

Animals in the Sky  by Sara Gillingham Riddles prompt kids to guess the animal in the constellations and then check to see if they’re right with lift-the-flap answers and more information. “ I have a big bushy mane, a long tail, and a loud roar. I am the king of the jungle! What animal in the sky am I? I am the Lion. My brightest star is called Regulus, which means “little king.” ” The white and gold text and illustrations pop out off the page.

What’s in Your Pocket? Collecting Nature’s Treasures  written by Heather L. Montgomery, illustrated by Maribel Lechuga A delightful introduction to both collecting and to famous scientists when they were curious children and their later contributions as adults.  Gorgeous illustrations and clear text will captivate readers as they learn about kids like Diego who collected snails as a child and later became a herpetologist, Mary who collected caterpillars and eventually wrote a book on metamorphosis, or Bonnie who collected sea slugs and later helped discover a new kind of sea slug. Readers will be inspired to start their own collections and see where their curiosities take them!

Packs  by Hannah Salyer Beginning with minimal text, these  gorgeous, captivating illustrations show groups of animals –herds, pods, packs– animals together. As you’re invited into the book, the author presents more interesting text written from the collective we like this, “ We frogs can become one noisy army…Together, we sing! “

Willow The Therapy Dog (Doggy Defenders) Willow works as a therapy dog to help people feel better if they are sad — like patients in the hospital and students at a school and retired veterans. And the photos of Willow in her pajamas after a long day of work are absolutely adorable.

Tiger The Police Dog (Doggy Defenders) Tiger is a Belgian Malinois police dog. Tiger works with a police officer to protect the city. Tiger sniffs for danger in different places like a school or a metro trash can. Also read: Stella the Search Dog (Doggy Defenders) .

This Is My Brain! A Book on Neurodiversity written and illustrated by Elise Gravel Colorful cartoon illustrations and kid-friendly language introduce readers to the brain, a squishy thing that has superpowers and controls everything the body does. Characters add their own dialogue to show how our brain learns, experiences senses, and feels. The book feels informative and playful instead of didactic. This book will make a great learning tool for parents and educators.

Amazing Dogs DK Level 2 by Laura Buller Not only is this nonfiction book relatable because of most kids interest in dogs, but it’s also fascinating. (I learned a few things myself.) Talk about a great high-interest nonfiction book for beginning readers! Added to FAVORITE DOG BOOKS FOR KIDS.

What Do They Do With All That Poo?   written by Jane Kurtz, illustrated by Allison Black Learn about the poop of different zoo animals — pandas, hippos, elephants, hyenas, bats, and more. You’ll read what’s in each animal’s poo, the shape and color, and other pertinent facts. “ Each rhino’s poop has its own unique smell. Rhinos smell dung to gather information about one another. ” Then, the book answers the title’s question –what does the zoo do with so much poop? Well, they put it in trucks and dump it into landfills, send some to scientists, or make compost. Among other things. If you’ve ever been curious about animal poop, quell your curiosity with this informative picture book.

You Are a Raccoon!  written by Laurie Ann Thompson, illustrated by Jay Fleck Written in  the second person point of view , you are a raccoon.  As you read, you’ll learn about your family and den and sounds. Read about getting bigger, finding food, and waking at night with other  nocturnal animals . Playful  verbs  invite you to act out raccoon actions. A must read for  preschoolers ; it’s informative,  interactive , and fun.

Animals in Pants  written by Suzy Levinson, illustrated by Kristen & Kevin Howdeshell These  funny poems  will delight readers with their rhyming and silliness.  Manatees in dungarees, kangaroos in jumpsuits, giraffes in kilts, and spiders who put on their pants one leg, one leg, one leg, times eight at a time.

Mad Libs Junior Animals Invent super silly stories with your friends and family. No need to remember parts of speech because the junior book uses pictures instead so even 5 and 6-year-olds can write these fun stories.

Hippos Are Huge!  written by Jonathan London, illustrated by Matthew Trueman Excellent writing and illustrations make this one of the best nonfiction animal books  because you don’t realize you’re learning so much about hippos because it’s so interesting and well laid out! Bigger text pairs with smaller factual text to give readers maximum learning. Hippos are COOL and DANGEROUS — you’ll find out when you read this book.

Winnie The True Story of the Bear Who Inspired Winnie-the-Pooh  written by Sally M. Walker, illustrated by Jonathan D. Voss Did you know that Winnie the bear was a real bear?  Canadian vet and WWI soldier, Harry Colebourn, rescued a bear who he named Winnipeg and took her with him to training in England. But when he was sent to battle, Harry sent her to the London Zoo so she would be safe from battle. That’s where Christopher Robin and his father, A. A. Milne, met Winnie. You’ll love the photographs of the real Winnie!

Feathers: Not Just for Flying  written by Melissa Stewart, illustrated by Sarah S. Brannen I think this nonfiction picture book actually has the perfect ratio of words to text! It’s informative without being an epic essay and the warm water-color illustrations are gorgeous.  Readers learn that feathers can shade, warm, protect like sunscreen, make high-pitched sounds.  Plus, they will discover examples of birds in the wild with each feather fact. Honestly, I never appreciated feathers before this book. It’s so well-presented, it should be included in all classroom studies on  birds .

I, Fly The Buzz About Flies and How Awesome They Are   writtenby Bridget Heos, illustrated by Jennifer Plecas I liked this picture book with comic dialogue about the oft-neglected fly.  You see, kids always study butterflies and rarely know that flies metamorphose, too — and Fly wants to convince you that you should really know more about him! Flies are so interesting — they make noise (butterflies don’t) and they have big families (500 maggots) and help solve crimes (age of maggots on a dead body . . . ) just to name a few things.

Nonfiction Books for Preschoolers

Nonfiction Books for 7 Year Olds

Melissa Taylor, MA, is the creator of Imagination Soup. She's a mother, former teacher & literacy trainer, and freelance education writer. She writes Imagination Soup and freelances for publications online and in print, including Penguin Random House's Brightly website, USA Today Health, Adobe Education, Colorado Parent, and Parenting. She is passionate about matching kids with books that they'll love.

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Awards & news.

The Washington State Book Award Winners are announced .

The Dream Foundry Award winners are announced . Locus has details. 

Elly Griffiths wins Author of the Year at the BA Conference Awards ,  The Bookseller reports.

Publishing Perspectives provides commentary on the Financial Times and Schroders Business Book of the Year Award shortlist . 

AAP and the Authors Guild have filed an amicus brief with the U.S. Supreme Court challenging Texas’s House Bill 1181 ,  Publishing Perspectives reports. 

Aspen Words will partner with Book of the Month to launch the inaugural Aspen Literary Festival in September 2025.  

Publishers Weekly previews the New York Comic Con , scheduled for October 17–20, 2024.

NPR reviews Intermezzo by Sally Rooney (Farrar): “ Intermezzo , her fourth novel, is her most fully developed and moving yet .”

The Guardian reviews Our Evenings by Alan Hollinghurst (Random): “ And he is above all an appreciator, taking pleasure in the inexhaustible particularity of what people do and make and see. That capacity for appreciation acquires new emotional and political meaning here, in the finest novel yet from one of the great writers of our time .”

Briefly Noted

LJ has new prepub alerts . 

Marie Claire has 30 mysteries and thrillers to read this fall .

CrimeReads talks with Elyse Graham about her new book, Book and Dagger: How Scholars and Librarians Became the Unlikely Spies of World War II (Ecco).

Actor and filmmaker Ed Burns chats with FoxNews Digital about his debut novel, A Kid from Marlboro Road (Seven Stories). 

Musician Kenny G talks with USA Today about his new memoir, Life in the Key of G: One Note at a Time (Blackstone). 

Vanity Fair shares an excerpt from Ta-Nehisi Coates’s new book , The Message (One World), which publishes next week. 

Vanity Fair talks with Ashley Spencer about her new book Disney High: The Untold Story of the Rise and Fall of Disney Channel’s Tween Empire (St. Martin’s).  People also shares details from the book .

USA Today talks with author David Sedaris about his new book tour . 

Afabwaje Kurian, Before the Mango Ripens (Dzanc), answers 10 questions at Poets & Writers . 

T&C suggests 30 books about witches . 

NYT delves into the “Strega Nona September” TikTok trend , inspired by the children’s books by Tomie dePaola. 

Authors on Air

PBS Canvas speaks with Wright Thompson about his new book , The Barn: The Secret History of a Murder in Mississippi (Penguin Pr.), and the “people and forces behind Emmett Till’s murder.”

The Kingdoms of Savannah by George Dawes Green (Celadon) will be adapted for television ,  Deadline reports.

NYT has a feature on the opera adaptation of Garth Greenwell’s novel  What Belongs to You (Picador).

Deadline provides a first look at Glenn Close starring in The Summer Book , based on the novel by Tove Jansson. 

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