PICTURE BOOKS
Ahoy! by Sophie Blackall
A child and parent embark on a high-seas adventure without leaving their living room, celebrating the boundless possibilities of imagination.
Barnaby Unboxed! by Terry Fan, Eric Fan, and Devin Fan
"Perfect Pet" Barnaby feels loving attention, jealousy, and heartbreak in this lost-and-found tale of resiliency and reunion.
Be Careful, Xiao Xin! by Alice Pung, illus. by Sher Rill Ng
Xiao Xin believes he is a fearless Red Fire Warrior, but his family thinks the world is too dangerous for him—can he inspire them to trust his bravery? A bilingual tale told in English and Chinese.
Being Home by Traci Sorell, illus. by Michaela Goade
A young Cherokee girl eagerly moves with her mother from the city to their ancestral homeland, embracing family, nature, and the comforting rhythm of being home.
The Book That Almost Rhymed by Omar Abed, illus. by Hatem Aly
An earnest boy's rhymes are hilariously hijacked by his little sister's unexpected twists, leading to a collaboration that proves two storytellers can make a tale twice as nice.
Buffalo Fluffalo by Bess Kalb, illus. by Erin Kraan
Introducing a sweet and silly buffalo who tries to bluff and fluff his way into being bigger than he really is. This laugh-out-loud story shows it’s okay to be yourself.
Built to Last by Minh Lê, illus. by Dan Santat
Two boys literally bump into each other while building with blocks, and a friendship is born. As they grow, their imaginative creations become increasingly elaborate until one fails spectacularly.
Chooch Helped by Andrea Rogers, illus. by Rebecca Lee Kunz
Even though Sissy’s brother, Chooch, isn’t a baby anymore, she feels he still gets away with everything.
Dog Vs. Strawberry by Nelly Buchet, illus. by Andrea Zuill
A dog goes all out trying to beat a strawberry in a race—will Dog win? A great book to read aloud in your best “announcer” voice to a kid, and also a good picture book for beginning readers to read on their own!
Don't Trust Cats (Life Lessons from Chip the Dog) by Dev Petty, illus. by Mike Boldt
Chip the dog from Don't Eat Bees is back, with more "wisdom" to share, including some hard-won life lessons about cats. In this fabulously funny pet story, dog AND cat lovers will enjoy seeing their own fur-friends in Chip's earnest yet ridiculous guide to life.
The Dream Catcher by Marcelo Verdad
As Miguelito works with his abuelo selling dream catchers and coconuts, he dreams of being with his parents and ultimately finds beauty in the here and now.
Exactly as Planned by Tao Nyeu, illus. by the author
Cleverly presenting two perspectives, this friendship story shows how Fox and Moose each experience the same day differently.
The First Week of School by Drew Beckmeyer
At the beginning of the school year, Pat, the class pet, is the only one who notices the new student might be a bit out of this world.
Gray by Laura Dockrill, illus. by Lauren Child
A child navigates the emotional landscape of a "gray" day, learning that it's okay to feel down sometimes and receiving reassurance that brighter days are ahead.
Heatwave by Lauren Redniss
The intensity of a scorching summer day in the city and the relief brought by a cooling rainstorm is captured through vibrant red and blue illustrations.
Home in a Lunchbox by Cherry Mo
A young Chinese girl adjusting to a new life in the U.S. finds comfort and connection through the familiar flavors packed in her lunchbox, bridging cultures and forming new friendships.
I'm Sorry You Got Mad by Kyle Lukoff, illus. by Julie Kwon
Through a series of handwritten letters, Jack attempts to apologize for hurting Zoe’s feelings and gradually learns the importance of making true amends.
Joyful Song: A Naming Story by Lesléa Newman, illus. by Susan Gal
As Zachary and his two moms walk to the synagogue for his baby sister's naming ceremony, they invite curious neighbors to join their joyful procession, culminating in a heartwarming community celebration.
Let's Go! by Julie Flett
A young boy learns to skateboard with his mother's old board, building confidence and finding community along the way.
Little Freddie Two Pants by Drew Daywalt, illus. by Lucy Ruth Cummins
One pair of pants? Two pairs? Three? How many pants should Little Freddie wear? And where should he put them? What about underpants? Where do they go? In a book with text and art that are sure to induce giggles, Drew Daywalt and Lucy Ruth Cummins settle the age-old question: Do a dog’s front legs deserve pants, too?
A Maleta Full of Treasures by Natalia Sylvester, illus. by Juana Medina
Dulce is excited for her abuela’s visit from Peru and all the treasures Abuela carries along in her suitcases. Maybe Dulce can send Abuela home with special items to remind the family in Peru of the U.S. relatives?
The Man Who Didn't Like Animals by Deborah Underwood, illus. by LeUyen Pham
This bighearted and funny tale with delightful artwork from Caldecott Honor artist LeUyen Pham celebrates the joy of embracing new perspectives.
Millie Fleur's Poison Garden by Christy Mandin
Millie Fleur’s love for unusual and poisonous plants enlivens her dull neighborhood and cultivates a community of plant enthusiasts.
Mistaco! by Eliza Kinkz
A chaotically funny debut picture book about a girl who's had a terrible day full of mistakes and finds that making "mistacos" with her family could be a delicious solution.
Monster Hands by Karen Kane and Jonaz McMillan, illus. by Dion MBD
Communicating with sign language, Milo and his friend face his fear of the monster under his bed.
Mr. Lepron’s Mystery Soup by Giovanni Zoboli, illus. by Mariachiara Di Giorgio, Tr. by Denise Muir
Rabbit Mr. Lepron, soup maker extraordinaire, dreams of becoming a famous chef. But, as the demands of growth and success rise, so does his anxiety—until he brings joy and creativity back to the kitchen. (Batchelder Honor Book)
My Daddy Is a Cowboy by Stephanie Seales, illus. by C.G. Esperanza
Lyrical text and vivid illustrations celebrate a father and child's bond as they share a special early morning horseback ride through city streets.
Plus One by John Hare
Looking to make friends, new girl Agnes eventually expands her criteria for her after-school tea party guest list to include the strange but optimistically persistent neighbor boy and his “plus one,” his pet goose, Pierre of the North, Esquire.
Punky Aloha by Shar Tuiasoa
Punky goes on an adventure sharing her aloha—by being helpful, giving, and brave. She finds out it feels good and grows more confident along the way. And, of course, succeeds in her mission to bring butter home for her grandmother’s banana bread.
To See an Owl by Matthew Cordell
An endearing story about a girl’s efforts to spot an owl in a gorgeous picture book that encourages patience and perseverance. This is a story that will resonate with readers of all ages who have longed to see one of these elusive creatures in the natural world.
Touch the Sky by Stephanie V.W. Lucianovic, illus. by Chris Park
Vern longs to swing high enough to touch the sky, and with encouragement from a new friend, he learns to pump his legs and soar.
Ursula Upside Down by Corey R. Tabor
A catfish discovers she's been navigating the world upside down and, after attempting to conform, realizes she prefers her unique perspective.
We Are Definitely Human by X. Fang
After three aliens crash-land in Mr. Li's field, he and the community extend their hospitality to these curious creatures while they repair their ship.
The Wild Robot on the Island by Peter Brown
Roz the robot wasn’t designed to live in the wilderness. But when she washes up on an island, she must learn from the animal inhabitants and adapt to her new, natural surroundings, and before long, the island begins to feel like home.
The Yellow Bus by Loren Long
As time passes, a school bus lives multiple lives as it serves a small town's unique and changing communities.
NONFICTION:
Aloha Everything by Kaylin Melia George, illus. by Mae Waite
Stunning illustrations draw in readers as a young Hawaiian girl learns about her island's history, ecology, and culture through hula and deepens her connection to her homeland.
Discover the eccentric Edward Gorey, an American author and illustrator renowned for his macabre and one-of-a-kind style.
Brave Baby Hummingbird by Sy Montgomery, illus. by Tiffany Bozic
This beautifully illustrated picture book details the early life of hummingbird siblings.
Dive, Dive into the Night Sea by Thea Lu
Mixed-media illustrations, rich with texture and mystery, and creative lift-the-flap opportunities reveal wonders of the night sea.
A Flicker of Hope: A Story of Migration by Cynthia Harmony, illus. by Devon Holzwarth
A parallel story of migrants and monarch butterflies, told from the perspective of a young girl as she waits for her father to return home.
From Challenge to Champion: 12 Inspiring Sports Stories for New Readers by Skyler Trepel
A collection of stories about legendary athletes from soccer, basketball, gymnastics, baseball, and more, that show these athletes overcame incredible challenges—whether injury, doubt, burnout, or difficult beginnings—and emerged victorious.
Go Forth and Tell: The Life of Augusta Baker, Librarian and Master Storyteller by Breanna J. McDaniel, illus. by April Harrison
Augusta Baker's legacy of libraries and storytelling is told through lyrical text that is matched with larger-than-life illustrations.
The Iguanodon's Horn: How Artists and Scientists Put a Dinosaur Back Together Again and Again and Again by Sean Rubin
Since the discovery of the first dinosaur bones in 1822, scientists and artists have continued to adjust their ideas of how these creatures looked and behaved.
Junia, the Book Mule of Troublesome Creek by Kim Michele Richardson, illus. by David Gardner
Inspired by the real Pack Horse librarians, this story is a day in the life of Junia, a mule that transports books to the people living in the hills of Kentucky.
Make Way: The Story of Robert McCloskey, Nancy Schon, and Some Very Famous Ducklings by Angela Burke Kunkel, illus. by Claire Keane
This picture-book biography with breathtaking illustrations focuses on the creation of Make Way for Ducklings and the sculptures it inspired in Boston Garden.
Narwhal: Unicorn of the Arctic by Candace Fleming, illus. by Deena So’Oteh
Journey with a narwhal pod through a year of migration, jousting, hunting, and survival. Poetic text and striking illustrations capture the beauty and challenges of life for the world’s smallest whale.
The Noisy Puddle: A Vernal Pool through the Seasons by Linda Booth Sweeney, illus. by Miki Sato
Children exploring a forest discover a vernal pool and observe how it sustains diverse life forms through changing seasons.
Noodles on a Bicycle by Kyo Maclear, illus. by Gracey Zhang
This lively historical picture book showcases Tokyo's bicycle food-delivery men who balance towering trays of steaming noodles while navigating crowded city streets.
The One & Only Googoosh: Iran's Beloved Superstar by Azadeh Westergaard
With stunning collages, this picture-book biography showcases the early life and career of legendary Iranian singer Googoosh, including how the Iranian Revolution impacted her.
One Day This Tree Will Fall by Leslie Barnard Booth, illus. by Stephanie Fizer Coleman
A tree’s life span is detailed from its inception as a seed to its decomposition, focusing on the impact it has on the ecosystem.
Over and Under the Wetland by Kate Messner, illus. by Christopher Silas Neal
The latest addition to the Over and Under nature series by this duo takes place in the Florida Everglades National Park. Readers’ curiosity will be piqued as they explore and learn about the plants and wildlife.
Stalactite and Stalagmite: A Big Tale from a Little Cave by Drew Beckmeyer
A hilarious and thought-provoking picture book about two little cave rock formations who witness the entire history of the world, perfect for fans of Oliver Jeffers, Jon Klassen, and Mac Barnett.
Up, Up, Ever Up! Junko Tabei: A Life in the Mountains by Anita Yasuda, illus. by Yuko Shimizu
Vibrant artwork and lyrical text impart the life and accomplishments of the first woman to summit Everest, including her later advocacy for sustainable climbing.
Volcanoes by Nell Cross Beckerman, illus. by Kalen Chock
Expressive language and mesmerizing artwork present the drama of volcanic eruptions on land, under the sea, and in space.
We Who Produce Pearls: An Anthem for Asian America by Joanna Ho, illus. by Amanda Phingbodhipakkiya
This vibrantly illustrated poetic ode celebrates the richness and diversity within Asian American identity, serving as a reminder of self-worth, legacy, and destiny.
EARLY READERS:
The Beach Day: Three and a Half Stories by Ame Dyckman, illus. by Mark Teague
When warm weather hits, Bat, Cat, and Rat decide to head to the beach. But bus ride mishaps, hungry seagulls, and a missing kite threaten to take the fun out of the trio’s seaside afternoon.
Biscuit’s Puppy Sleepover by Alyssa Satin Capucilli, illus. by Pat Schories
Sleepovers are the best, especially with other puppy friends! But will Biscuit the little yellow puppy be able to find a stuffed animal to sleep with?
Bog Myrtle by Sid Sharp
This smart, macabre graphic novel spins a yarn of capitalism run amok featuring sisters, spiders, magical thread, and sweaters.
The Cool Bean Makes a Splash by Jory John, illus. by Pete Oswald
The shallow side of the pool is the only side of the pool the Cool Bean treads water on. Until one day, he sees the super slide and finds the courage to finally ride the slide...or does he?
Dot the Ladybug: The Missing Dot by Kallie George, illus. by Stephanie Fizer Coleman
Spots the Dog has a problem. His snack has a hole in it. But could it be whole with a hole? Dot the Ladybug is on the case in this delicious story.
Earl & Worm #1: The Bad Idea & Other Stories by Greg Pizzoli
This sweet, giggle-inducing early reader kicks off a brand-new series featuring two unlikely friends in the tradition of Frog and Toad.
Fox Plays Ball by Corey R. Tabor
Fox is ready to play ball! So are Elephant, Rabbit, Bear… and Snail. But who will win the game?
Go and Get with Rex by David LaRochelle, illus. by Mike Wohnoutka
Jack, Jill, and their dog Rex play a game of "Go and Get," fetching items that start with specific letters, but Rex's unconventional choices add a humorous twist to this alphabetical adventure.
Lone Wolf Goes to School by Kiah Thomas, illus. by K-Fai Steele
Wolf just wants to enjoy his time alone, but something always interrupts.
Nat the Cat Has a Snack by Jarrett Lerner
Nat the Cat has a snack. Pat the Rat wants a snack. Nat the Cat can share, right? Nat the Cat does not want to share!
Night Owl & Early Bird by Lauren Fornoles, illus. by Xiao
Follow along as these two unlikely friends head off on adventures to the beach, a night hike, and making pillow forts inside their own treehouse as they discover the joy of sharing all times of day together.
Pete the Kitty and the Three Bears by Kimberly & James Dean
Once upon a time, there was a kitty named Pete who came upon a house in the forest. He goes in, eats pizza, plays guitar, and falls asleep. But what happens when three bears come home?
Sports Are Fun! by Zaila Avant-garde, illus. by Felicia Whaley
New readers will find playful encouragement in this easy reader that sings out about the joy of playing sports. With ample rhyme and helpful repetition, Zaila Avant-garde takes readers on a boisterous romp through the wide world of sports, showing cheerful scenes of baseball, swimming, running, gymnastics, and more.
Uni and the Dolphin by Amy Krouse Rosenthal, illus. by Brigette Barrager
Uni and the little girl love swimming in the sea, but they are distressed to discover trash on the beach and in the sea where their friends are swimming. They must help!
Vacation: Three-and-a-Half Stories by Ame Dyckman, illus. by Mark Teague
When friends Bat, Cat, and Rat decide to take a vacation, they discover they have work to do and decisions to make. Will their getaway turn into a "staycation"?
Other Popular Early Reader Series:
Acorn series books, Scholastic
Amelia Bedelia, Peggy Parish
Cornbread & Poppy, Matthew Cordell
Disgusting Critters, Elise Gravel
Elephant & Piggie, Mo Willems
Elephant & Piggie Like Reading!, Various
Fly Guy, Tedd Arnold
The Food Group - I Can Read, Jory John & Pete Oswald
Henry and Mudge, Cynthia Rylant
King and Kayla, Dori Hillestad Butler
Mo Jackson, David A. Adler
National Geographic: I Can Read, Various
Pete the Cat, Kimberly & James Dean
Reina Ramos, Emma Otheguy
Who Would Win?, Jerry Pallotta
ILLUSTRATED CHAPTER BOOKS & GRAPHIC NOVELS:
Ava Lin, Best Friend by Vicky Fang
Brand-new first grader Ava Lin is determined to find a best friend—even if she’s a bit unclear on how to go about it—in the first of this funny, super relatable chapter-book series.
Bear & Bird: The Picnic and Other Stories by Jarvis
Join Bear and Bird on their silly, heart-warming picnic adventures in one of this three book series!
Beyond the Game: Athletes Change the Game by Andrew Maraniss, illus. by DeAndra Hodge
Beyond the Game is a new nonfiction chapter book series about athletes who have stepped up beyond sports to make a difference in the world.
Birtle and the Purple Turtles: Vol. 1 by Tara J. Hannon
Everyone is a turtle in Turtletown. So Teeny thinks she must be a turtle, too. But when Teeny sprouts feathers, she begins to wonder . . . is there a teeny possibility she's a... BIRTLE?
Frank and Bean by Jamie Michalak, illus. by Bob Kolar
When the introspective Frank meets the gregarious Bean, can they find a way to make beautiful music together? Dry wit and hilarious illustrations introduce a new unlikely pair.
George the Flybot by Nessa Bellido Schwarz
Meet GEORGE the Flybot, a one-of-a-kind robotic fly on his first secret mission! Join George as he ventures to Himalayas to search for a camera that went missing during George Mallory's ill-fated 1924 Mount Everest summit attempt.
Gnome and Rat by Lauren Stohler
Join these funny friends on their adventures, whether it's perfecting magic tricks or tracking down a new signature hat for Gnome. Whatever their antics, these two know exactly how to have a good time: with each other.
Minecraft Ironsword Academy by Caleb Zane Huett
Embark on a thrilling new adventure set in the world of Minecraft, where danger lurks at every turn, and our heroes must protect the Minecraft server from being shut down forever. Perfect for readers 6 to 9 and Minecraft fans of all ages!
Pizza and Taco: Coolest Club Ever by Stephen Shaskan
Join Pizza and Taco's afterschool club in the next installment of this hilarious graphic novel chapter book series! What happens when these foodie besties have to compete with a video game club for members?
Puggleton Park by Hannah Kizis, illus. by Hannah Peck
Penelope is a pleasant little pug who has quite the quandary: all she can remember is that she lost her Lady in the park while chasing the most dreadful squirrel. Can she find her way back to her forever home?
Ratnip: Lost and Found in the City by Cam Higgins, illus. by Allison Steinfeld
Ratnip the rat lives in the City, where there’s always plenty of food to eat... if you know where to look. Ratnip is on a very special mission to return treasure to its rightful owner. But will he make it home before sunrise?
Reggie: Kid Penguin by Jen de Oliveira
Fans of Babymouse and Owly will love this early graphic novel series about the everyday adventures and hijinks of Reginald “Reggie” Guinn, a little kid penguin with a big personality!
Welcome to Scare School: Scare School Diaries 1 by Jarrett Lerner
A young ghost named Bash tries his best to fit in with the rest of the ghouls in this sweet and spooky chapter book by acclaimed author Jarrett Lerner.
We're All Gonna Die-nosaur! by Kon Tan
Pterry the pterodactyl has lots of nightmares—and they always come true! Can Pterry face his fear of flying? If not... we’re all gonna DIE-nosaur!!!
With exciting black-and-white illustrations on every page, this subversively hilarious chapter book series debut is perfect for young fans of The Bad Guys, Dog Man, and Captain Underpants.
Other Popular Illustrated Chapter Book & Graphic Novel Series:
Adventures with the Secret Explorers by SJ King
Astrid and Stella by Hello! Lucky
Baby-Sitters Little Sister by Ann M. Martin
Baloney and Friends by Greg Pizzoli
Beak & Ally by Norm Feuti
Branches series books by Scholastic
Bug Boys by Laura Knetzger
Crab & Snail by Beth Ferry
Desmond Cole, Ghost Patrol by Andres Miedoso
Dory Fantasmagory by Abby Hanlon
Fox & Rabbit by Beth Ferry
Jojo Makoons by Dawn Quigley
Mac B., Kid Spy by Mac Barnett
Once Upon a Tim by Stuart Gibbs
Pizza and Taco by Stephen Shaskan
Planet Omar by Zanib Mian
Real Pigeons by Andrew McDonald and Ben Wood
Sadiq and the Green Thumbs by Siman Nuurali
Truman the Dog by Debbi Michiko Florence
The Unicorn Rescue Society by Adam Gidwitz