Best Picture Books of 2020:
Ages 3 – 5
by Janssen Bradshaw
I can’t believe this crazy year is coming to a close! Even though things haven’t worked out at all as planned, it’s nice to know we can always count on some great new books.
A crop of fantastic picture books were released this year, from both well-known authors and debuts. Check out some of the best picture books of 2020 and find a new book or two to read with your little one.
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Llama Llama Lose Tooth Drama
Available from:It all starts when Llama Llama’s first tooth starts wiggling! He has so many questions: When will the tooth come out? Will the tooth fairy really visit? But suddenly, the tooth is nowhere to be found! Find out what happened to his tooth in this fun rhyming picture book.
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Cozy
Available from:Jan Brett, author of The Mitten and other classic winter stories, has done it again with this stunning new picture book that readers both big and small will love. Cozy, an Alaskan musk ox, is separated from his family during a wild snowstorm. Luckily, his loneliness doesn’t last too long as he provides shelter for new animal friends with his warm fur. This wonderful story showcases friendship and serving others in the most tender way.
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The Yawns Are Coming!
Available from:Nighttime means sleeping . . . except for best friends that are having a sleepover. The two friends in this story have a plan to stay up all night, but their plan is quickly foiled when The Yawns show up to the sleepover. No matter what they do to overthrow The Yawns, The Yawns don’t give up. If you need a hilarious bedtime story, this is a perfect fit!
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Butts Are Everywhere
Available from:If you look around, it’s hard not to notice that rear-ends are everywhere! Of all shapes and sizes, the gluteus maximus is unique to each person. Without this tough muscle, people and animals wouldn’t be able to move around like they do. Butts Are Everywhere is a picture book that will make the reader and listeners laugh out loud!
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Good Morning Zoom
Available from:Social distancing has become the norm of 2020, and Good Morning Zoom is a tender-hearted picture book that takes readers on a lyrical expedition through online school, doctors’ appointments, and keeping busy in our own homes. It shows the fun side of being distanced and provides encouragement during our challenging time.
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The Tiny Chef
Available from:It starts when a small herbivore chef has misplaced his most valued recipe book. He needs it in order to make his famous stew, but after looking everywhere and tearing the house apart he throws a gigantic tantrum! Find out what he does to change his mood around and see if he can find his recipe book with a new disposition.
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Kevin the Unicorn: Why Can’t We Be Bestie-corns?
Available from:A unicorn named Kevin is so excited to have a new friend move in next door. However, things go differently than planned when he has nothing in common with the unicorn neighbor — except they both have manes. Will Kevin be able to form a friendship with the neighbor or have to give up all together?
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What We’ll Build
Available from:Oliver Jeffers hits the picture book scene again after his bestseller, Here We Are! His new book, What We’ll Build, pulls at the heartstrings as a father and daughter lay their foundation for life as a family. This story highlights how a parent’s love has no bounds.
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B Is for Ballet: A Dance Alphabet
Available from:In partnership with the American Ballet Theatre, B Is for Ballet is a beautiful A-Z book that celebrates dancing vocabulary alongside dazzling illustrations. This makes a perfect gift for any dance-loving child!
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The Joy in You
Available from:Cat Deeley, mom and host of So You Think You Can Dance, debuts this magical picture book. Through rhythm and rhyme, kids will be led through a journey — showing them they are perfect just the way they are!
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The World Needs More Purple People
Available from:You are probably wondering what a purple person is. Purple people bring others together, act in kindness, and love laughing. Sounds great, right?! This book shows you the steps to becoming a purple person and will leave kids feeling inspired.
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To the Moon and Back for You
Available from:Not every baby comes into this world without heartache, and many families go through challenges to get their miracle babies. In this picture book inspired by the author’s own experiences, Emilia showcases her personal struggle with conceiving and IVF. This book is a homerun gift for any parent who needs some hope.
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Grumpy Monkey Up All Night
Available from:Jim Panzee is back in the spotlight after his famous stint of grouchiness in Grumpy Monkey. But this time, Jim Panzee has been invited to a slumber party and has lots of fun things planned to keep everyone up all night. Frustration arises though when everyone else conks out. Will he still be able to conquer the snoozes?
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Attack of the Underwear Dragon
Available from:An Assistant Knight, Cole, is determined to become a knight himself as he trains hard with his mentor Sir Percival. Cole finds himself in a predicament when Underwear Dragon comes to destroy the kingdom and Cole is the only one left to fight him off! Can he pull off a victory even though he isn’t an official knight?
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Bedtime Bonnet
Available from:This story gives readers a beautiful glimpse into Black nighttime hair traditions. In this close-knit family, the little girl has misplaced her lovely bonnet she puts over her braids every single night. Will she be able to find it so everyone can go to bed?
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Just Like Me
Available from:Written by Vanessa Brantley-Newton, author of Grandma’s Purse, this brand-new picture book focuses on the value of every girl! Each and every girl has a different story to tell, and this collection of short stories highlights a variety of different life angles. This positive book encourages readers to find friendship and self-esteem amongst the stories.
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There’s an Alien in Your Book
Available from:It’s hard to believe this, but an alien has landed in this book. For wiggly readers, this book gives little ones the opportunity to shake and twist the book around in order to get Alien back where he belongs – in space!
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Vote for Our Future!
Available from:Biannually, Stanton Elementary School closes its doors for a day. Not for parent teacher conferences or a teacher prep day, but so the elementary school can turn into a polling station! Even though the students themselves are too young to vote, this is a great learning opportunity for them and opens their eyes to how they can encourage those around them to vote!
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