We Love These New York Times’ Best Children’s Books of 2023
by the Brightly Editors
We’re approaching the end of the year, which means it’s time for many publications to compile their best-of-the-year lists. We love combing through these lists (and nodding in approval at having read a few of the books already, while also happily adding a title or two to our TBR list). The New York Times Book Review just released their list of the Best Children’s Books of 2023 and we were thrilled to see a few of our favorites recognized.
Here are some of the books we loved seeing on this year’s — and past years’ — lists of The New York Times’ Best Children’s Books.
2023 ║2022 ║2021 ║2020 ║2019 ║ 2018 ║ 2017
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2023
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A Walk in the Woods
Buy from:While walking through the woods, a grieving young boy follows a map that guides him to discover poems and sketches of woodland creatures left behind by his deceased father. Understanding the backstory of this book and its father-son illustrators makes the experience of reading it all the richer.
(Ages 4 - 8)Buy from: -
Do You Remember?
Buy from:A boy and his mom take turns sharing memories, culminating in the decision to create more memorable moments in their new situation. Text and illustrations beautifully combine to highlight the influence of the past and hope for the future through a child's perspective.
(Ages 4 - 8)Buy from: -
The Skull
Buy from:This bestselling picture book by the esteemed Jon Klassen reimagines an old Tyrolean folk tale, deemed by Kirkus as "equal parts comfort and creepiness." Stunning illustrations, a simple, easy-to-read story, and the author's signature dry humor — what more could you ask for in a book about a brave little girl and her bony companion.
(Ages 6 - 9)Buy from: -
Who Will Make the Snow?
Buy from:This sweet illustrated early chapter book that the New York Times calls "akin in spirit and tone to A.A. Milne’s Winnie the Pooh" follows two newborn moles as they grow through the seasons. Equal parts charming and wholesome, it's a timeless story about family and community that readers won't soon forget.
(Ages 7 - 11)Buy from: -
The Eyes and the Impossible
Buy from:Johannes, a dog, watches everything that happens in the park and reports back to the Bison, the Keepers of the Equilibrium. But the Equilibrium has been disrupted and decisions must be made. A delightful animal adventure story about freedom and friendship that readers of all ages are sure to love. The audiobook, read by Ethan Hawke, is a read-aloud masterpiece.
(Ages 8 - 12)Buy from: -
Mexikid
Buy from:Mexikid is a "wildly entertaining" coming-of-age graphic novel that intricately weaves together themes of identity, cultural heritage, and the challenges of growing up as a Mexican-American. Follow Pedro and his family on a road trip to bring their abuelito back from Mexico to live with them in the US.
(Ages 8 - 12)Buy from: -
Remember Us
Buy from:Set during the Bushwick fires of the late 1970s when Black families' wooden homes frequently caught fire as easily as matchsticks, Jacqueline Woodson's story of a 12-year-old African American girl who dreams of becoming a pro basketball player is one of friendship, loss, and self-identity.
(Ages10+ )Buy from:
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2021
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In the Wild Light
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