The Most Exciting Picture Books Coming in 2026
by Dena McMurdie
A new year means beautiful new books to read with your little one! Whether you’re looking for read-alouds for story time or cuddle-worthy books for bedtime, you’ll find plenty of options. From endearing stories from beloved authors to enchanting titles from new talent, here are the most exciting picture books coming your way this year.
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The Wildest Thing
Buy from:This gorgeous picture book from the bestselling creator of The Wonderful Things You Will Be is the perfect bedtime read-aloud. It’s about a young girl who lets her imagination run wild, turning everyday activities into fantastical adventures. Nature and animal-loving children will want to read this book on repeat!
(On sale: 1/6/2026)
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Momo Sees the Sea
Buy from:Kids learning to read independently will love this beginning reader book inspired by Dr. Seuss. When Momo loses a ball in the ocean, he dives beneath the waves and sees all sorts of marine life while playing hide-and-seek with a mysterious creature.
(On sale: 1/6/2026)
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Just Like Tina: Inspired by the Life of Tina Turner
Buy from:Shay wants to be a star like Tina Turner and gets her chance to perform at a local festival. However, as she learns more about Tina’s life — from her faith to her generosity — Shay also learns to harness her individuality as a performer.
(On sale: 1/27/2026)
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Tractors in Space
Buy from:Blast into space with Toby the tractor and follow along as he meets new friends, dodges asteroids, and lands on the moon. Space-loving kids will giggle their way through this quirky and brightly illustrated picture book.
(On sale: 1/27/2026)
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Because of a Shoe
Buy from:From bestselling author Julie Fogliano and Caldecott Honor medalist Marla Frazee comes a heartwarming and relatable book about toddler tantrums. When a child throws a tantrum over putting on their shoes, their mother patiently and lovingly waits out the storm. This beautiful, slice-of-life story celebrates a parent’s unconditional love for their child.
(On sale: 2/3/2026)
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I'm So Happy You're Here: A Celebration of Library Joy
Buy from:Young readers can take a tour of the library every time they crack open the cover of this beautifully illustrated picture book. In the story, a smiling librarian greets her visitors, encouraging them to explore the music, movies, books, and other media. It’s the perfect read for children visiting the library for the first time.
(On sale: 2/3/2026)
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Leo's Lobo
Buy from:Young pet owners will love this adorable story about a boy named Leo who finds an unusual pet in an unexpected place. Caring for a pet is more difficult than he thought it would be, but with ingenuity and determination, Leo rises to the challenge.
(On sale: 2/10/2026)
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Emily Saw a Door
Buy from:Emily is a little girl searching for a place that will welcome her, but none of the doors she tries will open. Each door gives her a different excuse, but the result is the same. So when she comes to a place without any doors, she creates one and keeps it open for everyone. This heartfelt and poignant story about inclusion is a must-read!
(On sale: 2/24/2026)
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Pizzasaurus
Buy from:Most dino-loving kids have heard of Stegosaurus, but they’ve probably never heard about Pizzasaurus! This dinosaur got his name because he loves pizza so much that he sings, dreams, and creates paintings about it. Kids who love pizza and dinosaurs will ask to read this humorous picture book again and again!
(On sale: 3/3/2026)
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Put Your Records On
Buy from:Bea visits her great-aunt Portia and discovers the magical world of music in this delightful picture book inspired by Corinne Bailey Rae’s award-winning hit song. As they listen to record after record, Bea learns that songs help people process their feelings, just as a friend would. This book is an excellent pick for music lovers!
(On sale: 3/3/2026)
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The Future Book
Buy from:New York Times bestselling author Mac Barnett teamed up with award-winning illustrator Shawn Harris to bring us a hilarious glimpse into the future. This giggle-inducing book breaks the fourth wall as the narrator explains various aspects of the future. Kids and adults alike will love this book!
(On sale: 3/3/2026)
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Better Than a Touchdown
Buy from:Jalen can’t wait to try out for the football team, but when he arrives at school, he learns that football has been canceled. Unwilling to give up on his dream, Jalen rallies his community to find a creative solution. Sports-loving kids will appreciate this charming book from Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts.
(On sale: 3/10/2026)
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Never Alone
Buy from:Nighttime fears meet their match in this humorous yet comforting picture book. Mera doesn’t like the dark, but her faith in Jesus calms her jitters and helps her fall asleep. This sweet story is perfect for families of faith.
(On sale: 3/10/2026)
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Navigating Night
Buy from:A young girl helps her father deliver food every night by translating the map directions into Cantonese. She dislikes everything about it until her father tells her about how he immigrated to the United States as a teenager and worked hard to give her a better life. This heartfelt story will help all American children appreciate the opportunities their country offers.
(On sale: 3/10/2026)
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Even Steven: A Book About Sharing
Buy from:This unique and witty picture book about sharing will make kids smile while learning a valuable life lesson. Steven likes to share things by splitting them in half. It works well for things like cookies, but not so well for slides, best friends, or hula hoops. Steven breaks the fourth wall and asks young readers for help with the concepts of sharing and fairness.
(On sale: 4/14/2026)
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Mei Mei the Bunny
Buy from:Music enthusiasts and kids who love performing will appreciate this gorgeous picture book from GRAMMY® Award–winning musician Laufey. At her first recital, Mei Mei the bunny makes a mistake in front of everyone and must calm her nerves to finish her performance. This sweet book encourages kids to work through their mistakes, stay calm, and do their best.
(On sale: 4/21/2026)
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Eyewonder Bugs
Buy from:Explore the world of insects with this fascinating nonfiction book. Inside, curious kids will find pages filled with colorful photographs and fascinating facts about a variety of insects. From unique camouflages to predator impersonation, kids will learn how insects survive and thrive.
(On sale: 4/28/2026)
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Where Do Stories Live?
Buy from:Avni wants to fill her new journal with stories, but doesn’t know where to start. As she and her sister walk to their aunt’s house, they realize that stories exist in everything from a river’s bend to a loved one’s hug. With soft illustrations and lyrical text, this book encourages kids to recognize the stories that surround them.
(On sale: 5/5/2026)
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The Baby Who Only Said No!
Buy from:Every toddler goes through a phase where they say, “No” to everything. This adorable picture book perfectly captures the experiences of amused and exhausted parents in the thick of this phase. And be sure to check out the companion title, The Baby Who Stayed Awake Forever.
(On sale: 5/12/2026)
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Teeny and Tilly
Buy from:When Teeny starts at a new school, she worries the kids will tease her for being short. However, Teeny presses forward with kindness and courage, leading her to a new best friend. This sweet story teaches kids the importance of accepting themselves and others as they are.
(On sale: 5/19/2026)
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