The Best Picture Books of 2026 (So Far)

From laugh-out-loud books for read-alouds to cuddle-worthy books for bedtime, finding your child’s next favorite story is easy with this list of the best picture books of the year so far.

The Great Escape

by Deborah Marcero

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Desperate to escape her annoying younger siblings, Evie ventures outside and turns a snowdrift into a portal to a magical world. However, she soon realizes that her siblings have followed her into the alternate realm. When Evie and her siblings run into trouble, they must work together to set things right.

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The Outermost Mouse

by Lauren Wolk, illustrated by Kristen Adam

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A little mouse loves her home by the sea, but worries about the ocean waves that creep closer every day. When a storm arises, the mouse realizes she is powerless to save her home. This gorgeous picture book from beloved children’s author Lauren Wolk is a bittersweet tale of learning to embrace change.

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The Wildest Thing

by Emily Winfield Martin

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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!

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Pizzasaurus

by Tammi Sauer, illustrated by Kyle Beckett

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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!

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Tractors in Space

by Ross MacKay, illustrated by Alex Willmore

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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.

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Because of a Shoe

by Julie Fogliano, illustrated by Marla Frazee

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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.

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I'm So Happy You're Here: A Celebration of Library Joy

by Mychal Threets, illustrated by Lorraine Nam

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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.

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Emily Saw a Door

by Mel Rosenberg, illustrated by Orit Magia

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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!

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The Future Book

by Mac Barnett, illustrated by Shawn Harris

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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!

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Better Than a Touchdown

by Jalen Hurts, illustrated by Nneka Myers

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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.

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Navigating Night

by Julie Leung, illustrated by Angie Kang

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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.

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Even Steven: A Book About Sharing

by Carrie Finison, illustrated by Daniel Wiseman

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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.

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Mei Mei the Bunny

by Laufey, illustrated by Lauren O’Hara

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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.

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Where Do Stories Live?

by Meenal Patel

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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.

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That Is Not a Dog

by Bea Birdsong, illustrated by Charlie Alder

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Kids will love the visual humor and colorful illustrations in this book. Thanks to other animals’ gossip, Ollie knows how terrifying dogs are. So, the little cat keeps a sharp eye out when he goes for a walk. He meets a cow, a bear, and a hippo, but no dogs. Ollie is in for a surprise when he discovers the true identities of all his new animal friends!

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Hold

by Randy Ribay, illustrated by Zeke Pena

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When a dad asks his young son to hold his cup, the boy suddenly wants to hold everything from his cat to someone else’s baby. But soon, his arms grow heavy, and Dad steps in to help. With spare text, engaging illustrations, and Spanish words sprinkled throughout, this simple book will be a storytime favorite.

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Watermelon Pool

by Bonsoir Lune, translated by Frances Cha

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Kids with big imaginations will love this bestselling Korean picture book, translated into English by author Frances Cha. It’s about a village that turns a giant watermelon into a pool and spends a blissful day playing in the fruit. It’s a joyful, summertime read that readers of all ages will enjoy!

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I Think We’re Upside Down

by Marcus Cutler

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Rabbit and Raccoon want to play with their new basketball, but there’s just one problem: they’re upside down! The two adorable animals need your help to get right-side up. This hilarious picture book breaks the fourth wall and invites readers to participate in the story.

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Fourteen Ways of Looking at Jellyfish

by Carole Boston Weatherford, illustrated by Bagram Ibatoulline

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Through fourteen breathtaking poems, Coretta Scott King Award-winning author Carole Boston Weatherford introduces young readers to jellyfish. Older than the dinosaurs, jellyfish come in a variety of sizes, shapes, and venom potency. Kids will love poring over this book’s gorgeous illustrations and lyrical text.

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I’m My Own Dog

by David Ezra Stein

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Dog lovers of all ages will laugh along with this hilarious role-reversal story about a dog who adopts a human. Even though the dog is proud to be independent, he can’t resist a human who follows him home. Soon, the dog is teaching the human commands, rolling its eyes at the human’s constant yapping, and loving every minute of companionship.

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The Naked Streak

by Kim Howard, illustrated by Jaime Kim

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Any parent who has survived the toddler phase will relate to this hilarious picture book about a child who refuses to stay dressed. No matter where they go, the child strips down to their birthday suit, causing Mom no end of embarrassment and frustration. But when they discover some unusual clothing items, the child designs a “fancy” outfit they love.

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Exca-gator!

by Brooke Hartman, illustrated by Michael Slack

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A little alligator enthusiastically tries to perform every job at the construction site where he works. When he makes a mess of things, he realizes that he can’t do everything himself and he needs to cooperate with the rest of the team. Bouncy rhyme and energetic illustrations make this adorable construction book a delight to read!

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Jia Has a Dog Problem

by Stephanie Eleen Sy, illustrated by Isabella Kung

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A young girl named Jia is terrified of every dog she sees, regardless of its size. Meanwhile, a small dog named Charlie is terrified of every child he meets. So when the girl and the dog cross paths, neither of them expects to become friends. This cute book is perfect for kids who feel uncertain about interacting with dogs they meet.

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You Are the Land

by Steph Littlebird

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If you’re looking for a joyful book that celebrates life, nature, and family, look no further. This gorgeous picture book follows a young Indigenous girl who feels a connection to nature. Like every rock and tree, she knows she is part of something bigger than herself.

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