Best New Childrens Picture Books for Toddlers

An NPR Best Books of 2018 selection. A New York Public Library Best Books of 2018 selection.

This sweet, funny, thoughtful, and much-needed story will open up readers’ eyes to the importance of being who they are and not backing down to hurtful criticism.

It’s an empowering tale about connecting with others and choosing kindness over bullying, and shows children how angry and provocative words can be overcome by empathy and inner courage.

An ALA Notable Book. 

With a text shimmering with repetition and rhythm, bright pastel illustrations, large and readable type, and an adorable parade of elephants, Kevin Henkes introduces basic concepts such as numbers, shapes, adjectives, adverbs, and daytime and nighttime.

From the creators of the gorgeous bestseller The Night Gardener comes a stunning new picture book about a young boy who sets sail to find a place his grandfather told him about…the spot where the ocean meets the sky.

When a young boy visits his grandfather, their lack of a common language leads to confusion, frustration, and silence.

But as they sit down to draw together, something magical happens-with a shared love of art and storytelling, the two form a bond that goes beyond words.

The reds, the yellows, and the blues all think they’re the best in this vibrant, thought-provoking picture book from Arree Chung, with a message of acceptance and unity.

It’s the first day of school for Penelope Rex, and she can’t wait to meet her classmates.

But it’s hard to make human friends when they’re so darn delicious!

That is, until Penelope gets a taste of her own medicine and finds she may not be at the top of the food chain after all….

A warm, welcoming picture book that celebrates diversity and gives encouragement and support to all kids. 

All Are Welcome lets young children know that no matter what, they have a place, they have a space, they are welcome in their school.

Television comedy writer Elliott Kalan and acclaimed illustrator Tim Miller team up in this clever comedy of mistaken species identity.

Horse is just an oversize dog with funny paws…according to Dog. And Dog?

Just a tiny baby horse with a weird tail. That’s what Horse thinks, anyway.

With lyrical, stirring text and stunning, evocative artwork, award winners Matt de la Peña and Christian Robinson have crafted a moving ode to family, to dreamers, and to finding hope in the most unexpected places.

Brendan Wenzel’s joyous, rhythmic text and exuberant art encourage readers to delight in nature’s infinite differences and to look for-and marvel at-its gorgeous similarities in this children’s nature book. It all starts with a simple “Hello.”

A New York Times / New York Public Library Best Illustrated Book of 2018.

Dreamers is a celebration of what migrants bring with them when they leave their homes. It’s a story about family. And it’s a story to remind us that we are all dreamers, bringing our own gifts wherever we roam.

Pete couldn’t be more thrilled when a monster shows up in his bedroom.

Now Pete has someone to play with!

And the hungry monster couldn’t be more thrilled to be there, either. Now he can . . . EAT PETE! But Pete has other ideas. 

In an exuberant picture book, a glimpse of costumed mermaids leaves one boy flooded with wonder and ready to dazzle the world.

It’s all a matter of perspective in this cheerful, cheeky story about seeing magic in the everyday.

Is that a horse wearing a hat? It’s definitely not a unicorn in disguise — that would be ridiculous, right? It’s probably just a horse that’s having a bad hair day.

Or trying to keep the sun out of its eyes.

Or perhaps this horse just really likes hats! If you follow it long enough, maybe it will take off its hat and you’ll finally know for sure. Or will you? 

You just never know what a new day will hold if you are brave enough to find out.

On one quiet afternoon, a boy and his special friend’s unexpected adventure bring joy and excitement and sights never imagined.

And the best part of any adventure is returning home with stories to tell and you best friend at your side.

A Caldecott Honor Book. 

In this stunning picture book that shines as bright as the stars in the sky, Newbery Honor author Grace Lin creates a heartwarming original story that explains phases of the moon.

Little Star loves the delicious Mooncake that she bakes with her mama.

But she’s not supposed to eat any yet! What happens when she can’t resist a nibble?

From asking the new girl to play to standing up for someone being bullied, this moving story explores what kindness is, and how any act, big or small, can make a difference―or at least help a friend.

Sometimes the tiniest light can shine the brightest! Like the other mermaids of the deep, Pearl longs to care for the endless beaches, coral reefs, and towering kelp forests of her vast ocean world.

So when her mother asks her to tend to a mere grain of sand, Pearl is heartbroken. It takes all her patience and determination to discover how even the littlest mermaid can transform the world.

A case of mistaken identity allows two sworn enemies―a young dragon and knight―to become friends.

But what will they do when they discover the truth? The Dragon and the Nibblesome Knight is a funny, rhyming read-aloud picture book.

This tender, witty friendship story of imagination gone wild, by New York Times bestselling author Randall de Sève, shows how assumptions often cause us to misjudge — and miss out.

But with a little courage, new opportunities and new friendships can be made.