Best Picture Books of 2024

“Hi friends!” Settle in with YouTube sensation Ms. Rachel. Packing all her personality onto the page, this charming picture book is equal parts educational and entertaining. A delight for adults as well as Ms. Rachel’s tiny fans.

Fans of Brandon Sanderson’s epic novels know that his world-building is unmatched, his characters are unforgettable, and his adventures are always epic. He’s switching storytelling gears with his latest book and now we have the dynamic duo we never knew we needed. Sanderson and Kazu Kibuishi teamed up to give kids a picture book packed with everyday life, extraordinary adventure, and layers upon layers to love and laugh at.

Bravery comes in all forms — and sleep schedules! Can Early Bird and Knight Owl team up to save the kingdom, or are they just too different? This adorable little owl won over hearts when he first faced a dragon armed only with pizza, now he’s back, and he’s got an equally adorable friend.

The best construction crew around is back to lend a helping hand in their community, and this time they’re making new friends along the way. With garbage trucks, delivery trucks and more, the crew is here to shape up a town in need. For fans of the crew and newcomers alike, this is a charming tale of teamwork.

Who wants to work, when they can play all day? Procrastination gets to all of us — even the little ones! With days spent lazing away, playing and peeling bananas, Jim Panzee learns: too much of one thing is just too much!

Kobi Yamada knows how to take a big concept — like life, adventure and purpose — and boil it down into one gorgeous picture book. Why Not? is a heartwarming depiction of life’s endless possibilities and the potential we all have to be whoever we want to be. This is a touching reminder to love and live with your whole heart.

Do you know what it’s like to get constantly overlooked and never taken seriously? Ember does — and he’s determined to prove himself. Even if he is more adorable than formidable, this dragon has big goals (and delicious treats!) in mind to finally earn the respect of his fellow dragons and collect an honorable hoard of gold. Whet your appetite and join this little dragon on a quest to find himself.

Lefties! Did you know you weren’t allowed to be left-handed in the past? The wacky history behind our left-handed friends is almost too mind-boggling to believe, but Lefty and Righty have set the stage to let the world in on this story. Not to mention, is there anything better than a brand-new book from Mo Willems and Dan Santat? Give a hand to this unique tale.

Emma isn’t like the rest of her family — while they’re boisterous and outgoing, she’s quiet and reserved. Gorgeous and inspiring, this is the heartwarming story of a little girl in search of silence and the lessons she learns when she finds it. With fantastical illustrations and characters you’ll want to spend more time with, this is a story for all ages.

After giggling along to The Day the Crayons Quit, we’re thrilled to meet Dictionary — an ambitious book with a story to tell. This is about a dictionary gone rogue, bringing her words to life … literally. Go on this visual journey that’s ideal for engaging young minds, from the one and only Oliver Jeffers.

Buffalo Fluffalo is Huffalo Buffalo and we knowffalo you’ll love this bookffalo. Too much? Never! Centering on the unique lead character Huffalo Buffalo, who also happens to be very fluffy, this is a story that will inspire kids and grownups to accept who they are. Enjoy reading this one out loud before bedtime.

We love pets as long as the next person, but our favorite T-Rex got herself in a sharp-toothed pickle. Penelope Rex is back with more unexpected hilarity that continues to delight. With layers of laughs that hit on so many levels, this is as enjoyable for children as it is for adults.

Behold! This magical book is unlike any other you’ve read before — The Book That Can Read Your Mind is an interactive reading experience that is as much fun for parents as it is for kids. Prepare to be amazed by this unique story with magic at its heart and a challenge that never gets old — this is engagement at its finest.

From Sneezing Stickyweed to Fanged Fairymoss and more, Millie Fleur’s picture-perfect garden is her safe place, but her town says otherwise. This is an enchanting reminder to be your truest self, even if that means being your weirdest self. It’s great for fans of Beatrice Likes the Dark and Lala’s Words.

Clive Penguin is tired of the same old days on the same old ice with the same old penguins. One day, Clive decides he doesn’t want to be cool anymore — on the ice, that is. Waddle through the gorgeous pages of this story as Clive searches for something new… and finds himself along the way.

This adorable story of one little chipmunk and a whole lotta books packs so much magic onto each page and reminds us that library cards are for everyone — even chipmunks! Join Piper in this adorably bookish tale and learn about the power of friendship, stories and the importance of sharing.

Pulled from the vault and available for the first time, Ten Little Rabbits is an instant classic from Maurice Sendak. Sendak’s iconic art has hints of both nostalgia and modern sensibilities, and the format makes it re-readable for an interactive storytime, bedtime and everything in between.

We’ve all seen Geo Rutherford on TikTok, and now we get to hear from him on the page! From Lake Superior in the United States to Jellyfish Lake in Palau and more, this is a nautical dive into the word’s lakes for readers of all ages. Spooky Lakes is a fun dip into what is lurking under the surface of lakes all around the world.