11 of Our Favorite Picture Books for Right Now

Jason Reynolds is a voice we listen to regardless of genre and age. In his picture book debut There Was a Party for Langston, with the help of the iconic art stylings of the Pumphrey Brothers (Jerome and Jarrett), we’re called to celebrate the “King of Letters”, Langston Hughes. This joyous acknowledgment of the literary genius and glass-ceiling smasher Langston Hughes features Maya Angelou, Amiri Baraka and more legends as they gather for the party of a lifetime. Jason Reynolds + The Pumphrey Brothers + Langston Hughes = A party not to be missed!

The incomparable Oliver Jeffers has been giving us intriguing concepts to think about for years. Begin Again: How We Got Here and Where We Might Go — Our Human Story. So Far. is the bow tying his previous art and projects together. Jeffers’ artistry has touchings of anthropology, philosophy and at times, whimsy. Read this from front to back, back to front or a few spreads at a time and you’ll find your mind thinking and your soul nourished.

Scott Slater’s brilliant debut Down the Hole is a mosaic of Julia Donaldson charm, Jon Klassen magnetism and Ryan T. Higgins humor. Adam Ming’s art is the perfect pairing for Slater’s story about a fox and rabbit trying to outsmart each other… with possible dire consequences. Down the Hole has everything you’d want in a picture book.

Beaming with inspiration and gorgeous illustrations from Lucie de Moyencourt, Cleo Wade’s What the Road Said is the perfect vehicle to spotlight the virtues of taking chances, believing in yourself and, ultimately, creating your path for happiness in life. Each spread is worthy of being framed, and it’s impossible to not be filled with hope each time you read it. Appropriate for everyone, regardless of age, What the Road Said will leave a lasting impression.

A beautiful blend of the old and new, Takahashi and Tomigahara’s storytelling deserves attention across all ages. After you experience it, you’ll find yourself admiring the stars, delighted by the unknowns.

In his author-illustrator debut, Christopher Denise’s clever wordplay and detailed illustrations give Knight Owl the feel of an instant classic. Since the day he hatched, Owl dreamed of becoming a real knight. Owl’s quest is perfect for fans of Dragonboy and Attack of the Underwear Dragon.

In the first book written AND illustrated by award-winning dynamo Vashti Harrison, Big beautifully details a child’s journey to self-acceptance and highlights the impact of words – how they can both hurt and heal. Like the message in this book, Big is oversized and overflowing with thought, care and love.

A Whale of a Good Time is the perfect poetry present. 366 entries from creators like Maya Angelou and Langston Hughes, curated by Lou Peacock, to be enjoyed as daily bites. Ideal reading for people who like poetry, laughing, enjoying and amusing.

Sometimes you have the most wonderful idea. And sometimes, you don’t know what to do with this idea. In this delightful story, Yamada inspires us to see where our ideas will take us.

If you were tasked with finding a creative team to put a fresh spin on an all-time classic children’s story, you’d be hard pressed to do better than Mac Barnett and Jon Klassen. You could build a bridge with the awards won between these two — which is appropriate given this significant project modernizing The Three Billy Goats Gruff. With Mac’s classic wit and storytelling and Jon’s iconic art style, this one just feels so right for the bookshelf. Peter Christen Asbjørnsen and Jørgen Moe would be proud — and you would be foolish to think a bigger, more delicious book will come along.

Where to even begin? How about with this — If Shel Silverstein, Maurice Sendak and Arnold Lobel were working on a group project and then Edward Gorey showed up, they would submit How to Eat a Book. Mrs. & Mr. MacLeod channel their brilliance into a wholly unique, exhilarating package that will leave you in awe. This debut is the celebration of books and reading that you didn’t know you needed.