The Best Kids’ Books of April 2026

It’s Captain Underpants like you’ve never seen him before! This re-imagined edition of the first chapter book is retold in an epic manga style for an exciting spin on the classic story.

This sweet story about an otter named—you guessed it, Odder – is the perfect read for the young animal lover or aspiring marine biologist in your life. Fans of The One and Only Ivan won’t want to miss this next touching tale from Katherine Applegate.

The Baby-Sitter’s Club faces its biggest challenge yet when Dawn heads to California for the summer. With the sun, surf and her dad there, she might never want to leave…but what does that mean for her friends back home?

Settle in with this cozy coloring book. Unwind and add color to adorable scenes from Coco Wyo. Both kids and adults will find the relaxing illustrations easy to color and fun to display.

There’s a new truck in town! Little fans of Goodnight Goodnight, Construction Site will love this new addition, featuring a fire trick that saves the day.

The beloved Chronicles of Whetherwhy series continues in this exhilarating sequel. After a mysterious visitor arrives, Elio sets off on a new mission to restore the magical balance of Whetherwhy.

Young readers love watching Ivan grow and change, and the fourth installment of the Ivan and Friends series is a tender and engaging portrait of being part of something bigger than just yourself.

Squirrel and Bird are back, and this time it’s summer! But as the summer nights go from long to short, the two suspect there is a sun thief at work. Kids will learn about the seasons and change in this adorable tale.

The fourth and final installment in this graphic novel series raises the stakes with a new enemy who is stealing artwork. Can our heroes save the world from a doodle-pocalypse?

The iconic Spy School series continues in graphic novel form with book five. Ben Ripley goes undercover in the White House to prevent an assassination attempt in this high-stakes mission.

Laufey invites little readers into Mei Mei’s dreamy world. Mei Mei the bunny wants to perform for her friends, but she needs to muster up the courage in this inspirational and gorgeous picture book.

He’s funny, friendly and fishy. Sashimi wants to be human, so he sneaks into elementary school and hijinks ensure. But how can he stay afloat when he’s a fish out of water?

The author of Pizza Face is back with a coming-of-age graphic novel about finding your place in the wild world of middle school.

Choose your guardian, earn your destiny. In a world where children are bonded with a spiritual guide, greatness and glory come at a price.

Inspired by an actual wolf pup, A Wolf Called Fire packs the same emotional impact as A Wolf Called Wander, with plenty of thematic resonance to boot.

Nell wants to live a quiet life of gardening, not stuck at her family’s chaotic inn. But she reluctantly finds herself on an unexpected adventure to save the Crossroads Inn in this charming fantasy tale.

As the Declaration of Independence turns 250, it’s the perfect time to dive into the Dear America series with this inspiring story of a young girl’s journey from the Mayflower to a life of helping others.

Abigail Jane Stewart’s life has been haunted by war, and her diary shares stories of her family, friends and neighbors living in Valley Forge in 1777.

This charming picture book follows Little Ghost as he throws his first non-Halloween party. Halloween and summer can mix…right?