Best Picture Books of 2024 So Far (January to June)

2024 is halfway over, which is a good time to reflect on the best picture books of the year so far.

What are my criteria when I consider the BEST books for readers?

re-readability (Does a child request it to be read aloud multiple times?)
kid appeal (Are the topics, themes, plot, &/or characters appealing to and appropriate for kids?)
words/text (Is it an appropriate ratio of text to pictures and not too dense? Is the writing engaging and well-crafted?)
kid with agency (The adult does solve the problem, the kid does.)
leaves room for the reader to make connections & inferences (No condescending, didactic stories with preachy messages! And no pontification on abstract concepts, either.)
exceptional writing (Showing, not telling, no bad rhyme, sensory details, etc.)
uniqueness (Fresh and unique concepts, themes, or heroes. Not derivative copycats.)
appealing illustrations

My Favorite Picture Books of 2024 (So Far)

Walkies A Dog’s Tale written and illustrated by Estrela Lourenco
WORDLESS / DOG WALK
This beautiful book needs no words because the vivid illustrations do it all. Grumpy Kid must walk Dog even in the rain. Much to Kid’s annoyance, Dog pulls Kid, stops to sniff (and won’t budge), and stomps through puddles. But before long, Kid begins to have fun, too. They splash through the rain and puddles and find a peaceful spot to rest. Even after the rain is over, the Kid and Dog adventure home with tumbles and cuddles and later, go on a second walkie with Mom.
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On a Summer Night written by Deborah Hopkinson, illustrated by Kenard Pak
SUMMER NIGHT
Gentle, sensory writing draws us into the night outside after the child, the cat, the dog, the rabbit, the tree awake. Repetitive questions ask what has woken each person, animal, or object. Was it you? A whisper of wind curls around you. A lone cloud appears in the star-sprinkled sky. It’s still and quiet outside. And then the child returns inside. But who has woken the moon? This book feels like a prayer — still, peaceful, and filled with love.
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Hen in the Bed written by Katrina Charman, illustrated by Guilherme Karsten
SILLY PRESCHOOL SONG
Based on the familiar song, this is a delightfully fun farm animal version with sturdy split pages that readers turn as the next animal rolls off the bed. With math, animal noises, repetition, interactivity, and gorgeous illustrations, this is a perfect read-aloud for the 2, 3, and 4-year-old readers on your lap. LOVE!
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Go and Get with Rex written by David LaRochelle, illustrated by Mike Wohnoutka
FUNNY / ALPHABET
The narrator plays a game with Jack, Jill, and Rex, the dog–they must “Go and Get” something that starts with a certain letter. Jack and Jill bring back something expected, but Rex brings back ducks. Kids will laugh until Rex explains that it’s not D for duck but it’s F for friend, and M for a musician. So fun!
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A Bear, a Fish, and a Fishy Wish written by Daniel Bernstrom, illustrated by Brandon James Scott
FUNNY
In this funny, sweet story, Bear wants a fish, and Fish wants a home. (NOT to get eaten.) What will happen when the hungry bear tries to catch the homesick fish? Masterfully written with very few words and illustrated with gorgeous illustrations that narrate much of the story, readers will crack up at the deluge of fish submerging the bear and also love that the hungry bear lets the wishful fish swim down the river in peace. I predict your readers will require many repeated readings of this playful story.
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Mama in the Moon written by Doreen Cronin, illustrated by Brian Cronin
MOTHER’S LOVE
One of the most perfect books ever created, this is a must-own, must-read masterpiece of emotional storytelling and art. Baby and Mama live high in a tree. But when Baby falls out of the tree, he wants his Mama to come and get him. She’s on her way, but it will take time. To comfort Baby, Mama asks Baby Sloth to use his senses. She asks if he can see the moon, smell the flowers, hear the worms wriggling, and feel the flutter of moths dancing. He feels better noticing what’s around him! Eventually, Mama arrives on the ground and brings Baby back up the tree.
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You’re So Amazing! written by James & Lucy Catchpole, illustrated by Karen George
PHYSICAL DISABILITIES
Adults and other kids see Joe playing with friends and say that he’s amazing. When he doesn’t play, they see him as pathetic. Joe doesn’t want to be either– he just wants to be Joe! And that’s what his friends see. Just Joe, a kid who loves to play soccer and monkey bars and pirates with his friends. This book reminds readers that disability is normal and disabled kids don’t want to be framed as inspirational or pitiful.
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Spider in the Well written by Jess Hannigan
FUNNY / FOLKTALE-ish
Clever storytelling and artwork share the story of a kind-hearted newsboy-chimney sweep-shoe shiner-and milkman in the town of Bad Goodsburg. The townspeople are furious when the wishing well breaks. They lie to the newsboy about their altruistic wishes and tell him to figure out the problem. When he arrives at the wishing well, he meets a spider who reveals the truth about the selfish townspeople’s wishes. So the now furious newsboy decides to get justice! And it’s hilarious and very satisfying to see the greedy townspeople get what they deserve. Bold graphic art in orange neon, black, and purple makes this reading experience extra fun.
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This is Not My Lunch Box! written by Jennifer Dupuis, illustrated by Carol Schwartz
WOODLAND ANIMALS
In this innovative way to teach readers about forest animals, a camping child opens up a lunch box that is not the child’s but actually the lunch of an animal. Can you guess who it belongs to? The lunch box of bugs belongs to a downy woodpecker. The lunch box of worms, nuts, and truffles belongs to a jumping mouse. The lunch box of snails, spiders, and eggs belongs to a wood frog. Kids will love learning and guessing who would eat these lunch box feasts while admiring the brilliant illustrations with vibrant colors that pop off the page. Outstanding.
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Dog Vs. Strawberry written by Nelly Buchet, illustrated by Andrea Zuill
FUNNY
HILARIOUS x a million! A car racing announcer gives readers the play-by-play scoop as this dog races…a strawberry. “A strong start for Dog, leaning left, while Strawberry, impassive, doesn’t take the bait.” There’s mayhem, there’s a quick nap, and the finish is…too close to call, but wait– can Dog win after all? I laughed out loud, and so will you!
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The Quiet Forest written by Charlotte Offsay, illustrated by Abi Cushman
FOREST ANIMALS / CAUSE AND EFFECT
Abi’s art brings this playful cumulative story to life in perfect motion-filled charm and exuberance. It’s not just a cumulative story but also a cause-and-effect story about animals in the woods. The forest is quiet until a mischievous mouse arrives and splat–lands in a rattled rabbit’s pancake breakfast. The rattled rabbit disturbed a beaver, the bothered beaver’s splashing drenches a deer, who bumps into a moose, who angers a bear, who awakens a cub, and then…the forest begins to sing. Whoosh. Swish. Woosh. Swish. This sets in reverse motion of friends calming each other until the forest isn’t too loud or too quiet. (But it won’t be for long.) A delight to read aloud.
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Bunny Should Be Sleeping written by Amy Hest, illustrated by Renata Liwska
BEDTIME
In the sweetest story EVER, Bunny’s dad forgets to check on Bunny, so Bunny brings his red wagon and special things for Dad down the hall to Dad’s room where Dad is fast asleep. Bunny reenacts Dad’s nighttime ritual, drinking Dad’s water, playing with a soft blanket, and eating the cookie but finally wakes Dad. Dad gives Bunny a big hug and walks him back to bed, where they read their special favorite book. Renata Liwska’s soft, muted illustrations feel atmospheric and calming.
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A Flicker of Hope: A Story of Migration written by Cynthia Harmony, illustrated by Devon Holzwarth
MONARCH MIGRATION / REFUGEES
Readers will love this parallel story of Lucia’s dad’s migration north to work on a farm alongside the monarcas’ (monarchs) migration north. Side by side, we see their journeys by land and air. Back at home, Lucia waits for the monarcas and for Papá to return until one day on el Dia de los Muertos, it happens–autumn, the butterflies, and Papá return home to fill her heart.
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The Book That Almost Rhymed written by Omar Abed, illustrated by Hatem Aly
FUNNY
Long-time readers know that I have very strong feelings against (bad) rhyming books. BUT THIS?! This book I love! Love, love, love. It’s funny and playful, and it works — because it’s not trying to rhyme… exactly. A little boy writes a rhyming book which sounds great until his silly little sister comes along and makes some, er, changes. “I wrote a smooth and seamless story about a brave knight’s quest for glory. He yearned for treasure all his own, and so he journeyed, all alo- // ALONGSIDE A FIERCE AND FRIENDLY DETECTIVE!” Now that the little sister is there, the siblings find the treasure map and search space and the ocean, dance with pirates, fight an armadillo…with a pillow, and squabble until the boy realizes his sister is a good storyteller, too.
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Come Out, Come Out, Chameleon! written and illustrated by Jonty Howley
FUNNY
Kids will LOVE this hilarious and interactive book about an old man who can’t find his lost chameleon that he’s never actually seen. Will readers find it on each page? Look closely! Yes, you will find him. But will the man ever find his chameleon? This is the perfect book to read aloud to preschoolers!
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The Cat Who Couldn’t Be Bothered written and illustrated by Jack Kurland
FEELINGS / SADNESS
Simple yet bold art on white backgrounds shows a black and white cat lying down, stretching, sitting, and declining his animal friend’s invitations to play, go to a party, explore, or go to Mars. Finally, the cat explains that it’s NOT that he can’t be bothered, it’s that he’s feeling SAD and wants to do nothing. His friends can relate! They ask if they can do nothing with him. The next last spread shows them all lying down with contented smiles. I love that this book shows a character feeling his feelings and supportive friends who listen and care.
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Pretty Ugly written by David Sedaris, illustrated by Ian Falconer
FUNNY
Get ready for some surprising surprises! When Anna Van Ogre is good, she stomps on flowers and talks with her mouthful. I mean, she is an ogre, right? But something terrible happens when Anna is acting bad–her face gets stuck in a smile! She’s horrified. Luckily, her family accepts her and says her real beauty is on the inside. That gives her an idea! She finds a way to turn herself inside out. Now she’s beautiful again. Hilarious.
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Ra Pu Zel and the Stinky Tofu written by Ying Chang Compestine, illustrated by Crystal Kung
FOLKTALE / FAIRY TALE
Ra Pu Zel lives in ancient China. After too much criticism from adults, Pu Zel shuts herself in a tall tower with her dog Bao, getting food via her long braid. Nothing will entice her out of her tower so her father, the emperor, declares that the first person to persuade Pu Zel to leave her tower will have his marriage blessing. Different princes try to lure her out, but they don’t succeed. Eventually, a young chef cooks stinky tofu below the tower, and Pu Zel rushes down to try a bite. She loves the stinky tofu and falls in love with the chef!
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Today written by Gabi Snyder, illustrated by Stephanie Graegin
MINDFULNESS
Written in second person, this beautiful book is about enjoying your day today; a day when you drive to the lake and splash and play, where time seems slow and fast, and fireworks pop, jasmine smells, and Pop-pop’s cat sits heavy on your belly. Today is a memory you can keep. Breathe in and out and remember. Back matter explains mindfulness and ideas for when you want to fast-forward time. Gorgeous sensory writing invites readers to experience the day with all their senses…and savor it as precious. Lovely.
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The Lucky Red Envelope: A Lift-the-flap Lunar New Year Celebration by Vikki Zhang
LUNAR NEW YEAR
In this intricately illustrated search-and-find story with enchanting border art and mesmerizing illustrations, Yue and her family celebrate Lunar New Year. As you read the story, lift the flaps to reveal more information or surprises, like the door god hiding in a lantern or fortune cookies or what’s inside Yue’s satchel. Over the days of celebration, the family watches fireworks, serves guests delicious food, wears traditional clothing, makes dumplings, attends the parade and dragon dance, and eats rice balls. Your readers will love finding all the surprises within each page; I know I did!
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Pepper & Me by Beatrice Alemagna
FRIENDSHIP / SELF-ACCEPTANCE
After a fall that scrapes her knee, the girl gets a hideous scab that doesn’t go away. Eventually, the girl names the scab Pepper, the name she had for the dog she never got. Pepper goes everywhere with the girl, and soon, she becomes smaller and softer. The girl realizes that Pepper is only doing what scab do and they become friends. Then, one day, Pepper isn’t on her knee anymore. The girl says goodbye to her scab and thinks of her fondly, especially when she sees the scar on her knee. This is a relatable, very unique story of acceptance, unexpected friendship, and letting go with stunning, eye-catching artwork.
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