Best Picture Books of 2024
Our booksellers are excited to announce Barnes & Noble’s Best Picture Books of 2024. We’ve rounded up the cream of the crop of new picture books released this year from heartwarming reads featuring whimsical illustrations to engaging read-alouds that push the limits of the imagination. So many amazing picture books came out this year that it was hard to choose, but these are some stories that we thoroughly enjoyed and feel confident that you will too. From the hottest bestsellers to popular series and debuts that left a lasting impression on us, these are the best picture books of the year.
Teaming up to give kids a picture book packed with everyday life, extraordinary adventure, and layers upon layers to love and laugh at, Brandon Sanderson and Kazu Kibuishi crafted The Most Boring Book Ever , a quirkily titled fantasy picture book that’s one of the best books we’ve read this year.
Our list of the best picture books of 2024 includes entertaining debuts like Ms. Rachel and the Special Surprise , a brilliant picture book that encourages learning through play and music. Packing all her personality onto the page, YouTube sensation Ms. Rachel delivers with this educational and fun storybook. The Dictionary Story is another picture book that’s perfect for engaging young minds. This enchanting tale about a dictionary that wishes to be a storybook like other books takes kids on an adventure through the pages and we absolutely love it. Another gorgeous and inspiring picture book favorite, I Lived Inside a Whale , 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.
The latest releases from your favorite series are here! Christopher Denise does it again with Knight Owl and Early Bird , the adorable little owl that won over hearts when he first faced a dragon armed only with pizza, is back, and he's got an equally adorable friend! Grumpy Monkey Play All Day gives the reader the chance to spend the day with Jim Panzee, the beloved monkey that we know and adore. Who wants to work, when they can play all day? Join Jim Panzee as he learns what that really means.
For kids fascinated by tractors, construction sites and bulldozers, Construction Site: Garbage Crew to the Rescue! is a charming tale of how teamwork makes the dream work. Using playful rhymes and vibrant illustrations, this read-aloud checks all the boxes when it comes to one of the best books we enjoyed this year. For lovers of funny fairytales, The Bakery Dragon , is a roaring magical tale about a tiny dragon with a penchant for baked goods and a heart of gold.
Bestselling children’s author Mo Willems is back with Lefty, a theatrical performance for the lefties (and righties), this picture book blends history and humor to educate and inspire. Looking for more inspiring books that made our best picture books of 2024 list? Kobi Yamada has a knack for taking big concepts and boiling them down into simple picture books and he's done that again in this touching reminder to be who you want to be and no one else. His new picture book, Why Not? , encourages children to be brave and embrace big possibilities.
Explore our main picture book page for more of the best picture books for kids including all the bestsellers, classics and award-winning reads. Get in the holiday spirit with our collection of holiday books for kids and check out our holiday gift guide to find the best gifts for little ones.
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