top of page

NY Times Best Sellers

Popular and trendy books as identified by the NY Times team.

NY Times Best Sellers, Engineering

The #1 New York Times bestseller! Try to catch one of the world's most elusive mythical creatures―the unicorn―in this enchanting picture book for kids, the perfect Valentine's Day gift! From the New York Times and USA Today bestselling How to Catch series comes a dazzling new adventure! Filled with zany traps, STEAM concepts, silly rhymes, and lots of rainbow unicorn fun, parents, educators, and young readers alike will delight in this colorful story as the Catch Club Kids are off in the zoo to catch this fantastical beast. Perfect for children ages 4-10, this is the ultimate unicorn gift of the year, great for birthdays, bedtime, or any occasion! Can you catch the unicorn? You'll have to use your brain, So set your traps and prep your team to pet that rainbow mane! Also in the How to Catch Series: How to Catch a Mermaid How to Catch a Dinosaur How to Catch the Tooth Fairy How to Catch a Monster and more!
average rating is 4.8 out of 5, based on 33768 votes, reviews

Adam Wallace

Andy Elkerton

NY Times Best Sellers, Engineering

An enchanting mermaid tale from the New York Times and USA Today bestselling How to Catch series, the perfect Valentine's Day gift for kids! Many claim to have caught a mermaid, but can YOU? Perfect for mermaid lovers, summer reading, and gifts for kids ages 4-10, this funny mermaid picture book offers an irresistible under-the-sea adventure that parents, educators, and children will love! Brimming with fun STEAM-based traps, clever rhymes, and plenty of laughs to share in at-home and classroom read alouds, this magical story makes a perfect stocking stuffer and birthday, Easter, or back to school gift for kids and mermaid lovers alike! How do you catch a mermaid? You must be very clever. With mirrors, crowns, and pearls galore, this quest can't last forever! Also in the How to Catch Series: How to Catch a Unicorn How to Catch a Yeti How to Catch a Dinosaur How to Catch a Dragon How to Catch a Monster and more!
average rating is 4.8 out of 5, based on 31382 votes, reviews

Adam Wallace

Andy Elkerton

Lovey Dovey, NY Times Best Sellers, Graduation

From brave and bold to creative and clever, Emily Winfield Martin's rhythmic rhyme expresses all the loving things that parents think of when they look at their children. With beautiful, and sometimes humorous, illustrations, and a clever gatefold with kids in costumes, this is a book grown-ups will love reading over and over to kids—both young and old. A great gift for any occasion, but a special stand-out for baby showers, birthdays, and graduation. The Wonderful Things You Will Be has a loving and truthful message that will endure for lifetimes.
average rating is 4.9 out of 5, based on 26631 votes, reviews

Emily Winfield Martin

Classics, Perspective, Emotions, NY Times Best Sellers

Swim along with the pout-pout fish as he discovers that being glum and spreading "dreary wearies" isn't really his destiny. Bright ocean colors and playful rhyme come together in Deborah Diesen's fun fish story that's sure to turn even the poutiest of frowns upside down.
average rating is 4.9 out of 5, based on 24276 votes, reviews

Deborah Diesen

NY Times Best Sellers, Voicing Opinions

Poor Duncan just wants to color. But when he opens his box of crayons, he finds only letters, all saying the same thing: His crayons have had enough! They quit! Beige Crayon is tired of playing second fiddle to Brown Crayon. Black wants to be used for more than just outlining. Blue needs a break from coloring all those bodies of water. And Orange and Yellow are no longer speaking—each believes he is the true color of the sun. What can Duncan possibly do to appease all of the crayons and get them back to doing what they do best? Kids will be imagining their own humorous conversations with crayons and coloring a blue streak after sharing laughs with Drew Daywalt and New York Times bestseller Oliver Jeffers. This story is perfect as a back-to-school gift, for all budding artists, for fans of humorous books such as Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus by Mo Willems and The True Story of the Three Little Pigs by Jon Sciezka and Lane Smith, and for fans of Oliver Jeffers' Stuck, The Incredible Book Eating Boy, Lost and Found, and This Moose Belongs to Me.
average rating is 4.8 out of 5, based on 21122 votes, reviews

Drew Daywalt

Oliver Jeffers

Fathers, Celebrity Authors, Diverse Leads

It's up to Daddy to give his daughter an extra-special hair style in this ode to self-confidence and the love between fathers and daughters, from Academy-Award winning director and former NFL wide receiver Matthew A. Cherry and New York Times bestselling illustrator Vashti Harrison. Zuri's hair has a mind of its own. It kinks, coils, and curls every which way. Zuri knows it's beautiful. When Daddy steps in to style it for an extra special occasion, he has a lot to learn. But he LOVES his Zuri, and he'll do anything to make her -- and her hair -- happy. Tender and empowering, Hair Love is an ode to loving your natural hair -- and a celebration of daddies and daughters everywhere. A perfect gift for special occasions including Father’s Day, birthdays, baby showers, and more!
average rating is 4.9 out of 5, based on 18043 votes, reviews

Matthew A. Cherry

Vashti Harrison

NY Times Best Sellers, Celebrity Authors, Sounds

A #1 New York Times bestseller, this innovative and wildly funny read-aloud by award-winning humorist/actor B.J. Novak will turn any reader into a comedian. You might think a book with no pictures seems boring and serious. Except . . . here’s how books work. Everything written on the page has to be said by the person reading it aloud. Even if the words say . . . BLORK. Or BLUURF. Even if the words are a preposterous song about eating ants for breakfast, or just a list of astonishingly goofy sounds like BLAGGITY BLAGGITY and GLIBBITY GLOBBITY. Cleverly irreverent and irresistibly silly, The Book with No Pictures is one that kids will beg to hear again and again. (And parents will be happy to oblige.)
average rating is 4.8 out of 5, based on 17676 votes, reviews

B. J. Novak

LGBTQ, NY Times Best Sellers

HBO's Emmy-winning Last Week Tonight with John Oliver presents a children's picture book about a Very Special boy bunny who falls in love with another boy bunny. Meet Marlon Bundo, a lonely bunny who lives with his Grampa, Mike Pence - the Vice President of the United States. But on this Very Special Day, Marlon's life is about to change forever... With its message of tolerance and advocacy, this charming children's book explores issues of same sex marriage and democracy. Sweet, funny, and beautifully illustrated, this book is dedicated to every bunny who has ever felt different.
average rating is 4.9 out of 5, based on 16655 votes, reviews

Jill Twiss

EG (Gerald Kelley) Keller

NY Times Best Sellers

A New York Times bestselling phenomenon, this deliciously funny read-aloud from the creators of Robo-Sauce and Secret Pizza Party will make you laugh until spicy salsa comes out of your nose. Dragons love tacos. They love chicken tacos, beef tacos, great big tacos, and teeny tiny tacos. So if you want to lure a bunch of dragons to your party, you should definitely serve tacos. Buckets and buckets of tacos. Unfortunately, where there are tacos, there is also salsa. And if a dragon accidentally eats spicy salsa . . . oh, boy. You're in red-hot trouble. The award-winning team of Adam Rubin and Daniel Salmieri has created an unforgettable tale of new friends and the perfect snack.
average rating is 4.8 out of 5, based on 16642 votes, reviews

Adam Rubin

Daniel Salmieri

NY Times Best Sellers, Bedtime

Say good night with Little Blue Truck and friends as they prepare for bed in this #1 New York Times bestseller! Beep! Beep! Beep! It’s time for sleep. A storm is brewing, and Little Blue Truck and his good friend Toad are hurrying home for bed. But who can sleep with all that racket? It’s not long before other friends show up seeking safety from the storm. Thunder and lightning sure can be scary, but it’s easy to be brave together. When the clouds roll on and the sky is clear, it’s all aboard for a bedtime ride! Beep! Beep! Shhh . . . The millions of Little Blue Truck fans will enjoy this sweet and funny bedtime read.
average rating is 4.9 out of 5, based on 15133 votes, reviews

Alice Schertle

Jill McElmurry

Being Yourself, NY Times Best Sellers

This is a book about a bad seed. A baaaaaaaaaad seed. How bad? Do you really want to know? He has a bad temper, bad manners, and a bad attitude. He's been bad since he can remember! With Jory John's charming and endearing text and bold expressive illustrations by Pete Oswald, here is The Bad Seed: a funny yet touching tale that reminds us of the remarkably transformative power of will, acceptance, and just being you. Perfect for young readers, as well as anyone navigating their current world, The Bad Seed proves that positive change is possible for each and every one of us.
average rating is 4.7 out of 5, based on 14578 votes, reviews

Jory John

Pete Oswald

NY Times Best Sellers

Press the yellow dot on the cover of this book, follow the instructions within, and embark upon a magical journey! Each page of this surprising book instructs the reader to press the dots, shake the pages, tilt the book, and who knows what will happen next! Children and adults alike will giggle with delight as the dots multiply, change direction, and grow in size! Especially remarkable because the adventure occurs on the flat surface of the simple, printed page, this unique picture book about the power of imagination and interactivity will provide read-aloud fun for all ages!
average rating is 4.8 out of 5, based on 13959 votes, reviews

Herve Tullet

NY Times Best Sellers, Grandparents

When you babysit a grandma, if you're lucky, you'll have a sleepover at her house! And with the useful tips found in this book, you're guaranteed to become an expert grandma-sitter in no time. (Be sure to check out the sections on: How to keep a grandma busy; Things to do at the park; Possible places to sleep, and what to do once you're both tucked in for the night.) From the author-illustrator team behind the New York Times bestselling HOW TO... books comes a funny and heartwarming celebration of grandmas and grandchildren.
average rating is 4.8 out of 5, based on 13452 votes, reviews

Jean Reagan

Lee Wildish

Being Yourself, NY Times Best Sellers, Graduation, Celebrity Authors

A #1 New York Times bestseller and Goodreads Choice Awards picture book winner! This is the perfect gift for mothers and daughters, baby showers, and graduation. This gorgeous, lyrical ode to loving who you are, respecting others, and being kind to one another comes from Empire actor and activist Grace Byers and talented newcomer artist Keturah A. Bobo. We are all here for a purpose. We are more than enough. We just need to believe it. Plus don't miss I Believe I Can—the next beautiful picture celebrating self-esteem from Grace Byers and Keturah A. Bobo!
average rating is 4.9 out of 5, based on 11635 votes, reviews

Grace Byers

Keturah A. Bobo

Christmas, NY Times Best Sellers

Wonderful new version of the classic poem every family should own. Lavishly illustrated by renowned artist Charles Santore, the critically acclaimed illustrator of The Wizard of Oz, Snow White, The Little Mermaid, and others. An oversized heirloom edition with a four-page gatefold. Includes embossed and foil cover. Since it was first published anonymously in 1823, “The Night Before Christmas” has enchanted children with the story of St. Nicholas climbing down the chimney and filling all the stockings before springing back to his sleigh. Many families read the poem every year, and now they have an edition to treasure. The cherished verse, faithfully reproduced here, is accompanied by Charles Santore’s lavish illustrations.
average rating is 4.9 out of 5, based on 11057 votes, reviews

Charles Santore

Charles Santore

Strong Female Leads, NY Times Best Sellers

Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls is a children's book packed with 100 bedtime stories about the lives of extraordinary women from the past and the present, illustrated by 60 female and non-binary artists from all over the world. Created out of the most successful publishing project in crowdfunding, this must-have volume brings readers on an empowering journey, introducing them to the real-life adventures of trailblazing women from Elizabeth I to Malala Yousafzai. The unique narrative style of Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls transforms each biography into a fairytale, filling readers with wonder and a burning curiosity to know more about heroes such as: Ada Lovelace, Mathematician Amelia Earhart, Aviator Frida Kahlo, Painter Malala Yousafzai, Activist Jane Goodall, Primatologist Julia Child, Chef Marie Curie, Scientist Maya Angelou, Writer Michelle Obama, Lawyer and First Lady Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Supreme Court Justice Each woman's story is also accompanied by a full-page, full-color portrait that captures her rebel spirit. This hardcover edition, with an extra-smooth matte scuff-free lamination, 100lbs paper, a satin ribbon bookmark, and extraordinary print quality, is the perfect gift for any young reader and begs to be read again and again.
average rating is 4.8 out of 5, based on 10297 votes, reviews

Elena Favilli

Amazon round logo
Bookshop.org Icon
Bookshop.org

NY Times Best Sellers

You've been planning night and day, and finally you've created the perfect trap with shamrocks, pots of gold, and rainbows galore! Now all you need to do is wait. Is this the year you'll finally catch the leprechaun? Start a St. Patrick's Day tradition with this fun and lively children's picture book and get inspired to build leprechaun traps of your own at home or in the classroom! Laugh along in this zany story for kids that blends STEAM concepts with hilarious rhymes and vibrant illustrations! How to catch a leprechaun? It's tougher than you think! He'll turn your whole house upside down. He's quicker than a wink!
average rating is 4.8 out of 5, based on 9186 votes, reviews

Adam Wallace

Amazon round logo
Bookshop.org Icon
Bookshop.org

Andy Elkerton

NY Times Best Sellers, Being Adaptable, Nature Lovers

Feeling fried? Peel yourself on the couch and meet your new pal-tato! The winning fourth picture book from the #1 New York Times bestselling creators of The Bad Seed, The Good Egg, and The Cool Bean, Jory John and Pete Oswald, will get you and your kids moving! The Couch Potato has everything within reach and doesn't have to move from the sunken couch cushion. But when the electricity goes out, Couch Potato is forced to peel away from the comforts of the living room and venture outside. Could fresh air and sunshine possibly be better than the views on screen? Readers of all ages will laugh along as their new best spuddy learns that balancing screen time and playtime is the root to true happiness.
average rating is 4.7 out of 5, based on 5102 votes, reviews

Jory John

Amazon round logo
Bookshop.org Icon
Bookshop.org

Pete Oswald

Fathers, NY Times Best Sellers

A New York Times and USA Today bestseller! The perfect gift of love or sweet keepsake to show why Dad is amazing! A boy's first hero is his dad. A touching picture book for ages 3-7 and beyond showcasing all the ways a father will help his child grow, this is the gift for every dad and little boy to celebrate their special bond. Featuring charming animal illustrations and heartwarming rhymes about the loving moments fathers and sons share, Why a Son Needs a Dad is the perfect story to connect father and son together. From the moment that I saw your beautiful face, Held you close to my heart in a father's embrace, I promised to help you grow with strength and grace. My dear one, my sweet son, my boy. For new dads, fathers-to-be, or for that perfect father-son moment at birthdays and other special occasions all year, this sweet storybook celebrates how a father guides his little boy to grow with strength and love.
average rating is 4.9 out of 5, based on 4791 votes, reviews

Gregory E. Lang

Amazon round logo
Bookshop.org Icon
Bookshop.org

Gail Yerrill

Lovey Dovey, Celebrity Authors, NY Times Best Sellers

A #1 New York Times bestseller and Amazon Best Books of the Year selection! From Hoda Kotb, the Today show co-anchor and the #1 New York Times bestselling author of I’ve Loved You Since Forever,comes a bedtime snuggling book about gratitude for the things in life—both big and small—that bring us happiness. As mama bear and her cub cuddle together before closing their eyes for a good night’s sleep, they reflect on the everyday wonders of life that make them happy. Inspired by her own nighttime routine with her daughters, Haley Joy and Hope Catherine, Kotb creates another beautiful treasure for parents and children to enjoy together. With charming and lush illustrations from bestselling artist Suzie Mason, this soothing yet playful lullaby explores the simple joy of taking a moment to be grateful. Makes a lovely gift for baby showers, Mother's Day, and more.
average rating is 4.9 out of 5, based on 2496 votes, reviews

Hoda Kotb

Suzie Mason

Bravery, Being Yourself, Celebrity Authors, NY Times Best Sellers

From superstar entertainer John Cena comes a new picture-book series all about perseverance and believing in yourself, featuring a little monster truck named Elbow Grease! Meet Elbow Grease, a little monster truck with a big problem! He's smaller than his four brothers, but wants to prove that he has the guts and the grit to do big things. He decides that entering the Demolition Derby is the perfect way to show everyone that what he lacks in horsepower he makes up for in gumption. From multi-talented mega celebrity John Cena comes this exciting story about the importance of believing in yourself and never giving up. Full of high-octane illustrations and a new character kids will cheer for, this fun and fast-paced book proves that a little Elbow Grease . . . can go a long way!!
average rating is 4.8 out of 5, based on 2466 votes, reviews

John Cena

Howard McWilliam

Nature Lovers, NY Times Best Sellers, Being Adaptable

Perfect for fans of Fletcher and the Falling Leaves, The Leaf Thief is a funny picture book that teaches kids about autumn, adapting to change, and the seasons. Squirrel loves counting the leaves on his tree―red leaves, gold leaves, orange, and more. But hold on! One of his leaves is missing! On a quest to find the missing leaf, Squirrel teams up with his good friend Bird to discover who the leaf thief could be among their forest friends. With vibrant art and captivating characters, the magic of autumn is captured beautifully on each page as readers tag along Squirrel's forest adventure. Is there truly a leaf thief afoot, or is something else going on in Squirrel's forest? A perfect exploration of change―both seasonal, and the anxiety that change sometimes causes. Bonus material explaining about the changing of the seasons. Poised to be a new fall classic.
average rating is 4.8 out of 5, based on 2209 votes, reviews

Alice Hemming

Nicola Slater

Perspective, NY Times Best Sellers

This New York Times bestselling children's book is a smart, simple story that will make readers of all ages eager to take a side. From the award-winning team of author Amy Krouse Rosenthal and illustrator Tom Lichtenheld comes a clever take on the age-old optical illusion: is it a duck or a rabbit? Depends on how you look at it! Readers will find more than just Amy Krouse Rosenthal's signature humor here; there's also a subtle lesson for kids who don't know when to let go of an argument. ENGAGING AND THOUGHT-PROVOKING: Children will love the fun story based on the classic duck/rabbit visual puzzle, while parents will appreciate the book's lessons about differing points of view and right versus wrong.
average rating is 4.8 out of 5, based on 2154 votes, reviews

Amy Krouse Rosenthal

Ethics, NY Times Best Seller, Caldecott Medal

Jon Klassen for the smallest hands! A board book edition of the bestselling, multiple award-winning cautionary tale. A tiny fish proudly wears a blue hat. It fits him perfectly. Problem is, trouble could be following close behind... So it's a good thing that the enormous fish he took it from won't wake up. And even if he does, it's not as though he'll ever know what happened, right?
average rating is 4.7 out of 5, based on 2142 votes, reviews

Jon Klassen

Compassion, NY Times Best Sellers

Bruce the bear likes to keep to himself. That, and eat eggs. But when his hard-boiled goose eggs turn out to be real, live goslings, he starts to lose his appetite. And even worse, the goslings are convinced he's their mother. Bruce tries to get the geese to go south, but he can't seem to rid himself of his new companions. What's a bear to do?
average rating is 4.9 out of 5, based on 1987 votes, reviews

Ryan T. Higgins

Compassion, Emotions, Graduation, NY Times Best Sellers

What the Road Said is the New York Times-bestselling comforting and uplifting picture book from bestselling poet and activist Cleo Wade. Which way do I go? That is your choice to make, said the Road. But what if I go the wrong way? The Road curved a little, almost as if it was giving me a hug, and said, Do not worry. Sometimes we go the wrong way on our way to the right way. It's okay to be afraid or to sometimes wander down the wrong path. Bestselling poet and activist Cleo Wade's What the Road Said features illustrations by Lucie de Moyencourt and encourages us to lead with kindness and curiosity, remembering that the most important thing we can do in life is to keep going.
average rating is 4.9 out of 5, based on 1961 votes, reviews

Cleo Wade

Lucie de Moyencourt

Poetry, NY Times Best Seller

For the first time ever, 75 beloved songs from Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood and The Children's Corner are collected in this charmingly illustrated treasury, sure to be cherished by generations of children as well as the millions of adults who grew up with Mister Rogers. It’s you I like. It’s not the things you wear, It’s not the way you do your hair— But it’s you I like. From funny to sweet, silly to sincere, the lyrics of Mister Rogers explore such universal topics as feelings, new siblings, everyday life, imagination, and more. Through these songs—as well as endearing puppets and honest conversations—Mister Rogers instilled in his young viewers the values of kindness, self-awareness, and self-esteem. But most of all, he taught children that they are loved, just as they are. Perfect for bedtime, sing-along, or quiet time alone, this beautiful book of meaningful poetry is for every child—including the child inside of every one of us.
average rating is 4.9 out of 5, based on 1933 votes, reviews

Fred Rogers

Amazon round logo
Bookshop.org Icon
Bookshop.org

Luke Flowers

NY Times Best Seller, Unique Superpowers

An uplifting story about the power of art, finding your voice, and telling your story even when you’re out of step with your peers from the #1 bestselling creators of Sofia Valdez, Future Prez and Ada Twist, Scientist! Aaron Slater loves listening to stories and dreams of one day writing them himself. But when it comes to reading, the letters just look like squiggles to him, and it soon becomes clear he struggles more than his peers. When his teacher asks each child in the class to write a story, Aaron can’t get a single word down. He is sure his dream of being a storyteller is out of reach . . . until inspiration strikes, and Aaron finds a way to spin a tale in a way that is uniquely his. Printed with a dyslexia-friendly font, Aaron Slater, Illustrator tells the empowering story of a boy with dyslexia who discovers that his learning disability may inform who he is, but it does not define who he is, and that there are many ways to be a gifted communicator. Follow Iggy Peck, Rosie Revere, Ada Twist, Sofia Valdez, and Aaron Slater on all of their adventures! Add the picture books, chapter books, and activity books starring The Questioneers by Andrea Beaty and David Roberts to your family library today.
average rating is 4.9 out of 5, based on 1786 votes, reviews

Andrea Beaty

David Roberts

NY Times Best Sellers, Perseverance, Immigration Stories

We are resilience. We are hope. We are dreamers. Yuyi Morales brought her hopes, her passion, her strength, and her stories with her, when she came to the United States in 1994 with her infant son. She left behind nearly everything she owned, but she didn't come empty-handed. Dreamers is a celebration of making your home with the things you always carry: your resilience, your dreams, your hopes and history. It's the story of finding your way in a new place, of navigating an unfamiliar world and finding the best parts of it. In dark times, it's a promise that you can make better tomorrows. This lovingly-illustrated picture book memoir looks at the myriad gifts migrantes bring with them when they leave their homes. It's a story about family. And it's a story to remind us that we are all dreamers, bringing our own strengths wherever we roam. Beautiful and powerful at any time but given particular urgency as the status of our own Dreamers becomes uncertain, this is a story that is both topical and timeless. The lyrical text is complemented by sumptuously detailed illustrations, rich in symbolism. Also included are a brief autobiographical essay about Yuyi's own experience, a list of books that inspired her (and still do), and a description of the beautiful images, textures, and mementos she used to create this book. A parallel Spanish-language edition, Soñadores, is also available.
average rating is 4.9 out of 5, based on 1774 votes, reviews

Yuyi Morales

NY Times Best Sellers, Being Yourself

From the creator of the viral “Bones or No Bones” TikTok videos comes a sweet and entertaining picture book following Noodle the pug and his human as they navigate Noodle’s first No Bones Day—a day for being kind to yourself! Noodle is a sweet, silly old pug who enjoys doing all his favorite activities with his favorite human, Jonathan. But one day when Jonathan goes to take Noodle on his morning walk, he finds Noodle still comfortable in bed. When Jonathan lifts Noodle up, Noodle just flops over. It’s almost like Noodle woke up without any bones! Noodle isn’t sick or sad—but he also isn’t interested in going for walks or sitting outside (he will accept snacks, though). Today, all he needs are extra snuggles and belly rubs. Jonathan soon learns that not every day can be a Bones Day, and sometimes a No Bones Day is exactly what you need to get through the week.
average rating is 5 out of 5, based on 1742 votes, reviews

Jonathan Graziano

Dan Tavis

Christmas, NY Times Best Sellers

This New York Times bestselling Nordic tale in the tradition of The Snowman, The Polar Express, and the many books of Jan Brett will have readers of all ages believing in the magic of Christmas. This is one to pull out every year and savor! Long ago, a brave little girl named Anja wanted to be one of Santa's elves. So she leaves a note for her family and helps her elderly neighbor prepare for the holiday, then she straps on her skis, and heads out into the snowy landscape. From a red bird to a polar bear to a reindeer, a menagerie of winter animals help Anja make her way to Santa. A generous trim-size, matte cover, extraordinary photographs, and foiled title make this a special book for the holiday season.
average rating is 4.8 out of 5, based on 1736 votes, reviews

Lori Evert

Per Breiehagen

Being Yourself, NY Times Best Sellers

This sparkling New York Times bestselling picture book from Victoria and Elizabeth Kann celebrates all things pink while showing readers that being yourself is the best of all. This 10th anniversary edition of Pinkalicious features a special sticker and a glittery jacket just for the occasion. Pinkalicious loves all things pink. From fairy dresses to cotton candy to bubblegum. Most importantly she loves eating pink cupcakes. Mommy and Daddy warn her not to eat too many, but Pinkalicious can’t help herself. They’re just too good! But when Pinkalicious eats one too many, she turns pink herself! What will she do? Pinkalicious is the first picture book starring Pinkalicious and her family. She stars in five more picture books—Purplicious, Goldilicious, Silverlicious, Emeraldalicious, and Aqualicious—as well as I Can Reads, doodle books, and more!
average rating is 4.8 out of 5, based on 1726 votes, reviews

Victoria Kann

Diverse Leads, NY Times Best Sellers, Celebrity Authors

Shady Baby keeps it real in this picture book collaboration by New York Times bestselling duo actress and producer Gabrielle Union and NBA superstar and businessman Dwyane Wade. Based on their famous baby girl, Kaavia James: After a long morning of being fabulous, Shady Baby heads to the park for a relaxing play session. But what does she find?! Some not-so-nice kids picking on others. Shady flashes them a look—her famous side eye—and teaches them that it’s better to play nice. But when her feelings are hurt, will anyone stand (or crawl) by her side? Find out in this upbeat picture book that teaches kids to speak their minds and stand up for what they believe in. Perfect for fans of The Boss Baby and Feminist Baby!
average rating is 4.8 out of 5, based on 1684 votes, reviews

Gabrielle Union

Amazon round logo
Bookshop.org Icon
Bookshop.org

Tara Nicole Whitaker

NY Times Best Sellers, Diversity, Diverse Leads

The unforgettable bestseller Wonder, now a major motion picture, has inspired a nationwide movement to Choose Kind. Now parents and educators can introduce the importance of choosing kind to younger readers with this gorgeous picture book, featuring Auggie and Daisy on an original adventure, written and illustrated by R. J. Palacio. Over 6 million people have fallen in love with Wonder and have joined the movement to Choose Kind. Now younger readers can meet Auggie Pullman, an ordinary boy with an extraordinary face, and his beloved dog, Daisy.
average rating is 4.8 out of 5, based on 1637 votes, reviews

R. J. Palacio

Caldecott Medal, True Stories, NY Times Best Sellers

A #1 New York Times Bestseller and Winner of the Caldecott Medal about the remarkable true story of the bear who inspired Winnie-the-Pooh. In 1914, Harry Colebourn, a veterinarian on his way to tend horses in World War I, followed his heart and rescued a baby bear. He named her Winnie, after his hometown of Winnipeg, and he took the bear to war. Harry Colebourn's real-life great-granddaughter tells the true story of a remarkable friendship and an even more remarkable journey--from the fields of Canada to a convoy across the ocean to an army base in England... And finally to the London Zoo, where Winnie made another new friend: a real boy named Christopher Robin. Before Winnie-the-Pooh, there was a real bear named Winnie. And she was a girl!
average rating is 4.9 out of 5, based on 1605 votes, reviews

Lindsay Mattick

Sophie Blackall

Bedtime, NY Times Best Sellers

Perfect for bedtime reading, children love the laugh-aloud antics of playful Tyrannosaur-sized dinosaur children who stomp and fuss and jump on the bed in this award-winning New York Times bestseller! Celebrate the 20th anniversary of one of the most popular good-night books ever. Simple verse and hilarious illustrations present common scenes of sly humor as enormous dinosaur children yawn and fuss and throw their toys about-before finally going to sleep. Wildly popular, this book set off an award-winning series with more than 15 million books in print, and it's still going strong. Children will find the name of each dinosaur hidden in the pictures, which are a delight from start to finish. Be prepared to read it again and again!
average rating is 4.9 out of 5, based on 1543 votes, reviews

Jane Yolen

Mark Teague

Being Yourself, Celebrity Authors, Fathers, School

Leading actor, producer and director Channing Tatum's picture book debut, The One and Only Sparkella is a charming ode to self-esteem and the love between a father and daughter―illustrated by Kim Barnes. Ella is excited for her first day at a new school. Glimmering pencil case? Check! Shimmering backpack? Check! Glittery ribbons in her hair? Check! She can't wait to meet the other kids and share her sparkly personality. But her first day doesn't go quite as planned: Her new classmates don't like her disco-ball shoes, her PB&J-with-sprinkles sandwich, or her rainbow-y unicorn painting. Ella decides to try to be less sparkly at school the next day so the other kids won't make fun of her. But with a little help from her dad, she soon learns the importance of just being herself, no matter what other people say.
average rating is 4.8 out of 5, based on 1361 votes, reviews

Channing Tatum

Kim Barnes

Friendship, NY Times Best Sellers, Cooperative Crowds

A group of clever animals find an unusual but warm and furry home during Alaska's long winter in Jan Brett's newest snowy adventure. Cozy is the softest musk ox in Alaska, with the warmest fur you ever did feel. When a storm hits while he's separated from his family, he starts to feel lonely—but not for long. As the snow piles up, animals start to notice just how warm and cozy Cozy really is! One mama lemming has a bright idea . . . maybe the best place to spend the winter is under Cozy's fur! As more and more animals burrow in, Cozy adds to the house rules: quiet voices, gentle thumping, claws to yourself, no biting, and no pouncing. That seems easy enough . . . until the lemmings, snowshoe hare, snowy owl, arctic fox, and wolverine begin to bicker. Luckily, signs of spring soon appear, and that means Cozy can find his herd and his new friends can head to their summer homes. But not before promising to get cozy with Cozy next year! Jan Brett brings a new lovable character to life through this gorgeous tale of sharing, friendship, and living in harmony.
average rating is 4.9 out of 5, based on 1108 votes, reviews

Jan Brett

Amazon round logo
Bookshop.org Icon
Bookshop.org

Folktales, Celebrity Authors, NY Times Best Sellers

Academy Award-winning actress, director, producer, and activist Natalie Portman retells three classic fables and imbues them with wit and wisdom in this New York Times bestselling book. From realizing that there is no “right” way to live to respecting our planet and learning what really makes someone a winner, the messages at the heart of Natalie Portman’s Fables are modern takes on timeless life lessons. Told with a playful, kid-friendly voice and perfectly paired with Janna Mattia’s charming artwork, Portman’s insightful retellings of The Tortoise and the Hare, The Three Little Pigs, and Country Mouse and City Mouse are ideal for reading aloud and are sure to become beloved additions to family libraries. An instant New York Times bestseller!
average rating is 4.7 out of 5, based on 1104 votes, reviews

Natalie Portman

Janna Mattia

Unique Superpowers, NY Times Best Sellers

An instant #1 New York Times bestselling picture book and Dolly Gray Award winner! A Day With No Words invites readers into the life of an Autism Family who communicates just as the child does, without spoken language. The American Library Association Booklist starred review boasts, “The story is written from the boy's first-person perspective, however—a clever choice in that it gives readers a direct look into his mind and reinforces the book's crucial statement that nonverbal people have as many words and as much intelligence as anyone else. Cosgrove's art, throughout, does an amazing job of transporting readers into his perspective, employing various color tones, metaphoric imagery, and ‘camera’ angles to reflect the deep expressiveness contained in every page [...] through this book, neurotypicals' eyes will be opened, and everyone in Autistic Families will feel seen—and heard.”
average rating is 5 out of 5, based on 1094 votes, reviews

Tiffany Hammond

Kate Cosgrove

NY Times Best Sellers

"Doctor De Soto, the dentist, did very good work." With the aid of his able assistant, Mrs. De Soto, he copes with the toothaches of animals large and small. His expertise is so great that his fortunate patients never feel any pain. Since he's a mouse, Doctor De Soto refuses to treat "dangerous" animals--that is, animals who have a taste for mice. But one day a fox shows up and begs for relief from the tooth that's killing him. How can the kindhearted De Sotos turn him away? But how can they make sure that the fox doesn't give in to his baser instincts once his tooth is fixed? Those clever De Sotos will find a way. Doctor De Soto is a 1982 New York Times Book Review Notable Children's Book of the Year and Outstanding Book of the Year, a 1983 Boston Globe - Horn Book Awards Honor Book for Picture Books, and a 1983 Newbery Honor Book.
average rating is 4.9 out of 5, based on 1002 votes, reviews

William Steig

Amazon round logo
Bookshop.org Icon
Bookshop.org

Pets, NY Times Best Sellers, Bravery

An NPR Favorite Book of 2019 A New York Times Best Children’s book of 2019 A Kirkus Reviews Best Picture Book of 2019 A School Library Journal Best Picture Book of 2019 "An enchanting tale of bravery, heroism, and undying devotion." —The New York Times Book Review After his best friend Sarah leaves for her first day of school, a tortoise named Truman goes on an adventure across the living room and learns to be brave in this thoughtful and heartwarming twist on a first experience story. Truman the tortoise lives with his Sarah, high above the taxis and the trash trucks and the number eleven bus, which travels south. He never worries about the world below…until one day, when Sarah straps on a big backpack and does something Truman has never seen before. She boards the bus! Truman waits for her to return. He waits. And waits. And waits. And when he can wait no longer, he knows what he must do. Even if it seems…impossible!
average rating is 4.8 out of 5, based on 923 votes, reviews

Jean Reidy

Amazon round logo
Bookshop.org Icon
Bookshop.org

Lucy Ruth Cummins

Wordless, NY Times Best Sellers, Caldecott Medal

This New York Times bestselling and award-winning fable of compassion and kindness, as reimagined by legendary artist Jerry Pinkney, is an essential addition to any bookshelf of children’s classics. In award-winning artist Jerry Pinkney's wordless adaptation of one of Aesop's most beloved fables, an unlikely pair learn that no act of kindness is ever wasted. After a ferocious lion spares a cowering mouse that he'd planned to eat, the mouse later comes to his rescue, freeing him from a poacher's trap. With vivid depictions of the landscape of the African Serengeti and expressively-drawn characters, Pinkney makes this a truly special retelling, and his stunning pictures speak volumes.
average rating is 4.7 out of 5, based on 923 votes, reviews

Jerry Pinkney

NY Times Best Sellers, Emotions

From Newbery Medal-winning author Matt de la Peña and bestselling illustrator Loren Long comes a story about the strongest bond there is and the diverse and powerful ways it connects us all. "In the beginning there is light and two wide-eyed figures standing near the foot of your bed and the sound of their voices is love. ... A cab driver plays love softly on his radio while you bounce in back with the bumps of the city and everything smells new, and it smells like life." In this heartfelt celebration of love, Newbery Medal-winning author Matt de la Peña and bestselling illustrator Loren Long depict the many ways we experience this universal bond, which carries us from the day we are born throughout the years of our childhood and beyond. With a lyrical text that's soothing and inspiring, this tender tale is a needed comfort and a new classic that will resonate with readers of every age.
average rating is 4.7 out of 5, based on 765 votes, reviews

Matt de la Peña

Loren Long

NY Times Best Sellers, Humorous

A New York Times bestselling picture book from Newbery Medal–winning author Neil Gaiman and acclaimed illustrator Adam Rex! Chu is a little panda with a big sneeze. When Chu sneezes, bad things happen. But as Chu and his parents visit the library, the diner, and the circus, will anyone hear Chu when he starts to feel a familiar tickle in his nose? Chu's Day is a story that reflects upon how young children aren't always listened to…sometimes to calamitous effect.
average rating is 4.8 out of 5, based on 661 votes, reviews

Neil Gaiman

Adam Rex

Compassion, NY Times Best Sellers

A New York Times bestseller​! “It’s impossible to resist [this book’s] big-hearted appeal.” —BookPage ​A little girl and her friend Bear learn the true meaning of selfless kindness in this sweet, stunningly illustrated debut picture book. Bear is sad. All the other animals think he’s mean because he’s so big. But his human friend, Coco, offers to help him. Coco shares her grandmother’s advice: “When life gets dark as winter’s night, share some kindness, bring some light.” They decide to bake cookies to “share some kindness” and make lanterns to “bring some light.” But when the cookies and lanterns don’t work, they must look for another way to win over the other animals. And while they’re at it, Coco and Bear just might discover that kindness is a gift that only comes from the heart.
average rating is 4.9 out of 5, based on 557 votes, reviews

Apryl Stott

NY Times Best Sellers, Friendship

A #1 New York Times bestseller from the creators of the beloved Dragons Love Tacos comes a rollicking, rhyme-tastic, interactive high five competition--starring YOU! Discover the lost art of the high five and improve your slapping skills just in time for the annual high five contest! From hand-limbering stretches to lessons on five-ing with finesse, readers are guided through a series of interactive challenges, each goofier than the next. Acclaimed creative duo Adam Rubin and Daniel Salmieri have dreamed up another one-of-a-kind, laugh-out-loud book that kids will beg to read again and again.
average rating is 4.8 out of 5, based on 518 votes, reviews

Adam Rubin

Daniel Salmieri

NY Times Best Sellers, Emotions

The Sour Grape holds grudges for every reason under the sun. Lime never returned a scarf they borrowed? Grudge! Orange never called back? Grudge! But when a friend holds a grudge against the Sour Grape without listening to an explanation, the Sour Grape realizes how unfair grudges can be. Could a bunch of forgiveness and compassion be enough to turn a sour grape sweet?
average rating is 4.8 out of 5, based on 481 votes, reviews

Jory John

Pete Oswald

Indigenous Leads, Lovey Dovey, NY Times Best Sellers

This unique baby book sings with Native cultural detail, while striking a universal chord in its celebration of the blossoming of love that comes with expecting and welcoming a new baby--with art by New York Times bestselling illustrator and Caldecott Medalist Michaela Goade As she waits for the arrival of her new baby, a mother-to-be gathers gifts to create a sacred bundle. A white feather, cedar and sage, a stone from the river . . . Each addition to the bundle will offer the new baby strength and connection to tradition, family, and community. As they grow together, mother and baby will each have gifts to offer each other. Tasha Spillett-Sumner and Michaela Goade, two Indigenous creators, bring beautiful words and luminous art together in a resonant celebration of the bond between mother and child.
average rating is 4.9 out of 5, based on 480 votes, reviews

Tasha Spillett-Sumner

Michaela Goade

Being Yourself, Emotions, NY Times Best Sellers

This deeply moving story shares valuable lessons about fitting in, standing out, and the beauty of joyful acceptance, from a New York Times bestselling and award-winning creator. The first picture book written and illustrated by award-winning creator Vashti Harrison traces a child’s journey to self-love and shows the power of words to both hurt and heal. With spare text and exquisite illustrations, this emotional exploration of being big in a world that prizes small is a tender portrayal of how you can stand out and feel invisible at the same time.
average rating is 4.8 out of 5, based on 456 votes, reviews

Vashti Harrison

Celebrity Authors, Spanish, NY Times Best Sellers

Con Pollo: A Bilingual Playtime Adventure is an engaging and hilarious picture book that serves young readers as an introduction to basic Spanish vocabulary, brought to life by superstar team-up Jimmy Fallon and Jennifer Lopez. Meet Pollo, a friendly little chicken who just wants to play. And play, and play, and play all day! Pollo makes any activity more fun. Why just go to the beach when you could go to la playa con Pollo? Do you want to play soccer, or play fútbol con Pollo? Do you want to go dancing, or bailar con Pollo? Whatever you decide to do, you're in for a busy, adventurous day with your new friend, Pollo!
average rating is 4.7 out of 5, based on 446 votes, reviews

Jimmy Fallon

Andrea Campos

Caldecott Medal, NY Times Best Seller, Wordless

This New York Times Bestseller and New York Times Best Illustrated Book relates a story about love and loss as only Chris Rashcka can tell it. Any child who has ever had a beloved toy break will relate to Daisy's anguish when her favorite ball is destroyed by a bigger dog. In the tradition of his nearly wordless picture book Yo! Yes?, Caldecott Medalist Chris Raschka explores in pictures the joy and sadness that having a special toy can bring. Raschka's signature swirling, impressionistic illustrations and his affectionate story will particularly appeal to young dog lovers and teachers and parents who have children dealing with the loss of something special.
average rating is 4.7 out of 5, based on 403 votes, reviews

Chris Raschka

Boynton Bests, Graduation, NY Times Best Sellers, Perseverance

A New York Times bestseller! Beloved author Sandra Boynton—and a very exuberant chicken!—have an important message to share in this inspiring and highly giftable all-ages picture book for every life milestone. Whether you are learning to skate, baking a cake, or even making a mistake, this hilarious and heartfelt rhyming book reminds us that trying our best is reason to celebrate. From children trying to master new skills to adults who had a hard week at work, we all get overwhelmed sometimes and need reassurance. And who better to offer it than a chicken exclaiming: “WOO HOO! YOU’RE DOING GREAT!” The ideal gift to cheer on kids and adults through life’s milestones—both big and small—including moving up ceremonies and graduations, birthdays, testing out a hobby, starting out somewhere new, and so much more.
average rating is 4.9 out of 5, based on 383 votes, reviews

Sandra Boynton

Compassion, Growth Mindset, Diverse Leads, NY Times Best Seller

The stunning new picture book by presidential inaugural poet Amanda Gorman and Caldecott Honor-winning illustrator Christian Robinson You’re told that This won’t work, But how will you know If you never try? Presidential inaugural poet and #1 New York Times bestselling author Amanda Gorman and Caldecott Honor and Coretta Scott King Honor winner Christian Robinson have created a timeless message of hope. Sometimes the world feels broken. And problems seem too big to fix. But somehow, we all have the power to make a difference. With a little faith, and maybe the help of a friend, together we can find beauty and create change. With intimate and inspiring text and powerfully stunning illustrations, Something, Someday reveals how even the smallest gesture can have a lasting impact.
average rating is 4.9 out of 5, based on 228 votes, reviews

Amanda Gorman

Christian Robinson

Emotions, Caldecott Medal, NY Times Best Sellers, Nature Lovers

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • WINNER OF THE 2023 CALDECOTT MEDAL • This glowing and playful picture book features an overheated—and overwhelmed—pup who finds his calm with some sea, sand, and fresh air. Destined to become a classic! This hot dog has had enough of summer in the city! Enough of sizzling sidewalks, enough of wailing sirens, enough of people's feet right in his face. When he plops down in the middle of a crosswalk, his owner endeavors to get him the breath of fresh air he needs. She hails a taxi, hops a train, and ferries out to the beach. Here, a pup can run! With fluid art and lyrical text that have the soothing effect of waves on sand, award-winning author Doug Salati shows us how to find calm and carry it back with us so we can appreciate the small joys in a day.
average rating is 4.7 out of 5, based on 182 votes, reviews

Doug Salati

NY Times Best Sellers, Being Yourself, Graduation

From #1 New York Times bestselling creator Peter H. Reynolds and talented debut author Marc Colagiovanni comes an inspirational story about optimism, overcoming adversity, and forging your own path. "One day for no particular reason, nothing was going right. Absolutely positively, nothing was going right. So, I decided to go left..." Told through creative language play, and with depth and whimsy, this picture book reminds readers of their own agency and the power they have to direct their own path. Marc Colagiovanni’s lyrical text and Peter H. Reynolds's stunning art create an enduring message of strength and perseverance that is both universal and personal, and one that readers will be drawn to over and over again. This first of two new picture books created in collaboration with Marc and Peter will inspire, affirm, and reassure readers at key milestone moments in every young reader's life. When Things Aren't Going Right, Go Left makes an inspiring graduation gift as well as a must-have, uplifting read sure to bring positivity to all who read it and remind us that even when nothing is going right… we can always choose to go left.
average rating is 4.8 out of 5, based on 82 votes, reviews

Marc Colagiovanni

Amazon round logo
Bookshop.org Icon
Bookshop.org

Peter H. Reynolds

Food, NY Times Best Sellers, Celebrity Authors

From Netflix star and New York Times bestselling author Phil Rosenthal and his daughter Lily comes a hilarious picture book about a food-loving dad encouraging his picky eater daughter to just try something new. Phil has one rule about food: try everything at least once. Otherwise, how will you know what you like? His daughter Lil disagrees. She already knows what she likes—just bread and pasta with no sauce—and that’s all there is to it! When the two go to a food truck festival, Phil tries introducing Lil to all kinds of delicious cuisine, but she doesn’t budge. Just when it looks like it’s going to be a very long day, an unexpected mustard accident changes everything.
average rating is 4.6 out of 5, based on 58 votes, reviews

Phil Rosenthal

Luke Flowers

NY Times Best Sellers

meaningful additions

Children learn and hear more than we think.  Books provide context for new and potentially confusing topics, and give caregivers a way to approach complex topics.

Balanced Rocks
bottom of page