2024 is half over in a few days, and here are some of the best children’s picture books published so far this year.
If you’re writing children’s picture books yourself, reading these will help you keep up with the current market, so you know what editors have been looking for in the last year or so (remember – it usually takes at least a year for a book to be published).
Plus, you might be able to use some of these books as comp. titles in your queries, if any of them are similar to what you’ve written.
They’re also great books for your children’s or grandchildren’s home libraries.
Children’s Picture Books – New in 2024
Title: Hope is a Rainbow – by Hoda Kotb, illustrated by Chloe Dominique
Publication Date: January 16, 2024
Publisher: HarperCollins
Description: This poetic book by Hoda Kotb, co-host of the Today Show, explores themes of hope and dreaming big. The illustrations by Chloe Dominique are vibrant and captivating, making this an inspiring read for young children.
Sources: Publisher’s website: HarperCollins. Book retailer: Amazon
Title: I Am Extraordinary – by Stephen Curry, illustrated by Geneva Bowers
Publication Date: March 12, 2024
Publisher: Penguin Workshop
Description: NBA superstar Stephen Curry’s second picture book focuses on embracing what makes you unique. The story follows Zoe, who feels self-conscious about her hearing aids but learns to gain confidence with the help of new friends.
Sources: Publisher’s website: Penguin Workshop. Book retailer: Amazon
Title: Ready to Soar – written and illustrated Cori Doerrfeld
Publication Date: February 6, 2024
Publisher: Dial Books
Description: From the author and illustrator of The Rabbit Listened, this story is about Riley, who doubts his paper airplane-making skills until a supportive friend helps him believe in himself. It’s a touching tale about self-belief and friendship.
Sources: Publisher’s website: Penguin Random House Review: Kirkus Reviews (Kirkus Reviews) Review: Publishers Weekly (PublishersWeekly.com)
Title: Piper Chen Sings – by Phillipa Soo and Maris Pasquale Doran, illustrated by Qin Leng
Publication Date: April 2, 2024
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Description: Inspired by the childhood of Phillipa Soo, this book follows confident singer Piper as she prepares for a solo performance. With the help of her grandmother, Piper learns to overcome her stage fright and trust in her abilities.
Sources: Publisher’s website: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers Book retailer: Amazon
Title: A Wild, Windy Night – by Yui Abe
Publication Date: April 2, 2024
Publisher: Scholastic
Description: This book features bold, dark illustrations that tell the story of a boy playing hide-and-seek with the wind. The playful and onomatopoeic text makes it a fun and engaging read for young children.
Sources: Publisher’s website: Scholastic Book retailer: Amazon
Title: A Sundae with Everything On It – by Kyle Scheele, illustrated by Andy J. Pizza
Publication Date: May 7, 2024
Publisher: Chronicle Books
Description: In this imaginative adventure, a boy and his mom travel through universes made of ice cream, bowls, and spoons. The colorful artwork and whimsical story make it an enjoyable read.
Sources: Publisher’s website: Chronicle Books. Book retailer: Amazon
Title: Two Together – by Brendan Wenzel
Publication Date: May 21, 2024
Publisher: Henry Holt and Co. (BYR)
Description: This beautifully illustrated book uses markers and colored pencils to tell a rhyming story of a dog and cat who travel the world together, celebrating friendship and adventure.
Sources: Publisher’s website: Macmillan Book retailer: Amazon
Title: A Voice Like Yours – by Frank Murphy and April Groman, illustrated by Kayla Harren
Publication Date: March 5, 2024
Publisher: Sleeping Bear Press
Description: This book explores the many ways you can use your voice to express yourself and connect with others. It’s an affirmative and inspirational read with stunning illustrations.
Sources: Publisher’s website: Sleeping Bear Press. Book retailer: Amazon
Title: The Magic Box: A Book of Opposites – by Charles Ghigna, illustrated by Jacqueline East
Publication Date: March 26, 2024
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Description: Pandora the panda discovers a magical box that takes her on an exciting opposites adventure. This rhyming book is perfect for preschoolers and teaches the concept of opposites in a fun way.
Sources: Publisher’s website: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Book retailer: Amazon
These books cover a range of themes from hope and self-confidence to adventure and friendship, making them wonderful additions to any child’s library.
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