The Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) announced the winners of their 2026 Golden Kite Awards which celebrate the best children’s literature published in 2025. Here are the winners:
When a too-tight shoe causes a full tantrum for the little child in this picture book, it leads to screaming, flopping on the floor even if the child doesn’t really want to. Perhaps they will just live on the floor forever. They refuse to put on the shoe, hate every shoe and throw the shoe, and then their mother loses her temper too, and gets the shoe and everyone apologizes for the yelling. Then, it’s time for hugs and knowing that nothing, even a shoe tantrum, will change their love for one another.
Fogliano captures the entire life of a tantrum in this clever picture book about modern parenting. The voice, using second person, works really well here so that a small child listening to the book hears the love throughout. I particularly appreciate that the mother loses her temper too, as one does, and there is no shame, just apologies and moving on. The illustrations by Frazee are done in her signature style. Here, she plays with color seeping away from the page as the tantrum rages, only to return to rich color as it resolves. The twist at the end is a delight too.
A terrific read for tantrum-prone toddlers and parents. Appropriate for ages 2-5.
The Sweater by Larissa Theule, illustrated by Teagan White
Publisher: Viking Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: February 10, 2026
Reviewed from Edelweiss e-galley
ISBN: 9780593528945
When Holly the Raccoon finds a little bird who seems to be needing some care and shelter, she lets him find his own spot and then heads off to make the rounds. Everyone gave what they could and then Holly headed home to knit a gift to welcome the bird to the community. The next morning, snow came and the sweater that everyone had contributed to fit the little bird perfectly. Everyone helped him shore up his home to keep the wind and snow out. Soon all of the animals were forced to take shelter for the winter in their various dens and homes. Then one morning, the little bird knew exactly what he could share with them to give his thanks: his voice.
This book could have been overly sweet but manages to not be thanks to its focus on giving and community and sharing the fact openly that life can sometimes be hard and that support from others can be helpful if done with care. The text is filled with small touches like the various small items donated and how each animal spends their winter hours in their dens. The art picks those details up and creates a vibrant community of animals who all support one another. They are a delight of color and cozy feels.
A book to snuggle up with. Appropriate for ages 3-6.
We Need Diverse Books has announced the winners of the 2026 Walter Dean Myers Awards. They are given in two age categories. Here are the winning books and honor books:
Rita was so bored. She was too bored to read or draw or think. She tried to surprise herself in the mirror and stretch so far that she could reach the top of her door. She couldn’t do either of those. Nothing else worked either. Rita wondered how many other people in the world were bored too. Perhaps, they could all get onto a bus that would take them to a special place just for bored people. Rita imagined that the bored people would fill up like balloons from everyone yawning so much and float into the sky. In the sky, they discover an island below them that is interesting and manage to land there. It’s boring there, but people start to invent things to do. Even Rita does. But that’s when her Mom calls and Rita might just be too busy to be bored now.
A playful yet wise look at boredom and how it can get your mind going in new directions that would not otherwise be explored. Rita and her boredom is itself a funny take filled with yawns, desperation and malaise. Her wild imaginative musings take the book in a new and colorful direction. The illustrations in the book work to show just how normal and dull Rita’s room and house are. They adjust beautifully as her imagination begins, the dull colors steadily changing.
Just the right book for kids who could use a little boredom. Appropriate for ages 3-5.
Billy was having a sad day. His friend Hippo thought he knew exactly what Billy needed. Dressing up! Billy tried to explain that it wasn’t helping, but Hippo had another idea. Perhaps dancing in the cherry blossoms or being up high in a tree. Billy tried again to explain. Hippo instead headed for a pirate ship but Billy felt seasick. Maybe magic carpets? Perhaps a party? Billy finally told Hippo that he just wanted Hippo to listen to him. So what did Hippo do next? Exactly that.
Evans builds up the tension as Hippo ignores Billy’s needs again and again. Using more and more outrageous responses that all seem to lead to costume changes, Hippo is invested in using fun to make (perhaps force) Billy to feel happy again. When the tension breaks, the best part is that Hippo is right there for Billy, creating and holding space for his feelings, not interrupting and offering a hug at just the right time. The art in this picture book has a marvelous timeless feel as does Hippo and his wild distractions. The pair together on a couch under a fuzzy blanket is sure to give even the saddest among us a little smile.
Get distracted by Hippo, stay for the heart-felt connection. Appropriate for ages 3-5.
A small cat needs all the parts of its body, including a tail if they are willing to stand still to get one. A small cat needs to be able to run away and come back with a mouse. A small cat needs to eat, needs a place to have privacy. She needs to get wet in the rain, then protected from it. Perhaps a room with walls to stop the wind, and a window to watch the birds. She needs a door to wait at for someone to come home and hold her close.
There is so much charm in this Russian picture book that shows empathy and warmth for the small cat throughout. The book never veers into sentimentality, instead focusing on what the cat needs to survive and thrive in a cold and wet world. The text is lovely with moments of humor that will invite children to linger with this small cat. The illustrations are done in acrylic paint, watercolor pencil and digitally. They have a whimsical quality to them that matches the text, filled with softness even when dark and rainy.
A small delight of a picture book. Appropriate for ages 3-5.
The Carnegies are the UK’s longest running children’s book awards. They offer two medals, one for illustration and one for writing. Here are the longlisted titles for 2026.
When Nuha visits Oman with her mother, she isn’t sure that she’s going to like it at all. Her grandmother feels like a stranger since they haven’t seen one another for three years. When Nuha accidentally leaves her favorite doll behind, her grandmother takes her to the souk to see if they can find a new doll together. Nuha isn’t thrilled to go and rejects the first dolls they find since they don’t have golden hair like her favorite doll. But soon she finds herself drawn into the souk, tasting some food, getting henna, making music, and watching the sun set over the sea. Nuha just might be ready for a brand new doll who looks like her and her grandmother.
This picture book is will speak to every child visiting a forgotten grandmother after some time away. Jadda’s patience with her reluctant granddaughter is beautifully shown and Nuha’s changing attitude happens organically and is very believable. Readers will also get to glimpse a souk and Akbari shares many of the sensory experiences to be had there. The illustrations are bright and friendly, filled with beautiful fabrics and colors of Oman.
A book worth visiting. Appropriate for ages 3-5.
Mungo on His Own by Matthew Burgess, illustrated by Julie Benbassat
Publisher: Clarion Books
Publication Date: January 27, 2026
Reviewed from Edelweiss e-galley
ISBN: 9780063216716
Mungo the fox cub is still hungry after dinner, so he asks his mother if he can go out in the dark and go to the berry bush. This would be the first time he ever foraged on his own before. It was a windy night and sometimes the bushes looked like big animals. He had to cross the river using slippery stepping stones, and oops he was suddenly all wet. Then there was the road to cross with its large beasts that roared past. Hearing a frightening noise, Mungo hid in a hollow tree. He thought about going back home but then remembered all that his mother had taught him and started using his nose. He reached the berry bush when it started to snow, making his trip back magical.
This story will inspire children to head on their own adventures with their parents’ blessing. It is particularly important that Mungo faced not only imagined dangers but real ones like cold river water and cars. The mix of the two makes the book all the more effective as does Mungo’s mixed success at the variety of challenges that face him. It’s not perfect but he’s successful indeed. The illustrations celebrate night in the woods, offering just the right amount of darkness lit effectively by Mungo’s own red coat. They are a delightful mix of cute animals and potential danger.
A grand adventure with a sweet ending. Appropriate for ages 3-5.
Suuban woke up and checked to see if her front teeth were loose, but they didn’t wiggle at all. Her mother wouldn’t let her herd the goats by herself until she lost her front teeth, probably four more months from now. Time passed slowly, but eventually four months passed and Suuban had practiced taking care of the goats and sheep in their yard. One of her teeth was still in her mouth, so Suuban solved it herself using a butting goat. Now she was ready! Suuban headed out to the termite mound, the farthest she was allowed to go. She kept a lookout for danger but eventually drifted off to sleep. Luckily, she woke up in time to save her baby goat from a wily fox. What will Suuban do next?
Set in the Somalian desert among the nomadic tribes, this picture book shows a different way of life than we have in America. The book shows the respect Suuban has for her parents, following their rules for what she is allowed to do. Yet she is still a child, learning from her mistakes and choices. The book takes its time as Suuban must wait for her teeth to loosen, sharing patience with the reader. The illustrations are key to understanding the lifestyle of the nomadic people, from their movable homes to their herding animals. It is captured with respect and beauty.
Patience, responsibility and a glimpse of a different way of life. Appropriate for ages 3-5.
The International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY) has announced the shortlisted authors and illustrators for the 2026 Hans Christian Andersen Award. The international award is given for lifetime achievement and continuing relevance. The winners will be announced in April at the Bologna International Children’s Book Fair. Here are the shortlisted creators:
Waking Brain Cells 