SLJ has named their best books of the year.  I’m breaking them into the categories to make for easier browsing.  Here are their top picture books for 2012:

  

The Bear in the Book by Kate Banks, illustrated by Greg Hallensleben

Each Kindness by Jacqueline Woodson, illustrated by E. B. Lewis

 

Extra Yarn by Mac Barnett, illustrated by Jon Klassen

Goldilocks and the Three Dinosaurs by Mo Willems

 

Jimmy the Greatest! by Jairo Buitrago, illustrated by Rafael Yockteng

Mice by Rose Fyleman, illustrated by Lois Ehlert

  

Oh, No! by Candace Fleming, illustrated by Eric Rohmann

Penny and Her Doll by Kevin Henkes

Rocket Writes a Story by Tad Hills

 

Sadie and Ratz by Sonya Hartnett, illustrated by Ann James

Sleep Like a Tiger by Mary Logue, illustrated by Pamela Zagarenski

 

This Is Not My Hat by Jon Klassen

Unspoken: A Story from the Underground Railroad by Henry Cole

Z Is for Moose by Kelly Bingham, illustrated by Paul O. Zelinsky