Another by Christian Robinson

Cleverly designed, this wordless picture book is a joy to experience.

Bear Came Along by Richard T. Morris, illustrated by LeUyen Pham

A wild ride of a book that is really all about shared fun and community.

The Bell Rang by James E. Ransome

A harrowing look at slavery and freedom, this picture book reveals the truth of our American history.

Between Us and Abuela: A Family Story from the Border by Mitali Perkins, illustrated by Sara Palacios

A strong and purposeful look at walls, immigration and family.

Birdsong by Julie Flett 

The entire book has a gorgeous quiet to it that allows space for creativity to thrive.

The Book in the Book in the Book by Julien Baer, illustrated by Simon Bailly   

The art and book design here are fantastic. The nested books even feel right inside the larger images that form a frame around them.

Camp Tiger by Susan Choi, illustrated by John Rocco 

I am trying not to simply gush in superlatives about this book.

Fry Bread: A Native American Family Story by Kevin Noble Maillard, illustrated by Juana Martinez-Neal

This picture book is about far more than a delicious family treat. Maillard looks at its connection to our nation’s history, the damage caused by the European invasion, and what fry bread means today.
   

Inside Outside by Anne-Margot Ramstein and Matthias Aregui

So gorgeously designed, the modern illustrations in this book have a harmonious feel to them as readers progress through boats caught in storms, ocean life, and even pounding hearts.

Just in Case You Want to Fly by Julie Fogliano, illustrated by Christian Robinson

This book is exhilarating and filled with dreams of journeys large and small.

Llama Destroys the World by Jonathan Stutzman, illustrated by Heather Fox

Funny, scientific and zany, this picture book is so much fun.

Lubna and Pebble by Wendy Meddour, illustrated by Daniel Egneus

Showing a more universal experience of refugees fleeing a war-torn country, the book really allows readers to deeply feel the loneliness and fright of a young child caught in this situation.

A Map into the World by Kao Kalia Yang, illustrated by Seo Kim

There is a beautiful delicacy to this entire book from the fine-lined illustrations to the skillful balancing of seasons changing, new babies and someone passing.

My Papi Has a Motorcycle by Isabel Quintero, illustrated by Zeke Pena

A summer treat of a book, this one is worth the ride.

Pokko and the Drum by Matthew Forsythe

Unique and lovely, this is one to beat the drum for!

The Proudest Blue by Ibtihaj Muhammad with S. K. Ali, illustrated by Hatem Aly

Laced with quotes and insights from their mother, the book offers wells of strength, confidence and self-esteem to the girls that they carry with them.

River by Elisha Cooper

There is something so invigorating and inspiring about this glimpse of someone making a journey of a lifetime.

Saturday by Oge Mora

Another winner from a gifted artist and storyteller.

Small in the City by Sydney Smith

A stellar picture book that reveals the heart of the city and the heart of a child.

A Stone Sat Still by Brendan Wenzel

This is a book willing to be slow and thoughtful. It takes its own time and asks the reader or listener to do the same. It is grounded in the most wonderful of ways.

Stormy by Guojing

A great wordless picture book about building trust and finding a home.

Sulwe by Lupita Nyong’o, illustrated by Vashti Harrison

Dramatic and important, this picture book deals directly in self-esteem and racism.

¡Vamos! Let’s Go to the Market by Raul the Third

A top pick for this year, every library should have this rich and vibrant book.

The Wall in the Middle of the Book by Jon Agee

I love that this book can be read on two levels. There is the simple story of a wall in a book and then there is the political climate about walls right now in America. Agee shows that making the opposite side dangerous and “othering” them is unsafe for everyone.

When Aidan Became a Brother by Kyle Lukoff, illustrated by Kaylani Juanita

As the parent of a transgender person, this is exactly the sort of picture book our families need and other families must read.