List
2024 Staff Picks: Picture Books for Grade K-2
Many kids love to share picture books with their grown-ups, and these books were specially chosen for this purpose. Also see the 2024 staff picks list of readers, chapter books, and nonfiction for grade K-2.
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Terrible Horses
2024 by Antrobus, RaymondGet this itemSibling drama is at the center of this emotional picture book featuring a young boy frustrated, hurt, and angered by the "cool" older sister he also looks up to so lovingly. As a middle child, I can relate to both characters, and the direct message of empathy makes this simple story very effective. Suggested by Mandy.
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How Does Santa Go Down the Chimney?
2023 by Barnett, MacGet this itemIt's a valid question. There are so many ways it could go wrong! I love the increasingly absurd suggestions and artwork. A fun new holiday favorite in our house. Suggested by Jane.
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The Last Zookeeper
2024 by Becker, AaronGet this itemThis stunning, wordless picture book presents a flooded planet where the inhabitants of a zoo are cared for by a gigantic robot named Noa who ferries the animals to high ground in an ark that barely survives a punishing storm. A timeless parable updated to shine a light on our rapidly eroding natural landscape. Suggested by Adam.
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Scorch, Hedgehog of Doom
2024 by Berry, CateGet this itemI loved this picture book for the illustrations and the lovely story of tough little hedgehog. Hedgehogs can be just as sweet as they are ferocious. It was nice to see duality in a character that kids can also identify with. Suggested by Susanne.
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Beanie the Bansheenie
2024 by Colfer, EoinGet this itemI loved this take on the banshee myths--it was delightfully eerie and fun at the same time and the perfect "modern" folk/fairytale. Suggested by Eilis.
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No Cats in the Library
2024 by Emmons, LaurenGet this itemI'm not a cat person but I am a library person and a reading-is-cozier-when-you-share-it person. I love the sweet illustrations and the way it all works out in the end. Suggested by Jane.
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That Always Happens Sometimes
2024 by Frank, KileyGet this itemWhat makes Max "different" also helps him solve a problem in the most creative of ways in this picture book that ultimately celebrates the unique ways we all look at things. Many of us are neurodivergent, and I appreciate the glimpse into Max's thoughts and actions as well as the realistic responses of those around him. Suggested by Mandy.
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Proper Badger Would Never!
2024 by Glattly, LaurenGet this itemI immediately wanted to read this book aloud with the people around me so that everyone could enjoy the hilarity of "proper" badger who says one thing when the pictures clearly show him doing another. I love a book that makes the young reader think, "Wait a minute! That's not what it looks like!" Suggested by Amy K.
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Spider in the Well
2024 by Hannigan, JessGet this itemThis is a pleasantly twisted tale with a classic fable structure and a slightly dark side. I love the style of the art work, and the characters lend themselves to some fun voices if you're reading it aloud with a kiddo. Suggested by Jane.
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Buffalo Fluffalo
2024 by Kalb, BessGet this itemSometimes outward appearances are deceiving. The revelation of Buffalo's "secret," told with fun, rhyming text, leads to important moments of self-acceptance and empathy for all. Suggested by Katie.
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Pasta Pasta Lotsa Pasta
2024 by Lucido, AimeeGet this itemI really enjoy reading this book aloud as it has a very fun, boppy rhyming structure. It also introduces a whole world of pasta types, which is especially fun for young friends who might be picky, but who love pasta. Suggested by Eilis.
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Drawn Onward
2024 by Nayeri, DanielGet this itemA boy grieving the loss of his mother goes on an epic journey to find peace. I loved how this simple story with few words has lavish, stunningly gorgeous art as monsters, magic, and the epic world fills each page. Suggested by Amanda.
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Lucky Duck
2024 by Pizzoli, GregGet this itemOne of my favorite picture books of 2024, this is a great read-aloud, with lots of drama and a funny, laugh-out-loud twist. Suggested by Meleesa.
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Hank Goes Honk
2024 by Powell-Tuck, MaudieGet this itemI love Hank--he has big Pigeon energy. He is obnoxious, disrespectful, and very fun to read aloud. The message of learning to be considerate of others is also very timely. Suggested by Eilis.
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Be Careful, Xiao Xin!
2024 by Pung, AliceGet this item"My family is always telling me to BE CAREFUL," says the little boy in this beautiful bilingual Chinese/English book. Inside, though, he knows he's a red fire warrior who can handle the dangers of the world. I love how this book reflects so many kids' experience of wanting to explore and push the boundaries--maybe grown-ups can be persuaded to allow them to push a bit (within reason!). Suggested by Shelley.
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All at Once Upon a Time
2024 by Rockliff, MaraGet this itemI love "twisted" fairy tales, and this one is no exception. Lots of tidbits from some favorite fairy tales are tied up into one very silly story! Suggested by Shelley.
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A Letter for Bob
2023 by Rogers, KimGet this itemI love this story of a young girl writing a letter to Bob, the family car, when the family is getting ready to trade it in for a new car. Bob has been around for sad and happy events, and everyday and special events. The book provides a small but deeply resonating insight into this modern Indigenous family's life. When it's time to say goodbye, Katie writes So:ti:c?a or "thank you" in the Wichita language. Suggested by Shelley.
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Cookie Time
2024 by Sima, JessieGet this itemTime travel for younger kids? Count me in! when Kat and Ari get tired of waiting for the cookies to be done, they create a time machine to take them to the near future when the cookies are finished baking. Great plan, but it doesn't exactly work out that way. Suggested by Shelley.
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Treehouse Town
2024 by Sterer, GideonGet this itemI enjoyed how a little town in a treehouse comes to life as you flip through the pages. Suggested by Marissa.
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Gravity Is Bringing Me Down
2024 by Van Draanen, WendelinGet this itemI love the way this story weaves together a STEAM lesson and social emotional learning through one frustrated child’s daylong battle with gravity. Suggested by Lill
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Mr. Lepron's Mystery Soup
2024 by Zoboli, GiovannaGet this itemI love a good “cautionary tale,” and this darkly magical one handles themes of change, identity, purpose, authenticity, success, and even burnout all within an artfully illustrated story about a talented rabbit's irresistible soup. Suggested by Mandy.
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