K-2nd Grade Picture Books
Alfie by Thyra Heder
The reader gets both sides of the story in this clever tale of a lost pet and the search for a perfect birthday gift.
All Around Us by Xelena González, Illus. by Adriana M. Garcia
A young girl and her grandfather explore the world around them and discover how circles are relevant to and shape their experiences. (Belpré Illustrator Honor Book)
All the Way to Havana by Margarita Engle, Illus. by Mike Curato
In this beautifully illustrated book, a family drives to Havana, Cuba, in their well-worn car, experiencing the sights and sounds of the streets.
Alma and How She Got Her Name by Juana Martinez-Neal
What's in a name? For one little girl, her very long name tells the vibrant story of where she came from--and who she may one day be.
Baby Goes to Market by Atinuke, Illus. by Angela Brooksbank
In a vibrant Nigerian marketplace, mama shops while baby delights the various vendors, picking up a few unexpected items along the way.
Big Cat, Little Cat by Elisha Cooper
Distinctly expressive lines, boldly contrasting illustrations, and minimal text draw the reader into this beautifully poignant story of love, learning, and loss. (Caldecott Honor Book)
Blue Sky, White Stars by Sarvinder Naberhaus, Illus. by Kadir Nelson
Strikingly beautiful paintings and just a few words invite readers to rethink the meaning of patriotic phrases and ideas
The Book of Mistakes by Corinna Luyken
A memorable picture book about the creative process, and the way in which "mistakes" can blossom into inspiration.
The Boy and the Whale by Mordicai Gerstein
A young boy faces a moral choice when a whale gets caught in the family fishing net.
The Breaking News by Sarah Lynne Reul
When devastating news rattles a young girl's community, her normally attentive parents and neighbors are suddenly exhausted and distracted. At school, her teacher tells the class to look for the helpers―the good people working to make things better in big and small ways.
Charlie & Mouse by Laurel Snyder, Illus. by Emily Hughes
Charlie and Mouse, two hilarious brothers, talk to bed lumps, plan a spontaneous neighborhood party, sell rocks, and invent new bedtime traditions. (Geisel Award Book)
A Different Pond by Bao Phi, Illus. by Thi Bui
An honest glimpse into a relationship between father and son―and between cultures, old and new. (Caldecott Honor Book)
Good Night, Planet by Liniers
Stuffed animal Planet makes new friends and has adventures all while his owner sleeps in this gentle, engaging graphic novel for young readers.
A Greyhound, a Groundhog by Emily Jenkins, Illus. by Chris Appelhans
Brand new friends, greyhound and groundhog, romp together through the enchantingly illustrated pages in this clever chase of words, rhythm, and shape.
Home in the Rain by Bob Graham
During a long drive home from Grandmother's in the rain, Francie and her mother discover profound beauty and comfort in ordinary moments.
Islandborn by Junot Diaz
Islandborn is a celebration of creativity, diversity, and our imagination's boundless ability to connect us—to our families, to our past and to ourselves.
Jabari Jumps by Gaia Cornwall
Today is the day Jabari is going to jump from the high dive and he is almost, absolutely sure he is ready.
La Princesa and the Pea. by Susan Middleton Elya, Illus. by Juana Martinez-Neal
This lively, playful retelling of the classic fairy tale is set in Peru and incorporates Peruvian cultural elements. (Belpré Illustrator Award Book)
Life on Mars by Jon Agee
In this sly, well-paced story, a young space explorer, certain there is life on Mars, sets out to prove it.
The Little Red Cat Who Ran Away and Learned His ABC’s (the Hard Way) by Patrick McDonnell
In this engaging, unconventional book, Little Red Cat is chased across the pages and experiences all the letters of the alphabet.
Lucia the Luchadora by Cynthia Leonor Garza, Illus. by Alyssa Bermudez
Lucía zips through the playground in her cape just like the boys, but when they tell her "girls can't be superheroes," suddenly she doesn't feel so mighty.
Now by Antoinette Portis
A young girl's simple joys and experiences will guide readers into appreciation of the here and now in this charmingly illustrated meditation.
The Only Fish in the Sea by Philip C. Stead, Illus. by Matthew Cordell
Pack your fishing poles and paint buckets and embark on a quest with Sadie and Sherman to rescue Ellsworth the goldfish.
Professional Crocodile by Giovanna Zoboli, Illus. by Mariachiara Di Giorgio
This wordless, charming book follows Mr. Crocodile through his morning routine and commute to a job for which he is perfectly suited.
The Rooster Who Would Not Be Quiet! by Carmen Agra Deedy, Illus. by Eugene Yelchin
The new mayor of La Paz has outlawed singing of any kind, but a rooster arrives that will just not be quiet.
Stay: A Girl, a Dog, a Bucket List by Kate Klise, Illus. by M. Sarah Klise
A gentle tale of the warm love between a girl and her aging dog and the value of time well spent together.
Town Is by the Sea by Joanne Schwartz, Illus. by Sydney Smith
A miner’s son thinks about his father, deep underground, with both respect for and quiet resignation about his own future.
Triangle by Mac Barnett, Illus. by Jon Klassen
Triangle decides to play a mean joke on Square, but things don’t quite turn out the way he hoped.
Walk with Me. By Jairo Buitrago. Illus. by Rafael Yockteng.
A young girl shows great courage as she takes on adult tasks and waits for her mother to come home from the factory.
What if? by Samantha Berger, illus. by Mike Curato
This girl is determined to express herself! If she can't draw her dreams, she'll sculpt or build, carve or collage. If she can't do that, she'll turn her world into a canvas. And if everything around her is taken away, she'll sing, dance, and dream...
When a Wolf Is Hungry. By Christine Naumann-Villemin. Illus. by Kris Di Giacomo.
Dapper wolf Edmond Bigsnout attempts to eat a fellow city-dwelling rabbit but is thwarted at every turn by the bunny and his neighbors. (Batchelder Honor Book)
When’s My Birthday? by Julie Fogliano, Illus. by Christian Robinson
A child clamors to know the answer to the most important question of all in this cheerful celebration of self.
Wolf in the Snow by Matthew Cordell
In this wordless picture book, a girl and a wolf pup, both lost in a snowstorm, need help from each other to find their way home. (Caldecott Medal Winner)
The Wolf, the Duck, & the Mouse by Mac Barnett, Illus. by Jon Klassen
A mouse and duck discover that there are upsides to being swallowed by a wolf.
The Word Collector by Peter Reynolds
Jerome discovers the magic of the words all around him -- short and sweet words, two-syllable treats, and multisyllable words that sound like little songs. Words that connect, transform, and empower.
You Can’t Be Too Careful! by Roger Mello, Illus. by the author, Tr. by Daniel Hahn
Cause and effect is explored in this imaginative and unexpected tale of a rose, a cat, a gardener, and a broken heart. (Batchelder Honor Book)
The reader gets both sides of the story in this clever tale of a lost pet and the search for a perfect birthday gift.
All Around Us by Xelena González, Illus. by Adriana M. Garcia
A young girl and her grandfather explore the world around them and discover how circles are relevant to and shape their experiences. (Belpré Illustrator Honor Book)
All the Way to Havana by Margarita Engle, Illus. by Mike Curato
In this beautifully illustrated book, a family drives to Havana, Cuba, in their well-worn car, experiencing the sights and sounds of the streets.
Alma and How She Got Her Name by Juana Martinez-Neal
What's in a name? For one little girl, her very long name tells the vibrant story of where she came from--and who she may one day be.
Baby Goes to Market by Atinuke, Illus. by Angela Brooksbank
In a vibrant Nigerian marketplace, mama shops while baby delights the various vendors, picking up a few unexpected items along the way.
Big Cat, Little Cat by Elisha Cooper
Distinctly expressive lines, boldly contrasting illustrations, and minimal text draw the reader into this beautifully poignant story of love, learning, and loss. (Caldecott Honor Book)
Blue Sky, White Stars by Sarvinder Naberhaus, Illus. by Kadir Nelson
Strikingly beautiful paintings and just a few words invite readers to rethink the meaning of patriotic phrases and ideas
The Book of Mistakes by Corinna Luyken
A memorable picture book about the creative process, and the way in which "mistakes" can blossom into inspiration.
The Boy and the Whale by Mordicai Gerstein
A young boy faces a moral choice when a whale gets caught in the family fishing net.
The Breaking News by Sarah Lynne Reul
When devastating news rattles a young girl's community, her normally attentive parents and neighbors are suddenly exhausted and distracted. At school, her teacher tells the class to look for the helpers―the good people working to make things better in big and small ways.
Charlie & Mouse by Laurel Snyder, Illus. by Emily Hughes
Charlie and Mouse, two hilarious brothers, talk to bed lumps, plan a spontaneous neighborhood party, sell rocks, and invent new bedtime traditions. (Geisel Award Book)
A Different Pond by Bao Phi, Illus. by Thi Bui
An honest glimpse into a relationship between father and son―and between cultures, old and new. (Caldecott Honor Book)
Good Night, Planet by Liniers
Stuffed animal Planet makes new friends and has adventures all while his owner sleeps in this gentle, engaging graphic novel for young readers.
A Greyhound, a Groundhog by Emily Jenkins, Illus. by Chris Appelhans
Brand new friends, greyhound and groundhog, romp together through the enchantingly illustrated pages in this clever chase of words, rhythm, and shape.
Home in the Rain by Bob Graham
During a long drive home from Grandmother's in the rain, Francie and her mother discover profound beauty and comfort in ordinary moments.
Islandborn by Junot Diaz
Islandborn is a celebration of creativity, diversity, and our imagination's boundless ability to connect us—to our families, to our past and to ourselves.
Jabari Jumps by Gaia Cornwall
Today is the day Jabari is going to jump from the high dive and he is almost, absolutely sure he is ready.
La Princesa and the Pea. by Susan Middleton Elya, Illus. by Juana Martinez-Neal
This lively, playful retelling of the classic fairy tale is set in Peru and incorporates Peruvian cultural elements. (Belpré Illustrator Award Book)
Life on Mars by Jon Agee
In this sly, well-paced story, a young space explorer, certain there is life on Mars, sets out to prove it.
The Little Red Cat Who Ran Away and Learned His ABC’s (the Hard Way) by Patrick McDonnell
In this engaging, unconventional book, Little Red Cat is chased across the pages and experiences all the letters of the alphabet.
Lucia the Luchadora by Cynthia Leonor Garza, Illus. by Alyssa Bermudez
Lucía zips through the playground in her cape just like the boys, but when they tell her "girls can't be superheroes," suddenly she doesn't feel so mighty.
Now by Antoinette Portis
A young girl's simple joys and experiences will guide readers into appreciation of the here and now in this charmingly illustrated meditation.
The Only Fish in the Sea by Philip C. Stead, Illus. by Matthew Cordell
Pack your fishing poles and paint buckets and embark on a quest with Sadie and Sherman to rescue Ellsworth the goldfish.
Professional Crocodile by Giovanna Zoboli, Illus. by Mariachiara Di Giorgio
This wordless, charming book follows Mr. Crocodile through his morning routine and commute to a job for which he is perfectly suited.
The Rooster Who Would Not Be Quiet! by Carmen Agra Deedy, Illus. by Eugene Yelchin
The new mayor of La Paz has outlawed singing of any kind, but a rooster arrives that will just not be quiet.
Stay: A Girl, a Dog, a Bucket List by Kate Klise, Illus. by M. Sarah Klise
A gentle tale of the warm love between a girl and her aging dog and the value of time well spent together.
Town Is by the Sea by Joanne Schwartz, Illus. by Sydney Smith
A miner’s son thinks about his father, deep underground, with both respect for and quiet resignation about his own future.
Triangle by Mac Barnett, Illus. by Jon Klassen
Triangle decides to play a mean joke on Square, but things don’t quite turn out the way he hoped.
Walk with Me. By Jairo Buitrago. Illus. by Rafael Yockteng.
A young girl shows great courage as she takes on adult tasks and waits for her mother to come home from the factory.
What if? by Samantha Berger, illus. by Mike Curato
This girl is determined to express herself! If she can't draw her dreams, she'll sculpt or build, carve or collage. If she can't do that, she'll turn her world into a canvas. And if everything around her is taken away, she'll sing, dance, and dream...
When a Wolf Is Hungry. By Christine Naumann-Villemin. Illus. by Kris Di Giacomo.
Dapper wolf Edmond Bigsnout attempts to eat a fellow city-dwelling rabbit but is thwarted at every turn by the bunny and his neighbors. (Batchelder Honor Book)
When’s My Birthday? by Julie Fogliano, Illus. by Christian Robinson
A child clamors to know the answer to the most important question of all in this cheerful celebration of self.
Wolf in the Snow by Matthew Cordell
In this wordless picture book, a girl and a wolf pup, both lost in a snowstorm, need help from each other to find their way home. (Caldecott Medal Winner)
The Wolf, the Duck, & the Mouse by Mac Barnett, Illus. by Jon Klassen
A mouse and duck discover that there are upsides to being swallowed by a wolf.
The Word Collector by Peter Reynolds
Jerome discovers the magic of the words all around him -- short and sweet words, two-syllable treats, and multisyllable words that sound like little songs. Words that connect, transform, and empower.
You Can’t Be Too Careful! by Roger Mello, Illus. by the author, Tr. by Daniel Hahn
Cause and effect is explored in this imaginative and unexpected tale of a rose, a cat, a gardener, and a broken heart. (Batchelder Honor Book)