Special Collections
New York Times Best Sellers Children's Picture Books
Description: Bookshare is pleased to present the top 10 picture books from the New York Times Best Sellers list, updated weekly. The month and year given are when the title first appeared on the Times' list. You may find some old and new favorites! #kids
- Table View
- List View
The Truth About the Couch
by Adam RubinPssst! Hey. I'm here to tell ya what the furniture police don't want you to know... Listen close. I'll explain everything.
Most people think couches are just for sitting, or maybe napping, and don't give it a second thought. But did you know couches can go berserk if you don't feed them a steady diet of coins, cell phones, and remote controls? And did you know some couches are grown on a farm? (Where do you think the term couch potato comes from?) Some come from two chairs who love each other very much, and some are actually aliens in disguise. And that's just the tip of the iceberg...
This laugh-out-loud send-up of conspiracy theories brings Adam Rubin's trademark zany humor together with the richly expressive artwork of Macanudo creator Liniers to explore the totally, completely true (really! maybe?) history of the world's most beloved—and misunderstood—item of furniture.
New York Times Bestseller
My Lost Freedom
by Michelle Lee and George TakeiA moving, beautifully illustrated true story for children ages 6 to 9 about growing up in Japanese American incarceration camps during World War II—from the iconic Star Trek actor, activist, and author of the New York Times bestselling graphic memoir They Called Us Enemy.
February 19, 1942. George Takei is four years old when his world changes forever. Two months after the bombing of Pearl Harbor, President Franklin D. Roosevelt declares anyone of Japanese descent an enemy of the United States.
George and his family were American in every way. They had done nothing wrong. But because of their Japanese ancestry, they were removed from their home in California and forced into camps with thousands of other families who looked like theirs.
Over the next three years, George had three different “homes”: the Santa Anita racetrack, swampy Camp Rohwer, and infamous Tule Lake. But even though they were now living behind barbed wire fences and surrounded by armed soldiers, his mother and father did everything they could to keep the family safe.
In My Lost Freedom, George Takei looks back at his own memories to help children today understand what it feels like to be treated as an enemy by your own country. Featuring powerful, meticulously researched watercolor paintings, this is a story of a family’s courage, a young boy’s resilience, and the importance of staying true to yourself in the face of injustice.
Advisory: Bookshare has learned that this book offers only partial accessibility. We have kept it in the collection because it is useful for some of our members. Benetech is actively working on projects to improve accessibility issues such as these.
New York Times Bestseller
Addie Ant Goes on an Adventure
by Maren Morris and Karina ArgowAcclaimed singer-songwriter Maren Morris and former schoolteacher Karina Argow have together written their picture-book debut, Addie Ant Goes on an Adventure. This delightful story of one little ant’s journey for independence while realizing when to ask for help, is set against the backdrop of a vast and abundant garden inhabited by some very helpful insect friends.
Addie Ant travels from one garden bed to another on her first solo adventure. As she forges her own path, she gets lost along the way and finds help from her trusted garden pals, Lewis Ladybug, Beatrix Butterfly, and Cleo Cricket, in finding her way back home.
A celebration of friendship, this sweet book is a collaboration by renowned, musical artist Maren Morris and former schoolteacher and close friend Karina Argow. Artist Kelly Anne Dalton brings the delightfully written characters to life with colorful and charming illustrations.
Join Addie Ant in a vast and magical garden adventure full of insect friends, growing vegetables, blooming flowers, and the inspiring abundance of nature.
Advisory: Bookshare has learned that this book offers only partial accessibility. We have kept it in the collection because it is useful for some of our members. Benetech is actively working on projects to improve accessibility issues such as these.
New York Times Bestseller
Piper Chen Sings
by Phillipa Soo and Maris Pasquale DoranAn empowering story about a girl who turns her performance jitters into confidence when faced with singing a solo at her school concert. Inspired by the childhood experience of award-winning actress Phillipa Soo who originated the role of Eliza in Hamilton.
Piper Chen loves nothing more than to sing. She sings to the sun, and she sings to the moon. She sings to her stuffed animals and with the birds outside her window. So, when her music teacher asks if Piper would like to sing a solo in her school’s Spring Sing, all she can say is “yes!” But as practice continues, doubt and worry creep in and Piper’s confidence wavers. She feels like butterflies are having a dance party in her belly. At home, Piper finds Nai Nai, her grandmother, at the piano. They’ve always shared a love of music, and Piper knows if anyone can help her through the unsettling feeling in her stomach and to shine her brightest at the Spring Concert, it’s Nai Nai.
First time picture book writers and sisters-in-law, Phillipa Soo and Maris Pasquale Doran along with acclaimed illustrator Qin Leng have created a cheerful intergenerational and stunning story that inspires confidence in the face of nervousness
New York Times Bestseller
Bear Finds Eggs
by Karma WilsonBear and his friends hunt for missing eggs in this new picture book adventure in the bestselling series.
Mama Meadowlark can’t find her eggs! Bear and his friends pitch in to help and search high and low. Each time they find an egg, they paint it with bright colors so they don’t lose it again and add it to Hare’s handy basket. Will they be able to return all the eggs to their mother?
Advisory: Bookshare has learned that this book offers only partial accessibility. We have kept it in the collection because it is useful for some of our members. Benetech is actively working on projects to improve accessibility issues such as these.
New York Times Bestseller
Girls of the World
by Linsey Davis and Michael TylerEncourage children to use their voices, talents, and intelligence to help the world and raise awareness of girls and all the amazing things they do! An inspiration for readers of all ages, New York Times bestseller Girls of the World: Doing More Than Ever Before calls attention to the truth that it’s never too soon to become aware of and speak up about things that are important to you. Now is the perfect time for girls to show the world just who they are and what they’re capable of!
Written by ABC News anchor and bestselling author Linsey Davis, together with co-author Michael Tyler, Girls of the World invites us to celebrate the equality and fairness we should all experience. It encourages girls to be strong, brave, and curious about the world and their place in it.
Girls of the World:
Features inspiring, motivating rhymes from Emmy award-winning ABC News anchor and New York Times bestselling authors Linsey Davis and Michael Tyler
Advisory: Bookshare has learned that this book offers only partial accessibility. We have kept it in the collection because it is useful for some of our members. Benetech is actively working on projects to improve accessibility issues such as these.
New York Times Bestseller
Just Try It!
by Phil Rosenthal and Lily RosenthalFrom Netflix star and New York Times bestselling author Phil Rosenthal and his daughter Lily comes a hilarious picture book about a food-loving dad encouraging his picky eater daughter to just try something new.
Phil has one rule about food: try everything at least once. Otherwise, how will you know what you like? His daughter Lil disagrees. She already knows what she likes—just bread and pasta with no sauce—and that&’s all there is to it! When the two go to a food truck festival, Phil tries introducing Lil to all kinds of delicious cuisine, but she doesn’t budge. Just when it looks like it’s going to be a very long day, an unexpected mustard accident changes everything.
Advisory: Bookshare has learned that this book offers only partial accessibility. We have kept it in the collection because it is useful for some of our members. Benetech is actively working on projects to improve accessibility issues such as these.
New York Times Bestseller
Hope Is a Rainbow
by Chloe Dominique and Hoda KotbFrom #1 New York Times bestselling author and cohost of NBC's TODAY Hoda Kotb comes a new book about finding hope in ordinary places.
What do you hope for? What do you dream?Hoda Kotb's new book is a lyrical celebration of hope in children and teaching the youngest readers how to reach for their dreams—whether they are as big as the night sky or as small as a bowl of purple ice cream.
It's a lesson in optimism and what a positive outlook can bring.
With beautiful and timeless illustrations by Chloe Dominique, Hope Is a Rainbow is a can't-miss book for any child who dares to dream. It's a story that honors the childlike wonder and curiosity that exists in all of us, young and old.
New York Times Bestseller
Happy St. Patrick's Day from the Crayons
by Drew DaywaltThe hilarious crayons from the #1 New York Times bestselling The Day the Crayons Quit are ready to celebrate St. Patrick's Day!
St. Patrick's Day is almost here, and Green Crayon would like a break! (After all, he JUST had to carry a heavy load during Christmas...) His friends try to take over, but what's a leprechaun without green clothing? And a four-leaf clover can't be blue! And how in the world can the crayons make a rainbow without their good friend Green?
A humorous, small hardcover St. Patrick's Day story from everyone's favorite school supplies.
New York Times Bestseller
Grumpy Monkey Spring Fever
by Suzanne LangEveryone’s favorite grump, Jim Panzee, star of the bestselling Grumpy Monkey series, has caught a bad case of spring fever and wakes up feeling very silly in this delightful new picture book.
When Jim runs through the jungle laughing and shouting with glee, the other animals are very concerned. This just isn’t the grumpy Jim they know. Soon Norman diagnoses Jim with a bad case of spring fever and tells Jim that he needs to find a cure. The other jungle animals offer suggestions: Take a calming breath! Sniff lavender! Take a nap! Try a time-out! Jim tries everything to get his grump back, but when nothing works, it becomes contagious and the other animals catch spring fever too. Soon the jungle erupts into a silly celebration of springtime as they all join in the fun.
From the bestselling team Suzanne and Max Lang comes another fun filled adventure starring the beloved chaacter Jim Panzee. Lively illustrations offering a belly laugh on every spread will delight the many Grumpy Monkey fans.
New York Times Bestseller
I am Ruth Bader Ginsburg
by Brad MeltzerSupreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is the 32nd hero in the New York Times bestselling picture book biography series for ages 5 to 9.Before Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg was the judge, she was a young Jewish girl growing up in Brooklyn, inspired by books, past female trailblazers, and her mother to make the world a better, more just place to be. So even when people turned her away—for being a girl and for being Jewish—she never stopped fighting for equal treatment for everyone by pushing back against unjust laws and the beliefs around them. This friendly, fun biography series inspired the PBS Kids TV show Xavier Riddle and the Secret Museum. One great role model at a time, these books encourage kids to dream big.Included in each book are: A timeline of key events in the hero&’s history Photos that bring the story more fully to life Comic-book-style illustrations that are irresistibly adorableChildhood moments that influenced the hero Facts that make great conversation-starters A virtue this person embodies: Ruth Bader Ginsburg&’s perseverance to create justice and equality is highlighted. You&’ll want to collect each book in this dynamic, informative series!
Cupig
by Claire TattersfieldA comically mismatched Valentine’s Day picture book with a clever and hilarious take on Cupid. Introducing Cupig the Valentine’s Day pig!
Cupig absolutely loves Valentine’s Day. Every year she enjoys spreading love and cheer to every creature, far and near. But when a storm blows through and sends her arrows off course, Cupig accidentally puts arrows in hearts that don’t need to be mended. Peanut Butter has stopped loving Jelly! Salt and Pepper have broken up! Needle and Thread are falling apart at the seams!
Will Cupig ever fix her mistakes and get these classic pairs back together again?
With clever rhyming text and comically expressive art, Cupig is sure to be a Valentine’s Day classic for years to come! The perfect Valentine’s Day gift and for fans of Little Blue Truck’s Valentine, How to Catch a Loveosaurus, and Love from the Crayons!
New York Times Bestseller
Love From Bluey
by Suzy BrummCelebrate love with Bluey and Bingo! Based on the award-winning animated series Bluey, as seen on Disney+.
"Love can be found in the strangest of places." It's bedtime! Read a bedtime story with Mum and Bingo about all the ways you can love while Dad tries to get Bluey ready for bed.
New York Times Bestseller
Love Comes First
by Jenna Bush Hager and Barbara Pierce BushA joyful celebration of growing families by former first daughters and #1 New York Times bestselling authors Jenna Bush Hager and Barbara Pierce Bush.
As two sisters watch their friends’ families grow, they wish on a star for a sibling of their own…and a younger brother and a baby cousin arrive! The new family members aren’t exactly what the sisters expected, but with time and patience, the group soon becomes fabulously four—and lets their imaginations soar! Together they can be anything, and no matter what, they will always remember that love comes first.
Inspired by Jenna and Barbara’s own families, this companion title to the #1 New York Times bestseller Sisters First is a tender story about the way our hearts can always make room for more.
Advisory: Bookshare has learned that this book offers only partial accessibility. We have kept it in the collection because it is useful for some of our members. Benetech is actively working on projects to improve accessibility issues such as these.
New York Times Bestseller
The Big Cheese
by Pete Oswald and Jory JohnDon’t miss the seventh picture book in the #1 New York Times bestselling Food Group series from Jory John and Pete Oswald!
The Big Cheese is the best at everything, and brags about it, too. When the annual Cheese-cathlon comes around, the Big Cheese is prepared to win, as always. But what happens when the quiet new kid, Wedge Wedgeman, comes out on top? Is a slice of humility all the Big Cheese needs to discover that some things are better than being the best?
Jory John and Pete Oswald serve up another heaping plate of laughs and lessons with this empowering, witty, and charming addition to their #1 New York Times bestselling series!
Advisory: Bookshare has learned that this book offers only partial accessibility. We have kept it in the collection because it is useful for some of our members. Benetech is actively working on projects to improve accessibility issues such as these.
New York Times Bestseller
What You Need to Be Warm
by Yuliya Gwilym and Nadine Kaadan and Pam Smy and Daniel Egnéus and Neil GaimanDuring the coldest season, when the world feels scary—what do you remember about being warm? Baked potatoes. Trust. A kettle on the stove. Blankets. A smile. And, most of all, the reassurance that you belong.
In his powerful and moving poem, featuring illustrations from thirteen extraordinary artists, bestselling author and UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador Neil Gaiman draws together many different memories to answer the question, what do you need to be warm?
Advisory: Bookshare has learned that this book offers only partial accessibility. We have kept it in the collection because it is useful for some of our members. Benetech is actively working on projects to improve accessibility issues such as these.
New York Times Bestseller
Zilot and Other Important Rhymes
by Bob Odenkirk and Erin Odenkirk and Nate Odenkirk and Naomi OdenkirkEmmy Award-winning and New York Times bestselling writer, comedian, and actor Bob Odenkirk and his daughter, illustrator Erin Odenkirk, present poetic nonsense for all ages perfect for fans of Shel Silverstein and Jack Prelutsky!
Bob Odenkirk began writing these poems with his children when they were little, compiling the poetry into a homemade book entitled Olde Time Rhymes. He wanted Nate and Erin to understand that actual people had written the books the family loved to read and to instill in them the feeling that they could be writers and illustrators themselves. Almost twenty years later, when the Odenkirks found themselves quarantined under the same roof, they revisited these mostly silly, sometimes poignant works. It wasn't until Erin began to create illustrations to accompany the words, though, that the book grew to be something much bigger than an Odenkirk family treasure.
From the titular made-up word for a blanket fort, an adorable dog with a penchant for the zoomies, and a father teaching his kids how umbrellas work, the subjects of these works, complemented by Erin’s whimsical and detailed linework, come alive on these pages. Featuring over seventy poems, Zilot & Other Important Rhymes will delight readers young and old.
Something, Someday
by Amanda GormanThe stunning new picture book by presidential inaugural poet Amanda Gorman and Caldecott Honor-winning illustrator Christian Robinson.
You’re told that This won’t work,But how will you know If you never try?
Presidential inaugural poet and #1 New York Times bestselling author Amanda Gorman and Caldecott Honor and Coretta Scott King Honor winner Christian Robinson have created a timeless message of hope. Sometimes the world feels broken. And problems seem too big to fix. But somehow, we all have the power to make a difference. With a little faith, and maybe the help of a friend, together we can find beauty and create change.
With intimate and inspiring text and powerfully stunning illustrations, Something, Someday reveals how even the smallest gesture can have a lasting impact.
New York Times Bestseller
Construction Site
by Sherri Duskey RinkerGet ready for takeoff! This addition to the beloved New York Times bestselling Goodnight, Goodnight, Construction Site series features the same fan-favorite trucks in an exciting new setting: a bustling airport!
When an airport needs an expansion, the Construction Site crew is on the job! With help from fun new vehicles from the airport, they’ll build new roads and runways, prep planes for their trips, and clean up after a surprise snowstorm.
The airport is a busy place—Belt Loader, Tractor, Snowplow, and many other vehicles pull the planes, pump the fuel, move the luggage, maintain the runways, and much more. Working together, the team will get all the planes in the air in time for a sweet and sleepy goodnight.
Sherri Duskey Rinker and AG Ford, the author-illustrator team behind many bestselling Goodnight Construction Site books, bring their playful rhyming text and vibrant illustrations to another exciting tale of teamwork, sure to satisfy construction fans everywhere.
Advisory: Bookshare has learned that this book offers only partial accessibility. We have kept it in the collection because it is useful for some of our members. Benetech is actively working on projects to improve accessibility issues such as these.
New York Times Bestseller
Just Because
by Matthew McConaughey and Renée KurillaThe debut picture book by Academy Award-winning actor and #1 New York Times bestselling author Matthew McConaughey.
Just because I’m in the race,
doesn’t mean I’m fully ready.
Just because I’m shaking,
doesn’t mean that I’m not steady.
Have you ever felt worried and excited at the same time?
Have you ever had your feelings hurt but forgiven someone anyway?
Have you ever thought there was more than one right answer to a question?
That’s because contradictions are all around us. And they make us who we are.
Filled with his trademark humor and wisdom, Academy Award–winning actor and #1 New York Times bestselling author Matthew McConaughey has crafted a soulful and irreverent collection of life lessons that empowers readers, big and small, to celebrate how we are all full of possibility.
Why? Just because.
New York Times Bestseller
The Secret Society of Aunts & Uncles
by Jake Gyllenhaal and Greta CarusoWARNING: This book is for aunts, uncles, nieces and/or nephews ONLY!
Let's face it, being an aunt or uncle is AWESOME. There are countless adventures to be had, from eating dessert before dinner to activities with the perfect amount of HDD—Healthy Dose of Danger. But that isn't all. In order to master the sacred art of Auntieology and Uncleology, you must be tested by a distinguished panel of nieces and nephews, as there are rules and regulations to follow. For instance: when is bedtime? 8 o'clock you say? WRONG!*
The Secret Society of Aunts & Uncles is a madcap, magical adventure into the heart of what it means to have an aunt or uncle—how we learn to keep each other close and find love in the simplest things. Jake Gyllenhaal and Greta Caruso paint a goofy, loving portrait of one of the most important relationships in children’s lives in this funny and heartfelt romp of a picture book with witty and inventive illustrations by award-winning illustrator Dan Santat. This is the perfect gift for the nice or nephew in anyone's life.
*If a parental unit is reading this, bedtime is DEFINITELY 8 o'clock sharp, aunts and uncles will not make any exceptions! (Okay, now that that's out of the way. . .Secret Society rules state it is ALWAYS exactly three minutes before the parental units get home. . .but that's just between us.)
New York Times Bestseller
Bluey: Sleepytime
by Joe BrummCome on a dream-filled adventure with Bluey and Bingo in this special picture book with fold-out pages! Based on the award-winning animated series Bluey, as seen on Disney+.
It’s sleepytime at the Heeler house! Bingo wants to do a Big Girl sleep. As she drifts away into a dreamy adventure with Flopsy, will Bingo make it through the night and wake up in her own bed?
New York Times Bestseller
Invisible Things
by Andy J. Pizza and Sophie MillerThis creatively wacky exploration of the invisible things that make up the human experience encourages readers to look past the visible and connect with the things that are not seen.
If we could put on a pair of magical invisible glasses and see all the feelings, ideas, and other invisible things that populate our world, what would they look like? Could you see an itch? Could you describe hope? From the sound of a dog barking to the rainbow-MAGIC taste of a lollipop, from gratitude to grit, this book will help you meet the many interesting sensations that follow you every day, even if you can't see them*.*
Explore the way a sad song can sometimes make you happy and discover that laughs—even fake ones—can multiply faster than you'd imagine. As readers give these unknown forces a name, they'll also find a gentle invitation to pause, take a deep breath, and reflect on the invisible things at work in their own lives.
NAME THE INVISIBLE THING: There are hidden forces that impact our everyday, particularly for kids. Giving those forces a name, and even a face, helps kids to feel empowered.
PROMPT FOR CONVERSATION: Educators, therapists, and caregivers looking to have nuanced or challenging conversations with kids about their own experiences can use this as a jumping off point for conversation: What invisible things can you name in your life?
SOCIAL EMOTIONAL LEARNING: One common exercise teachers use is to ask kids to point to their emotion on a chart and then name it, for which this book will be a powerful tool.
REVIEWED BY MENTAL HEALTH EXPERT: This book was vetted by a licensed independent clinical social worker specializing in mental health for kids!
POPULAR AUTHOR: Andy J. Pizza is one of the creative minds behind the bestselling A Pizza with Everything on It and also hosts the popular podcast Creative Pep Talk.
VIRAL HIT: Andy J. Pizza's original "Invisible Things" posts on Twitter went viral, with 57,000 likes and 25,000 retweets; his ongoing Instagram posts receive thousands of likes and shares. It's clear people are ready to see INVISIBLE THINGS
Perfect for:
Anyone interested in social-emotional learning (SEL) and entertaining ways to explore emotions with kids
Anyone looking for interactive or artful books about mental health
Fans of classic children's books like Dr. Seuss's My Many Colored Days, Molly Bang's When Sophie Gets Angry--Really, Really Angry . . ., and Judith Viorst's Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day Fans of Pixar's Inside Out Fans of Andy J. Pizza, his original twitter post about "Invisible Things" that went viral, the Creative Pep Talk podcast, or A Pizza with Everything on It
Advisory: Bookshare has learned that this book offers only partial accessibility. We have kept it in the collection because it is useful for some of our members. Benetech is actively working on projects to improve accessibility issues such as these.
New York Times Bestseller
The Skull
by Jon KlassenCaldecott Medalist and New York Times best-selling author-illustrator Jon Klassen delivers a deliciously macabre treat for folktale fans. Jon Klassen's signature wry humor takes a turn for the ghostly in this thrilling retelling of a traditional Tyrolean folktale. In a big abandoned house, on a barren hill, lives a skull. A brave girl named Otilla has escaped from terrible danger and run away, and when she finds herself lost in the dark forest, the lonely house beckons. Her host, the skull, is afraid of something too, something that comes every night. Can brave Otilla save them both? Steeped in shadows and threaded with subtle wit—with rich, monochromatic artwork and an illuminating author’s note—The Skull is as empowering as it is mysterious and foreboding.