Picture books are delightful for kids of all ages. Some are bright and colorful, some are quiet and subtle. Some are whimsical  (some have talking animals!) others are clever and cheeky. Some are melancholy and others are sweet and others offbeat and funny.  Here are a few we think are extra-special, for all these reasons and more. 

Round by Joyce Sidman; illustrated by Taeeun Yoo

The sun, the moon, a rock, a raindrop, a seed – a charming lyrical look at round things small and large.

 

 

Pandora by Victoria Turnbull

A muted, detailed picture book about a fox and a new friend.

 

 

 

 

Egg by Kevin Henkes

A quiet, feel-good, story about an unlikely family.

 

 

 

The Book of Mistakes by Corinna Luyken

One of the most beautiful picture book we’ve seen this year! Perfectly paired with a sweet story about how mistakes build character, in art, and in life.

 

 

 

Charlotte and the Rock by Stephen W. Martin; illustrated by Samantha Cotterill

A silly, funny, and surprising story about a pet rock.

 

 

 

Bird, Balloon, Bear by Il Sung Na

A sweet story about a shy bird wants to be bear’s friend.

 

 

Little Fox in the Forest by Stephanie Graegin

A gorgeous wordless picture book about the magical world that lies deep in the forest.

 

 

 

Life on Mars by John Agee

A funny, cartoony, book about a young astronaut looking for life on Mars.

 

 

 

 

Bee & Me by Alison Jay

A whimsical detailed wordless picture book about a girl on a journey with her friend, a bee.

 

 

 

Big Cat, Little Cat by Elisha Cooper

A black and white book about friendship and cats.

 

 

 

Triangle by Mac Barnett & Jon Klassen

An offbeat funny story that begins with a sneaky prank.

 

 

 

Rabbit Magic by Meg McLaren

A highly designed book about a magician who unwittingly becomes the rabbit and a rabbit that takes over the show.

 

 

 

This House Once by Deborah Freedman

This quiet picture book explores all the elements that go into making a house and where they came from, once.

 

 

 

Have trouble reading standard print? Many of these titles are available in formats for patrons with print disabilities.

Staff picks are chosen by NYPL staff members and are not intended to be comprehensive lists. We'd love to hear your ideas too, so leave a comment and tell us what you’d recommend. And check out our Staff Picks browse tool for more recommendations!