New and Noteworthy: Picture Books 2020

By Emily Pullen, Manager, Reader Services and Engagement
July 21, 2020

Although 2020 looks different from how we had all imagined it, one thing that hasn’t changed is that there is no shortage of new books to get excited about. We have committees of librarians who are reviewing the new releases of the year, for consideration on our Best of 2020 lists and to recommend for our patrons in the library branches eventually. 

Here are just a few of the picture books that our librarians are loving so far.

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Hike by Pete Oswald

A father and child begin a nature hike through the mountains at dawn, where they witness the magic of the wilderness, overcome challenges together and play a small role in the survival of the forest. Illustrations so lovely that words are hardly necessary.
 

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Magnificent Homespun Brownby Samara Cole Doyon, illustrated by Kaylani Juanita

Told by a succession of exuberant young narrators, Magnificent Homespun Brown is a story—a song, a poem, a celebration—about feeling at home in one's own beloved skin. The illustrations complement this uplifting book perfectly.
 

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Paolo: Emperor of Rome by Mac Barnett, illustrated by Claire Keane

When Paolo the dachshund finally escapes the hair salon where he lives, he has adventures beyond his wildest dreams amid the beauty and culture of Rome. The art harkens back to the golden age of picture books. 
 

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My Best Friend by Julie Fogliano & Jillian Tamaki

What is a best friend, if not someone who laughs with you the whole entire day, especially when you pretend to be a pickle? This pitch-perfect picture book is a sweetly earnest, visually stunning celebration of the magic of friendship.

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We Are Water Protectors by Carole Lindstrom, illustrated by Michaela Goade

A powerful and relatable book that feels both extremely contemporary and like an old folktale. Inspired by the many Indigenous-led movements across North America, We Are Water Protectors issues an urgent rallying cry to safeguard the Earth's water from harm and corruption.
 

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Bedtime for Sweet Creatures by Nikki Grimes, illustrated by Elizabeth Zunon

The Coretta Scott King Award-winning author of Bronx Masquerade presents an imagination-fueled bedtime story that finds a restless youngster growling, hunting and hiding through his nighttime routine before settling down to sleep.
 

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Nonsense! The Curious Story of Edward Goreyby Lori Mortensen, illustrated by Chloe Bristol

This lyrical biography introduces the life and work of Edward Gorey, one of literature's most creepily creative authors and illustrators, and the inspiration behind a generation of creators, from Lemony Snicket to Tim Burton. The art and the tone perfectly channel Gorey's quirky creepy style.
 

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The Oldest Student by Rita Lorraine Hubbard, illustrated by Oge Mora

In 1848, Mary Walker was born into slavery. At age 15, she was freed, and by age 20, she was married and had her first child. By age 68, she had worked numerous jobs, including cooking, cleaning, babysitting, and selling sandwiches to raise money for her church. At 114, she was the last remaining member of her family. And at 116, she learned to read. From Rita Lorraine Hubbard and rising star Oge More comes the inspirational story of Mary Walker, a woman whose long life spanned from the Civil War to the Civil Rights Movement, and who—with perseverance and dedication—proved that you're never too old to learn.

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!

Summaries provided or adapted via NYPL’s catalog, which draws from multiple sources. Click through to each book’s title for more.