Best Books for Kids 2018

100 Books Found

  • All the Animals Where I Live

    Charming sketches invite readers on a meandering stroll through the sights and sounds of country life. A quiet pastoral reflection on memory and storytelling.
    Cover of All the Animals Where I Live
  • Alma and How She Got Her Name

    A young girl is empowered as she discovers the family history behind her many names. Softly colored drawings fit this gentle tale perfectly.
    Cover of Alma and How She Got Her Name
  • Amal Unbound

    In modern-day Pakistan, a life-altering mistake leaves strong-willed Amal an indentured servant. Will her determination lead her back to freedom?
    Cover of Amal Unbound
  • Assassination of Brangwain Spurge

    A goblin and an elf must put differences aside to save their kingdoms. Their alternating perspectives are revealed through witty text and intricate drawings.
    Cover of Assassination of Brangwain Spurge
  • Be Prepared

    Bunkmates, mosquitos, and ... borscht? Russian summer camp is not what Vera expected. An earthy color palette and captivating voice draw readers into her story of growth and self-acceptance.
    Cover of Be Prepared
  • Betty Before X

    Abused by her birth mother, Betty finds a loving home with neighbors who encourage her interest in social justice.
    Cover of Betty Before X
  • Between the Lines: How Ernie Barnes Went from the Football Field to the Art Gallery

    The unlikely story of a reluctant athlete who became a renowned artist.
    Cover of Between the Lines: How Ernie Barnes Went from the Football Field to the Art Gallery
  • Big Foot and Little Foot

    Hugo, a young Sasquatch, longs to see the world. Boone, a young boy, longs to make a friend. When their worlds collide, a wild woodland adventure unfolds.
    Cover of Big Foot and Little Foot
  • A Big Mooncake for Little Star

    Little Star can’t stop sneaking bites of mooncake, but when it’s all gone, Mama can make more. Lovely as the night sky, this sweet story is impossible to resist.
    Cover of A Big Mooncake for Little Star
  • Bird Builds a Nest

    This deceptively simple picture book about nest-building is really a lesson in physics for the very young.
    Cover of Bird Builds a Nest
  • Bob

    Bob's a little green zombie in a chicken suit! But where did he come from? And who is he really? Livy is determined to figure it out.
    Cover of Bob
  • Born to Swing: Lil Hardin Armstrong's Life in Jazz

    Bright acrylic illustrations evoke the unforgettable charm and vivacity of a pioneering jazz musician.
    Cover of Born to Swing: Lil Hardin Armstrong's Life in Jazz
  • The Boy, the Bird & the Coffin Maker

    In the magical seaside town of Allora, where fish fly, a lonely coffin-maker and a boy on the run strike up an unlikely friendship.
    Cover of The Boy, the Bird & the Coffin Maker
  • A Busy Creature's Day Eating!

    Zany illustrations take readers on a culinary romp through the day’s menu in this unexpected alphabet book with a bite.
    Cover of A Busy Creature's Day Eating!
  • Capsized! The Forgotten Story of the SS Eastland Disaster

    An engrossing account that perfectly captures the palpable fear and loss on one tragic day in 1915.
    Cover of Capsized! The Forgotten Story of the SS Eastland Disaster
  • Captain Starfish

    An encounter with a kindred spirit at the aquarium encourages Alfie to cope with his anxieties. Soothing illustrations accompany this heartfelt glimpse into the life of a boy with some big fears.
    Cover of Captain Starfish
  • Cardboard Kingdom

    Eighteen imaginative neighborhood kids have an unforgettable summer defending their recycled realm as heroes, villains, monsters, and robots.
    Cover of Cardboard Kingdom
  • Crash: The Great Depression and the Rise and Fall of America

    Rich with first-hand accounts and historical images, this multifaceted look at the Great Depression immerses the reader in this pivotal time.
    Cover of Crash: The Great Depression and the Rise and Fall of America
  • Curiosity: The Story of the Mars Rover

    Get a robot's-eye-view of the process involved in space travel starting with scientists' blueprints and ending with a courageous landing on Mars.
    Cover of Curiosity: The Story of the Mars Rover
  • Dactyl Hill Squad

    A group of dinosaur-riding orphans fight for freedom in New York City during the American Civil War.
    Cover of Dactyl Hill Squad
  • The Dam

    Folk music and memories combine with majestic illustrations to create an uplifting tale about how a valley was transformed by the building of a dam.
    Cover of The Dam
  • Drawn Together

    A boy and his grandfather struggle to communicate until their shared love of art creates a bond that transcends words.
    Cover of Drawn Together
  • El Chupacabras

    The modern-day cryptid is brought to life by cinematic illustrations in this quirky bilingual tale.
    Cover of El Chupacabras
  • The Eye that Never Sleeps: How Detective Pinkerton Saved President Lincoln

    Sharp-eyed sleuth Allan Pinkerton uncovers an early plot to assassinate President Lincoln. Art inspired by antique maps and newspapers portrays the historic details of this intriguing investigation.
    Cover of The Eye that Never Sleeps: How Detective Pinkerton Saved President Lincoln
  • Fake Blood

    It's a new school year, but nothing changes for AJ until he gets picked to work on a project about Transylvania with his vampire-obsessed crush. Now’s his chance to show her that he's her type.
    Cover of Fake Blood
  • Finding Langston

    Torn from everything familiar when his father moves them from Alabama to Chicago, Langston finds refuge and solace in the poetry of another Langston.
    Cover of Finding Langston
  • First Laugh—Welcome, Baby!

    “Baby! We wait. ... When will we hear your very first laugh?” A Navajo family continues the tradition of celebrating a joyful milestone.
    Cover of First Laugh—Welcome, Baby!
  • Flight of Swans

    Forced into silence, Princess Andaryn risks everything to save her family from the evil enchantress who transformed her seven brothers into swans.
    Cover of Flight of Swans
  • The Frog Prince

    Striking silhouette artwork infuses this classic story with magic.
    Cover of The Frog Prince
  • A Frog's Life

    Intricate illustrations depict different species of frogs and their unique traits.
    Cover of A Frog's Life
  • Front Desk

    Mia must help her parents navigate the intricacies of running a small motel while pursuing her dream of becoming a writer. Can her power with words help her family succeed?
    Cover of Front Desk
  • The Funeral

    Textured illustrations vividly capture the perspective of a young girl and her cousin as they attend the funeral of a distant relative.
    Cover of The Funeral
  • Game Changers: The Story of Venus and Serena Williams

    “Tennis filled their dreams.” Hard work and family bonds fuel their success.
    Cover of Game Changers: The Story of Venus and Serena Williams
  • The Ghostly Carousel: Delightfully Frightful Poems

    Zombie family reunions, vengeful canaries, and insect pie! A procession of creepy characters and gross-out delights sure to make you say “ew!”
    Cover of The Ghostly Carousel: Delightfully Frightful Poems
  • A Gift from Abuela

    Inventive art inspired by the colors and patterns of Mexican pesos illustrate the creative way that Niña and Abuela reaffirm their bond amid personal and economic changes.
    Cover of A Gift from Abuela
  • The Girl Who Drew Butterflies: How Maria Merian's Art Changed Science

    A gorgeous examination of a self-taught artist, entomologist, and the first to document the metamorphosis of butterflies. Merian's original artwork is showcased throughout.
    Cover of The Girl Who Drew Butterflies: How Maria Merian's Art Changed Science
  • Go Show the World

    Lavish illustrations and uplifting verse celebrate the diversity of indigenous peoples and their contributions to North American culture.
    Cover of Go Show the World
  • Grains of Sand

    Graceful drawings in a luminous palette evoke an imaginative daydream as two siblings remember their beach vacation.
    Cover of Grains of Sand
  • The Great Cheese Robbery (Pocket Pirates, vol. 1)

    A ragtag family of itty-bitty buccaneers catapult into a comic caper when evil mice kidnap their cat.
    Cover of The Great Cheese Robbery (Pocket Pirates, vol. 1)
  • Hello, Door

    Hello, riches. Hello, jewels. A wily fox greets everything he sees as he sneaks through the home of the Three Bears snatching their treasures. Brisk, rhyming text offsets detailed illustrations in this humorous heist.
    Cover of Hello, Door
  • Hidden City: Poems of Urban Wildlife

    Uncover secrets of the natural world in unlikely places with this warmly illustrated collection.
    Cover of Hidden City: Poems of Urban Wildlife
  • The Horse's Haiku

    Beautiful watercolors blend seamlessly with charming traditional haiku to convey the grace and power of horses.
    Cover of The Horse's Haiku
  • The House in Poplar Wood

    A deal with Death and Memory separates a family. Can twin brothers break the contract and bring the family together?
    Cover of The House in Poplar Wood
  • How Mamas Love Their Babies

    Heartfelt prose and retro photo collages remind us that no matter the job, mamas love their little ones and work to give them better lives.
    Cover of How Mamas Love Their Babies
  • I Walk with Vanessa: A Story about a Simple Act of Kindness

    Bright illustrations tell a powerful story about empathy and the courage to step up as an ally.
    Cover of I Walk with Vanessa: A Story about a Simple Act of Kindness
  • I'm OK

    In a series of darkly funny schemes, Ok Lee plans his escape from bullies, bills, and Mom’s new boyfriend. But things are beginning to look increasingly desperate.
    Cover of I'm OK
  • Illegal

    Ebo must embark on a harrowing journey through desert, ocean, and rat-infested sewers for the chance at a better life. A gripping narrative for older readers.
    Cover of Illegal
  • Imagine!

    Kinetic illustrations animate the wordless adventure of a boy inspired to bring art outside museum walls and into the streets of New York City.
    Cover of Imagine!
  • In the Past

    Dinosaur lovers will dig the blend of poetry, science, and jaw-dropping art in these odes to prehistoric creatures.
    Cover of In the Past
  • Inkling

    An inkblot escapes his sketchbook prison and alters Ethan’s life for the better.
    Cover of Inkling
  • Ivy Aberdeen's Letter to the World

    In the aftermath of a tornado, Ivy befriends June and feels the stirrings of a first crush.
    Cover of Ivy Aberdeen's Letter to the World
  • Jabberwalking

    How can you be a Jabberwalker? A United States Poet Laureate takes you on a mind-melting journey in this part memoir, part how-to guide that's like nothing you've ever seen.
    Cover of Jabberwalking
  • Jerome by Heart

    In this tender depiction of friendship, a child is unafraid to express his affection—even if it gives his parents pause.
    Cover of Jerome by Heart
  • The Journey of Little Charlie

    Little Charlie realizes that he wasn't helping Cap'n Buck, "a stanking piece of human filth", recover stolen money—he's unwittingly become a fugitive slave catcher. For older readers.
    Cover of The Journey of Little Charlie
  • Julián Is a Mermaid

    A young boy is enchanted by the costumed mermaids he sees while riding the New York City subway. Flowing watercolors complement the spare language in this poignant tale of self-expression and acceptance.
    Cover of Julián Is a Mermaid
  • Knockout

    Levi discovers the advantage of being "small but fast" in a boxing ring. Will health problems and an overprotective family pull a TKO over his ambition?
    Cover of Knockout
  • Libba: The Magnificent Musical Life of Elizabeth Cotten

    From humble origins to worldwide acclaim, Libba never gave up on her dream. Subtle graphite drawings reflect her life and most famous work.
    Cover of Libba: The Magnificent Musical Life of Elizabeth Cotten
  • Look at the Weather

    Atmospheric illustrations and lyrical writing combine in this meditative study of weather.
    Cover of Look at the Weather
  • Lovely Beasts: The Surprising Truth

    Charcoal drawings highlight surprising contrasts, revealing the softer side of beasts with bad reputations.
    Cover of Lovely Beasts: The Surprising Truth
  • Mapping Sam

    Follow a cat on her nightly stroll around the neighborhood through maps, diagrams, and charts of all kinds.
    Cover of Mapping Sam
  • Martin Rising: Requiem for a King

    Evocative brushwork and emotional, musical poems explore the tumultuous last months of Martin Luther King, Jr.’s life.
    Cover of Martin Rising: Requiem for a King
  • Mary Who Wrote Frankenstein

    Moody and gothic illustrations bring to life the birth of Mary Shelley’s masterpiece.
    Cover of Mary Who Wrote Frankenstein
  • Mega Robo Bros

    Even the most powerful robot kids on Earth deal with bullies and fitting in. To make matters worse, a sinister plot is underway to shut them down and destroy the world they protect.
    Cover of Mega Robo Bros
  • Merci Suárez Changes Gears

    As if middle school wasn't enough of an uphill battle, with frenemies and frizzy hair, Merci must also keep her abuelo’s secret.
    Cover of Merci Suárez Changes Gears
  • Midnight Teacher: Lilly Ann Granderson and Her Secret School

    An enslaved woman secretly taught herself to read and risked her life to share this knowledge with others.
    Cover of Midnight Teacher: Lilly Ann Granderson and Her Secret School
  • My Beijing: Four Stories of Everyday Wonder

    Watercolor illustrations transport the reader to the hutongs of Beijing where Yu’er and her grandfather embark on whimsical adventures.
    Cover of My Beijing: Four Stories of Everyday Wonder
  • My Pillow Keeps Moving!

    A man’s shopping trip leads to unexpected antics when he encounters furry friends in search of a home. Cartoon illustrations and silly dialogue will produce giggles.
    Cover of My Pillow Keeps Moving!
  • Myth Match

    Create your own mythical creature by mixing and matching the dazzling illustrations in this interactive bestiary.
    Cover of Myth Match
  • New Shoes

    Francis the donkey is thrilled when he gets the chance to make shoes for his favorite calypso singer. But there's just one problem: he needs more tiger grass, which can only be found deep in the jungle.
    Cover of New Shoes
  • Night Job

    Muted art and gently rhythmic text follow a father and son on an ordinary, but always special, routine.
    Cover of Night Job
  • Old Misery

    Pencil illustrations convey the dark humor in this allegorical tale of why misery exists.
    Cover of Old Misery
  • The Orphan Band of Springdale

    One French horn. One orphanage. One family secret. They all come together when Augusta is sent to live with her grandmother in a small Maine town in 1941.
    Cover of The Orphan Band of Springdale
  • Otis and Will Discover the Deep: The Record-Setting Dive of the Bathysphere

    A suspenseful story of two explorers whose determination and teamwork plunged them into previously uncharted ocean depths.
    Cover of Otis and Will Discover the Deep: The Record-Setting Dive of the Bathysphere
  • The Parker Inheritance

    An old letter sends two kids searching the past and the present to find a $40 million treasure.
    Cover of The Parker Inheritance
  • The Patchwork Bike

    Siblings zoom through their village on their homemade bike while their fed-up mum looks on. Vibrant paintings on cardboard enliven this spirited ode to childhood ingenuity.
    Cover of The Patchwork Bike
  • Peter and Ernesto: A Tale of Two Sloths

    This hilarious duo tests the strength of their friendship when Ernesto sets out on an exciting expedition and leaves homebody Peter behind.
    Cover of Peter and Ernesto: A Tale of Two Sloths
  • The Rabbit Listened

    This simple and sweetly illustrated story reminds readers that no one else can tell you what to feel. Sometimes, all we need is someone who will listen.
    Cover of The Rabbit Listened
  • Red Sky at Night

    The origins of traditional sayings used to forecast the weather are accompanied by dreamy paper dioramas.
    Cover of Red Sky at Night
  • The Rough Patch

    A farmer fox harvests hope after a great loss. Lush, dramatic imagery conveys his journey from grief to new beginnings.
    Cover of The Rough Patch
  • Sci-Fu, vol. 1

    In 1980s Brooklyn, young DJ Wax takes to the turntables and accidentally summons a UFO that whisks him and his crew away to the robot planet Discopia.
    Cover of Sci-Fu, vol. 1
  • The Secret Kingdom: Nek Chand, a Changing India, and a Hidden World of Art

    History, storytelling, and art converge in this immersive biography of a visionary folk artist who never stopped creating.
    Cover of The Secret Kingdom: Nek Chand, a Changing India, and a Hidden World of Art
  • Seeing into Tomorrow: Haiku by Richard Wright

    Photo collages paired with Wright's timeless haiku speak to themes of childhood and the natural world.
    Cover of Seeing into Tomorrow: Haiku by Richard Wright
  • Seven Bad Cats

    Count the clever cats as they cause chaos for an intrepid sailor in this rhyming tale set on rolling watercolor seas.
    Cover of Seven Bad Cats
  • Speechless

    Life is complicated, and it turns out death is too. Jimmy’s recently deceased cousin Patrick gets the last laugh when Jimmy is told he will be delivering the eulogy. For older readers.
    Cover of Speechless
  • Stanley Will Probably Be Fine

    Stanley must summon his inner strength to battle overwhelming situations when he enters the city-wide scavenger hunt to win tickets to Comic Fest.
    Cover of Stanley Will Probably Be Fine
  • Stella Díaz Has Something to Say

    A tongue-tied, bilingual third-grader finds her voice with the help of family, new friends, her pet betta fish, and Jacques Cousteau.
    Cover of Stella Díaz Has Something to Say
  • Strongheart: Wonder Dog of the Silver Screen

    A former police dog becomes an unlikely but sensational silent movie star. When accused of a crime he didn't commit, will the renowned canine sniff out the truth?
    Cover of Strongheart: Wonder Dog of the Silver Screen
  • Sweep: The Story of a Girl and Her Monster

    Nan Sparrow, a chimneysweep in Victorian London, befriends a mysterious magical creature in this fairy tale of monsters and great escapes.
    Cover of Sweep: The Story of a Girl and Her Monster
  • They Didn't Teach THiS in Worm School!

    To avoid becoming a bird's breakfast, a smooth-talking worm agrees to be her navigator. An unlikely friendship is formed as they travel to faraway lands.
    Cover of They Didn't Teach THiS in Worm School!
  • They Say Blue

    A swirl of colors carry a curious child through the natural world as she ponders the changing seasons.
    Cover of They Say Blue
  • Tom's Midnight Garden: A Graphic Adaptation of the Philippa Pierce Classic

    A true New York origin story of two teenage musicians from Queens and their rise to international stardom.
    Cover of Tom's Midnight Garden: A Graphic Adaptation of the Philippa Pierce Classic
  • The Triumphant Tale of the House Sparrow

    Intriguing narrative and detailed illustrations relate the surprising history of the humble house sparrow, which has lived alongside humans since ancient times.
    Cover of The Triumphant Tale of the House Sparrow
  • The Truth as Told by Mason Buttle

    Benny died falling out of a treehouse. Everyone in town thinks his best friend, Mason Buttle, knows more than he's saying. What will it take to prove his innocence?
    Cover of The Truth as Told by Mason Buttle
  • Two Dogs in a Trench Coat Go to School

    Jump into the minds of the well-meaning (yet hopelessly goofy) Sassy and Waldo, a canine duo determined to find out where their boy disappears to every day.
    Cover of Two Dogs in a Trench Coat Go to School
  • Wallpaper

    A layered fantasy world unfolds under the wallpaper of a new house. Lively paneled collages detail a wordless escapade that lead a shy girl to new friendships.
    Cover of Wallpaper
  • Water Land: Land and Water Forms Around the World

    Appealing die-cut pages and bold colors introduce topographical terms in this highly accessible primer for budding explorers.
    Cover of Water Land: Land and Water Forms Around the World
  • Wed Wabbit

    Fidge is transported into the land of Wimbly Woos, who insist she is the champion they have been waiting for. Will she be able to free them from the tyrannical rule of Wed Wabbit?
    Cover of Wed Wabbit
  • Whale in a Fishbowl

    From the middle of the city, Wednesday longs for the blue beyond her bowl.
    Cover of Whale in a Fishbowl
  • When Paul Met Artie: The Story of Simon and Garfunkel

    A true New York origin story of two teenage musicians from Queens and their rise to international stardom.
    Cover of When Paul Met Artie: The Story of Simon and Garfunkel
  • The Yark

    Good behavior will only get you eaten in this thrilling tale of an insatiable child-eating monster.
    Cover of The Yark