A-Ztec: A Bilingual Alphabet BookEmmanuel Valtierra, illustrated by Emmanuel ValtierraValtierra presents a treasury of 26 words in Spanish, Nahuatl, Mayan, and other Mesoamerican languages through bilingual English-Spanish poetry. (Pura Belpré Illustration Honor Book)YOUNGERView book detailsALSC Notable Children's Books 2026
Books selected by ALSC for children from birth through age 14.
2026 Notable Children's BooksSee the original list
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Published byAssociation for Library Service to Children (ALA)
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A-Ztec: A Bilingual Alphabet BookEmmanuel Valtierra, illustrated by Emmanuel ValtierraValtierra presents a treasury of 26 words in Spanish, Nahuatl, Mayan, and other Mesoamerican languages through bilingual English-Spanish poetry. (Pura Belpré Illustration Honor Book)YOUNGERView book details
Alberto Salas Plays Paka Paka con la Papa: Join the Quest with Peru’s Famed Scientist and Potato ExpertSara Andrea Fajardo, illustrated by Juana Martinez-NealPeruvian scientist Alberto Salas plays "potato hide-and-seek," collecting and conserving various potato varieties in the Andes Mountains to help farmers continue to grow potatoes in a climate-changing world. (Sibert Award Book)YOUNGERATOS 3.6AR interest LG K-3View book details
AfloatKirli Saunders, illustrated by Freya BlackwoodTold in sparse yet effective text, a community comes together and uses the Indigenous wisdom provided by an Elder to create a better world. Illustrations incorporate a weaving theme that showcases the message of joint effort and collaboration.YOUNGERView book details
Aggie and the GhostMatthew Forsythe, illustrated by Matthew ForsytheAggie’s new house comes with a ghost. Through trial and error, the creation of house rules, and an epic tic-tac-toe battle, Aggie and the ghost learn to get along. Clever book design and expressive characterization contribute to the wit.YOUNGERATOS 2.9AR interest LG K-3View book details
And She Was Loved: Toni Morrison’s Life in StoriesAndrea Davis Pinkney, illustrated by Daniel MinterA praise poem of Toni Morrison’s life, beloved writer and advocate for Black Americans, that showcases the positive impact her writing has had on the world.YOUNGERATOS 3.7AR interest LG K-3View book details
AnythingRebecca Stead, illustrated by Gracey ZhangA sensitive story of missing home and starting over again as a loving, creative dad helps his child feel at home in their new space. Black and white illustrations infused with pops of color depict the child’s thoughts and wishes.YOUNGERATOS 2.3AR interest LG K-3View book details
At the WindowHope Lim, illustrated by Qin LengIn this thoughtful, introspective picture book, a child strikes up a tentative friendship with a neighbor at her window. When the window becomes vacant, the child is inspired to open their own window to new experiences and perspectives.YOUNGERView book details
The Bear Out ThereJess Hannigan, illustrated by Jess HanniganAs a know-it-all girl warns about the scary bear lurking outside, savvy readers begin to suspect that all is not quite as it seems in this bright, bold, interactive twist on the classic Goldilocks tale.YOUNGERATOS 2.4AR interest LG K-3View book details
Big EnoughRegina Linke, illustrated by Regina LinkeAh-Fu has a big imagination. When he’s finally allowed to lead the bull in from pasture, it takes courage, creativity, and collaboration to get the job done. Elegant illustrations inspired by traditional Chinese techniques complete this masterfully told fable.YOUNGERView book details
The Blue Jays That Grew a ForestLynn Street, illustrated by Anne HunterIn this beautifully illustrated book, blue jays are shown burying their acorn bounty while supporting the growth of the thriving forest. This title captures the unique symbiotic relationship between the birds and the oak trees.YOUNGERView book details
A Book of Maps for YouLourdes Heuer, illustrated by Maxwell Eaton IIIA child cartographer draws maps for the next inhabitant of his home, gently guiding readers through transitions and emotional landscapes to highlight the best parts of home.YOUNGERATOS 3.5AR interest LG K-3View book details
BrokenX. Fang, illustrated by X. FangWhen she breaks her grandmother’s mug but lets the cat take the blame, young Mei Mei embarks on an epic journey of emotions. Cinematic storytelling and charming artwork combine for an engaging, relatable lesson about making mistakes and making amends.YOUNGERLexile AD460LATOS 2.0View book details
Cassini’s Mission: A Spacecraft, a Tiny Moon, and the Search for Life Beyond EarthKatie Venit, illustrated by Julia BlattmanGuided by her enthusiastic NASA scientists back on Earth, the spacecraft Cassini follows directions to conduct tests of Saturn’s moon Enceladus and makes the astonishing discovery that this little moon might just contain the building blocks for life.YOUNGERView book details
The ClockPam Fong, illustrated by Pam FongThe story of the beloved clock that graced the Gare d’Orsay train station in France, and how it was restored to its former glory when the station was transformed into a famous art museum.YOUNGERView book details
Cranky, Crabby Crow (Saves the World)Corey R. Tabor, illustrated by Corey R. TaborThe author’s signature wit and style are on display in this picture book about Crow, who seems mean and cranky and scares everyone away while he is actually prepping for a top-secret mission that will impress and awe his friends.YOUNGERATOS 1.8AR interest LG K-3View book details
CrocoAzul López, illustrated by Azul López, Kit MaudeIn this tale of resilience and self-efficacy, Croco, a crocodile, tries to find a way out of a hole. (Batchelder Award Book)YOUNGERView book details
Dark Nights and Light Hearts: A Muslim Book of OppositesHena Khan, illustrated by Mehrdokht AminiThe concept of opposites is presented through exquisite illustrations and celebratory text that incorporate Muslim words, phrases, designs, and culture.YOUNGERView book details
Dawn: Watch the World AwakenMarc Martin, illustrated by Marc MartinAs dawn breaks over a forest lake, wildlife awakens. Simple words and stunning artwork celebrate the everyday magic of the natural world.YOUNGERView book details
The Day the Books DisappearedJoanna Ho, Caroline Kusin Pritchard, illustrated by Dan SantatArnold loves his favorite book so much that he doesn’t understand why anyone would want to read anything else—until his wish comes true and all the other books disappear.YOUNGERATOS 3.1AR interest LG K-3View book details
Don't Trust FishNeil Sharpson, illustrated by Dan SantatAn informational book about animals quickly shifts to dramatic warnings about the untrustworthy nature of fish. Readers will laugh as they learn about facts, fiction, bias, and the reliability of the narrator in this witty picture book.YOUNGERLexile AD470LATOS 2.1View book details
Downpour: Splish! Splash! Ker-splash!Yuko Ohnari, illustrated by Koshiro Hata, Emily BalistrieriIn this picture book that celebrates the sights and sounds of a summer rain, a child is tired of the heat and anticipates a cooling storm. Child and reader are immersed in the book’s unique illustrated perspectives and wonderfully joyous onomatopoeia.YOUNGERLexile AD290LView book details
Earl and Worm: The Big Mess and Other StoriesGreg Pizzoli, illustrated by Greg PizzoliA pair of friends clean house, find a lucky penny, and stay up all night in three short chapters presented with gentle humor and surprise twists. (Geisel Honor Book)YOUNGERATOS 2.3AR interest LG K-3View book details
Every Monday MabelJashar Awan, illustrated by Jashar AwanAs her family watches, Mabel prepares for her favorite thing to do on the “best day of the week.” Sweet, deceptively simple illustrations capture the magic of the ordinary. (Caldecott Honor Book)YOUNGERATOS 1.9AR interest LG K-3View book details
Every Peach Is a StoryDavid Mas Masumoto, Nikiko Masumoto, illustrated by Lauren TamakiA Japanese American child and her grandfather tend their family farm through the seasons, reflecting on ancestors who made their lives possible. Poetic text and integrated illustrations celebrate farming, food, memory, and community.YOUNGERATOS 2.3AR interest LG K-3View book details
Faith Takes the TrainKesi Augustine, illustrated by MokshiniRiding the subway with her mother, Faith shows kindness to a neighbor who has fallen on hard times. Vivid watercolor illustrations depict a diverse, bustling urban background to this story of communal care.YOUNGERView book details
FireworksMatthew Burgess, illustrated by Cátia ChienVibrant hot pink and booming blue colors complement expressive text in this captivating picture book. Readers take joy in a pair of siblings’ activities on a hot summer day in the city while they eagerly await the evening fireworks show. (Caldecott Medal Book)YOUNGERATOS 3.5AR interest LG K-3View book details
Floor It!Bex Tobin Fine, illustrated by Federico FabianiA crawling baby zooms across a living room turned racetrack in this playful, rhyming picture book celebrating the imagination, adventure, and determination of toddlerhood, all in a high-speed crawl.YOUNGERLexile AD540LView book details
Flora and the JazzersAstrid Sheckels, illustrated by Astrid SheckelsIn this Jazz Age Cinderella retelling, Flora the ferret works as a maid in a grand hotel filled with stylish animal guests. She schemes to hear her favorite band, the Jazzers, when they arrive to perform.YOUNGERView book details
A Forest SongKirsten Hall, illustrated by Evan TurkIn this picture book, a child experiences the wonders of a flourishing forest through lines from previously published works by notable poets.YOUNGERLexile AD560LView book details
ForestsNell Cross Beckerman, illustrated by Kalen ChockExperience a poetic, informative journey across the globe through magnificent forested landscapes and the forces that shape them.YOUNGERATOS 4.8AR interest LG K-3View book details
FortsKatie Venit, illustrated by Kenard PakLyrical language and deep jewel-toned artwork convey coziness as a child explores all of the ways a fort can be just right, whether it is a carefully built cardboard sanctuary indoors or the branch canopies of the forest outside.YOUNGERLexile AD610LView book details
Gather GratefulMegan Litwin, illustrated by Alexandra FinkeldeyEvocative autumnal scenes in atmospheric shades of browns and blues show animals and people preparing for the coming winter by getting cozy, sharing meals, and gathering together.YOUNGERView book details
A Gift of Dust: How Saharan Plumes Feed the PlanetMartha Brockenbrough, illustrated by Juana Martinez-NealThrough a blend of science, lyrical poetry, and layered illustrations, this book explores the journey, impact, and significance of Saharan dust as it travels across the world and nourishes it.YOUNGERView book details
Hilwa’s GiftsSafa Suleiman, illustrated by Anait SemirdzhyanAli visits his grandparents in Palestine and learns from them and Hilwa, the beloved ancient olive tree planted long ago. Illustrations in a gentle, earth-toned palette celebrate family, tradition, culture, and the tree whose gifts keep giving from generation to generation.YOUNGERView book details
How Sweet the Sound: A Soundtrack for AmericaKwame Alexander, illustrated by Charly PalmerA bright, colorfully-illustrated, informative journey through the deep-rooted rhythms of African American musical culture, highlighting its extraordinary Black musicians and artists.YOUNGERView book details
How to Draw a TreeDavid LaRochelle, illustrated by Colleen MuskeBeginning with simple directions on how to draw a tree (“Go outside and find a tree”), this title expands to become an exercise in appreciating one’s senses and slowing down to observe the natural world.YOUNGERView book details
How to Grow a Family TreeBea Birdsong, illustrated by Jasu HuEmmylou dreads a school assignment to create her family tree, until she realizes that family is also found in caring neighbors and friends. A watercolor palette of shifting blues and yellows reinforces this story’s message about nontraditional and found families.YOUNGERView book details
I Am We: How Crows Come Together to SurviveLeslie Barnard Booth, illustrated by Alexandra FinkeldeyThis eerie informational poem explores crow intelligence and interdependence through a collective voice. Evocative language and experimental visuals create atmosphere, while dramatic perspectives and rich backmatter balance mood with scientific content.YOUNGERLexile AD510LATOS 2.3View book details
I Hear the Snow, I Smell the SeaJanice Milusich, illustrated by Chris RaschkaA lyrically written picture book about a young blind girl and her mother exploring the sensory-rich experiences of each season. Watercolor and oil pastel illustrations, poetic language, and onomatopoeic sounds evoke a childlike quality, allowing readers to close their eyes and use their senses.YOUNGERLexile AD590LATOS 2.9View book details
I Like HoopsJuwanda G. Ford, illustrated by Jada Jeni BennettShort action sentences and colorful illustrations propel the action forward in this slam-dunk story about a close game of basketball. Young readers will be on the edge of their seats! (Geisel Honor Book)YOUNGERATOS 0.8AR interest LG K-3View book details
If You Make a Call on a Banana PhoneGideon Sterer, illustrated by Emily HughesA growing friendship between a child and a gorilla helps both feel trusted and brings joyful fun. Lush illustrations contrast the jungle and home, with a charming surprise ending.YOUNGERATOS 3.3AR interest LG K-3View book details
In the DesertDavid Elliott, illustrated by Gordy WrightPoetic verse reveals the hidden lives of animals surviving in the Sahara’s harsh landscape. Vibrant illustrations and informative back matter bring a seemingly barren environment to life.YOUNGERView book details
In the World of WhalesMichelle Cusolito, illustrated by Jessica LananA free diver witnesses the birth of a sperm whale and experiences a rare moment of connection with the pod in this immersive nonfiction picture book.YOUNGERView book details
The InterpreterOlivia Abtahi, illustrated by Monica ArnaldoCecilia has two jobs: being a kid and interpreting for her Spanish-speaking parents. Clever, engaging artwork effectively illustrates the challenges of Cecilia’s dual roles, leading to a lesson about family, teamwork, and self-care.YOUNGERLexile 530LATOS 2.4View book details
Island StormBrian Floca, illustrated by Sydney SmithSiblings explore their island home as a storm rolls in and run for cover when it hits. Suspenseful text and immersive illustrations help readers experience the thrill of extreme weather and the safety of home.YOUNGERLexile 549LATOS 3.6View book details
It’s Corn Picking Time!Jill Esbaum, illustrated by Melissa CrowtonIn this celebratory picture book with diverse representation and farm machines galore, readers get to know the farmer, her farm, and the exciting process that transforms green cornstalks in the field into golden kernels in the dryer bin.YOUNGERLexile 440LATOS 3.0View book details
The Jade BraceletHà Dinh, illustrated by Yong Ling KangThis gentle picture book celebrates tradition, culture, and family as a Vietnamese American girl learns to appreciate the legacy of the jade bracelet she receives from her mother, though it looks different than the jewelry other girls wear.YOUNGERView book details
Let's Be BeesShawn Harris, illustrated by Shawn HarrisIn this enthusiastic read-aloud, a father and child romp through nature and the joy of make-believe. Illustrations depict surprising imaginary changes, and expressive language begs the reader to growl, buzz, and crack along with the characters.YOUNGERView book details
Little Big ManVarian Johnson, illustrated by Reggie BrownElijah is learning to be a big brother. Thanks to great coaching from his dad, he finds ways to help out AND have fun in this bright, boldly-illustrated picture book for the whole family.YOUNGERLexile AD480LATOS 2.2View book details
The Littlest DropSascha Alper, illustrated by Jerry Pinkney, Brian PinkneyA fire breaks out on the savannah, and only the hummingbird rushes to douse the flames. Through bright, bold, energetic artwork and child-centered text, the hummingbird proves that when everyone gives all they can, a community can achieve the impossible.YOUNGERLexile AD660LView book details
Made for MoreChloe Ito Ward, illustrated by Gael AbaryAn Asian American girl embraces the beauty of nature, celebrates her skin color, and honors her Japanese and Hawaiian cultures in this picture book with beautiful landscape illustrations of tropical scenes in bright colors.YOUNGERView book details
Mai’s Áo DàiThái Nguyễn, Monique Truong, illustrated by Dung HoMai dreams of being a movie star wearing fancy dresses—NOT traditional Vietnamese áo dài for Lunar New Year. When her father shares her grandmother's past as an expert seamstress, Mai learns the value of culture and tradition.YOUNGERView book details
Menudo Sunday: A Spanglish Counting BookMaría Dolores Águila, illustrated by Erika MezaTold in Spanglish, this lively, story-driven counting book celebrates Mexican culture through energetic illustrations resulting in a joyful and inclusive tale of family, shared traditions, mistakes, and forgiveness.YOUNGERLexile 540LFountas & Pinnell MView book details
Midnight MotorbikeMaureen Shay Tajsar, illustrated by Ishita JainAs mother and daughter travel through a moonlit night on their motorbike, the Indian landscape comes alive through vibrant artwork and lyrical text, helping readers see the ocean, feel the nighttime heat, and experience the rush of a monsoon downpour.YOUNGERView book details
Moon SongMichaela Goade, illustrated by Michaela GoadeTwo Tlingit cousins explore the magic of a wintery night in the second book of the Song of the Seasons series, honoring Tlingit and Haida culture. Watercolor illustrations contrast glowing scenes of light with the dark of night.YOUNGERLexile 459LATOS 3.1View book details
My Pollinator Garden: How I Plant for Bees, Butterflies, Beetles, and MoreJordan Zwetchkenbaum, illustrated by Kate CosgroveA detailed, lively, informative picture book showing how bees and other pollinators help plants grow, illustrated with joyful color.YOUNGERView book details
Night LightMichael Emberley, illustrated by Michael EmberleyWhen the power goes out, a parent grabs some stars from the night sky to help her child feel safe—until the moon gets lonely too. Accessible text and creative panels make this graphic novel ideal for early readers.YOUNGERATOS 1.0AR interest Lower Grades (LG K-3)View book details
Night WalkJason Cockcroft, illustrated by Jason CockcroftJust before sunrise, a sleepy boy and his grandfather venture out to follow Grandma’s favorite walk through the woods to her favorite place, which turns out to be the perfect spot to remember her. Atmospheric illustrations are rich in natural details.YOUNGERView book details
NightsongSally Soweol Han, illustrated by Sally Soweol HanWhen a bus breakdown temporarily strands Lewis and his mother, he discovers a world alive with nighttime sounds. Bold onomatopoeia and striking illustrations turn insects, wind, and rustling plants into a vivid visual orchestra against the dark.YOUNGERView book details
Oh Dear, Look What I Got!Michael Rosen, illustrated by Helen OxenburyA boy goes shopping, but instead of a carrot, he’s given a parrot, and oh dear… As animal mistakes accumulate, the reader is treated to a rollicking, rhyming good time that leads to a ruckus until all ends well.YOUNGERATOS 1.1AR interest Lower Grades (LG K-3)View book details