Our Gorgeous BabySmriti Prasadam-Halls, illustrated by Eve CoyIn this charmingly illustrated board book, a family celebrates their new baby in all her messy glory—stinky diapers, sloppy food, noisy nights—with gentle amusement, a realistic sense of humor, and a lot of love.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
Selections225
Published byAssociation for Library Service to Children (ALA)
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YOUNGER
38 of 98 selections on this pageContinued from page 1
Our Gorgeous BabySmriti Prasadam-Halls, illustrated by Eve CoyIn this charmingly illustrated board book, a family celebrates their new baby in all her messy glory—stinky diapers, sloppy food, noisy nights—with gentle amusement, a realistic sense of humor, and a lot of love.YOUNGERView book details
Our PebblesJarvis, illustrated by JarvisA boy remembers his favorite outings with his grandfather, when they would walk to the beach and find the perfect pebbles. The author’s signature childlike artwork shows how the boy honors those special rituals by treasuring and sharing their memory.YOUNGERView book details
Outside In and the Inside Out: A Story About Arnold LobelEmmy Kastner, illustrated by Emmy KastnerReminiscent of noted children’s author Arnold Lobel’s Frog and Toad, this picture book biography honors its subject's life with care, wonder, and reverence.YOUNGERView book details
Outside Mom, Inside MomJane Park, illustrated by Lenny WenAt home, Mom is outgoing, warm, and active. But outside, Mom is quiet, reserved, and careful. The child of a Korean immigrant observes his mother’s codeswitching in this thoughtful picture book that ultimately celebrates being true to oneself.YOUNGERView book details
PapilioBen Clanton, Corey R. Tabor, and Andy Chou Musser, illustrated by Ben Clanton, Corey R. Tabor, and Andy Chou MusserFollow the story of a caterpillar experiencing the stages of metamorphosis and the ups and downs of growing up. Told in three complementary parts through the unique style of each author-illustrator, the art creatively captures each phase of growth.YOUNGERLexile AD510LATOS 2.1View book details
PencilHye-Eun Kim, illustrated by Hye-Eun KimThis wordless picture book follows a forest as it is cut down, turned into pencils, and ultimately used to recreate a drawing of a new forest, highlighting cycles of loss, creativity, and renewal through striking, original illustrations.YOUNGERView book details
Picking Tea with BabaXu Bin, illustrated by Yu Yin, Shan ChenBold illustrations capture the Chinese countryside, where two young siblings accompany their parents to a mountaintop tea garden. Descriptive text demonstrates children’s ability to find moments of playfulness despite the hardships and challenges of fieldwork. (Batchelder Honor Book)YOUNGERLexile 610LView book details
Popo the XoloPaloma Angelina Lopez, illustrated by Abraham MatiasAfter her death, elderly Nana journeys to Mictlān alongside her loyal dog, Popo. This tender, poignant tale rooted in Aztec mythology is brought to life by luminous cut-paper and digital illustrations. (Pura Belpré Illustration Award Book)YOUNGERLexile 570LATOS 2.5View book details
Put Your Shoes OnPolly Dunbar, illustrated by Polly DunbarThis charming depiction of a daydreaming child balances everyday moments with a strong sense of wonder, brought to life through gentle humor and authentic, child-like artwork.YOUNGERView book details
Raven’s RibbonsTasha Spillett, illustrated by Daniel RamirezMotion-filled illustrations and rhythmic, repetitive text reflect the relationship between a loving grandmother and her grandchild during a round dance. Contemporary Indigenous culture, along with an openness toward self-expression, embrace all future possibilities.YOUNGERATOS 3.0AR interest Lower Grades (LG K-3)View book details
RecessLane Smith, illustrated by Lane SmithIn this mock-serious explanation of recess at school, Smith asks the reader to relax and join in on the silliness. Interspersed with spoofs of traditional subjects, jubilant and interactive storytimes are certain.YOUNGERATOS 2.3AR interest Lower Grades (LG K-3)View book details
Safe CrossingKari Percival, illustrated by Kari PercivalOn the first rainy night of the spring season, a young child and her family guard the roads to help amphibians migrate to their ponds, inspiring a community-led project to build a tunnel and make the annual crossing safer.YOUNGERLexile 620LView book details
Shark GirlKate Beaton, illustrated by Kate BeatonA half-shark, half-human girl sets out to confront a sea captain who is overfishing her ocean home. Humor and big emotions blend in illustrations that reveal even more than the spare, witty text.YOUNGERATOS 3.7AR interest Lower Grades (LG K-3)View book details
Shibu’s TailTess Thomas, illustrated by Kamwei FongShibu the cat explores what happens when he hides his feelings instead of expressing them. Captivating ink artwork and deceptively simple text provide depth, while humor, clever design, and quick pacing shine.YOUNGERWord count 351View book details
A Sky That SingsAnita Sanchez, George Steele, illustrated by Emily MendozaThe practice of bird-listening is introduced to readers through fact-based storytelling that values senses beyond sight. Thoughtful language and charming, accurate illustrations immerse readers in sound, touch, and smell, while young Mia shares her expertise with her curious aunt.YOUNGERLexile 361LATOS 2.6View book details
The Sleeper TrainMick Jackson, illustrated by Baljinder KaurA young girl is too excited to sleep on her first overnight train ride through India. Bright illustrations give the reader the illusion that the train is moving quickly, and intricately bordered pages center on the girl’s joy.YOUNGERView book details
Smiling EyesLinda Sue Park, illustrated by Lenny WenRhyming text follows an East Asian presenting child through a day in the city, exploring the many colors, shapes, and uses of eyes. Keenly observational and celebratory text pair with inclusive, painterly illustrations to create a warm and inviting narrative.YOUNGERView book details
So Many Years: A Juneteenth StoryAnne Wynter, illustrated by Jerome PumphreyThis nonfiction picture book honors the history of Juneteenth featuring vibrant illustrations that contrast the sobering history of enslavement with the resilient celebrations that began in the 19th century and continue today.YOUNGERLexile 281LATOS 2.2View book details
Stop That Mop!Jonathan Fenske, illustrated by Jonathan FenskeAn animate mop leads a menagerie of animals on a merry chase in a cumulative story just right for young readers. (Geisel Award Book)YOUNGERATOS 0.9AR interest Lower Grades (LG K-3)View book details
Stuck! The Story of La Brea Tar PitsJoyce Uglow, illustrated by Valerya MilovanovaA uniquely styled picture book that explains how the La Brea Tar Pits in California trapped animals for thousands of years and revealed fossils that led to scientific discoveries.YOUNGERView book details
The Three-Year TumbleDayeon Auh, illustrated by Dayeon Auh, Tim MohrInspired by the Korean folktale “Samnyeongogae,” this humorous picture book follows a superstitious grandfather and his clever granddaughter as they face a fateful mountain. Bold, energetic mixed media illustrations help bring the surreal tale to life.YOUNGERView book details
Through the Telescope: Mae Jemison Dreams of SpaceCharles R. Smith Jr, illustrated by Evening MonteiroA picture book about groundbreaking astronaut Mae Jemison, highlighting the start of her fascination and curiosity about space. Awe-inspiring intergalactic illustrations convey the light and wonder of the universe.YOUNGERView book details
ThunderlandMaggie Edkins Willis, illustrated by Maggie Edkins WillisAfraid of thunderstorms, a young girl learns from her father that it’s possible to be scared and brave at the same time. Warm illustrations and a gentle story offer comfort to children who fear storms.YOUNGERLexile AD500LATOS 3.3View book details
To Activate Space Portal, Lift HereAntoinette Portis, illustrated by Antoinette PortisAliens open a portal and encounter humans for the first time in this interactive picture book. As they try to connect, readers help keep the portal open before the battery runs out, and it closes.YOUNGERView book details
To Catch a GhostRachel Michelle Wilson, illustrated by Rachel Michelle WilsonHoping to impress his new classmates at show-and-tell, Sam sets out to catch a ghost but instead discovers an unexpected lesson in friendship. Playful illustrations and clever surprises make this an amusing and heartwarming story.YOUNGERATOS 2.1AR interest Lower Grades (LG K-3)View book details
TotoHyewon Yum, illustrated by Hyewon YumStarting school, a young girl learns to embrace her birthmark, lovingly named Toto, as part of who she is. Expressive illustrations and gentle humor celebrate self-acceptance and growing confidence.YOUNGERView book details
The Tunneler Tunnels in the TunnelMichael Rex, illustrated by Michael RexThe tunneler tunnels in the tunnel, the gardener gardens in the garden, and the reader will love reading this read! Repetition and seek-and-find style illustrations deliver a playful exploration of word forms and a showstopping conclusion. (Geisel Honor Book)YOUNGERView book details
A Vaisakhi to RememberSimran Jeet Singh, illustrated by Japneet KaurMissing Vaisakhi celebrations in India, a young Sikh girl finds friendship and learns traditions can be honored in new ways. Bright, detailed illustrations fill each page with warmth and joyful energy.YOUNGERATOS 3.4AR interest Lower Grades (LG K-3)View book details
Wanda Hears the Stars: A Blind Astronomer Listens to the UniverseAmy S. Hansen, Wanda Díaz Merced, illustrated by Rocío Arreola MendozaAstronomer Wanda Díaz Merced loses her sight due to complications from diabetes. Refusing to give up, she develops an unprecedented method to study the stars using sonification, which turns data into sound, and continues her groundbreaking work.YOUNGERLexile 540LATOS 3.6View book details
We Are the Wibbly: A Tadpole’s TailSarah Tagholm, illustrated by Jane McGuinnessA late-blooming tadpole follows its friends through the stages of growing up in this playful look at the amphibian life cycle. Silly read-aloud dialogue blends humor, social-emotional learning, and science.YOUNGERView book details
We Go SlowMariahadessa Ekere Tallie, illustrated by Aaron BeckerRich colored pencil illustrations and muted watercolors set the tone in this story of a girl and her grandfather who take a slow walk around a bustling city. Both explorers gently lead and guide one another through the maze of neighborhoods enjoying rich city details.YOUNGERView book details
We Leap TogetherChristopher Silas Neal, illustrated by Christopher Silas NealA mother and child are mirrored with a whale and her calf in this gentle story celebrating connection and shared experiences. Spare text and beautiful illustrations invite young readers to notice how humans and animals are alike.YOUNGERLexile AD370LATOS 2.6View book details
Whales in the CityNancy F. Castaldo, illustrated by Chuck GroeninkThis nonfiction picture book shows the evolution of the waters around NYC and the whales that lived there until they were forced away by pollution and congestion. Citizen environmentalists advocated to improve conditions, leading to the whales’ eventual return.YOUNGERLexile AD600LATOS 3.9View book details
What Makes a Bird?Megan Pomper, illustrated by Maia HoekstraThis engaging nonfiction picture book shares fascinating facts about birds while inviting readers to wonder what truly defines them. Clear text and appealing illustrations encourage curiosity about how animals are classified and understood.YOUNGERLexile 520LATOS 3.4View book details
When Alexander Graced the TableAlexander Smalls, Denene Millner, illustrated by Frank MorrisonAlexander prepares his first solo dish for his family’s cherished Sunday dinner, hoping to impress his dessert-loving father. Luminous oil paintings warmly capture the joy of family, food, and tradition.YOUNGERATOS 4.2AR interest Lower Grades (LG K-3)View book details
Wiggling Words: Loving Language with DyslexiaKate Rolfe, illustrated by Kate RolfeWhen letters wiggle and jumble on the page, a child imagines new ways to make words work and discovers their own path to reading. Rhyming text and expressive illustrations offer an affirming look at perseverance and the challenges of dyslexia.YOUNGERATOS 1.1AR interest Lower Grades (LG K-3)View book details
Year RoundAudrey Helen Weber, illustrated by Audrey Helen WeberExplore and contemplate the four seasons in unexpected ways by considering the questions, feelings, thoughts, and wishes of a child.YOUNGERWord count 224View book details
Zip Zap Wickety Wack: A Story About SharingMatthew Diffee, illustrated by Matthew DiffeeFarm animals happily share their sounds until the goat and sheep both insist that “baa” belongs to them. Silly humor and lively illustrations make this playful story a read-aloud favorite.YOUNGERATOS 2.1AR interest LG K-3View book detailsMIDDLE
22 of 61 selections on this pageContinues on page 3
The Adventures of CipollinoGianni Rodari, illustrated by Dasha Tolstikova, Antony ShugaarIn this internationally-beloved Italian classic, Cipollino, a young onion, is on a quest to study scoundrels and with cleverness, friendship, and courage, leads his land to liberty from tyranny. (Batchelder Honor Book)MIDDLEView book details
Amina Banana and the Formula for FriendshipShifa Saltagi Safadi, illustrated by Aaliya JaleelAmina, a recent Syrian immigrant, feels overwhelmed by the idiosyncrasies of English, mean kids at school, and homesickness. She soon learns that the formula for friendship is determined by kindness, understanding, and empathy.MIDDLEView book details
Are You a Friend of Dorothy?: The True Story of an Imaginary Woman and the Real People She HelpedKyle Lukoff, illustrated by Levi HastingsThis lively illustrated picture book explains how the phrase "Friend of Dorothy" has been used by the LGBTQ+ community throughout history to find camaraderie, companionship, and support.MIDDLELexile 669LATOS 4.3View book details
AstroManuel Marsol, illustrated by Manuel Marsol, Lizzie DavisAn astronaut befriends an alien on a new planet and later deals with the loss of his new friend. Surreal artwork and child-friendly existential wonderings make this picture book unique and strange in the best of ways.MIDDLEView book details
Bad Badger: A Love StoryMaryrose Wood, illustrated by Giulia GhiginiAn introverted and introspective badger strikes up an unlikely friendship with a seagull. When Gully goes missing, Septimus must summon his courage to find her.MIDDLELexile 660LATOS 4.3View book details
Benny on the CaseWesley KingBenny is an 11-year-old with Mosaic Down syndrome living in a retirement home run by his mother. When the residents notice their belongings have gone missing, Benny and the new girl at school work to solve the mystery.MIDDLEATOS 4.6AR interest Middle Grades (MG 4-8)View book details
Botticelli's ApprenticeUrsula Murray Husted, illustrated by Ursula Murray HustedThis colorful, inspiring, and well-researched graphic novel tells the story of a girl overcoming stereotypes and the norms of the Renaissance to study with one of the great artists and demonstrate her own talent.MIDDLEView book details
BustedDan GemeinhartTwelve-year‑old Oscar lives in a retirement home. When threatened with eviction, he agrees to help a shady resident escape, launching a rollicking, humorous adventure with unlikely friends that tests loyalty, courage, and compassion.MIDDLEATOS 3.7AR interest MG 4–8View book details
The Cartoonists ClubRaina Telgemeier, Scott McCloud, illustrated by Raina Telgemeier, Scott McCloudMakayla loves stories, Howard prefers sketching over schoolwork, Lynda struggles to see past her drawing “mistakes,” and Art just wants to be creative. When they learn their school media specialist adores comics, too, the Cartoonists Club is born.MIDDLEATOS 2.9AR interest Middle Grades (MG 4-8)View book details
Casey’s Cases: The Mysterious New GirlKay HealyCasey, a girl who is always upbeat and a little bit clueless, seeks out mysteries to solve in this humorous graphic novel.MIDDLELexile 329LATOS 2.4View book details
CeeCee: Underground Railroad CinderellaShana Keller, illustrated by Laura FreemanBlending fairy tale, history, and Bible story, this is the story of CeeCee, a girl enslaved by cruel plantation owners and their two spoiled daughters. After dreaming about Moses freeing enslaved people, she is determined to escape to the North.MIDDLELexile 650LATOS 4.0View book details
ChickenpoxRemy LaiAbby endures a chickenpox outbreak with her four usually annoying siblings while also learning how to navigate her tween friendships in this semi-autobiographical graphic novel set in 1990s Indonesia.MIDDLEATOS 3.0AR interest MG 4–8View book details
Dino PoetTom Angleberger, illustrated by Tom AnglebergerA dinosaur and a frog provide humorous banter as they explore various types of poetry and avoid getting eaten by other dinosaurs in this helpful guide.MIDDLEATOS 2.1AR interest Lower Grades (LG K-3)View book details
Dragonflies of Glass: The Story of Clara Driscoll and the Tiffany GirlsSusan Goldman Rubin, illustrated by Susanna ChapmanThrough colorful illustrations and text that captures Clara's determination, readers learn about the famous Tiffany Glass Studio and meet the women who created so many of their well-known pieces.MIDDLELexile 811LATOS 5.2View book details
The ExperimentRebecca SteadExtraterrestrial Nathan has been taught that his family is impersonating humans in order to study Earth. Things become complicated and confusing when strange changes occur, and the truth is finally revealed.MIDDLEATOS 4.2AR interest MG 4–8View book details
The Five Sides of Marjorie Rice: How to Discover a ShapeAmy Alznauer, illustrated by Anna BronA picture book biography about amateur mathematician Marjorie Rice, who blends science and art to discover brand-new tessellating pentagons.MIDDLEView book details
The Forest of a Thousand EyesFrances Hardinge, illustrated by Emily GravettFeather and her community dwell on crumbling remains of the Wall surrounded by an endless sea of malevolent plants and deadly creatures. When Feather makes a terrible mistake, she braves the unknown, finding danger and wonder beyond her wildest dreams.MIDDLEATOS 5.8AR interest Middle Grades Plus (MG+ 6 and up)View book details
The Friendship Train: A True Story of Helping and Healing After World War IIDebbie Levy, illustrated by Boris KulikovAt the end of WWII, as the people of France suffer through food shortages, American children create the Friendship Train by filling railroad cars with food and donations.MIDDLEView book details
The Gate, the Girl, and the DragonGrace Lin, illustrated by Grace LinYoung Jin, a Stone Lion, is tired of watching over humans and protecting the Sacred Sphere. When Jin accidentally kicks it through the gate and into the real world, he must get the Sphere back home or lose everything.MIDDLEATOS 5.2AR interest Middle Grades (MG 4-8)View book details
The Gift of the Great BuffaloCarole Lindstrom, illustrated by Aly McKnightYoung Rose longs to be useful during her Métis-Ojibwe community’s annual bison hunt and saves the day when the buffalo are elusive. This thoughtful historical picture book recontextualizes the late 19th-century Indigenous experience for readers of all ages.MIDDLEView book details
Go Tell It: How James Baldwin Became a WriterQuartez Harris, illustrated by Gordon C. JamesThis painterly and accessible picture book biography depicts how James Baldwin's childhood love of stories inspired his writing. (Sibert Honor Book)MIDDLELexile 781LATOS 5.0View book details
Growing HomeBeth Ferry, illustrated by Terry Fan, Eric FanAn unlikely team of a talkative plant, a curious spider, and a grumpy goldfish use their newfound magical abilities to defend their family from a greedy human.MIDDLEATOS 4.3AR interest Lower Grades (LG K-3)View book details