Popo the XoloPaloma Angelina Lopez, illustrated by Abraham MatiasAfter a day of lovingly caring for her family, an elderly Mexican grandmother sits in her armchair while her lapdog accompanies her on her final, dreamlike journey. Gentle digital illustrations. Cultural notes, glossary.Five to NineLexile 570LATOS 2.5View book detailsBank Street Best Children's Books of the Year 2026
A large annual list organized by age group and subject.
The Best Children's Books of the Year [2026 edition]See the original list
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Published byBank Street College of Education
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Five to Nine
60 of 216 selections on this pageContinued from page 2Continues on page 4
Popo the XoloPaloma Angelina Lopez, illustrated by Abraham MatiasAfter a day of lovingly caring for her family, an elderly Mexican grandmother sits in her armchair while her lapdog accompanies her on her final, dreamlike journey. Gentle digital illustrations. Cultural notes, glossary.Five to NineLexile 570LATOS 2.5View book details
A Seed in the UniverseElyon LiuA celebration of connectedness in our boundless galaxy. Die-cut pages, board book format. Heavily outlined illustrations with limited, but beautiful, color palette.Five to NineView book details
The Wombats Go Wild for WordsBeth Ferry, illustrated by Lori NicholsWombats change a duckling into a verbivore as they use nouns, verbs, and adjectives to transform the forest where she lives. Colorful digital illustrations.Five to NineView book details
Dancing with WaterGwendolyn WallaceGrowing populations exacerbate water scarcity. Fortunately, Kit’s grandfather knows a thing or two about dowsing for water. Vibrant acrylic and oil glazes infuse this story with hope.Five to NineView book details
A Place for Us: A Story in PicturesJames E. Ransome, illustrated by James E. RansomeExperience a day in the life of an unhoused Black mother and son as they go from school to library to park bench for the night. Full-bleed watercolor illustrations.Five to NineView book details
Dream for the LandLaekan Zea KempDrought strains a Latine family’s Texas farm. Pa helps his daughter to see how things once were and imagine how, with widespread mindful stewardship, they might be once again. Cinematic illustrations.Five to NineView book details
Good Golden SunBrendan WenzelA paean to the light of the sun and its effects on all forms of life below. Rhyming text. Glowing collage- style mixed-media art.Five to NineView book details
Over in the MangrovesJyoti Rajan Gopal, illustrated by Dikshaa PawaskarIn a reimagined classic nursery rhyme, ten animals in the Sundarbans National Forest are introduced, revealing their interconnectedness in their swampy environment. Lush animated illustrations. Back matter.Five to NineATOS 4.1Fountas & Pinnell OView book details
The Silver ShadowMariesa DulakIn Barbados, a child exploring a tidal pool comes upon a baby shark stuck in the shallows and protects it until the tide comes back in. Richly hued seascapes. Author’s note.Five to NineView book details
Strange CreaturesCristina Sitja Rubio, Cristóbal LeónWhile forest animals dance and eat at a party, their homes disappear. With the help of children, they plan to restore their habitat. Gouache and colored pencil illustrations.Five to NineView book details
Trouble Dog: From Shelter Dog to Conservation Hero (Spectacular STEAM for Curious Readers series)Carol A. FooteA professional conservationist trains her rambunctious rescue dog to redirect his energy, learning to identify scents to save wildlife. Based on a true story. Animated watercolor illustrations. Back matter.Five to NineView book details
Wind WatchersMicha ArcherThree siblings interact with the wind while exploring nature through the cycle of the seasons. Bright acrylic ink and patterned paper collage.Five to NineView book details
Across the Ice: How We Saved the Ojibwe HorseDarcy Whitecrow, Heather M. O’ConnorThe rescue journey of the Ojibwe horses is shared by a grandmother as a village welcomes them home. Bright digital art. Back matter.Five to NineView book details
AfloatKirli Saunders, illustrated by Freya BlackwoodAn Elder and a child gather people from many cultures together as they explore weaving in a changing world. A metaphorical tale of unity. Haunting mixed-media illustrations.Five to NineView book details
Another Word for NeighborAngela Pham Krans, illustrated by Thai My PhuongNew to the neighborhood, Kate and Olly overcome the objections of their old and mostly ornery neighbor to expose him to new adventures. Evocative digital illustrations.Five to NineView book details
Before I Lived HereStacy S. JensenA boy reflects on the changes in his neighborhood from the present day back to the prehistoric era. Bright, swirling mixed-media and digital art.Five to NineView book details
Before She Was My GrandmotherGiselle PotterThrough stories and mementos, a child learns about her grandmother’s rich and complex life. Pastel painted illustrations.Five to NineView book details
The Couch in the YardKate HoeflerA tight-knit Appalachian family’s nightly drives are reimagined as wondrous journeys to the moon. Lilting rhymed couplets. Glowing, brush-textured digital art.Five to NineView book details
Family Feast!Carole Boston WeatherfordWhen a Black family gets together to prepare and enjoy a special meal, everyone has their job to do, including the dog. Colorful, bold, oil paint illustrations.Five to NineView book details
Fish Fry FridayWinsome Bingham, illustrated by C. G. EsperanzaA young Black narrator loves spending summertime Fridays with his grandmother, fishing from a Chesapeake pier and later preparing their catch for the whole family to enjoy. Bold, colorful, energetic illustrations.Five to NineView book details
The House That FloatedGuojing, illustrated by GuojingA family rafts their tiny cottage across rising floodwaters to a safe location. Wordless, with quietly powerful chalk and digital art.Five to NineView book details
How to Grow a Family TreeBea Birdsong, illustrated by Jasu HuEmmylou thinks she has no relatives to put on her family tree… until she realizes she and her mom have built a family of friends and neighbors. Soft watercolor illustrations.Five to NineView book details
The InterpreterOlivia Abtahi, illustrated by Monica ArnaldoCecilia wants to enjoy herself but struggles with her “second job”—interpreting for her Spanish-speaking parents. Speech balloons include English and Spanish translations. Humorous watercolor and pencil crayon illustrations. Also available in Spanish.Five to NineLexile 530LATOS 2.4View book details
The Jade BraceletHà Dinh, illustrated by Yong Ling KangTiên, seven, wants a colorful bracelet that is just like her schoolmates’. When her mother gives her a jade bracelet, Tiên is unhappy until she learns its significance. Watercolor and color pencil illustrations.Five to NineView book details
A Knot Is Not a TangleDaniel NayeriAn Iranian boy helps weave a rug with his grandmother, learning the traditional handicraft and the value of imperfections that create lasting memories. Stylized Iranian illustrations. Author’s note.Five to NineView book details
Kwesi and Nana Ruby Learn to SwimKobina Commeh, illustrated by Bárbara QuintinoKwesi and his Ghanaian grandmother, neither of whom can swim, face their fear of the water together, making their undertaking more likely to succeed. Vibrant colorful illustrations.Five to NineView book details
Late TodayJungyoon HuhA traffic jam ensues when a stray cat crosses the highway. Will any of the busy commuters stop and help? Thoughtful colored pencil and oil pastel illustrations.Five to NineView book details
Lulu in the Spotlight: A South Asian Wedding StoryNatasha Khan KaziLulu wants to win the prize for the traditional stealing of the groom’s shoes, but her cousins are at least as determined as she is. Pastel illustrations.Five to NineView book details
¡Mistaco!: A Tale of Tragedy y TortillasEliza Kinkz, illustrated by Eliza KinkzAccident-prone Izzy struggles while making tortillas with her grandfather, who reassures her, with warmth and humor, that everyone makes mistakes. Zany, childlike mixed-media drawings.Five to NineATOS 2.4AR interest Lower Grades (LG K-3)View book details
New Shoes for LeoLauren Agra DeedyHelping to assemble a care package for his relatives in Cuba, William seeks shoes for his cousin. Vibrant pencil, ink, and watercolor illustrations. Spanish glossary. Also available in Spanish.Five to NineView book details
Night WalkJason Cockcroft, illustrated by Jason CockcroftUnder twinkling stars, a grieving grandchild visits Grandma’s favorite woodland places with his grandfather, eventually greeting the rising sun and new day. Mixed-media illustrations.Five to NineView book details
The One About the BlackbirdMelanie FlorenceThough he’s frustrated as he learns to play the guitar, a boy grows up to become a musician. As his grandad is losing his memory, the boy mirrors the gentle encouragement he gave. Emotions depicted in the artwork.Five to NineView book details
Our LakeAngie Kang, illustrated by Angie KangA small boy hikes with his brother to their special spot at the lake, but without their late father with them, can he jump into it now? Poignant gouache and digital art.Five to NineATOS 2.3AR interest Lower Grades (LG K-3)View book details
Moon SongMichaela Goade, illustrated by Michaela GoadeTo ease her cousin’s fears of the dark, a Tlingit girl guides him through a snowy night landscape. Melodic text and resplendent watercolor and mixed-media illustrations celebrate nature’s light.Five to NineLexile 459LATOS 3.1View book details
The Peanut ManCarmen Agra DeedyWhen Coqui’s Cuban family moves to America, she misses her special vendor friend. Years later, a baseball game brings back unmistakably familiar smells and fond memories. Radiant illustrations.Five to NineView book details
My Sister the Apple Tree: A Refugee Story of Hope and ResilienceJordan Scott, Jamal Saeed, illustrated by Zahra MarwanForced to leave his country, a boy carries the tree he has claimed as his sister and confidant to his new home. Soft, flowing, watercolor pen and ink illustrations.Five to NineView book details
The Pink Pajamas: A Story About Love and LossCharlene ChuaAh Yi shows her love for her niece by sewing pajamas for her. Rejecting a pink pair, the girl discovers a surprise in her aunt’s drawer after her death. Colorful cartoon-like illustrations.Five to NineView book details
Rabbit’s FeatBarney SaltzbergBoulder dreams of seeing Cactus bloom, but is too far away. An empathetic bunny enlists friends to bring the dream to life. Mixed-media illustrations on handmade paper.Five to NineView book details
When Auggie Learned to Play ChessMeredith RusuA boy moves to a new school and suffers from loneliness, but chess helps create social connections and teaches important life lessons. Colorful, digital illustrations.Five to NineView book details
A Song for Two HomesDr. Michael DatcherAuset, a Black girl, learns to live in two places when her parents get divorced. Lyrical text is matched by expressive, textured acrylic paintings.Five to NineView book details
With a Needle & Thread: A Jewish Folktale from CubaJennifer Stempel, illustrated by Libi AxelrodIn a Jewish enclave in Cuba, a girl and her abuelita continually reuse an outgrown dress to the benefit of their community. Mixed-media illustrations. Also available in Spanish.Five to NineView book details
Taking the Long Way HomeJake Hope, illustrated by Brian FitzgeraldOn the day that Uncle Jerome picks them up from school, two Black siblings find joy and discovery in the journey, rather than in just the destination. Lively digital illustrations.Five to NineView book details
Tíos and PrimosJacqueline AlcántaraOn a visit to her father’s Spanish-speaking homeland, a girl bonds with her large family despite language barriers. Bright color illustrations.Five to NineView book details
We Are the Scrappy OnesRebekah TaussigA celebration of diversity in race, ethnicity, and ability. Lyrical text and cheerful illustrations encourage self-esteem and inclusiveness. Back matter includes author’s and illustrator’s personal experiences.Five to NineView book details
We Go SlowMariahadessa Ekere Tallie, illustrated by Aaron BeckerOn a morning walk, a Black girl and her grandfather use their senses to explore their urban neighborhood. Rich, shady illustrations in watercolor and colored pencil.Five to NineView book details
Yáadilá!: Good Grief!Laurel GoodluckA Diné (Navajo) boy creatively helps his grandmother adjust as she moves from her sheep camp home to live with her extended family. Mixed-media illustrations.Five to NineView book details
Circus of ShadowsLidia BrankovićA young girl’s shadow begins misbehaving and soon whisks her away to an eerie night world where she learns to conquer her fears. Spooky, deep-hued illustrations.Five to NineView book details
Eliza and the Flower Fairies (Fairy Door Diaries series)Megan McDonaldWhen Eliza of the Elves goes through a magical fairy door to the Land of the Flower Fairies, she has unexpected adventures. Enchanting gouache and colored pencil illustrations.Five to NineView book details
Welcome Home, EsmereldaDaniela RamirezA Latina girl worries about her military family’s move from Germany to the States. She’ll miss her friends; will Texas ever feel like home? Digital illustrations.Five to NineView book details
Have a Good Trip, Mousse! (Mousse series)Claire LebourgTired of rainy days, a small creature embarks on a seaside vacation, but he feels left out when his best friend finds a new playmate. Detailed watercolor illustrations.Five to NineView book details
Mr. Norton’s New HatHuw Lewis JonesAfter a week of waking up to different animals in his house, kind Mr. Norton has had enough. Or so he thinks. Whimsical illustrations.Five to NineView book details
One Day a MayflyShirley MarrA mayfly nymph emerges as an adult with only 24 hours to live and spends that time in discovery, wonder, and joy. Inviting pencil, ink, and gouache illustrations.Five to NineView book details
PencilHye-Eun Kim, illustrated by Hye-Eun KimA girl uses the power of her pencil to heal the forest from which its wood was harvested. Wordless, with colored pencil and marker illustrations.Five to NineView book details
The Polar Bear and the BallerinaEric VelasquezA polar bear travels to a young Black dancer’s ballet performance to return a scarf and faces suspicion and bias. Largely wordless. Oil painting illustrations.Five to NineView book details
Sakina and the Uninvited GuestsZahra MarwanA young Middle Eastern girl, bored by a museum visit, finds that three sentient artifacts have followed her home to help her connect art to her ancestral history. Dramatic watercolor and pen illustrations.Five to NineView book details
Seven Ways Through the WoodsJenn ReeseA group of children take a fantasy journey through the forest. Glowing art replete with griffins, sprites, and serpents.Five to NineView book details
Shark GirlKate Beaton, illustrated by Kate BeatonA shark-tailed mergirl seeks revenge on the ornery captain who caught her in his net, but soon befriends his fishing crew. A Little Mermaid riff with spunk. Zany digital art.Five to NineATOS 3.7AR interest Lower Grades (LG K-3)View book details
To Catch a GhostRachel Michelle Wilson, illustrated by Rachel Michelle WilsonTo impress classmates at her new school’s show-and- tell, a girl goes ghost hunting. Chalk pastel, acrylic, and digital art cleverly frame the endearing little phantom in negative space.Five to NineATOS 2.1AR interest Lower Grades (LG K-3)View book details
The Trickster ShadowMangeshig Pawis-SteckleyTo help Zoon control his unruly shadow, his grandmother gives him a drum that beats with the rhythm of his heart. Bright, thick-lined digital art. Author’s note. Glossary.Five to NineView book details
Troubling Tonsils! (Jasper Rabbit’s Creepy Tales! series)Aaron Reynolds, illustrated by Peter BrownWhen the doctor starts to remove Charlie Marmot’s infected tonsils, it turns out that they have already been taken out. Charlie is in for the surprise of his life! Cartoon-style grayscale illustrations.Five to NineATOS 4.6AR interest Lower Grades (LG K-3)View book details