Rank 1Don't Trust FishNeil Sharpson, illustrated by Dan SantatDon't Trust Fish is a humorous picture book by Neil Sharpson, illustrated by Dan Santat, that presents an increasingly absurd warning about the supposedly suspicious behavior of fish.Kids Favorites — K–2nd GradeLexile AD470LATOS 2.1View book detailsCBC Favorites Awards 2026
Annual favorites chosen by children, teachers, and librarians from books submitted by publishers.
2026 CBC Favorites AwardsSee the original list
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Kids Favorites — K–2nd Grade
60 selections
Rank 1Don't Trust FishNeil Sharpson, illustrated by Dan SantatDon't Trust Fish is a humorous picture book by Neil Sharpson, illustrated by Dan Santat, that presents an increasingly absurd warning about the supposedly suspicious behavior of fish.Kids Favorites — K–2nd GradeLexile AD470LATOS 2.1View book details
Rank 2Aggie and the GhostMatthew Forsythe, illustrated by Matthew ForsytheAggie sets rules for the ghost haunting her new home, but a game of tic-tac-toe helps the mismatched pair find compromise and friendship.Kids Favorites — K–2nd GradeATOS 2.9AR interest LG K-3View book details
Rank 3POP! Goes the Nursery RhymeBetsy Bird, illustrated by Andrea TsurumiA mischievous weasel repeatedly interrupts Secretary Bird's orderly nursery-rhyme recital and sends familiar verses into comic chaos.Kids Favorites — K–2nd GradeView book details
Rank 4Bruce Saves the PlanetRyan T. Higgins, illustrated by Ryan T. HigginsBear Bruce seeks a quiet day of fishing but encounters beetles, protesters, and a planned factory in the Soggy Hollow forest. He and his neighbors become unlikely environmental defenders.Kids Favorites — K–2nd GradeView book details
Rank 5Piece OutAlex WillanA Good Housekeeping Best Kids’ Book of 2025A Bank Street Best Book Toy Story meets Traction Man Is Here in this picture book that offers a fresh spin on a universal premise: the secret action-adventure story of a toy.When Red, a game piece, is accidentally left out of the game box, nothing—not a hungry robot nor the ferocious family dog Lady...Kids Favorites — K–2nd GradeView book details
Rank 6Recess: A Picture BookLane Smith, illustrated by Lane SmithSchool is where you go to learn. But sometimes you need a little break from all the fun.Kids Favorites — K–2nd GradeATOS 2.3AR interest Lower Grades (LG K-3)View book details
Rank 7E-I-UFO: Old MacDonald Had a FarmZach von Zonk, illustrated by Benjamin ChaudGet ready to sing and laugh along with this intergalactic twist on the classic children’s song “Old MacDonald Had a Farm” in a rollicking picture book from author Zach von Zonk and beloved illustrator Benjamin Chaud!Old MacDonald had a farm—that is, until an alien spirits his animals away in a UFO.Kids Favorites — K–2nd GradeView book details
Rank 8Buffalo Fluffalo and PuffaloBess Kalb, illustrated by Erin KraanBuffalo Fluffalo resents the arrival of younger sibling Puffalo and the disruption to his prairie routine. As he helps Puffalo learn to move, eat, and avoid danger, he discovers companionship in their new relationship.Kids Favorites — K–2nd GradeView book details
Rank 9Flat Cat: The Class PetTara Lazar, illustrated by Pete OswaldFrom the #1 New York Times bestselling illustrator of The Big Cheese, Pete Oswald, and critically acclaimed author of 7 Ate 9 and Bloop, Tara Lazar, comes a back-to-school adventure for Flat Cat!Flat Cat was born flat.Kids Favorites — K–2nd GradeATOS 2.9AR interest Lower Grades (LG K-3)View book details
Rank 10Axolotl and AxolittleJess Hitchman, illustrated by Sarah RebarTwo axolotl siblings with opposite interests squabble and reconcile, using wordplay to explore differences, conflict, and making up.Kids Favorites — K–2nd GradeView book details
Rank 11Biggest Dog in the Book, TheBen Lerwill, illustrated by Mark ChambersThis comparison book introduces dogs of many breeds and sizes before opening a gatefold to reveal which one is largest. Each dog is also shown with its own habits and personality.Kids Favorites — K–2nd GradeView book details
Rank 12Cranky, Crabby Crow (Saves the World)Corey R. Tabor, illustrated by Corey R. TaborCranky, Crabby Crow (Saves the World) is a picture book written and illustrated by Corey R. Tabor about a crow who appears to reject his friends because he is secretly trying to protect Earth from an approaching asteroid.Kids Favorites — K–2nd GradeATOS 1.8AR interest LG K-3View book details
Rank 13Buzz! Boom! Bang!: The Book of SoundsBenjamin Gottwald, illustrated by Benjamin GottwaldA wordless sequence of bouncing, racing, falling, and colliding scenes invites readers to supply every buzz, boom, and bang aloud.Kids Favorites — K–2nd GradeView book details
Rank 14FireworksMatthew Burgess, illustrated by Cátia ChienFireworks is a picture book by Matthew Burgess, illustrated by Cátia Chien, following two siblings through a hot Fourth of July as their neighborhood waits for an evening fireworks display.Kids Favorites — K–2nd GradeATOS 3.5AR interest LG K-3View book details
Rank 15Trouble with Giraffes, TheLisa Mantchev, illustrated by Taeeun YooReturn to Pet Club, where all are welcome, with the story of a girl and her pet giraffe in this tender picture book companion to the bestselling and acclaimed Strictly No Elephants.At Pet Club, all people and pets are welcome.Kids Favorites — K–2nd GradeView book details
Rank 16Messi's Magic: How Lionel Messi Became the G.O.A.T.Caroline L. Perry, illustrated by Luciano LozanoLeo’s resilience and big-heartedness on the journey to become the G.O.A.T. are as inspiring as his dazzling style of play. This humble hero has ignited passion in millions and sparked the movement: Messi Mania!Enriched with statistics, career highlights, a timeline, and fun facts, Messi’s Magic is a gift to soccer fans of all ages.Kids Favorites — K–2nd GradeView book details
Rank 17Bob and Dob: A Tale of TattlingSean E. Avery, illustrated by Sean E. AveryDob repeatedly tattles on his brother Bob until the family stops taking him seriously. When Bob wanders into real danger, Dob must find a responsible way to raise the alarm.Kids Favorites — K–2nd GradeView book details
Rank 18Caboose: A Picture BookTravis Jonker, illustrated by Ruth ChanCaboose is a hilarious picture book all about the antics of classroom line-ups from children’s book creator and elementary school librarian Travis Jonker, with art from critically acclaimed illustrator Ruth Chan Every kid knows the joy of being line leader.Kids Favorites — K–2nd GradeATOS 2.0AR interest Lower Grades (LG K-3)View book details
Rank 19Hedgehogs Don't Wear UnderwearMarissa Valdez, illustrated by Marissa ValdezBut the hedgehog world has rules . . . So what's a critter to do about his undercover love of underpants?Kids Favorites — K–2nd GradeView book details
Rank 20Big Snowdown, TheKaty Hudson, illustrated by Katy HudsonForest animals train for their first winter games, but confident Owl assumes natural talent will be enough. The competition tests the difference between confidence, preparation, and arrogance.Kids Favorites — K–2nd GradeView book details
Rank 21Wombats Go Wild for Words, TheBeth Ferry, illustrated by Lori NicholsA trio of wandering wombats with a passion for words inspire an enthusiastic duckling to transform her town from dull to dazzling in this delectable picture book that shares with children the magic of words.Evergreen Forest is a very nice forest, with very nice trees and very nice animals.Kids Favorites — K–2nd GradeView book details
Rank 22DropbearPhilip BuntingDropbear!A humorous and heartfelt picture book perfect for 2 to 5 year olds, this rhyming romp through the outback teaches preschoolers and their grown-ups that things aren't always as they seem, and that all creatures deserve the benefit of the doubt.Hold your breath and count to three as woodland creatures share spooky stories about Dropbear, the...Kids Favorites — K–2nd GradeView book details
Rank 23Monster in the Lake, TheLeo Timmers, Bill NagelkerkeFour ducks leave their small pond to explore a big lake, while Eric, walking at the back, worries that a monster may be waiting there.Kids Favorites — K–2nd GradeView book details
Rank 24Calm Your Roar Like a Dinosaur: How to Relax Muscle by MuscleBrenda S. Miles and Colleen A. Patterson, illustrated by John JosephA playful, rhyming picture book that teaches kids a calming technique through fun dinosaur characters they'll loveFeeling frustrated, frenzied, or full of roar? Every little dinosaur has big feelings sometimes, whether it's anger bubbling up, stress taking over, or frustration that just won't quit.Kids Favorites — K–2nd GradeFountas & Pinnell JView book details
Rank 25Just a BananaBarney Saltzberg, illustrated by Barney SaltzbergFor silly kids who love to laugh and stretch their imaginations in creative ways, it’s the newest offering from the bestselling author of Beautiful Oops! There’s nothing to see here—until you lift the flap to find that what at first looks like just a banana is actually a curious lizard, or a boat out at sea, or the…Kids Favorites — K–2nd GradeView book details
Are You a Hungry Monster?Guilherme Karsten, illustrated by Guilherme KarstenAn interactive monster invites readers to compare ordinary foods with a recipe made from such ingredients as old socks and earwax. Questions and page-by-page participation build toward a comic ending.Kids Favorites — K–2nd GradeView book details
Babies Are Not BearsLinda Lodding, illustrated by Lara DombretBabies and bears have a lot in common. They both like to color and play peek-a-boo.Kids Favorites — K–2nd GradeView book details
Chalk the WalkChelsea Tornetto, illustrated by Laurel AylesworthA 2026 CHILDREN'S BOOK COUNCIL KIDS' FAVORITES SELECTIONTake to the sidewalk with this colorful picture book to inspire artistic expression and imagination!A pair of adorable siblings explores the incredible power of a piece of chalk, transforming the world around them.Kids Favorites — K–2nd GradeView book details
Charley Mouse Cleans HouseKaterina Gorelik, illustrated by Katerina GorelikA 2026 KIDS FAVORITE! –Children's Book Council* A SHELF AWARENESS BEST GIFT BOOK OF 2025 *Join Charley Mouse during her busy week as she visits some familiar fairytale characters whose houses are in need of her talents in this beautifully illustrated picture book packed with tiny details cleverly hidden in the artCharley Mouse loves cleanliness and order.Kids Favorites — K–2nd GradeView book details
Cute Animals That Could Kill You DeadBooke Hartman, illustrated by María GarcíaThey could kill you―and your kid won't stop talking about them.In Cute Animals That Could Kill You Dead, author Brooke Hartman and illustrator María García deliver a laugh-out-loud STEM picture book that flips the script on adorable wildlife.Kids Favorites — K–2nd GradeView book details
Distraction Monster, TheRyan K. Woodall, illustrated by Stevie MahardhikaThe Distraction Monster is here to do what he does best!Ollie's distraction monster brings him plenty of new ideas and adventures-like flying on the back of his dragon drawing to saving the passengers of a make-believe train-but he also takes Ollie's attention away from his chores, and Ollie has to clean his room before going to family dinner…Kids Favorites — K–2nd GradeView book details
Dogs Love Books, TooMaria Coco, illustrated by Maria CocoDogs love books, too, in this sweet story about how every reader--human and canine alike--feel less alone in the company of a good book and each other.Dogs love books, too!Kids Favorites — K–2nd GradeView book details
Fib, ThePedro Iniguez, illustrated by Nathan KwanWhen Pepe struggles to find something exciting for show and tell, he spins a little lie about a magical creature with horns like a ram, claws like a bear, wings like a bat, eyes like an owl, and a tail like a lion.Kids Favorites — K–2nd GradeView book details
Fish Don’t Go to SchoolDeb Pilutti, illustrated by Deb PiluttiIn this endearing picture book about the rewards of self-expression, Henry feels a bit nervous on his first day of school, so he chooses to wear his favorite fish costume to give him courage.Kids Favorites — K–2nd GradeView book details
Fish Fry Friday: A Picture BookWinsome Bingham, illustrated by C. G. EsperanzaIn this mouthwatering companion to Soul Food Sunday, a child joins his grandmother in catching and cooking to prepare for the family’s fish fry.Fish Fry Friday is the perfect follow-up to Soul Food Sunday, a beloved Coretta Scott King Book Award Illustrator Honor Book.Kids Favorites — K–2nd GradeView book details
Goats AfloatLezlie Evans, illustrated by Julia PattonA 2026 KIDS FAVORITE!A boat full of goats!It’s Granny Goat’s birthday, so five of her grandkids pile into a boat and set afloat with a cake! After all, they can’t risk running into the bridge troll on land!Kids Favorites — K–2nd GradeView book details
Good Morning, SpaceLinda Bondestam, illustrated by Linda BondestamThe sun is rising, the stars are shining, and friends all over the universe are jumping out of bed to greet the day.Snoring aliens, parties on rocket ships, and interstellar bath time―it's a brand-new day in outer space!Kids Favorites — K–2nd GradeView book details
Grumpy Ghost Upstairs, TheMamiko Shiotani, illustrated by Mamiko ShiotaniA grumpy little ghost makes a new friend in this wryly funny, spooky-but-cute picture book with striking illustrations reminiscent of Brian Selznick.A little ghost lives in the attic of a big house.Kids Favorites — K–2nd GradeView book details
Hank Meets FrankMaudie Powell-TuckWhen Hank is blamed for cousin Frank's prank, their rivalry escalates until the pair begin to understand friendship and consideration.Kids Favorites — K–2nd GradeView book details
Humpty's Great FallAmy Moore, illustrated by Josh ClelandHumpty is ready for a great fall!One crisp autumn day, Humpty Dumpty is relaxing on his wall, when he realizes he’s forgotten to do something. As he makes his way around the neighborhood, Humpty finds his friends all enjoying the beautiful fall weather―and he starts to get some clues.Kids Favorites — K–2nd GradeView book details
In-Between PlacesAlex Killian, illustrated by Grady McFerrinA gorgeously illustrated and inspiring picture book about confidently navigating "in-between" times and places in life. The perfect gift for grads of all ages and fans of I Wish You More and Oh, the Places You’ll Go!Sometimes you know just where you are going.Kids Favorites — K–2nd GradeView book details
Max and Chaffy: Welcome to Animal IslandJamie Smart, illustrated by Jamie SmartThe Boggle family has just arrived on Animal Island, and Max can’t wait to find out all there is to discover!Max Boggle loves finding things. He loves putting them back where they belong even better!Kids Favorites — K–2nd GradeView book details
Mindful Nature: Connecting with Our Great Green WorldPaige Towler, illustrated by Paige TowlerA beautiful picture book that uses real nature photography and gentle, calming prompts to help kids slow down, breathe deep, and feel connected to the amazing world around themWhat does it feel like to wake up inside a dew-speckled flower like a tiny harvest mouse?Kids Favorites — K–2nd GradeFountas & Pinnell MView book details
Minh and the Magic Grains of RiceĐỗ Nguyệt Hà"This story was so enchanting and sweet, it felt like my mẹ (mom) was reading to me. Don't worry, Mẹ, I'm eating all my rice." —Thien Pham, Eisner Award–winning creator of Family StyleRead the world to change the world!Kids Favorites — K–2nd GradeView book details
Miya Wears OrangeWanda John-Kehewin, illustrated by Erika Rodriguez MedinaEgoff Children's Literature Prize for Hopeless in Hope), is a beautifully illustrated children’s picture book that gently explores the complex feelings a young girl experiences as she learns the history of residential schools.Kids Favorites — K–2nd GradeView book details
My Quiet PlaceMonica Mikai, illustrated by Monica MikaiNAACP Image Award NomineeFor anyone who struggles with sensory overload, this soothing picture book offers a touchstone of understanding and encouraging guidance for finding your own quiet place―whenever and wherever it’s needed.In our loud and busy world, finding a moment or place to think, dream, or rest quietly can be challenging.Kids Favorites — K–2nd GradeView book details
Night Creatures: FireflyRobert Macfarlane, illustrated by Luke Adam HawkerFrom two of the U.K.'s best-known book makers, Robert Macfarlane and Luke Adam Hawker, comes a stunning picture book to ignite wonder in readers everywhere. Enchanting to read aloud and exquisite to hold in the hand, each scene is rendered in spellbinding detail, showing the power of hope in a world steeped in darkness.The first in a trilogy…Kids Favorites — K–2nd GradeView book details
No More GnomesBeth Mills, illustrated by Beth MillsHerbert is the politest kid in town. He even has a medal to prove it!Kids Favorites — K–2nd GradeView book details
Not-So-Bad-Guys Snow MonsterMichael Buxton, illustrated by Michael BuxtonSimon the yeti loves his beautiful snowy world! But when some humans try to ruin things, what can a not-so-bad guy do to make them stop?Kids Favorites — K–2nd GradeView book details
Over and Under the Coral ReefKate Messner, illustrated by Christopher Silas NealOver and Under the Coral Reef is a nonfiction picture book by Kate Messner, illustrated by Christopher Silas Neal, that explores animals living above, on, and beneath a Caribbean coral reef.Kids Favorites — K–2nd GradeATOS 4.2AR interest LG K-3View book details
Pencil's Best Story EverCarly Gledhill, illustrated by Carly GledhillPencil has written THE BEST STORY EVER and he can’t wait to share it. But when Pencil’s characters refuse to stick to the story, chaos unfolds.Kids Favorites — K–2nd GradeView book details
Ready, Set, Mango!Tamla T. Young, illustrated by Raz LatifTwo competitive cousins are in for a surprise as they fight to find the perfect fruitOn an island vacation with their auntie, cousins Tee and Dee set out to find mangoes to make smoothies.Kids Favorites — K–2nd GradeView book details
There Doesn't Have to Be A ReasonM.C. Kasper, illustrated by M.C. KasperA bear asks other animals how their tails help them, then learns that his tail does not need a practical purpose for him to love his body.Kids Favorites — K–2nd GradeView book details
This Plant Is NOT BoringMarie Hoy-Kenny, illustrated by Mike DeasMia wants a dog, but her mom wants her to start with something easier: a plant.Mia thinks her new plant is beyond boring, since it doesn’t do anything fun, like shake a paw.Kids Favorites — K–2nd GradeView book details
To Catch a GhostRachel Michelle Wilson, illustrated by Rachel Michelle WilsonA new girl tries to catch a ghost for show-and-tell and discovers that the ghost may become a friend instead.Kids Favorites — K–2nd GradeATOS 2.1AR interest Lower Grades (LG K-3)View book details
Torrible Puns: A Collection of Punny PoemsTricia Torrible, illustrated by Robert DunnNonfiction Book Award Honoree - SilverA 2026-2027 PA Mountain Laurel Book Award NomineeGet ready to laugh out loud at some of the most ridiculous - and hilarious - puns you’ve heard, from poet extraordinaire, Tricia Torrible!Packed with witty humor, this clever mix of poetry and puns features everything from animals and beloved nursery rhyme characters to outer space…Kids Favorites — K–2nd GradeView book details
Vida: The Mice, the Cat, and the AlebrijeDuncan Tonatiuh, illustrated by Duncan TonatiuhMouse siblings Vida and Máximo draw courage from a dreamlike alebrije and devise a plan to save Mousetepec from a terrifying cat.Kids Favorites — K–2nd GradeATOS 3.3AR interest Lower Grades (LG K-3)View book details
Welcome to Whalebone Mansion: Creatures That Lurk at a Whale FallLaken Slate, illustrated by Bindy JamesTwo small fish discover a haunted house deep below the surface of the ocean. What even IS this spooky place?A playful and fun nonfiction graphic picture book for 3-7-year-olds that asks questions and has sidebar facts, so kids won’t even notice how much they’re learning!When a whale dies, its body sinks to the bottom of the ocean floor…Kids Favorites — K–2nd GradeView book details
Why Do Okapis Look So Funny?: A Book about Rainforest AnimalsJack Beard, illustrated by Jayri GomezA nonfiction picture book answers questions about the adaptations and behaviors of rainforest animals, including sloths, capybaras, gorillas, lizards, okapis, and macaws.Kids Favorites — K–2nd GradeView book details
Zip Zap Wickety WackMatthew Diffee, illustrated by Matthew DiffeeZip Zap Wickety Wack is a picture book by Matthew Diffee in which Sheep and Goat both claim the sound baa, invent increasingly unusual alternatives, and ultimately find a funny compromise about sharing.Kids Favorites — K–2nd GradeATOS 2.1AR interest LG K-3View book details