Rank 1Make a Pretty Sound: A Story of Ella Jenkins—The First Lady of Children's MusicTraci N. ToddThis picture-book biography follows Ella Jenkins from childhood in Chicago to an international career that helped shape modern children’s music. It also explores her global musical influences and civil-rights activism.Teacher Favorites — K–2nd GradeView 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
Selections565
Published byChildren's Book Council
Sections12 sections
Browse sections12 sections
Teacher Favorites — K–2nd Grade
60 selections
Rank 1Make a Pretty Sound: A Story of Ella Jenkins—The First Lady of Children's MusicTraci N. ToddThis picture-book biography follows Ella Jenkins from childhood in Chicago to an international career that helped shape modern children’s music. It also explores her global musical influences and civil-rights activism.Teacher Favorites — K–2nd GradeView book details
Rank 2Don'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.Teacher Favorites — K–2nd GradeLexile AD470LATOS 2.1View book details
Rank 3Cranky, 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.Teacher Favorites — K–2nd GradeATOS 1.8AR interest LG K-3View book details
Rank 4POP! 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.Teacher Favorites — K–2nd GradeView book details
Rank 5Recess: 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.Teacher Favorites — K–2nd GradeATOS 2.3AR interest Lower Grades (LG K-3)View book details
Rank 6Pine Cone's Secret, TheHannah Barnaby, illustrated by Cédric AbtDid you know a pine tree starts as a cone, turns into a gift, and can become a blanket? In this rhyming life cycle picture book, a pine cone becomes something new with each turn of the page, from a tower to a feast, from a magic trick to a Christmas tree.Teacher Favorites — K–2nd GradeView book details
Rank 7Max 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!Teacher 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.Teacher Favorites — K–2nd GradeView book details
Rank 9Piece 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...Teacher Favorites — K–2nd GradeView book details
Rank 10Awesome Earth: Concrete Poems Celebrate Caves, Canyons, and Other Fascinating LandformsJoan Bransfield Graham, illustrated by Tania GarcíaConcrete poems use the visual shapes of their text to explore landforms such as canyons, volcanoes, archipelagos, and hoodoos, along with the geological forces that create them.Teacher Favorites — K–2nd GradeView book details
Rank 11BearNatalia ShaloshviliBear tries to enjoy a quiet day but reluctantly shares his bench, cookie, book, and balloon with a growing group of animals. Suppressing his frustration until it erupts teaches him to state his needs more clearly.Teacher Favorites — K–2nd GradeView book details
Rank 12Kwesi and Nana Ruby Learn to SwimKobina Commeh, illustrated by Bárbara QuintinoKwesi and Nana Ruby face their shared fear of water together, drawing strength from the West African legend of Mami Wata and from their family history.Teacher Favorites — K–2nd GradeView book details
Rank 13Humpty'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.Teacher Favorites — K–2nd GradeView book details
Rank 14Flat 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.Teacher Favorites — K–2nd GradeATOS 2.9AR interest Lower Grades (LG K-3)View book details
Rank 15Dogs 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!Teacher Favorites — K–2nd GradeView book details
Rank 16On Our Way with Mr. JayChelsea Lin Wallace, illustrated by Thyra HederCheer for the district’s most intrepid school bus driver as he races to get everybody to school before the bell rings!A school is an entire community of its own, but many of its members never get celebrated.Teacher Favorites — K–2nd GradeView book details
Rank 17Froggy: A Pond Full Of Pals!Paige Walshe, illustrated by Paige WalsheFroggy is just a small, slimy guy trying to navigate the big wide pond, and there’s no end of sticky situations for him to get caught up in this young comic!A small pond like any other lies in the forest, but dwelling in this pond is no ordinary Froggy.Teacher Favorites — K–2nd GradeView book details
Rank 18Day the Crayons Made Friends, TheDrew Daywalt, illustrated by Oliver JeffersFrom Red Crayon, who fulfills his dream of driving a firetruck; to Blue Crayon, who meets a fashion doll desperately in need of a head; to fan favorite Esteban, who is off to tame a teddy bear (or as he would call it, a wild beast), each crayon has an exciting story to share about the new objects…Teacher Favorites — K–2nd GradeATOS 3.3AR interest Lower Grades (LG K-3)View book details
Rank 19Just 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…Teacher Favorites — K–2nd GradeView book details
Rank 20Aggie 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.Teacher Favorites — K–2nd GradeATOS 2.9AR interest LG K-3View book details
Rank 21Buzz! Boom! Bang!: Book of Sounds, TheBenjamin Gottwald, illustrated by Benjamin GottwaldA wordless sequence of bouncing, racing, falling, and colliding scenes invites readers to supply every buzz, boom, and bang aloud.Teacher Favorites — K–2nd GradeView book details
Rank 22CrocoAzul López, illustrated by Azul López, Kit MaudeAfter Croco becomes trapped in a hole, friends offer advice, but the young crocodile ultimately finds a solution through resilience and self-reliance.Teacher Favorites — K–2nd GradeView book details
Rank 23I Hate Everything!Sophy Henn, illustrated by Sophy HennThe irresistible new book from Sophy Henn that's guaranteed to turn that frown upside down! Have you ever had a day when you just hate EVERYTHING?Teacher Favorites — K–2nd GradeView book details
Rank 24Grumpy 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.Teacher Favorites — K–2nd GradeView book details
Rank 25Hedgehogs 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?Teacher Favorites — K–2nd GradeView book details
Amy's TravelsKathryn Starke, illustrated by Jennifer Carter, Laura Starke Barrick, Charlotte Barrick, and Charity WellsAmy visits all seven continents, encountering deserts, rainforests, mountains, cities, languages, and cultures around the world.Teacher Favorites — K–2nd GradeView book details
Awesome of the DayEllen Javernick, illustrated by Bhagya MadanasingheAfter a string of bad experiences, Andrew’s older sister challenges him to notice one good thing each day. The exercise gradually changes how he responds when plans go wrong.Teacher Favorites — K–2nd GradeView book details
Axolotl and AxolittleJess Hitchman, illustrated by Sarah RebarTwo axolotl siblings with opposite interests squabble and reconcile, using wordplay to explore differences, conflict, and making up.Teacher Favorites — K–2nd GradeView book details
Bearsuit Turtle Makes a Friend: A Picture BookBob Shea, illustrated by Bob SheaA turtle in a bear suit tries to convince a self-declared bear expert that he is a real bear. Their tests and shared secrets lead the two turtles toward friendship.Teacher Favorites — K–2nd GradeView book details
Big Boy JoyConnie Schofield-Morrison, illustrated by Shamar Knight-JusticeThis rhyming picture book celebrates boys at play through climbing, energetic and imaginative games, sharing, friendship, and big emotions.Teacher Favorites — K–2nd GradeView book details
Big 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.Teacher Favorites — K–2nd GradeView book details
Biggest Smallest Thing, TheSara de Waal, illustrated by Ana StretcuMo plans to turn something small into something big for the school science symposium and expects to beat his unconventional classmate Muriel. Their projects show how creativity can produce different answers to scientific questions.Teacher Favorites — K–2nd GradeView book details
Caboose: 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.Teacher Favorites — K–2nd GradeATOS 2.0AR interest Lower Grades (LG K-3)View book details
Calm 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.Teacher Favorites — K–2nd GradeFountas & Pinnell JView book details
Cat Like That, ALester L. Laminack, illustrated by Nicole WongAn entertaining tale about a day in the life of an island cat“A cat, a cat, a big, round cat. Have you ever seen a cat like that?What do you think she is looking for?”Follow this big, round cat as she saunters through her island village, stopping to interact with folks at the bakery, the bookstore, the pier.Teacher 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.Teacher Favorites — K–2nd GradeView book details
Day the Books Disappeared, TheJoanna Ho, Caroline Kusin Pritchard, illustrated by Dan SantatArnold makes the books he dislikes disappear, then learns why stories with different perspectives matter to other readers.Teacher Favorites — K–2nd GradeATOS 3.1AR interest LG K-3View book details
Dinosaur DaysCourtney Pippin-Mathur, illustrated by Pauline GregoryJoin Izzy Rae as she puts on her most ferocious dinosaur costume and romps through her day, wreaking havoc, in this joyful celebration of childhood!Izzy Rae has quite the imagination, and she’s certainly not afraid to show everybody how wild and ferocious it can get.Teacher Favorites — K–2nd GradeView book details
E-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.Teacher Favorites — K–2nd GradeView book details
Ellie Has a SecretAmelia Bothe, illustrated by Amelia BotheA story that purrs with a full heart and a Secret.” —Hanna Cha, Caldecott Honor artist of The Truth About Dragons“A slyly told modern fable about keeping a secret, with dazzlingly cinematic spreads.” —the Fan Brothers, creators of The Night Gardener and It Fell from the Sky“Gorgeous, immersive, and a crucial conversation starter to help readers of all…Teacher Favorites — K–2nd GradeView book details
Emily Was SO EmbarrassedMichelle Olson, illustrated by Michelle OlsonEmily loves to dance... but only when no one is watching.Emily enjoys twirling and dancing with her favorite ribbon in the privacy of her room. But when her friend Becky invites her to perform in the school talent show, Emily is horrified.Teacher Favorites — K–2nd GradeView book details
FireworksMatthew 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.Teacher Favorites — K–2nd GradeATOS 3.5AR interest LG K-3View 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.Teacher 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.Teacher Favorites — K–2nd GradeView book details
Hank's Change of HeartCindy Williams Schrauben, illustrated by Sasha RichardsFor fans of What's in Your Pocket and This is Not a Valentine comes this colorful picture book about hobbies that lead to kindness, acceptance, and personal growth.Hank is obsessed with hearts.Teacher Favorites — K–2nd GradeView book details
Home Like This, ALaura Purdie Salas, illustrated by Miriam NerloveHomes throughout the natural world may be found in any manner of place, be made of any number of materials, and be permanent or temporary. As this poetic, illustrated board book makes the circuit from "big or little, below or above," the feature that seems to link all kinds of homes--including those of humans--is that they are places…Teacher Favorites — K–2nd GradeView book details
Hugs Are (Not) for EverybodyElla Russell, illustrated by Udayana LugoAn upbeat ode to setting and respecting personal boundariesIt’s time for a birthday party! On this happy occasion, a friend arrives with hugs for everybody: in greeting, as a way to celebrate perfectly pinning the tail on the donkey and cracking open the piñata, and of course to wish a happy birthday.But not everybody wants a hug―and that’s…Teacher Favorites — K–2nd GradeView book details
I Know What You Do When I Go to SchoolSiona TalekarI Know What You Do When I Go to School is a playful yet heartfelt children's book that explores a child's imagination and how they perceive their parents' daily lives.Originally created when Siona Talekar was just seven years old, I Know What You Do When I Go to School is a whimsical and heartfelt story that captures a…Teacher Favorites — K–2nd GradeView book details
Mara Plants a SeedRobert Furrow and Donna Jo Napoli, illustrated by Melissa BaileyBy cleaning up an empty lot and planting fifty sunflower seeds, Mara begins to grow a flourishing, wild garden, but she doesn't do it alone. Flying insects, digging worms, hungry birds, noisy neighbors, and other secret gardeners are all quietly at work: rainstorms wash seeds away, rabbits leave new ones behind, and some helpers nibble weeds while others…Teacher Favorites — K–2nd GradeView 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.Teacher Favorites — K–2nd GradeView book details
PiccoloDan Yaccarino, illustrated by Dan YaccarinoEnter the endearing world of Piccolo, a problem-solver whose optimism, boundless enthusiasm, and love of gelato inspires his animal friend community. Piccolo the stylish shrew is a list maker.Teacher Favorites — K–2nd GradeView book details
Sign Up for Adventure!: The Doodling Duo vs. Spaghetti MonsterLavanya Karthik, illustrated by Lavanya KarthikA CBC Favorites Pick-Teacher & Librarian Lists (2026)Finding ways to understand each other when words-and languages-aren't easy Adil is the new kid in Neel's class and Neel thinks he's pretty cool!Teacher Favorites — K–2nd GradeView book details
Snarky SharkyBethan Clarke, illustrated by Nikolas IlićA hilarious picture book for children ages 3-7 that's filled with quick wit, puns, and the antics of a brilliantly-snarky main character, Snarky Sharky.While most of the fish in the ocean are small fry, Snarky Sharky rules.Teacher Favorites — K–2nd GradeView book details
Strongest Monster on Mill Street, TheSarah Sparks, illustrated by Sypha VendezDrake is a proud beast—he is brave, strong and always helpful. But one day, a fierce storm sends Drake hurtling off course, and he finds himself stuck in a terrible mess.Teacher Favorites — K–2nd GradeView book details
This Year, a Witch!Zoey Abbott, illustrated by Zoey AbbottIn this “inspiring...delightful” (School Library Journal, starred review) picture book offering a twist on the trick-or-treat trope, a feisty little girl has had enough…Teacher Favorites — K–2nd GradeView book details
Tiny T. Rex and the First-Day Oopsies: A Back-to-School BookJonathan Stutzman, illustrated by Jay FleckIn this addition to the bestselling series, Tiny is certain he's ready for anything at his BIG new school―but learns that even the best-prepared dinosaur will still meet some "oopsies" along the way!Teacher Favorites — K–2nd GradeView 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…Teacher 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.Teacher Favorites — K–2nd GradeATOS 3.3AR interest Lower Grades (LG K-3)View book details
Will The Pigeon Graduate?Mo Willems, illustrated by Mo WillemsHe paid attention to the little details! The Pigeon’s got this . . .Teacher Favorites — K–2nd GradeView book details
Wôpanâak Seasons: Seeqan, Neepun, Keepun, Pup8nCarrie Anne Vanderhoop, illustrated by Mangeshig Pawis-SteckleyIn Wôpanâak Seasons a young Wampanoag child takes readers on a seasonal journey through Aquinnah, on Neope, known as Martha’s Vineyard. Spring brings the return of wildlife; summer brings beach adventures and clambakes; fall is for harvesting cranberries and making jams; and winter features cozy gatherings and heartfelt traditions.Teacher Favorites — K–2nd GradeView book details