NYPL Best Books for Kids

About this book list

Best Books for Kids is an annual selection from New York Public Library staff. The library arranges its choices in discovery categories that may include picture books, early readers, comics, poetry, fiction, folklore, history, science, and other subjects. The exact categories can change from year to year. NYPL entries usually include a short staff annotation describing the book's premise, subject, or appeal. This is a broad recommendation list rather than an award with one winner, so the categories are the easiest way into an edition. A parent can follow a child's current interest, choose a format such as comics or picture books, or read the staff notes for ideas outside the usual favorites. Previous editions are worth exploring because library staff selections remain useful after their publication year. Many older titles are also easier to borrow than the newest releases.