20 Must-Read Picture Books of 2023

Image from BookRiot.

From BookRiot: It’s been amazing to read the 2023 picture books over the last year. It’s hard to find the words to describe them. They are diverse, informative, hilarious, emotional, relatable, beautiful, and so much more (sometimes all within the same book!). We are so lucky to live in a time when new picture books are invested in and published every week.

Years ago, when I entered an MFA program focused on children’s literature, I had an epiphany. As much as I loved classic children’s books (and I really, really do), if I didn’t seek out and support new picture books, the art would dwindle and die out. And most of the so-called classics were published before I was born. Many were published before my parents were born. Also, these books come from a time when publishing was even more white and male-centric than it is today. Contemporary picture books still have a ways to go before they are truly representative of all children. But they are more diverse now than they’ve ever been in the history of publishing.

I do still keep books by beloved authors like Eric Carle and William Steig on my shelves and in my classroom when I work with young readers. But I also buy and expose the kids in my life to newer picture book authors. I seek out new picture books every year to add to my list of favorites. I truly think these books will someday in the future be considered classics themselves. Without any more of my philosophizing, here is my list of must-read 2023 picture books. I hope you enjoy them as much as I have.

Lolo’s Sari-sari Store is included in this list! Read the full list and article here.