It’s almost 2024! Around this time, I like to look into the picture books that will be released in the new year. Well, I was not disappointed! I planned to write a post that covered books for all of 2024. However, I already had a huge list in just the first half of the year! I will have to do a Part II of New Picture Books of 2024 in June.
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New Picture Books of 2024
Homegrown by Deann Wiley
An ode to the homes―and loved ones―that raise us, perfect for fans of Black Is a Rainbow Color, Saturday, and Last Stop on Market Street.
While her mother puts the finishing touches on her twists, a young girl asks what it means to be “homegrown”. Mama and Granny explain that home isn’t just a place, but rather a reflection of people who support and love one another.
Time to Make Art by Jeff Mack
Does art have to be perfect? Where do you begin? This inspiring picture book about making art doubles as an introduction to the multifaceted and diverse global history of art empowering readers to get creative.
Making both art history and art making accessible to all, Time to Make Art nourishes creativity, encouraging young readers to see the artist in themselves.
There’s No Place Like Hope by Janet Lawler
If you’re feeling scared or sad, happy or helpful―hope will guide you. It’s not always easy. And sometimes having hope means being brave, or determined, or kind. At the end of the day, hope is where better will be.
This sweet picture book is a powerful exploration of how hope makes us loving, courageous, and connected to one another.
The Fish of Small Wishes by Elana K. Arnold
Fall in love with a modern fairy tale inspired by a Jewish family memory in this magical picture book.
Kiki finds a wish-granting fish! Alas, this fish was only a fish of small wishes, and Kiki’s wish was too big. Unless . . . there was a way for both their dreams to come true.
Escargot & the Search for Spring by Daska Slater
After a long winter spent indoors, Escargot can’t wait to look outside for the first signs of Spring. Will he find a new friend in the fluffy white bunny he meets along the way?
Escargot and the Search for Spring is a story about unlikely friendship, changing seasons, and springtime fun.
Seeds of Change by Nina Laden
Seeds of Change is a poetic picture book about having the courage and resilience to plant “seeds” that will improve ourselves and our community.
After seeing an area in her local, Madagascar community devastated from drought, a young girl gets inspired. But when things go devastatingly wrong, what can they do?
It takes a lot of courage, but with the support of her whole community on her side, this girl won’t give up. One way or another, she’ll sow the seeds of change she’s been dreaming of.
It’s Holi! by Sanyukta Mathur
Nikhil and his family are preparing to celebrate Holi and the beginning of spring! Scrumptious sweet and savory treats fill platters, and a rainbow of powdered colors is set out. Everyone is ready for the bright and messy festivities ahead.
Excitement, history, and traditions abound in this vibrant celebration of Holi. Includes a glossary of Hindu words and delicious recipes.
Memory Garden by Zohreh Ghahremani
A lively afternoon together in Nana’s garden is full of laughter, discovery, and connection. In lyrical text that blends past and present, Memory Garden takes us to the places we leave behind but never forget.
Memory Garden invite us to enjoy the beauty of Iranian gardens – and culture – in an adventure that will resonate with readers of all backgrounds.
A Rainbow in Brown by Pavonis Giron
Jo wants to paint all the wonderful things she loves. With a palette of red, yellow, and blue, Jo knows she can mix any colors together to create new ones. Her imagination takes flight as she explores painting with primary and by mixing her own secondary colors, each picture as beautiful as the last. But through her exploration of the colors of the rainbow, Jo finds that her favorite is a combination of them all: brown.
When the Rain Came Down by Leslie Helakoski
A stunning picture book about resilience, survival, and hope found in community.
When the Rain Came Down spreads a powerful message of resilience through community building after the tides of a natural disaster and captures the incredible strength of shared humanity even on the darkest days.
Don’t Wash Winston by Ashley Belote
We’ve all been there… A bit of a spill, an overenthusiastic leap, one mud pie too many, and OH NO! our beloved stuffed animal friend suddenly has to be (gulp) WASHED!
When Winston, Liam’s favorite teddy bear, gets muddy, Dad decides that Winston needs to be washed. But the washing machine is big and loud and scary! Liam decides that the only solution is to hide Winston away from this terrible fate.
Look by Gabi Snyder
In the tradition of Tomie dePaola’s Quiet, this lyrical, timely picture book with beautiful diorama illustrations shows that if you really look, you never know what the world might give you to see.
The natural world is full of patterns to enjoy for those who can ground themselves, be mindful, and truly see.
All I Need to Be by Rachel Ricketts
When the world gets to be too much, we can always take a moment to look within ourselves for love, support, and healing. This lyrical mindfulness guide filled with an inspiring, positive self-esteem message helps young ones, especially Black and Brown children, feel big feelings and celebrate their whole being.
Includes a special author’s note and guide for caregivers to help little ones get embodied when their feelings get too big to handle.
Tricky Chopsticks by Sylvia Chen
A young Chinese American girl uses creative STEAM-powered problem-solving to master chopsticks so she can pick up her dumplings and eat them, too, in this charming and laugh-out-loud picture book perfect for fans of the Amy Wu series.
The Mochi Makers by Sharon Fujimoto-Johnson
A girl and her grandmother spend the day making mochi together in this gentle and joyous picture book celebrating family, tradition, and the memories that matter most.
Emi and Obaachan are making mochi. It’s a recipe that’s been passed down for generations. The Japanese rice cakes are sticky and chewy, colorful and tasty, and—most importantly—made with love. For Emi and Obaachan, making mochi becomes a way to remember those they’ve lost, make lots of new memories, and have a fun and family-filled day.
Someone Just Like You by Helen Docherty
Someone Just Like You is a vitally important picture book encouraging empathy by showing we’re more similar than different.
Somewhere in this world, there is someone just like you, who finds the same things funny and who laughs the way you do. If they needed you, would you help them? This moving call to action reminds kids through lyrical, rhyming text and stunning illustrations that people share more similarities than differences and that kindness is doable and actionable, even when you’re small.
Avocado Magic by Taltal Levi
Ellie is sulking—she celebrated her birthday yesterday under the old avocado tree. But she’s not even a little bit taller today! Dad tells Ellie a secret. She is like the pit of an avocado, he explains, small and full of magic. Together they put an avocado seed in a glass of water by the window and watch as both Ellie and her avocado plant grow, take root, and eventually bring new life.
Includes instructions for growing your own avocado tree!
Too Much: My Great Big Native Family by Laurel Goodluck
A little boy wants a chance to shine on his own but discovers that being apart from his large and lively Native family isn’t necessarily better in this heartwarming and humorous picture book.
Ollie, the Acorn, & the Mighty Idea by Andrew Hacket
Ollie Alexander Kandersteen, successful amateur gardener, longs to be a tree: Strong. Tall. And mighty enough to stand up to Everett, the bully next door. Ollie is rather short for his age, and when things are too heavy or too high to reach, Everett is sure to point it out. Ollie wilts, he withers. Inside and out, he feels small.
But when Everett, feeling jealous of Ollie’s gardening skills, steals Ollie’s sapling, an idea takes root…Ollie SWALLOWS an acorn.
With a little care and cultivation, a tree-mendous transformation begins! Ollie’s feet root, his arms branch, his locks leaf, and his limbs stretch to the clouds. He’s finally strong and tall enough to confront Everett. But when he does, he finds out that being the biggest doesn’t always mean you’re the mightiest and getting even with a bully might just make you feel smaller than ever.
A Maleta Full of Treasures by Natalia Sylvester
It’s been three years since Abuela’s last visit, and Dulce revels in every tiny detail. But Abuela’s visit can’t last forever, and all too soon she’s packing her suitcases again.
Then Dulce has an idea: maybe there are things she can gather for her cousins and send with Abuela to remind them of the U.S. relatives they’ve never met. And despite having to say goodbye, Abuela has one more surprise for Dulce—something to help her remember that home isn’t just a place, but the deep-rooted love they share no matter the distance.
Sister Friend by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow
Sister Friend is a heartwarming new picture book celebrating the unique joy of cultivating friendships within your cultural community.
Churro Stand by Karina Nicole Gonzalez
Churro Stand is a heartwarming picture book celebrating love, community, and the POP, SIZZLE, and CRUNCH of a perfect churro—inspired by the author’s relationship with her own mother.
Sydney’s Big Speech by Malcolm Newsome
A perfect picture book about perseverance, overcoming challenges, and working hard to achieve your goals!
Sydney wants to be a great leader when she grows up. There’s just one problem—when she tries to speak in front of the class, she gets nervous, and the words just won’t come out.
Ready to Soar by Cori Doerrfield
Ready to Soar is a story of learning to stay true to yourself, rather than what others want you to be.
Riley finally meets a more supportive friend . . . and rediscovers the joy and wonder of soaring.
This Table by Alex Killian
This moving picture book traces a table and its transformation: from a seed to a tree to a treasured object in a home. Strong and stable through the years, the table becomes a space for being together: for birthday parties and science projects, and meals big and small.
This Table will inspire conversations about the everyday, ordinary objects in our lives, and their role in creating lifelong memories.
The Spice Box by Meera Sriram
A father and son share family stories through a spice box, handed down from generation to generation, in this tender picture book.
The Last Stand by Antwan Eady
The Last Stand is a tender intergenerational story inspired by his childhood in the rural south. Here’s a farm stand that represents the importance of family, community, and hope.
Whew! This was just a quick overview of some of the picture books of 2024. I’ll be diving deeper into each one as they are released throughout the year, so stay tuned!
Which of these picture books of 2024 are you excited to read aloud to your class?
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