20 Not-To-Be-Missed Picture Books

Every year hundreds and hundreds of wonderful books are released out into the world and here at Book Nerd Mommy we try to share as many of the exceptional stand-out books as possible. We know that it is impossible to keep-up with all the new releases and that fantastic books can get missed or slip through the cracks. Below is a list of 20 books that you may or may not have heard about that are definitely worth looking up. Each one has a lot to offer and there is a wide range of books included to satisfy just about any reader.

*this post contains affiliate links

When I Draw a Panda by Amy June Bates – This is for every little artist that likes to approach art their own unique way. When it comes to art, there are no rules when what you seek is self expression and unbounded creativity. This book is a lovely representation of that.

Only the Cat Saw by Ashely Wolff- This new edition of a beloved classic has a timeless and pensive feel to it that I love. In the story we see the everyday life of a family form the perspective of their cat. It is one to make you think and is wonderfully done.

When You Breathe by Diana Farid and Billy Renkl -This lovely little book is like a short introduction to the nonfiction aspects of breathing as well as mindfulness twisted into one. It is beautifully illustrated and has such a peaceful tone to it.

The Forgotten Crayon by Yoko Maruyama- White crayons are sometimes a tad underused and appreciated, wouldn’t you agree? In this book a white crayon is feeling bypassed until a child finally uses it too its full potential. It would also be a great book paired with resistance painting.

Eric by Saun Tan – This book is incredibly odd in the most delightful way. It tells the fictional story of an exchange student who one can only assume is alien and their experience with their host family. It is unique and refreshingly different. Also, it is really quite sweet.

Letters from Bear by Gauthier David and Marie Caudry- I really enjoy this quirky tale. It is told entirely through letters as two friends travel far and wide to try and meet up. There are all kinds of adventures and interesting creatures along the way and it is super imaginative.

Discovering Energy (Discovering Big Ideas) by Eduardo Altarriba- We love this nonfiction series and were thrilled to see this new addition all about Energy. It is packed with anything and everything you ever wanted to know about different types of energy, how energy is generated and more.

Ten on a Twig: An Interactive Counting and Bedtime Book for Toddlers by Lo Cole- This counting book is beautifully designed and has a fun element of intrigue as you watch the pages get progressively shorter and shorter and wonder what the birds are up-to. The end does not disappoint.

Jacob’s Fantastic Flight by Philip Waechter- This book makes us smile. It tells the story of a boy named Jacob who can fly and how it effects his life. It is fanciful and playful and we literally smile every time we read it.

Get Up, Elizabeth! by Shirin Yim Bridges and Alea Marley- This is a fun new twist on a picture book that shares morning routines because it follows a fanciful depiction of what the child Queen Elizabeths morning routine may have been like. (Complete with a “soot tooth brushing.”)

We Got the Beat: A Children’s Picture Book (LyricPop) by Charlotte Caffey and Kaitlyn Shea O’Connor- This book is the lyrics to the popular song “We Got the Beat” paired with bright and bold illustrations. IT would be such a fun book to sing along with and every page is a “party”

Angelina and the Princess (Angelina Ballerina) – This new edition of an old favorite is beautifully done. We love the shiny metallic accents and we love revisiting inter story of Angelina and the Princess over and over again.

What a Masterpiece! by Riccardo Guasco- This book is brilliant! It is wordless and follows the morning ritual of our protagonist through seemingly mundane tasks. What makes it brilliant is that each page spread is created to reflect a famous piece of art. The end even has all the famous paintings labeled for educational purposes.

Little Bear’s Treasures by Stella Dreis- Little Bear loves to collect little treasures, however the other animals don’t seem to understand the value that he finds in them. Soon Little Bear learns that the greatest treasure is finding a friend that understands you.

A Serious Thought by Jonas Taul- This book is for all the children who ever have “big thoughts” at bedtime when their mind starts to wander. In the story a little boy has a “serious thought” at bedtime and it bothers him all the next day until quiet exploration and reflection helps him resolve his unease.

Seeking an Aurora by Elizabeth Pullford and Anne Bannock- In this story a parent takes their child on a nighttime adventure walk to go and see the Northern Lights. It is beautifully illustrated and written and contains some good nonfiction information about Aurora’s at the end.

Animals Brag About Their Bottoms by Maki Saito- This book is a silly little tribute to animals and their stylish bottoms. For a book all about “bottoms” it is pretty proper and it is sure to delight young children and adults alike.

Welcome to Ballet School: written by a professional ballerina by Ashley Bouder and Julia Bereciartu- This thick book is written by a ballerina and is done incredibly well. In the book we follow a small ballet class as they learn proper ballet positions and technique as well as prepare for a performance of Swan Lake. Nonfiction information in a highly enjoyable way.

Copycat Science: Step into the shoes of the world’s greatest scientists!by Mike Barfield – This book looks so neat! It shares information about some famous scientists and discoveries they made and then has some simple experiments that you can do at home to give their ideas a try for yourself. Really a neat experience to “step into the shoes of the world’s greatest scientists”.

Night Wishes by Lee Bennet Hopkins and Jen Corace- This book is full of soothing and calming poems that are about and perfect for bedtime. It would make the most relaxing and lovely read right before bed.

To save this list for later pin the image below: