Our Top 15 Books of 2022

It was a fantastic year in the picture book world! I get so excited every year to see what new books are being released and it is so fun to see them come out into the world. This year our list of personal favorites include both books that made us literally laugh out loud as well as a book that made me cry. (Which almost never happens.) The illustration styles also vary from modern to very traditional and everything in-between. It’s a really dynamic list and we hope that as you read them that you and your family discover a new favorite or two of your own.

*This post contains affiliate links for the books.

Kumo the Bashful Cloud by Kyo Macclear and Nathalie Dion- This sweet and sentimental book tells the story of a young cloud and it ventures out of its comfort zone one day. The illustrations are just as dreamy as the story!

Farmhouse by Sophie Blackall- Confession: I cried the first time I read this book. It’s that beautiful. It tells the story of a farmhouse and the family that lived and loved within it.

Creepy Crayon by Aaron Reynolds an dPeter Brown- We love this fun series and this latest addition is no exception. In the story our favorite bunny learns that it is better to do your own work, even if it isn’t perfect. It’s just as quirky and silly as the other two.

A Spoonful of Frogs by Casey Lyell and Vera Brosgol- This is one that literally made my children laugh out loud the first time we read it. In the story a witch is trying to show how to make frog soup, only the slippery green critters won’t cooperate. It has hilarious illustrations and a fun surprise ending that are delightful.

I Forgive Alex by Kerascoet- I adore “I Walk with Vanessa” so my expectations for this book were really high. It didn’t disappoint. In this wordless picture book we see a conflict occur between two children and we then see forgiveness followed by resolution. It is so meaningful and so well done.

Berry Song by Michaela Goode- In this book a girl and her grandmother harvest berries together through the seasons as we learn about heritage, gratitude, respect and tradition. The illustrations are positively incredible!

The Comet by Joe Todd-Stanton- This new release feels a bit magical with its whimsy and illustrations that almost seem to glow from the pages. It tells the story of a father and daughter duo who move and how they deal with the transition. This one feels really special.

An Artist’s Eye’s by Frances Tosdevin and Clemence Monnet- This book is a beautiful tribute to artists an dhow we all have a unique perspective of the world around us that affects our art. Perfect for budding artists everywhere and the illustrations are top notch.

Strum & Drum by Jashar Awan- This is the type of book that feels like an experience when you read it. The story is about two characters and their adventure, only towards the end we learn that they are in fact christmas tree ornaments and their quest is to make it to the star at the top of the tree. It is a fantastic surprise ending complete with a total art style shift to help convey it. This one is best read firsthand as it is hard to explain. So worth it!

Lizzy and the Cloud by The Fan Brothers- This book was an instant hit in our home. The story is about a little girl who gets a cloud for a pet and soon learns that sometimes to love best, you have to let go. The idea alone is so creative and the execute is phenomenal.

A Good Thing Happened Today by Ramona Kaulitzki- This book is a refreshing dose of positivity that talks about how even though discouraging things happen all around us, there are good things happening every day as well. Beautiful things that deserve to be celebrated. Love!

The Planet in a Pickle Jar by Martin Stanev- This book is delightfully quirky and unexpected. It tells the creative story of a grandmother who doesn’t preserve jams and jelly in jars, but the wonderful and beautiful things of the world. It is such a fun story with the best illustrations.

The House of Love by Adriana Trigiani and Amy June Bates- I am head-over-heels in love with this book. It is a little heavier on the text than most picture books with its story of a large family who lives in an old house and how they make Valentine’s Day a special celebration. It is heartwarming and sentimental.

Frindleswylde by Natalia and Lauren O’Hara- This book reads like a classic fairytale with its symbolism, threads of darkness and good conquering all vibes. It’s a major plus that the illustrations are so dreamy. It is also a book that is heavier on the text than most picture books.

Playing with Lanterns by Wang Yage and Zhu Chengliang and Helen Wang- This book features a girl’s feelings and experiences as she celebrates Chinese New Year and the traditions surrounding paper lanterns. It is beautifully done in both text and illustrations and is a wonderful tribute to the holiday.