30 New Non-Fiction Picture Books You Need to Read in 2026

Through the Telescope: Mae Jemison Dreams of Space by Charles R. Smith Jr.

This picture book biography explores the childhood curiosity that inspired Mae Jemison to reach for the stars. Following a young Mae as she gazes through her telescope and dreams of space long before she becomes the first Black woman in space—I love how it focuses on wonder and imagination. It’s an inspiring choice for young readers who love space, science and real-life trailblazers!

Jane Goodall: 5 Minute Genius Stories by Heather Alexander

With the passing of Jane Goodall, it’s the perfect time to ensure her legacy lives on in the lives of young children. This engaging book invites readers to travel to Tanzania with a young Jane Goodall as her lifelong love of animals begins. Tracing her journey from childhood curiosity to groundbreaking chimpanzee research and animal advocacy, it’s a great choice for kids who love animals, science, and real-life changemakers. I’m excited to pick this one up!

The Women Who Won the Vote: 5 Minute Genius Stories by Emma Roberts

It’s never too early to introduce young readers to the importance of voting. This picture book introduces readers to the women who fought tirelessly for the right to vote, including Susan B. Anthony, Emmeline Pankhurst, and Elizabeth Cady Stanton. Told through short, engaging stories, it offers an insightful look at how collective action and perseverance changed history. I think it’s a great choice for those interested in social justice, history, and how people can make a lasting impact.

Foote Was First!: How One Curious Woman Connected Carbon Dioxide and Climate Change by Jen Bryant

Shining a light on Eunice Foote, this non-fiction picture book biography focuses on the curiosity that led to the discovery of the greenhouse effect. It traces her big questions from childhood experiments to groundbreaking climate science, making complex ideas accessible to young readers. It’s an inspiring STEM-focused biography that many readers will enjoy.

How to Have a Thought: A Walk with Charles Darwin by Nicholas Day

This is another great choice for inspiring young readers! This book showcases Charles Darwin’s curious mind, exploring the unusual ways he thought, wondered, and made discoveries. It focuses less on memorizing facts and more on how ideas form, making creativity and curiosity feel exciting for young minds. It’s a fantastic choice for kids who love science or who ask big questions.

Oprah Winfrey by Maria Isabel Sánchez Vegara

The Little People, Big Dreams series is one of my favourites! This new biography introduces readers to Oprah Winfrey and her journey from a challenging childhood to becoming a global icon. It highlights her love of reading, her hard work and determination, and shows kids that big dreams can grow into incredible accomplishments.

The Gift of Freedom: How Harriet Tubman Rescued Her Brothers by Glennette Tilley Turner

As a history fan, I can’t miss this book. Based on real historical accounts, this book shares the daring Christmas Day rescue led by Harriet Tubman. It highlights her bravery, intelligence, and deep devotion to family, bringing lesser-known moments of her story to life. It’s guaranteed to be a moving and memorable introduction to courage, resistance, and hope.

Louisa Learns to Write by Kate Hannigan

It’s never too early to introduce young readers to literary icons! Discover how Louisa May Alcott grew from an imaginative child filling her “imagination book” into the beloved author of Little Women. This biography highlights her creativity, perseverance, and close-knit family, showing how real life inspired her most famous story. It’s a great choice for those who love writing, storytelling, and dreaming big.

The Bicycle Girl: Jyoti Kumari’s Amazon Journey Across India by Garen Thomas and Suhasini Raj

Based on a true story, this book follows Jyoti Kumari as she undertakes an incredible bicycle journey across India to bring her injured father home during the early days of the pandemic. It’s another great choice that highlights courage, problem-solving, and determination in the face of overwhelming odds. I have a feeling it will serve as a powerful reminder of resilience, family, and the strength of young people.

The Curious Life of Cecilia Payne: Discovering the Stuff of Stars by Laura Alary

Readers will meet Cecilia Payne, the scientist who helped uncover what stars are really made of. It’s a story that emphasizes her curiosity, persistence, and the importance of finding a community that believes in you—especially when others say your ideas are impossible. With stunning artwork, it’s a wonderful choice for kids who love space, science, and big questions.

Writing Toward Justice: The Life and Reporting of Alice A. Dunnigan by Peggy Thomas

This inspiring biography introduces readers to Alice Dunnigan, a trailblazing reporter who used her voice to challenge injustice. The story traces her journey from a determined young writer to the first Black woman in the Capitol Press Corps, highlighting the power of persistence and truth-telling. It will be a compelling read for any kids interested in journalism, history, or standing up for what’s right.

Beatrix Potter by Maria Isabel Sánchez Vegara

Another addition to the Little People, Big Dreams series! This book introduces readers to Beatrix Potter, the beloved creator of The Tale of Peter Rabbit. It highlights her lifelong love of nature, creativity, and perseverance—showing how her drawings and stories grew into timeless classics. So many readers will love this one!

Glass: Looking In, Looking Out by Larissa Theule

This non-fiction picture book offers readers a fascinating look at the science and history of glass. Paired with fun facts and humour, it turns a familiar substance into something inspiring—from its natural origins to its role in science, medicine and space exploration. If you’re looking for a new STEAM book for curious readers who love discovering how the world around them works, this is a great choice.

Seven Million Steps: The True Story of Dick Gregory’s Run for the Hungry by Derrick Barnes and Christian Gregory

Based on a true story, Seven Million Steps follows Dick Gregory and his extraordinary 1976 Food Run—a two-and-a-half-month journey across the country to raise awareness of hunger and poverty in America. It combines lyrical text and beautiful artwork to show how one bold idea can spark meaningful change. It’s guaranteed to be an impactful read that encourages young readers to consider justice, activism, and the power of their voices to stand up for others.

The Six Queens of Henry VIII by Honor Cargill-Martin

As someone who loves royal history, I’m particularly excited about this one. This bold, feminist non-fiction picture book shifts the spotlight to the six queens of Henry VIII, revealing the powerful women who are so often reduced to footnotes in history. Highlighting figures like Catherine of Aragon and Catherine Parr, it showcases their intelligence, influence, and resilience. It’s packed with drama, ambition, and insightful details, making it an engaging read that reframes history through the lives of remarkable women.

Venus! Fierce and Fabulous by Stacy McAnulty

I’m a big fan of the Our Universe series, so I’m really looking forward to the release of Venus! Fierce and Fabulous. With plenty of humour and personality, this playful non-fiction picture book lets Venus tell her own story. Its conversational, autobiographical style makes planetary science feel fun and approachable while still sharing fascinating facts about what makes Venus so unique. After reading, kids will want to explore the rest of the series, and I highly recommend them all!

Beatrice and the Nightingale by Patricia Newman

Set in the early days of radio, this book tells the true story of Beatrice Harrison and her unforgettable duet with a nightingale. It blends music, nature and innovation, showing how her passion and curiosity led to a live broadcast that captivated more than a million listeners worldwide. I think it will be a beautiful reminder of how art can connect people in surprising and magical ways.

Why Space Will Freak You Out: The Scariest, Strangest Parts of the Universe by Kimberly K. Arcand and Megan Watzke

Another great book on this list that’s perfect for space fans. Guided by scientists from NASA, this photo-illustrated book takes readers deep into the universe’s weirdest corners. It leans a little into the creepy and bizarre sides of space, from zombie planets to exploding stars, while still keeping the science approachable and fun for young readers. It’s perfect for kids who think space is both fascinating and a little spooky.

I Am Princess Diana by Brad Meltzer

It’s never too early to introduce readers to Princess Diana—with warmth and empathy, this picture book shares her story and the compassion that defined her life. It balances her fairy-tale image with the real challenges she faced, highlighting her kindness, generosity, and commitment to helping others. I expect it to be a thoughtful, accessible biography that encourages readers to lead with empathy and care for the world around them.

Gone Forever? Places to See (and Save) Before They Disappear by Erin Silver

This book invites young readers to explore remarkable places around the world that are at risk because of human-caused climate change. It balances urgency with hope, showing how scientists, activists, and communities are working to protect ecosystems—from melting ice shelves to endangered rainforests. It’s an empowering read that encourages kids to think about stewardship, conservation, and how small actions can help safeguard the planet’s future.

Houdini’s Library: How Books Created the World’s Greatest Magician by Barb Rosenstock

If you know a young reader who loves a touch of magic, you’ll want to pick up Houdini’s Library. This picture book biography reveals a lesser-known side of Harry Houdini—his lifelong love of books. It connects his passion for reading and collecting rare texts to the magic he later brought to the stage, showing that curiosity and imagination were at the heart of everything he did.

Mary Morland in the Time of Dinosaur Discovery by Jane Kurtz

Told in a question-and-answer format, this picture book highlights Mary Morland, a passionate fossil hunter whose work helped shape early paleontology. It highlights her curiosity, meticulous journals, and scientific contributions—especially her role alongside William Buckland in introducing Meglaosaurus to the world. It will be a delightful and empowering read that celebrates overlooked women in science and the joy of following your own curiosity.

Talking Books: Audiobook Inventor Dr. Robert B. Irwin and a New Way to Read by Jenny Lacika

Readers of all ages will love this new picture book! This inspiring book tells the story of Robert B. Irwin, a determined innovator who transformed how stories are shared. It shows his shift from sight to sound and how that curiosity led to the creation of audiobooks, opening reading to people of all abilities. It’s a powerful reminder that accessibility and imagination can change the world.

William Shakespeare by Maria Isabel Sánchez Vegara

Another release in the Little People, Big Dreams series introduces readers to William Shakespeare and the imagination that shaped his legendary stories. It traces his journey from a storytelling-loving child to a playwright whose works are still performed today. It’s an engaging introduction to creativity, perseverance, and the timeless power of stories.

How a Bear Became a Book: The Collaboration that Created Winnie-the-Pooh by Annette Bay Pimentel

Who doesn’t love Winnie the Pooh? This beautiful story lifts the curtain on how the first Winnie-the-Pooh story came to life. It celebrates the collaboration between writer, illustrator, and editor, showing readers where stories come from and how ideas grow into books. It will be a thoughtful, visually stunning tribute to storytelling, creativity, and the magic of making books for children.

Just One Oak: What a Single Tree Can Be by Maria Gianferrari

Centred on a single oak tree, this non-fiction picture book reveals the hidden ecosystem thriving from its canopy to its roots. It shows how one tree supports insects, birds, mammals, fungi, and plants, turning something familiar into a world of wonder for young readers. It’s a beautiful, eye-opening read that’s perfect for kids who love nature and learning how living things are connected.

Fly Rod Was First: Cornelia Crosby’s Adventures in Angling by Cathy Ballou Mealey

This lively story introduces readers to Cornelia Crosby, better known as Fly Rod Crosby—one of America’s first great fishing experts. It captures her adventurous spirit, from catching hundreds of fish to writing stories that celebrate Maine’s wilderness. It’s an inspiring look at a woman who combined passion, storytelling and conservation long before it was common.

The Lonely Lighthouse: The Story of Little Sable Point Lighthouse by Stephanie Owen

Told from the lighthouse’s perspective, this thoughtful picture book brings the story of the Little Sable Point Lighthouse to life. It traces the lighthouse’s journey from its construction in 1874 through years of service, neglect, and eventual restoration, giving readers a strong emotional connection with a historic place. It’s a blend of history and storytelling that highlights why preservation and remembering the past matter.

Like a Rainbow: The Colorful Story of Cyndi Lauper by Amy Guglielmo and Jacqueline Tourville

This sweet picture book biography introduces young readers to Cyndi Lauper and her journey to finding her own voice. It highlights her creativity, resilience, and refusal to dim her light—even when she didn’t quite fit in. It’s an uplifting story about self-expression, kindness, and celebrating what makes you different.

Beatrix and Her Friends by Anne Lambelet

This biography brings readers into the imaginative world of Beatrix Potter, highlighting the animals and natural landscapes that inspired her work. It shows her not only as the creator of The Tale of Peter Rabbit but also as an artist, farmer, and dedicated conservationist who worked to protect the countryside she loved. It’s a warm, thoughtful portrait of creativity and the enduring comfort of nature and storytelling.