Are you looking for the best picture books to read in February 2021?
With a brand new month, there’s some amazing new picture book releases to read. So today, I’m sharing a list of 25 of the best picture books to read in February 2021.
Whether you’re looking for new releases to read with your kids before bed, picture books to add to your classroom library, or a new read-aloud for class, this list of brand new picture book releases is for you!
From humourous stories to important themes and messages, there’s a book for everyone on this list.
February 2nd
Bedtime • Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
This stunningly illustrated debut is The Runaway Bunny for a new generation — a captivating flight of fancy that also helps children lull themselves into dreamland.
Little Bunny can’t sleep! There’s so much to think and wonder about, big and small. But with a nudge from Mommy, Little Bunny discovers that sometimes our thoughts can be turned into happy dreams … where anything is possible.
Debut author and illustrator Leah Hong’s tender drawings and gentle dialogue between mother and child sing a modern lullaby for anyone who has trouble falling asleep — or whose imagination has soared at bedtime.
Animals • Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
From the co-author of the hilarious national bestseller All My Friends Are Dead comes a very tall tale about a very long dog — with a very big surprise at the tail-end!
Lucy is the world’s longest dog, but just how long is she? Like, are we talking pretty long? Or super-crazy number-one-record-breaking BANANAS long? See for yourself in this hilarious picture book by best-selling author-illustrator Avery Monsen. (Warning: the dog is very long.)
With three generations of one family we share moments that are meant to be savored in this special book that beautifully illustrates the words John Lennon and Paul McCartney’s world-renowned song “In My Life.”
There are places I’ll remember, in my life, though some have changed …
One gift with a bright bow starts a young girl on a path … one her mother follows with her as she explores, grows, and rides off on her own, only to return again with her own daughter in tow. This hauntingly beautiful book shares the small moments of that journey that are meant to be remembered and savored in the lyrics of this classic song.
Imagination • Bloomsbury Children’s Books
This new title in the Big Bright Feelings series by Tom Percival is about a girl who loves making things, but finds it hard to make friends.
Meesha loves making things … but there’s one thing she finds difficult to make — friends. She doesn’t know quite what to do, what to say, or when to say it, and she struggles reading and responding to social cues. But one day, she discovers that she has a special talent that will help her navigate challenging social situations and make friends.
A warm and affectionate look at the joys and difficulties of making and keeping friends, relating to others, and finding your place in the world, Meesha Makes Friends is an empowering and resonant new title from the author of Ruby Finds a Worry and Ravi’s Roar.
People & Places • G.P. Putman’s Sons Books for Young Readers
Milo is on a long subway ride with his older sister. To pass the time, he studies the faces around him and makes pictures of their lives.
There’s the whiskered man with the crossword puzzle; Milo imagines him playing solitaire in a cluttered apartment full of pets. There’s the wedding-dressed woman with a little dog peeking out of her handbag; Milo imagines her in a grand cathedral ceremony. And then there’s the boy in the suit with the bright white sneakers; Milo imagines him arriving home to a castle with a drawbridge and a butler.
But when the boy in the suit gets off on the same stop as Milo — walking the same path, going to the exact same place — Milo realizes that you can’t really know anyone just by looking at them.
Robert and his father have the day off.
Robert wants to bake a gigantic cake — the best in the world! But when Robert’s freshly created invitations blow out the window, Robert, his dad, and Mopsi the dog get an even bigger surprise. Just when they sit down to eat the cake, the doorbell rings again, and again, and again!
With humor and a keen sense of the absurd, Anne-Kathrin Behl tells a delightful story about the big and little wonders of everyday life.
A stunning love letter to the important women who shape us — from our own mothers and grandmothers to the legends who paved the way for girls and women everywhere.
Standing on Her Shoulders is a celebration of the strong women who influence us — from our mothers, sisters, aunts, and grandmothers to the women who fought for equality and acceptance in the United States.
Monica Clark-Robinson’s lyrical text encourages young girls to learn about the powerful and trailblazing women who laid the path for their own lives and empowers them to become role models themselves. Acclaimed illustrator Laura Freeman’s remarkable art showcases a loving intergenerational family and encourages girls to find female heroes in their own lives.
Standing on Her Shoulders will inspire girls of all ages to follow in the footsteps of these amazing women.
A heartwarming story about overcoming fears and the meaning of success.
Poppy the Penguin comes from a long line of circus performers. Many skills have been passed down from penguin to penguin. However, Poppy soon decides that performing in the family circus is not for her, as she prefers to feel calm and in control. But the hardest thing is not juggling, or riding a unicycle — it’s telling her mum that she doesn’t want to perform any more.
The bravery is worth it when Poppy discovers a better role — organising and coordinating the whole show. And what a show it turns out to be! This tale of overcoming shyness and lack of confidence is both a funny and sensitive parody of the record-breaking movie The Greatest Showman, and a celebration of girl power!
Gorgeous cut-paper art illuminates this sweet, heartfelt picture book about how special being little can be. For fans of Finding Wild and Little Fox in the Forest.
A little girl is always missing out on the wonderful things her family gets to see and do, just because she is the youngest and smallest. She misses seeing shooting stars because she goes to bed too early; she can’t pick the first apple of autumn because she’s too short; and, this morning, everyone else got to see a deer … except her. She goes into her backyard in search of the deer, a sugar cube tucked in her pocket. She sees a flick of brown in the orchard — is that the deer? No, it’s just the neighbor’s friendly dog (Shhhhh, Nala!). Is that it by the pond? No, that’s just a bird, playing in the water. Just when she’s about to give up, she spots a fawn, beautiful, quiet and small … just like her.
The Secret Fawn beautifully captures the power of nature to inspire children and shows how connecting with animals can help kids who feel left out or overlooked.
From A to Z, the students of the Alphabet Academy are heading on a camping trip in this playful picture book.
All the letters of the alphabet know exactly what to pack for their big camping trip. B is bringing binoculars. C is collecting canteens. But X can’t think of a thing to bring! In her picture book debut, author Anne Marie Houppert combines the excitement of a first field trip with the magic of collaboration and friendship. Illustrator Daniel Wiseman paints maximum personality into each character, underlining the idea that everyone is special and necessary — just like every letter of the alphabet!
Animals • Bloomsbury Children’s Books
This dynamic picture book from an award-winning art director shows how feeling hangry can turn even the sweetest kid into a Wolfboy!
Wolfboy is hungry!
He’s drooly and growly and fussy!
As he stomps through the forest looking for rabbits, he grows hungrier and growlier by the minute! What will happen if Wolfboy can’t find those rabbits? And what will happen if he does?
With bold illustrations and energetic storytelling, Wolfboy perfectly captures the big feelings that come with being very hungry! Engaging for young readers and parents, this funny and fresh picture book is perfect for fans of Grumpy Monkey and The Bad Seed and will be an instant favorite.
February 9th
Art & Architecture • Tundra Books
Animal-friendly street art is popping up all over the city, but who is creating these masterpieces? There is no explanation, only a name: Anonymouse. For fans of Sidewalk Flowers and Art & Max.
Art for the birds.
Art for the ants.
Art for the dogs, cats and raccoons.
Art to make them laugh, make them think, make them feel at home.
But who is creating it?
Only Anonymouse knows for sure …
This clever tale mixes street art, animals and gorgeous illustrations to create a meditation on how art can uplift any creature’s spirit — human or animal — when it speaks directly to them. Every page of Anna Pirolli’s stunning artwork is its own masterpiece with its bold pops of colour and sly humor, elevating Vikki VanSickle’s subtle but evocative text.
A little girl and her dog enter a very unusual dog show in Beast in Show, an irresistible picture book full of compassion and surprises from author Anna Staniszewski, featuring illustrations by Joanie Stone.
When Julia hears about the dog show, she is thrilled. Huxley might seem like an ordinary dog, but Julia knows he is a winner. Huxley can run. He can jump. He can even do a triple back flip!
But the competition is fierce, and soon other kids are stealing the spotlight with their fire-breathing, levitating, extraterrestrial pets. What will it take to win Best in Show?
This heartfelt, hilarious picture book celebrates the value of losing gracefully as well as the bond between children and their loving pets — from robot cats to glittery dragons, glowing aliens, handsome unicorns, and precious dogs.
Find out what happens to a beloved book sent to a new home in this sweet and hopeful picture book from award-winning author of Warning: Do Not Open This Book!, Adam Lehrhaupt.
When a little girl outgrows her favorite book and it is donated to the library, Book worries it will never be read again. It sits alone and neglected on a library shelf, and one unlucky day, Book falls from its perch and lands behind the shelf out of sight. How will anyone find it now?
Young readers will delight in following Book’s journey and the chance encounter that saves it from being forgotten.
One little bunny learns the power of books, facts, and libraries on her quest to make her perfect sandwich.
When Bunny’s sandwich-making plans are disrupted by a lack of jelly, she knows what to do — she’ll make her own! After asking her brother, neighbor, father, and grandmother how to make jelly, though, and getting absolutely no right answers, Bunny starts to despair! Will she ever get to make her perfect sandwich? It’s only when Bunny learns to look for information in just the right place — the library — that she finds the answers she’s been looking for.
In this fun and fact-affirming story about solving problems with good information, readers learn the right way to find the answers they need — with bold and appealing art by Andrew Joyner, the illustrator of Dr. Seuss’s Horse Museum.
A funny, noisy parrot comes into Jack’s life and brings him closer to his dad in an unexpected and moving way in this gorgeous, emotionally resonant picture book from the creator of Florette.
Jack loves staying at his dad’s house. They have tacos and milkshakes, and make each other laugh. But lately Jack wonders if his dad is lonely when he isn’t there. Then Jimmy arrives. Jimmy is loud and obnoxious, but Dad thinks he’s clever and funny. Jack does not think he’s clever or funny. And he’s starting to wonder if Dad likes Jimmy better than he likes Jack. This beautifully written and illustrated book about the unconditional love a parent has for a child is both heartwarming and reassuring.
Calling readers and daydreamers, word mavens and lovers of adventure! This celebration of the power of books is a rallying cry for letting imaginations soar.
We learn important stuff from books.
We learn to speak and think.
We learn why icebergs stay afloat …
and why Titanics sink.
Have you ever wanted to climb to the top of Everest with one hand behind your back? Kiss a crocodile all by yourself on the Nile River? How about learning how to bottle moonlight, or track a distant star? There are endless things to discover and whole universes to explore simply by reading a book. But books are only smears of ink without the reader’s mind to give their letters meaning and bring them to life. With a rollicking, rhyming text and delightful artwork, poet and storyteller Allan Wolf and illustrator Brianne Farley remind us that books, no matter how they may be consumed, give readers of every background an opportunity to expand their world and spark their imagination. With infectious enthusiasm, No Buddy Like a Book offers an ode to the wonders of language — written, spoken, and everything in between.
Imagination • G.P. Putnam’s Sons for Young Readers
The magic of independence meets the meaning of home in the picture book debut of the #1 bestselling author of Bringing Up Bébé.
When Josephine Harris decides that Paris is where she really belongs, all it takes is a quick call on her magical phone to whisk her away. The city of lights has fancy cafés, baguettes under every arm, the Eiffel Tower, and a fabulous new family who can’t wait to show her around.
The city is a feast for the senses, but each new discovery brings a pang of melancholy. There’s something missing here. Could it be the person who loves Josephine’s best–her own mother?
From #1 bestselling author Pamela Druckerman comes a whimsically commercial picture that little travellers and little homebodies will love!
Imagination • Greenwillow Books
Bestselling author Jacky Davis and award-winning illustrator Fiona Woodcock celebrate family, love, and imagination in this vibrant and expressive picture book. Father-daughter time shines in this irresistible story about creativity, solving problems, and looking on the bright side when faced with obstacles. A great read-aloud for rainy days … or any day you’re stuck at home!
Drip, drip, drop.
With breakfast finished, an effervescent young girl is ready to play. But it’s raining, and Dad says that she must stay inside. So, she crafts and she builds, she draws and she bakes. What else can she do to find the sunny side of a rainy day?
Jacky Davis, the bestselling author of the Ladybug Girl series, offers a story about resilience and the power of imagination, while award-winning illustrator Fiona Woodcock’s illustrations keep gloominess at bay. Father-daughter time shines in this irresistible story about creativity and solving problems.
February 16th
Best friends Maxine and Leo combine their maker and artistic skills to create (and save!) the ultimate garden in this empowering, STEM-focused picture book.
After sketching and plotting and planting, Maxine and Leo know they’ve made The Greatest Garden Ever! But they’re not the only ones who think so. Soon, all sorts of animals make their way in, munching on carrots and knocking over pots. When Leo and Maxine can’t agree on a way to deter these unwelcome critters, it looks like there’s more on the line than saving their garden–they just might need to save their friendship too.
A pair of kids learn what it is really like to be squished together during one hilarious and eventful car ride!
When Max and Molly can’t stop complaining about being squished in the back seat of the car, their clever mom knows exactly what to do — offer rides to their animal friends, who are happy to pile in and come along! As the back seat fills up with a wiggly piglet, two flitting ducklings, and three woofing puppies, soon Max and Molly are not only squished — they’re SQUISH SQUASH SQUISHED! So when they notice Mom slowing down to wave at Scooter Mooter and his calves, Max and Molly don’t say a word — they hush-mush. Thankfully, Mom keeps driving — and after everyone’s dropped off and it’s time to hustle-bustle home, Max and Molly are happy to stretch out in the back seat of their suddenly gracious-spacious automobile.
February 23rd
Immigration • Farrar, Straus and Giroux
In this timely yet timeless picture book, critically acclaimed author Mitali Perkins and illustrator Lavanya Naidu describe the experience of navigating multiple cultures and embracing the complex but beautiful home in between.
Shanti misses the warm monsoon rains in India. Now in America, she watches fall leaves fly past her feet.
Still, her family’s apartment feels like a village: Mama cooking luchi, funny stories in Bangla, and Baba’s big laugh. But outside, everything is different — trick-or-treating, ballet class, and English books.
Back and forth, Shanti trudges between her two worlds. She remembers her village and learns her new town. She watches Bollywood movies at home and Hollywood movies with her friends. She is Indian. She is also American. How should she define home?
Animals, Bedtime • Chronicle Books
A silly, noisy bedtime book that will have readers squealing, croaking, and laughing along before settling down for a quiet night’s sleep!
It’s time for bed, but one little mouse just can’t get to sleep — it’s TOO QUIET!
However, the night is actually full of sounds, from the croak of the bullfrog to the howl of a coyote on a distant hill. As the rhythmic symphony of nighttime noises build in this rollicking read-aloud, the mouse starts to wonder whether he wouldn’t like a little MORE quiet.
In his debut picture book Sock on the Loose, author-illustrator Conor McGlauflin takes you on a fun, sock-filled, adventure about finding yourself and discovering your way back home.
Socks come in twos,
snuggled up in your shoes.
At night they sleep tight,
matching pairs in a row.
Until — wait a minute! — oh no!
Where did Blue Sock go? …
After its twin doesn’t come back from the wash, Blue Sock decides it wants to explore the great big world outside its drawer. Just like you, there are so many things a sock can do when given the chance to try something new!
Friendship • Viking Books for Young Readers
A thoughtful and entertaining children’s parable about prejudice, starring a captivating trio of squirrel, mouse, and bear!
When a very large bear moves in next door, Squirrel is sure he can only be trouble for her and her beloved pet mouse, Chamomile. He has terrible teeth, and knife like claws, and huge, horrifying hungers … at least that’s how Squirrel sees him. But where Squirrel sees trouble, Chamomile sees a new neighbor just trying to be friendly. Who is right … and who is really causing trouble? Here is a charming story with an important and age-appropriate message about making assumptions.
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