71 New Picture Books I’m Excited to Read in 2023

All Aboard the Schooltrain by Glenda Armand

There’s something special about picture books that are inspired by real life events. While this book shares an important moment in history, it’s also about family and freedom. I also adore this cover!

Groundhog Gets It Wrong by Jessica Townes

A perfect release just in time for Groundhog Day! I can’t wait to read this one in the classroom. Groundhog learns that he can’t predict the weather forecast so he tries to fix it. It’s going to be funny but also meaningful.

I Lost My Polka Dots by Annie Auerbach

When there’s a new Disney book release, it’s a guarantee that I’ll read it. Minnie is known for her famous polka dots. When her polka dots decide to go on their own adventure she needs to track them down. I just can’t wait for this adorable Minnie Mouse book!

Little Man of Disneyland: A Change of Luck by Nick Balian

In this sequel to the original 1955 classic, Patrick’s hat is blown away by the wind. When Mickey and his friends join to help him get it back, they spend a wonderful day in Disneyland. As a fan of the Disney Parks, I know that this one is going to be so fun!

Courage in Her Cleats by Kim Chaffee

One of my goals in the new year is to read more non-fiction. A great way to start is with picture books! I’m so excited to read about Abby Wambach’s story. It’s going to be a great look at dedication and making dreams come true.

The Boy Who Tried to Shrink His Name by Sandhya Parappukkaran

This is going to be a fantastic addition to the classroom. I love that this book will encourage kindness and respect but also demonstrate the importance of learning names. I think it’s going to be a great value inside the classroom and out.

The Kindest Red by Ibtihaj Muhammad

I’m so excited to this sequel to The Proudest Blue! Faizah is looking forward to wearing a special dress and ribbons for picture day. When it’s time for sibling pictures she realizes she doesn’t match with her older sister. It’s a story about kindness, family and friendship.

Very Good Hats by Emma Straub

How adorable is this cover? I love that this book is so imaginative. Everyone knows what a hat is but did you know that a raspberry can be a hat for your finger? Or that a pudding cup can be a good hat for a teddy bear? I’m just so excited for this humourous look at hats!

When PB Met J by Katelyn Aronson

There’s nothing better than a story of friendship. When you add PB and J to the mix, it makes for a perfect combination! I think this one is going to be so adorable and the illustrations on the cover already have me hooked!

Oona in the Arctic by Kelly DiPucchio

Oona is such a delightful character and I’m so excited for this third installment. Follow Oona as she helps a baby beluga and makes new friends. It’s a story about kindness, adventure and friendship.

Sprout Branches Out by Jessika von Innerebner

Sprout is a small plant who has only grown two leaves. Desperate to grow more, she decides to go on an adventure. This is going to be a great option for when I’m looking for something that is about taking risks and being brave.

Stanley’s Secret by John Sullivan

Books that encourage kids to break out of their comfort zone and embrace their passions are always important for me to find. Stanley loves to dance but is afraid to dance in front of others. When his secret is discovered by security cameras at school he’s encouraged to share his talent.

The Very Best Hug by Smriti Prasadam-Halls

Hugs are always the best! But who gives the best hug? This one is going to be so adorable and I can’t wait to read it!

Sleepy Sheepy by Lucy Ruth Cummins

The cover of this one is delightful and makes me so excited to read it! A sweet new rhyming tale perfect for bedtime reading. With Pete Oswald’s illustrations, this one will certainly become a new favourite!

A Good Deed Can Grow by Jennifer Cambliss Bertman

When I can find picture books about kindness, I immediately want to read them. This book is no different! Little readers will learn about doing good deeds and how they can ripple to other people.

A Take-Charge Girl Blazes a Trail to Congress by Gretchen Woefle

Another great picture book biography on this list! Readers will learn about Jeannette Rankin, the first US Congresswomen. While it’s a story about activism it’s also about gaining the right to vote for women. I’m so excited to read it!

Sisters in Science by Linda Elovitz Marshall

As soon as I heard about this book, I immediately added it to my list to read. It shares the story of Marie Curie and her sister Bronia. While I know quite a bit about Marie, I’m excited to learn more about her sister and how they both brought change to the world of science.

Black Beach by Shaunna and John Stith

Earth Day is so important for kids to learn about and I hope this will be a great addition to the classroom. Readers will learn about the first Earth Day and how we should all stand up for the Earth.

The Bright Side by Chad Otis

This is another picture book inspired by the author’s own life. When your home is an old school bus it can be hard to stay positive. But it’s always important to stay on the bright side! This is going to be such a great story about optimism and compassion.

Wallflowers by Mackenzie Joy

I just love the premise of this book so much. What better way to celebrate shy personalities than with a delightful picture book? I think this book is going to be of great value to so many readers.

Eleanor Roosevelt: Her Path to Kindness by Helaine Becker

Another picture book biography that looks like it’ll be a wonderful read! I’m so excited to read more about Eleanor Roosevelt’s life and her life of activism.

The Life of a Crayon by Tara Wosiski and Christopher Willard

When green arrives in a crayon box he inspires a little girl in more ways than he can count. This will be a great read about creativity. But it’ll also be a great way to discover the way different items impact our lives.

Roman Holiday by Micol Ostow

I recently watched Roman Holiday for the first time and I really enjoyed it. I’m so excited to read this illustrated version of the movie — I can already tell I’m going to love it!

When Things Aren’t Going Right, Go Left by Marc Colagiovanni

Another new release about positivity and optimism that so many are going to love! I think this will be a great addition to the classroom as well as my own collection!

You Are Loved by Margaret O’Hair

It’s so important for young readers to have inclusive and diverse picture books on their shelves. I love that this book celebrates families and all the different ways they may look. I’m so excited to read it!

A is for Ambitious by Meena Harris

I really enjoyed Ambitious Girl by Meena Harris so I’m super excited for this new release. It also happens to be a great introduction to the alphabet. With beautiful illustrations, I know that this will be a great read.

Josephine and Her Dishwashing Machine by Kate Hannigan

There’s nothing better than finding new STEM books to introduce to my students. But it’s even better when it features a woman! I’m so excited to learn more about the woman behind the dishwasher!

One Day by Joanna Ho

I absolutely adore Joanna Ho’s picture books and am so excited to read her newest release. One Day is the story of a mother’s hopes and dreams for her baby. While I think this will be a great read, I also think it’s going to make a great gift to a new mother.

Someday, Maybe by Diana Murray

When you’re a kid, it’s easy to dream of what you want to be when you grow up. But this book is even more than that. It’s also about the future and the possibilities of what could be.

The Brilliant Calculator by Jan Lower

Another picture book biography — can you tell that I’m serious about reading more non-fiction in the new year? This is also another great STEM book about a woman. It’s all about Edith Clarke, a mathematician who built the first graphing calculator.

You Be Grandma by Karla Clark

There’s already two great books in the You Be series but I’m really looking forward to this newest addition. Since I have such a lovely relationship with my own Grandmother, I’m excited to read this one.

Harold the Iceberg Melts Down by Lisa Wyzlic

Social and emotional learning is so important for young readers. I think this will be a great addition to the classroom library. When Harold’s anxiety grows, he needs to learn how to cool himself down. This is going to be such a fun read while also highlighting self-care and protecting our world.

The Storytellers Rule by Christy Mandin

I really loved Christy Mandin’s debut book Lucky, so I’m looking forward to her next release. When a little girl suffers from writers block, a group of writing tools help to provide some creativity!

Bravo, Avocado! by Chana Stiefel

There’s nothing better than a picture book full of humour and puns! Avocado wants to be the special of the day at the grocery store, but doesn’t know what makes it stand out. This is going to be a great read about self-discovery as well as friendship.

The Day the River Caught Fire by Barry Wittenstein

This is another great option to read for Earth Day. It’s all about a fire that happened in 1969 in one of the most polluted rivers in America. But it also discusses how it changed environmental protection and the celebration of Earth Day.

We Don’t Lose Our Class Goldfish by Ryan T Higgins

Ryan T Higgins is one of my favourite children’s book authors. I’m so excited for this next book in the Penelope Rex series! With his signature humour and fun illustrations, this is certainly going to be a new favourite.

Being a Cat: A Tail of Curiosity by Maria Gianferrari

I’m really looking forward to reading this companion to Being a Dog: A Tail of Mindfulness! It’s such a cute premise about a child and a cat embracing their curiosity together. It’s also illustrated by Pete Oswald, who is one of my all-time favourite illustrators.

How to Catch a Daddysaurus by Alice Walstead

I can’t resist any additions to the How to Catch series because they’re all just so fun! In this one, the Catch Club Kids try and trap a Daddysaurus! Besides being adorable and funny, it’s also going to be perfect for Father’s Day!

Ketanji Brown Jackson: A Justice for All by Tami Charles

I’m really looking forward to reading this picture book on Ketanji Brown Jackson, the first Black woman to be on the US Supreme Court! This is going to be such a great read about chasing dreams but also an incredible moment in history.

Woo hoo! You’re Doing Great by Sandra Boynton

Sandra Boynton books are always a delight. When we’re learning, we sometimes make mistakes or get overwhelmed. This book and the humourous chicken are here to remind readers that we’re doing great! I’m just so excited to read this one!

How Do You Spell Unfair? by Carole Boston Weatherford

This book is unlike anything I’ve read before but I’m really looking forward to reading it. It shares the story of MacNolia Cox, the first African American to win the Akron, Ohio spelling bee in 1936.

Make a Splash by Ashley Franklin

Another Disney themed book on this list — if it’s Disney, I can’t resist! When the new Little Mermaid film releases this year, this will be a great companion to it. Since I adore Ariel, I think this will be a great addition to my shelves!

Naming Ceremony by Seina Wedlick

I adore books that celebrate traditions and I can already tell that I’m going to love this one. When Amira’s sister is about to have her naming ceremony, she hears all the beautiful names people have chosen. But she worries if her name will be special enough. While it’s a book about names, it’s also about a multigenerational family and the bond between sisters.

The Loud Librarian by Jenna Beatrice

I am so excited for this new release! What could be better than a book about a student librarian? I think this one is going to be a new favourite to use in the classroom!

Who Will U Be? by Jessica Hische

Another great alphabet book releasing in 2023! When U goes on a field trip to see all the ways that letters are used, she wonders what she will be when she grows up. It’s going to be so adorable and I can already tell I’ll love the illustrations!

Amazing: Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders Who Inspire Us All by Maia and Alex Shibutani

Picture book biographies that highlight many different individuals are always great to read! Readers will learn about important Asian American and Pacific Islanders such as Dwayne Johnson and Kalpana Chawla. It’s also written by two incredible Olympic medalists who are siblings.

Grandad’s Pride by Harry Woodgate

I really enjoyed reading Grandad’s Camper and I’m so excited for this new sequel! When Milly finds a pride flag in the attic, she and her Grandad are inspired to hold a pride parade. With the heartwarming text and beautiful illustrations, I know I’m going to love it as much as the first book.

Big by Vashti Harrison

Vashti Harrison is another one of my favourite illustrators. I’m really looking forward to her next book, which is all about standing out while also feeling small. The cover is so cute!

Ethan and the Strays by John Sullivan

When I heard about this book, I immediately added it to my list to read — I’m such a big animal lover! It’s all about Ethan who rescues a stray cat and discovers the joy that comes with caring for an animal.

Nothing’s Wrong! by Jory John

I’m such a fan of Jory John’s books — the Food Group series is one of my all time favourites! When a rabbit insists that nothing is wrong, he learns that it’s not a bad thing to open up. It’s a standalone sequel to Nothing’s Wrong — another one of my favourites!

Pluto! Not a Planet? Not a Problem! by Stacy McAnulty

I’m a huge fan of the Our Universe series — it’s educational and each book is also really engaging. In this new addition, readers will learn about Pluto. I’m so excited to see all the incredible facts included in this one!

All Kinds of Special by Tammi Sauer

Moving can be a hard transition for everyone. All Kinds of Special is a heartwarming story of a young girl making her new house a home.

I Am a Rainbow! by Mark Kanemura

This cover is stunning! Inspired by the author’s real life, this book is about self-acceptance, embracing differences as well as courage. I’m just so excited to read this one!

Pop’s Perfect Present by Corey Finkle

This is another great new release for Father’s Day! When a little girl tries giving her father the best day ever, she feels like she’s let him down. I love that this book reminds kids that spending time together is truly the best present ever.

Grandpas are the Greatest by Ben Faulks

I’m so excited to read this book which helps to celebrate all the amazing Grandfather’s in our lives! Since I’m extremely close to my own Grandfather, I can’t think of a better book to add to my shelves.

How to Be Confident in Kindergarten by David J Steinberg

Starting kindergarten can be overwhelming and this new release will be so helpful for little readers! It’s a small book to fit in a backpack that shares little poems about how to be confident. It’s going to be a great read but also a great gift!

How to Get Your Octopus to School by Becky Scharnhorst

This is going to perfect for back to school season! It’s always so hard starting back at school, for students and for teachers! Octopus would much rather stay at home and continue all the fun things he did during the summer. But going to school is always fun, if only you could find your octopus!

Our Pool by Lucy Ruth Cummins

This book is already getting me excited for the summer and all the pool days to come! Our Pool is the perfect summer book that celebrates community. I’m so excited for this one!

The Crayons Go Back to School by Drew Daywalt

The crayons are back in another adventure! This time, the crayons are heading back to school. It’s going to be another adorable story with great illustrations and heartwarming text!

There’s a Beach in my Bedroom by Kevin and Danielle Jonas

Kevin and Danielle Jonas are back with another picture book! When Bella’s beach day is ruined by rain, it turns out that bringing the beach inside is just as fun. It’s going to be a fun read about imagination and family.

All Good in the Hood by Dwayne Reed

Dwayne Reed always has such entertaining and engaging books. I’m so excited for his next release which showcases Chicago and celebrates brothers.

Amy Wu and the Ribbon Dance by Kat Zhang

Amy Wu is back in the fourth installment of the series. When Amy finds a Chinese ribbon, she has to dance with it because she loves to move. It’s a story about dance, music and tradition. I can’t wait for another heartwarming story with Amy Wu!

Rani’s Remarkable Day by Saadia Faruqi

Rani lives in a spectacular palace but she can be a little lonely. When she sets out on an adventure outside the palace, she finds something she is looking for: a friend. It’s going to be a delightful story and I’m looking forward to reading it!

The One and Only Sparkella and the Big Lie by Channing Tatum

Sparkella is back in another adorable and humourous story by Channing Tatum! Sparkella is excited for her playdate with a new friend but she’s worried her toys aren’t “cool” enough. It’s a story about honesty and responsibility.

The Together Tree by Aisha Saeed

I love Aisha Saeed’s books and I’m really looking forward to her newest picture book release. I think this one is going to be a powerful book that will be a great addition to any classroom. When Rumi is bullied at his new school, he finds refuge under an old willow tree. It’s under this tree that he learns all are welcome and can be together.

A Book About You and All the World Too by Jean Reidy

This is a great new release about experiencing the world and stepping outside of our comfort zones. It’s also going to be a great gift option for little readers! I’m excited to see Joey Chou’s vibrant illustrations and Jean Reidy’s beautiful text in their new collaboration.

And Then Comes School by Tom Brenner

A perfect book about the anticipation of school. While it can be overwhelming to start back at school, there’s also a lot of fun that comes with it! This book will help highlight the return to school and bring some excitement along with it!

Mr. S by Monica Arnaldo

When a bunch of kindergarten students arrive on the first day of school, they find a sandwhich and a note saying “Mr.S” instead of their teacher. Is the sandwhich their new teacher? I’m so excited for this hilarious story and I know it’ll be a hit in the classroom!

Same Love, Different Hug by Sarah Hovorka

It’s always important to introduce young readers to books about consent. I love that this book will teach the different ways we can show affection — and how people may like something different.

I Can Be All Three by Salima Alikhan

When a young girl has to share her story on Multicultural Day, she doesn’t know what to say. Does she talk about India, Germany or America? But, she can be all three! I love that this story embraces identity and I’m so excited to read it!

Cake vs. Pie by Sudipta Bardhan-Quallen

I’m a big fan of dessert and this picture book is going to be a great new read! Cake and pie battle to become the best dessert. It’s going to be such a fun and humourous story!