A brand new year and a brand new month brings fantastic new books! With this list of 30 picture books to read in January 2023, your family is sure to start a great reading year.
Picture books are always a favourite of mine to read.
They can be heartwarming, full of humour and teach incredible lessons. Not only are they fun for the classroom, but they’re also great for family reading.
This list features 30 new picture books releasing in January 2023. From debut to seasoned authors, there’s plenty of books to choose from. With beautiful illustrations, these picture books are not to be missed!
Whether you’re a teacher looking for new classroom read alouds or a parent looking for your child, these are the best new picture books to read in January 2023!
Browse the Books by Release Date
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January 3rd Picture Book Releases
Self-Esteem • Nancy Paulsen Books
The bestselling illustrator of I Am Enough brings to life the story of a boy whose mirror gives him a whole new way of seeing himself.
Chris loves his long, curly hair, so why do his classmates tease him about it? When he looks for answers in his mirror, something wonderfully wild and weird happens: a lady appears with wise words that make him feel like a king! But when he starts acting like a king at school, it’s time for another visit to the mirror.
Marchánt Davis’s uplifting picture book debut encourages us all to look beyond hairstyles—reminding us that styles come and go—and to celebrate one another for who we are. #1 New York Times bestselling illustrator Keturah A. Bobo’s stunning art brings Chris and his mirror to vibrant life.
Social Themes • Scholastic Press
This tender family story — inspired by the author’s own — illuminates a dynamic chapter in American history known as the Great Migration, and the many trains people rode toward freedom.
Thelma loves to watch the Sunset Limited chug through her little town of Vacherie, Louisiana. And she dreams of one day riding a real train! For now, she has her beloved schooltrain. Every morning, she and her friends walk to school, single file, chanting all the way: “Schooltrain! Schooltrain! Don’t be late! The school bell rings at half past eight!” Then it’s on to great adventures with her teacher’s books — and her own imagination! But lately, someone named Jim Crow has been making trouble for folks in Vacherie. Aunt Bea and Uncle Ed have already moved away. When Thelma’s best friend also has to leave, Thelma wonders, who is Jim Crow and why does he have to be so mean? Will he make trouble for Pop, too?
History • Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
#1 New York Times Bestselling and award-winning author of The Undefeated, Kwame Alexander, pens a powerful picture book that tells the story of American slavery through the voice of a teacher struggling to help her students understand its harrowing history.
From the fireside tales in an African village, through the unspeakable passage across the Atlantic, to the backbreaking work in the fields of the South, this is a story of a people’s struggle and strength, horror and hope. This is the story of American slavery, a story that needs to be told and understood by all of us. A testament to the resilience of the African American community, this book honors what has been and envisions what is to be.
With stunning mixed-media illustrations by newcomer Dare Coulter, this is a potent book for those who want to speak the truth. Perfect for family sharing, the classroom, and homeschooling
Lily LaMotte, brilliant author of the graphic novel Measuring Up, has written her debut picture book featuring a special Lunar New Year feast where young Chloe, her little brother, and their multiracial family celebrate this wonderful holiday and all its traditions. Perfect for fans of Bringing in the New Year by Grace Lin and I Am Golden by Eva Chen.
It’s almost Lunar New Year, and Chloe can’t wait to celebrate! But first, Chloe and her family must prepare for the new year. They buy new shoes, lay out good-luck oranges in a bowl, decorate the red envelope, and make a crispy turnip cake. Everyone comes together to cook a fantastic feast, saving a plate for A-má, of course. Chloe enjoys the festive celebration and yummy food, but most of all, she loves spending time with her family.
Lily LaMotte and Michelle Lee have created a tender, warm, and uplifting holiday story about tradition and the importance of being with those you love.
From author-illustrator Maple Lam comes a new picture book about a Chinese American girl and her younger sister as they attend their weekly dim sum family gathering. A celebration of the traditional Chinese customs passed on from generation to generation: togetherness, love, family—and FOOD!
Today is Sunday and that means its dim sum time with my whole family! I can’t wait to see everyone, especially Grandma.
I’m going to eat lots of shrimp dumplings, rice noodle rolls, egg tarts, and my favorite—char siu buns. We will have to order enough for us all to share.
So what are you waiting for? Dim sum, here we come!
This laugh-out-loud funny picture book about getting things wrong and then making them right is not your average Groundhog Day read.
Groundhog is shocked and a bit ashamed when he discovers that he doesn’t have innate weather-predicting gifts—especially when his mis-forecast ruins the spring carnival.
First he tries fixing his mistake, but when shoveling up the snow and hosing it away turns out to cause more problems, he realizes that the only way to truly fix his mistake might just be to literally learn his meteorological lessons.
In this fully illustrated picture book, Minnie will embark on a whimsical solo adventure!
Minnie has always been the most fashionable of the gang and her polka dots are definitely her signature look. However, when they decide to go on their own adventure, Minnie must set off around the globe to get them back! As she goes from country to country, visiting extraordinary national parks, colorful markets, and many other locations, she also meets new characters, which in turn will interweave diversity and inclusion into her world.
With the dynamic design, magical humor, and beautifully whimsy illustrations, our lovable mouse is on quite an adventure!
Spend a day at Disneyland with Mickey Mouse and Patrick the leprechaun in this classic Little Golden Book about luck and friendship!
The Little Man of Disneyland is back! In this sequel to the 1955 classic Little Golden Book, Patrick Begorra, a leprechaun who lives in Disneyland, is out for a walk when his lucky-clover-clad hat blows away in the wind! Swept into a rollicking adventure throughout Magic Kingdom, Patrick joins forces with Mickey Mouse and the gang on a quest to restore his luck and discover what it really means to be lucky. This heartwarming tale about luck, friendship, and community will be loved by Disney fans ages 2 to 5 and Little Golden Book collectors of all ages. It’s perfect for St. Patrick’s Day—and all year long!
Bill Withers’s celebrated hit song “Lovely Day” comes to life in this beautifully illustrated picture book!
Bill Withers’s “Lovely Day” is famous for bringing listeners joy. This beautiful picture book adapted from the song’s timeless lyrics follows the story of a brother and sister who always find a way to make each other smile, no matter the challenges the day may bring. From discovering new ways to play when the playground is closed, to laughing out loud as they run through the rain, these siblings can count on each other to find the joy in any situation. Because when you’re with the ones you love, every day is a lovely day!
An empowering follow-up to New York Times bestselling picture book All Because You Matter that celebrates the rich history of Black and brown men and women throughout history with soaring language and stunning illustration.
Lyrical, affirmational, and bursting with love, We Are Here is a poignant story about Black and brown heritage and community. Full of assurance, tenderness, and triumph, this much-anticipated follow-up to the New York Times bestselling picture book All Because You Matter offers an equally inspirational and arresting ode to all of the Black women and men throughout history who have made momentous contributions from the beginning of time.
Tami Charles shares the beauty and excellence in the history of the Black community, assuring Black and brown children of the extraordinary legacy from which they come. Charles’s powerful and empowering text is accompanied with illustrations by renowned artist Bryan Collier, a four-time Caldecott Honor recipient and a nine-time Coretta Scott King Award winner or honoree. We Are Here celebrates readers with pride, joy, and love, reminding them of their roots, inviting readers to imagine a future that shines ever bright, and strengthening them for their triumphant days to come
January 10th Picture Book Releases
A picture book by Ken Schept and illustrated by Romina Galotta about the power of remembrance and intergenerational tradition.
When she finds a feather, Grandma Dot adds it to her collection. Feathers, she tells her two granddaughters, remind Grandma Dot of people she’s lost. At first, the girls see the feathers as fun to play with. But soon, Grandma Dot’s feathers take on larger meanings — of comfort, remembrance, and love.
This affectionate, hopeful story will inspire readers of all ages to make memories and traditions part of their own family stories.
As a child, Abby Wambach was loud and clear about what she wanted and what she didn’t, and she didn’t want to be left out of any competition—especially soccer.
In this powerful biography, readers will dance and dart down fields with Abby as she slingshots — balls thwump … whiz … whoosh — straight into goals, sweating and scoring her way from school league leader to U.S. Women’s National Team star.
The story follows Abby through both success and setbacks because while even pro athletes miss goals, face losses, and can get injured, determined Abby has always been tougher than her toughest challenge.
Readers will cheer on this talented fan favorite as she kicks the legendary U.S. Women’s team toward Olympic fame, while also being reminded that there’s just as much inspiration in Abby’s struggles as in her victories.
Social Themes • Abrams Books for Young Readers
When Zimdalamishkermishkada starts a new school, he knows he’s got to do something about his long name.
When no amount of shrinking, folding or crumpling works, he simply settles for Zim—but deep down, it doesn’t feel right. It’s not until a new friend sees him for who he truly is that Zimdalamishkermishkada finds the confidence to step boldly into his long name.
A warm and uplifting picture book that encourages young readers to celebrate their individuality, and shows how no-one should ever have to shrink themselves down to fit in.
Friendship • Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
The sequel to the acclaimed New York Times bestseller The Proudest Blue shows the power of friendship and kindness, from Olympic medalist Ibtihaj Muhammad.
It’s picture day and Faizah can’t wait to wear her special red dress with matching hair ribbons, passed down from her mother and sister. Faizah’s teacher starts the day by asking her students to envision the kind of world they want, inspiring Faizah and her friends to spend the day helping one another in ways large and small.
But when it’s time for sibling pictures, Faizah realizes that she and her older sister, Asiya, don’t match like her classmates do with their siblings. With help from her classmates inspired by Asiya’s hijab, Faizah finds that acts of kindness can come back to you in unexpected ways.
From Olympic medalist Ibtihaj Muhammad and fellow bestselling, award-winning creators S.K. Ali and Hatem Aly comes a heartfelt exploration of friendship, faith, and the joy of spreading kindness wherever you go.
Imagination • Rocky Pond Books
The first picture book by bestselling novelist Emma Straub, this joyous and inventive read-aloud will inspire kids to see ordinary objects in a whole new way.
Some people think hats are fancy things you can buy at a dressy store, but that’s just the tip of the iceberg. In this book, acorns and raspberries are snug hats for your fingers, and an empty pudding cup is a good hat for a stuffed bear. Pajama pants make dangly hats, books can be dramatic hats, and bubbles make very fine hats as well (if temporary). Readers will be delighted to discover that anything can be a hat if you believe it is. Hats are everywhere you look!
January 17th Picture Book Releases
A heartwarming bilingual picture book about a young boy who learns to accept that Abuela needs to retire her super capa.
Saturdays are superhero days. Equipped with their milkshakes and capas, Luis and his abuela can turn anything into an adventure.
But when Abuela gets sick, Luis has to learn a new way to be a hero. With some help from his sister, Luis learns that change isn’t all that bad and there are many new adventures to have, even if they look a little different.
Perfect for families experiencing sickness and loss, this engaging multigenerational story will help young children find the language to express their feelings and adjust to change.
Friendship • Viking Books for Young Readers
The best friendship since sliced bread!
Once upon a kitchen, the Fridgers chilled on one side.
The Cupboard Crew loafed about on the other.
The kitchen may look like a peaceful place, but there was never more division than between the Fridgers and the Cupboard Crew. The Fridgers could be a little too cool. The Cupboard Crew—well, they often got stale. It was clear that the two should never mix. But that was until Peanut Butter (PB, for short) met Jelly. When Jelly finds herself in a sticky situation, it’s Peanut Butter to the rescue. And the result is the best friendship since sliced bread.
When PB Met J is the deliciously funny origin story of every child’s favorite lunch. Readers will cheer that these sweet and salty characters should always stick together.
January 24th Picture Book Releases
In this lyrical picture book by Kim Rogers (Wichita), with illustrations by Boston Globe-Horn Book Honoree Julie Flett (Cree-Métis), Becca watches her grandma create, play, and dance—and she knows that she wants to be just like Grandma.
Becca loves spending time with Grandma. Every time Becca says, “Let me try,” Grandma shows her how to make something beautiful.
Whether they are beading moccasins, dancing like the most beautiful butterflies, or practicing basketball together, Becca knows that, more than anything, she wants to be just like Grandma.
And as the two share their favorite activities, Becca discovers something surprising about Grandma.
Mermaids • Katherine Tegen Books
New York Times bestselling author Kelly DiPucchio and Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award winner Raissa Figueroa are back with another gorgeous and grand tale from the big sea’s littlest mischief-maker, Oona!
Oona is on a mission! A baby beluga whale has lost her way from her family and needs help getting back to her icy arctic home!
But Oona and her best friend Otto have never traveled from their warm ocean waters before. Will old ship maps and a compass be enough to lead them through the dangerous storms ahead
Oona may be a little mermaid, but she is determined to see this big adventure through! With a bit of bravery and help from some new friends, they’ll do all they can to reunite this baby whale with her pod once more.
Discover the unbe-leaf-ably adorable story of a young plant with mulch to learn in this feel-good tale perfect for fans of The Bad Seed and Grumpy Monkey.
Sprout the plant lives on a small porch, in a little town. She’s only been able to grow two leaves and knows exactly why. Home is just not enough for her — she needs to venture out to the wild woods, the wise forest, and the lush jungle to find what she needs to thrive.
But once she’s out in the world, Sprout quickly learns that what she really needs may not be what she thought at all …
Meet a budding new picture book character with roots in this hilarious and heartfelt adventure about growing up, taking risks, and finding home again.
Dance • Simon & Schuster / Paula Wiseman Books
The award-winning author of Kitten and the Night Watchman is back with an inspiring and poignant picture book about a boy learning the self-confidence to fulfill his dream of dancing in front of his peers.
The only audience shy, quiet Stanley dances in front of is his pet mice, Squeaker and Nibbles. He also practices when he’s alone in empty classrooms or the gym when he helps the janitor after school, tap dancing shuffle, tippy-tap, tippy-tap. “Talent should be shared,” encourages Principal Reynolds. Can Stanley find the courage to perform in the school talent show?
Animals • Bloomsbury Children’s Books
A delightful picture book about the power of hugs, from the mega-bestselling creators of I Love You Night and Day, You Make Me Happy and I’ll Never Let You Go.
Have you ever wondered who gives the very BEST hug?
The kind that’s warm and cozy and snug?
Extra squeezy, but never too tight,
the kind that fits you COMPLETELY right?
From bear hugs to koala cuddles, hippo huddles to walrus wiggles, penguin pecks to porcupine prickles, there are a LOT of hugs to choose from.
But the perfect hug may not be far-in fact, it might be right where you are!
Who gives the best hugs? Have you guessed? It’s the ones at home, who love you the best!
Full of silly and snuggly animal cuddles, this irresistible story from the bestselling creators Smriti Prasadam-Halls and Alison Brown is perfect for sharing and reading aloud.
Immigration • Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
A humorous and heartfelt reverse immigration story that will resonate across cultures and show us how a place can become home.
This is not my backyard barbecue.
This is not our car, these are not my fireflies.
This is not my farmer’s market and …
This is not my home.
When Lily’s mom announces their family must move back to Taiwan to take care of her elderly Ah Ma, Lily is devastated to leave behind her whole life for a place that is most definitely not her home. But Lily soon realizes, through the help of her family and friends, what home means to them. And perhaps someday—maybe not today, but someday—it might become her home too.
January 31st Picture Book Releases
Emotions & Feelings • Neal Porter Books
The cyclical nature of day and night frames a heartfelt exploration of the shared experiences that bring us all together.
At the start of a day brimming with possibilities, a gentle narrator whimsically explores everything the day might bring, from work to play, and all the sweet moments in between, like watching clouds and seeing something grow. In the moment when day inevitably turns to night, we are reminded that “we are all just hearts beating in the darkness.” This quiet space serves as a reminder of our shared existence, the very core of what brings us together. As a new dawn continues the cycle, that truth is a strong and steady pulse beneath the rhythm of another busy morning.
In a story that is at once playful and poignant, and Julie Fogliano masterfully combines simple, lyrical text and nuanced themes to create an inspirational exploration of perseverance, solidarity, kindness, and strength. Luscious illustrations by Cátia Chien accompany the soulful text. Cleverly emulating the cyclical nature of day and night, it emphasizes an even deeper message: through all of life’s ups and downs, there will always be light after darkness, and most importantly, we have each other—these other beating hearts.
Animals, Transportation • Candlewick
Surf’s up—watch out! Here comes another funny, frolicking read-aloud from the creators of Bunnies on the Bus.
Bunnies in a boat!
Bunnies in a boat!
Dashing and a-splashing!
Let’s hope they stay afloat!
There are bunnies in a boat, and they’re causing a maelstrom in Sunny Bay! The Sunny Town creatures are all out to play in the surf and sand when, whoosh, there goes a speedboat full of bunnies. Watch them crash into a sandcastle, whisk the sails off boats, zip their way to the airport, and run for the plane’s cockpit … oh no! Philip Ardagh’s rollicking, rhyming text is a joy to read aloud, while Ben Mantle’s colorful visual gags and zany details make this a story kids will be bouncing to read over and over.
Imagination • Bloomsbury Children’s Books
This bright, joyful picture book celebrates a community at play!
It’s a sunny spring day, and the tic tac tic tac sound of jump ropes hitting the ground floats through the wind.
“Jump in!”
Everyone lines up for a turn. The Delancy twins, double dutch divas. Leroy Jones with the hip-hop tricks. Even Ms. Mabel, showing the youngstas how it’s done. And after a day of fun, when the street lights start to flicker, it’s time to … jump out!
With a bold graphic style, read-aloud enhancing gatefolds, and an exuberance that leaps off the page, acclaimed artist Shadra Strickland’s author/illustrator debut will make readers of all ages get up on their feet!
Paletero Man meets Fry Bread in this vibrant and cheerful ode to plátanos, the star of Dominican cuisine, written by award-winning poet Lissette Norman, illustrated by Sara Palacios.
Plátanos are Yesenia’s favorite food. They can be sweet and sugary, or salty and savory. And they’re a part of almost every meal her Dominican family makes.
Stop by her apartment and find out why plátanos go with everything—especially love!
Perfect for reading aloud and shared story time!
Animals • Knopf Books for Young Readers
With a bold, graphic style and a bouncy, rhyming text, this picture book catches rascally kittens being their adorable (and mischievous!) selves from morning to nap to night.
This little kitty starts the day and meows, “Wake up! It’s time to play! All the little kitties get out of bed. Their bellies grumble—it’s time to be fed.
Read along as these frisky felines pounce and play, claw and climb, and snack and sleep—until daylight fades and these little kitties are ready to receive some love and affection. Filled with bright and playful illustrations, here is an adorable picture book by debut author-illustrator Karen Obuhanych, featuring many delightful cats—all brimming with purrsonality—that will charm cat lovers and kids alike.
From critically acclaimed author Lucy Ruth Cummins and Pete Oswald, New York Times bestselling illustrator of The Sour Grape, comes a rhyming bedtime tale featuring brand new picture book character Sleepy Sheepy, a sheep who is definitely NOT sleepy!
Sleepy Sheepy was not sleepy
But it was time for bed
(At least, that’s what the clock said.)
But Sleepy Sheepy would not sleepy.
He was wired. And absolutely not tired!
In fact, he was WIDE-AWAKE.
Despite his name, Sleepy Sheepy is NOT sleepy. He’d much rather build with blocks or knit socks than go to sleep. Will Ma and Pa Sheepy ever get their sheepy to go to sleepy?
From acclaimed author Lucy Ruth Cummins and brought to life by New York Times bestselling illustrator Pete Oswald (The Bad Seed, The Good Egg, The Smart Cookie, The Sour Grape), Sleepy Sheepy is a hilarious bedtime read-aloud that will appeal to little lambs everywhere.
Family • Simon & Schuster / Paula Wiseman Books
From renowned creators Julia Donaldson and Helen Oxenbury, this magical picture book celebration of babies’ first experiences makes “the perfect gift for new and expectant parents” (Booklist, starred review).
From the comfort of home to the adventures of the great outdoors, from spending time with family to first encounters with nature, this lyrical rhyming picture book will be relatable for all caretakers introducing their babies to the world.
More 2023 Book lists You Might Like
- 71 New Picture Books I’m Excited to Read in 2023
- 50 Fantastic New Books to Read in January 2023
- 30 New Middle Grade Books to Read in January 2023
Let’s Chat in the Comments
What new picture books are you most excited for? Did I miss any that should be on my radar this month? I’d love to hear!
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I love this varied and colorful list! Think I’ll start with the Disney books, then work my way down. My grandkids will love this!
Oh my goodness! So many wonderful picture books being released in January 2023. Thank you for the very detailed list of ideas! I especially love Very Good Hats (my grandkids love hats so this will be a big hit!), An American Story and Dim Sum Here We Come. I love how your book ideas include all nationalities so kids can learn all traditions and life stories!
What a lovely list! Thank you for sharing. I’ll have to check a few of them out for my son! 🙂