Summer is here and there are so many wonderful new picture books in June 2022 to read with your kids all summer long!
Picture books are a great way to connect with your kids. And it’s a great addition to summer plans. Whether you make some time to visit the local library or read some picture books before bed, you’ll want to have these books on your radar!
With this list of 25+ new picture books to read in June 2022, you’ll be able to find the best choices for summer reading. And teachers will love adding these books to their TBR for the upcoming school year.
Whether you’re looking for the most anticipated picture books or something that’s not on your radar yet, there’s a picture book for you on this list. Trust me, you don’t want to miss out on these June 2022 picture books!
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June 7th
Friendship • Frances Lincoln Children’s Books
Follow the heartwarming story of a new friendship in this innovative title, comprised of two books telling two different perspectives of the story of Joe and Mae!
It’s Joe’s first day at a new school. It’s big, scary and different. He misses his school, his old friends and his old life. Can’t he just go back to the way things were?
When Mae hears that there’s a new kid starting school, she can’t wait to meet him. Is this her chance to make a true friend?
A New Friend is the next book in the One Book, Two Stories format. With this innovative forma, two books, telling two different stories, are bound together.
One book follows Joe on his first day at school, and the other shows Mae on her quest to make friends with the new kid. The stories can also be read side-by-side, as spreads from each book complement each other and are linked with corresponding page numbers. The final spread at the back of the book reveals a shared ending, in which Joe and Mae are united in the playground!
This uplifting tale of overcoming fears and making new friends is the perfect gift for anyone struggling with new challenges, and the innovative format means kids can read the story again and again, each time in different ways!
A flying masked bandit (code name: Chickadee) discovers he isn’t quite who he thinks he is in this fresh and delightful tale about discovering one’s true nature.
Meet Chickadee. Criminal. Rapscallion. All-around bad seed. Sure, he started out obeying the rules, following his parents’ advice about finding things to eat and staying away from houses. But then … winter arrives. And it’s so much harder to find food in winter! So when Chickadee spies a “vault” full of “gold” near a house by the park (Wait, wasn’t there something to remember about houses?), he cleverly devises a plan to snatch the “vault full of treasure” without getting caught! He is the King of Thieves! Only, hmm, the humans near the vault seem to want him to visit. Maybe Chickadee’s not a criminal after all?
Monica Silvie’s fun first-person storytelling will have readers falling in love with this cheeky and enormously appealing bird and his endearingly misinformed self-perception. Chickadee’s growing understanding that he’s not actually a criminal, and that what he really wants is a friend, adds a lovely poignancy to the humor. Elina Ellis’s charming, hilarious illustrations bring the adorable Chickadee to life; the way he looks directly at readers with wide-eyed sincerity while he speaks to them is particularly effective.
A humorous and heartwarming picture book from legendary musician Chris “Ludacris” Bridges about the special bond between father and daughter.
Karma and her daddy love to make music together! Karma sets up the rhyme and daddy finishes it. Together, they’re the perfect team! But when it’s time for Karma to write her daddy a rap for his birthday all on her own, she can’t quite make it perfect. What rhymes with banana anyway? Told with heart and humor, Karma soon realizes that she never has to do anything alone as long as she has daddy by her side.
Bark, George meets Wemberly Worried in this new classic picture book from David Ezra Stein, Caldecott Honor-winning creator of Interrupting Chicken and Leaves. The ideal read for back-to-school anxiety and soothing nerves all year long.
Murray worries … about lots of things.
He doesn’t want to go out in the rain. He’s scared of the barking dogs at the park. Fireworks make him jump.
But gradually he learns that he can put on a raincoat. He can make new friends. He can be brave.
From Caldecott Honor-winning artist David Ezra Stein comes a tender and reassuring story about facing our fears, whatever they may be.
Humour • Atheneum Books for Young Readers
Former SNL writer and comedic rising star Julio Torres takes readers on a journey through the lives and intimate dramas of some of the unsung shapes of our time in this picture book inspired by his HBO special My Favorite Shapes.
Shapes. You’ve heard of them. You might have even interacted with a few. But do you really know them? From plucky Plunger, who wishes to defy his shape and become a beautiful vase, to other household objects with dreams of a life beyond their predestined roles, I Want to Be a Vase takes readers on an essential and visually stunning journey through the lives and intimate dramas of often-overlooked household appliances.
Animals • Margaret K McElderry Books
From the creator of the viral “Bones or No Bones” TikTok videos comes a sweet and entertaining picture book following Noodle the pug and his human as they navigate Noodle’s first No Bones Day—a day for being kind to yourself!
Noodle is a sweet, silly old pug who enjoys doing all his favorite activities with his favorite human, Jonathan. But one day when Jonathan goes to take Noodle on his morning walk, he finds Noodle still comfortable in bed. When Jonathan lifts Noodle up, Noodle just flops over. It’s almost like Noodle woke up without any bones!
Noodle isn’t sick or sad—but he also isn’t interested in going for walks or sitting outside (he will accept snacks, though). Today, all he needs are extra snuggles and belly rubs. Jonathan soon learns that not every day can be a Bones Day, and sometimes a No Bones Day is exactly what you need to get through the week.
Meet Punky Aloha: a girl who uses the power of saying aloha to experience exciting and unexpected adventures!
Punky loves to do a lot of things—except meeting new friends. She doesn’t feel brave enough.
So when her grandmother asks her to go out and grab butter for her famous banana bread, Punky hesitates. But with the help of her grandmother’s magical sunglasses, and with a lot of aloha in her heart, Punky sets off on a BIG adventure for the very first time.
Will she be able to get the butter for grandma?
Punky Aloha is a Polynesian girl who carries her culture in her heart and in everything she does. Kids will love to follow this fun character all over the island of O’ahu.
A lyrical story of parental love that celebrates and takes pride in the many shades of brown skin. Perfect for fans of I Am Enough, Hey Black Child, Hair Love, and Our Skin.
When you ask me why your skin is brown,
I will tell you that you are my favorite color.
I will say that your skin was decided long, long ago.
Time was just waiting for you.
So begins a mother’s celebration of her children’s brown skin, told through warm and vivid poetry. With sweeping descriptions of what brown skin means—it is the brawny bear whose paws know the ground of its home, the sequoia tree that reaches up and touches the sun, the glossy shell of roasted chestnuts—this is a book that empowers as it embraces, and that reminds young readers that they have shades of color that only they can discover and express.
With beautiful, lyrical text by powerhouse poet Gillian Sze and vibrant, engaging art by illustrator Nina Mata, the #1 New York Times bestselling illustrator of LeBron James’s I Promise, this is more than a story of love—it is a song that rings out for brown kids everywhere.
June 14th
A little girl navigates her cat’s bad day in this picture book about exploring sadness and how we find comfort.
Annie comes home from school to find her cat, Delilah, has had a terrible day and is quite sad. What do you do when your friend is sad? Cheer them up with all the things they love! Annie tries TV, warm milk, and even yoga! But at the end of the day, no distraction can really make our bad days simply disappear, as Annie knows all too well. You just have to face them head on, maybe have a good cry, and find comfort in those you love.
Heather Smith has written a gentle picture book about how we sometimes have to sit in the sadness of a bad day before we can move beyond it. Paired with Karen Obuhanych’s bold, emotive illustrations, readers will feel seen with this relatable story.
From the author of the mega-bestseller Be Kind comes a picture book for anyone who’s ever loved someone far away.
Someday soon, I’ll see you.
Even though you are there.
And I am here.
So very far apart.
In this heartfelt picture book, a child imagines ways to connect with a grandmother who lives far way. Whether by rocket ship or jet pack, train or in a plane, any journey is worth it to see someone you love.
With an inviting, accessible text by Pat Zietlow Miller and inventive art from the critically-acclaimed illustrator Suzy Lee, this picture book reminds us that, no matter the physical distance between us, the people we care about are never far from our hearts. The book features clever and innovative die-cuts throughout, adding a creative, thoughtful and discussion-worthy novelty aspect to this layered and deeply emotional story.
Emotions • Viking Books for Young Readers
A classic in the making from the winner of The Great British Baking Show and star of Nadiya Bakes, about a young girl finding her strength in spite of a schoolyard bully.
I love to go to school. Well, most days I do.
There are some days when what I really want
is to stay at home with you.
Most days, this little girl loves to go to school and play with her friends. But sometimes the schoolyard can feel like a battleground where she has to dodge mean words from a bully. Luckily, she always has her steadfast tiger by her side—even if she’s the only one who can see it. With the reminder that strength comes from within, she digs deep to believe in herself, no matter what anyone else says.
From the team behind My Monster and Me, Today I’m Strong is a tender story about finding the courage to hold your head high, with a powerful reminder to always be kind.
June 21st
Ally Baby Can books introduce allyship to tiny change-makers! Perfect for shared reading with an adult.
Ally Baby Can: Be Feminist models how young kids can stand up for women and nonbinary people in the fight against sexism and gender inequality.
Extensive back matter includes important guidelines for allyship, a kid-friendly reading list, and other helpful resources for baby and you.
It is never too early to learn about ways to change our world.
Self-Esteem • Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
All Are Welcome meets Bodies Are Cool in this picture book that shows us what makes every body special.
Everybody has a body and every body is good. Your body takes you where you want to go. Your body is your first home. And your body is different from everyone else’s body! I Love My Body Because is a gentle and poetic picture book for the youngest readers about celebrating your own body and all the different, wonderful bodies that make up our world.
Written by kindergarten teacher and Instagram influencer affectionately known as the Tutu Teacher, comes a picture book about a class that creates a kindness pledge to ensure that their class is the kindest it can possibly be.
It’s the first day of Kindergarten and Leo isn’t at all ready. Leo is a quiet kid and would prefer to stay home. Over the summer, his new teacher, Ms. Perry sent a letter asking her students to think about how to show kindness in school. She explained that they would be making a kindness pledge, and each student should bring one way to show kindness on the first day.
As it turns out, Leo’s classmates have lots of ideas about kindness: like raising your hand, never leaving anyone out, and apologizing if you hurt someone’s feelings. At the end of the first day, Ms. Perry asks if anyone witnessed something they’d like her to add to the kindness pledge? Lots of hands shoot up in the air. Several classmates say they noticed Leo returning crayons to the box, holding the door for everyone, and helping a friend who fell. Leo smiles as he realizes he really does know a lot about kindness after all.
A story reassuringly told by Vera Ahiyya and brought to exuberant life by illustrator Joey Chou, this story about a classroom coming together to make a kindergarten into a KINDergarten is sure to calm the nerves -and offer inspiration–to new kindergartners and the adults in their lives.
Friendship • Christy Ottaviano
Pigeon and Cat form a lasting bond in this poignant picture book about compassion and friendship.
In an abandoned city lot, Cat lives alone in a cardboard box. He leaves only to find food. One day, Cat discovers an unbroken egg too beautiful to eat. Soon, out pecks Pigeon, and they become fast friends. Cat is happy to share his box with Pigeon. But when Pigeon flies far away from where they live, Cat must brave the city in order to rescue his friend. This journey will forever transform his understanding of home.
This heartwarming story explores unlikely friendships, the creative spark within us, and how to give comfort and kindness in small, impactful gestures. It is also a celebration of urban community.
Self-Esteem • Random House Books for Young Readers
It’s back to school with Kristen Bell and Benjamin Hart! Learn how to paint your school purple with this follow-up to the #1 New York Times bestseller The World Needs More Purple People.
Penny Purple taught us how to be a purple person. A person who finds common ground with others while celebrating what makes them unique! Now Penny and her pals will put their purple skills into action in their very favorite place — their classroom! How do you make a purple school? It will take curiousity, sharing, hard work, and lots of laughs!
New Experiences • Roaring Brook Press
A moving picture book from a debut author about the first day of school, layered with themes about the immigrant experience and the universal experience of feeling out of place.
A child, newly arrived in another country, feels displaced, lonely, and a little scared on her first day of school. Her name doesn’t sound the way she’s used to hearing it. She knows she doesn’t fit in. And when she eats her whole tomato for lunch, she can feel her classmates observing her—and not quite understanding her.
But sometimes all it takes is one friend, one connection, to bring two worlds together, and gradually the girl, her tomato, and her full name, start to feel at home with her new friends and community.
This emotionally sweeping debut picture book by Costantia Manoli, with vibrant art by Magdalena Mora, artfully captures feelings of displacement and the joy that comes from forging new friendships.
Emotions • G.P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers
Inspired by The Twelve Days of Christmas, this picture book illustrates the many different forms that kindness can take, from veteran picture book author Irene Latham.
On the first day of kindness,
I will give to you a hug that’s warm and true.
There are many ways to be kind. Follow one girl as she expresses gratitude through kind deeds all her own—a smile or encouraging word or even shared snacks—and discovers one act of kindness inspires another. In this heartwarming lyrical text, twelve acts of everyday kindness are set to the tune of “The Twelve Days of Christmas.”
Along with vibrant and warm illustrations, this joyous read-aloud celebrates how small acts of kindness can be practiced at any age.
A sweet, timely picture book about kindness and connection, perfect for fans of Be Kind and ideal for schools and classrooms.
A welcome can be warm
Or cold,
Shy and quiet,
Big and bold.
An offering,
A smiling face
That warms a cold and lonely place.
There’s lots of ways to show we care
and welcome friends from everywhere!
When everyone knows they’re welcome, the world is a better place—and you might just make a new friend. This timeless picture book about small acts of kindness in a big world is one that kids and grown-ups will reach for again and again.
June 28th
Animals • Sourcebooks Wonderland
From the New York Times and USA Today bestselling How to Catch series comes an all-new, hilarious back-to-school adventure!
The class pets escaped from their cages and are running loose in your school! Join along in this school adventure that will delight fans of the bestselling How to Catch series! Perfect for young readers and educators alike, this fun-filled picture book blends STEAM concepts with hilarity and chaos to encourage reading, learning, and imagination. Featuring an approachable, school theme that kids will relate to plus cute animal characters, this silly story will inspire repeat reads again and again!
Join the fun and find out if YOU have what it takes to catch these riotous pets! Perfect for children ages 4-10, this book makes a delightful back-to-school gift, gift for teachers, stocking stuffer, graduation gift, or for read-aloud fun anytime of year!
We all went inside to our classrooms,
but there wasn’t one pet to be found.
It seems they all watched us this morning,
and escaped for recess on the playground.
Animals • Random House Books for Young Readers
An adorable letter writing dog helps a class pet on the loose get back to its classroom in this companion to the New York Times bestseller Can I Be Your Dog?, and I Found a Kitty!
Arfy is a reading buddy, visiting schools and helping kids who are learning to read. One day, upon arriving home, Arfy notices a stowaway in his vest pocket—a turtle! Arfy must write letters to each of the teachers–and even the principal!—to find the classroom whose terrarium is missing this little terrapin. Can Arfy get this little lady back to her rightful class?
Another winning, comical, epistolary tale from a New York Times bestselling author-illustrator that’s perfect for children, teachers, and librarians.
Join the monsters everyone loves as they dance and sing their way through a recipe for delicious cupcakes! With bouncy rhyming text, child-friendly art for young readers, and an adorable cast of zany critters, Monsters Love Cupcakes is a yummy introduction to the joy and silliness of baking with and for friends.
Two cups of LOVE,
a spoonful of WOW,
and some yummy BUGS!
Those are just a few of the ingredients in these colorful monsters’ favorite cupcake recipe. Mixing, baking, and decorating has never been so much fun!
A children’s picture book that poetically shares the joy and love a dog feels in the hands of a thoughtful, devoted child.
In Puppy Love, a boy and his puppy enjoy their day together searching for creatures, appreciating nature, playing in the park, watching TV, and finally going to bed, where it is revealed to the reader that the entire book has been from the perspective of the puppy, who is happy spending all his time with the young boy who cares for him.
The message of this book, about the loving heart of a puppy, is applicable to the owning and raising all animals, by all ages and classes, and can help many people see more clearly the tenderness and loyalty of animals. It’s essential reading for all young children with pets, all children who want pets, and animal lovers of all ages.
This warm, feel-good tale of friends working together to make delicious pancakes is the ultimate comfort food from Geisel Honor creator Maya Tatsukawa.
It’s Sunday! And for Cat that means … pancakes! But when Cat realizes they’re out of eggs and milk, she knows the best way to fix that is by inviting their friends over. Luckily, Rabbit and Bear have the missing ingredients covered, and these friends get to work baking stacks and stacks and STACKS of pancakes! There may be a few spills and oops along the way, but pancakes—and friends—don’t have to be perfect to be wonderful. Included in the story is a simple recipe so readers can enjoy making pancakes of their own!
Cooking • Random House Books for Young Readers
Kalamata and her alligator sidekick Al Dente are back in a brand-new adventure! Join them and their friend Kyo as they discover how different ideas and ingredients can create magic when mixed together!
This charming picture book champions teamwork, harmony, and creativity, and reminds us that sometimes the answers we’re looking for can be found in unexpected places.
Kalamata and her friends Al Dente, Kyo, Dovie, and Knox are practicing their dance routine for the upcoming talent show. But none of them agree on what the routine is missing—Dovie thinks it needs more twirls, Knox wants more break-dancing, and everyone is getting frustrated!
Luckily for the Electric (Fried Chicken) Sliders (as their group is called), all the magic they need to create a great dance routine is within reach! As Kalamata, Kyo, and Al Dente transport themselves to Kyo’s family’s kopitiam (Malaysian coffee shop), they discover how different ingredients are made better when combined with others. When they return, the team works together to incorporate each of their ideas and moves into a routine that steals the show!
New Experiences • Simon & Schuster / Paula Wiseman Books
From beloved author-illustrator Nicola Killen comes an adorable back to school story about a bear cub soothing a little girl’s fears, tenderly told and illustrated in limited color with lovely foil and interactive die cut pages.
The end of summer can be a bittersweet time, and Ollie isn’t sure if she’s ready to go back to school. But the night before her first day back, Ollie dreams about a magical schoolhouse in the woods full of friendly little animals who make learning an adventure. When Ollie wakes up, she can’t wait to go to school!
People & Places • Random House Studio
Based on true events, this inspiring story follows a mama and her daughter who are denied entry at the U.S. border, and must find the refugee in charge of “the notebook,” an unofficial ledger of those waiting to cross into the U.S.
Before, the sun drenched the yard. Our neighbor’s laughter danced in the streets. Now, the streets are quiet. Papa is gone, and we are no longer safe here. We are leaving, too.
In this moving and stunningly-illustrated picture book, Noemi and Mama flee their home in Mexico, and head for the US border. There, they look for The Notebook Keeper—the person in charge of a ledger for those waiting to cross, and they add their names to the book. As the days turn into weeks, and hope dwindles, the little girl looks for kindness around her– and inside herself. One day, when the Notebook Keeper’s own name is called to cross, Noemi and her Mama are chosen—for the generosity in their hearts—to take her place.
Self-Esteem • Viking Books for Young Readers
Celebrating the quiet power of being different, The Surprise is the children’s debut from acclaimed authors Zadie Smith and Nick Laird, with art from exciting newcomer Magenta Fox.
Meet Maud: a guinea pig who inexplicably wears a judo suit—and not everyone understands or approves. When Maud is thrown into a new and confusing situation, it takes brave decisions and serendipitous encounters for her to find her place and embrace her individuality.
The Surprise is an endearing story about the quiet power of being different by two veteran writers, and introduces an exciting debut illustrator. Together they have created a picture book that adults and children alike will treasure.
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