It’s another great month of book releases for kids. With this list of new picture books to read in May 2022 you’re sure to have a stellar reading month!
I’ve been reading and sharing a lot of picture books on the blog lately. With gorgeous illustrations, powerful text and meaningful storylines, picture books are just so much fun.
With this list of 35 new picture books to read in May 2022, you’ll be able to find the best choices for bedtime reading and classroom read-alouds.
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 May 2022 picture books!
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May 3rd
People & Places • Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
Amy Wu does her best to make her new classmate feel welcome in this warmhearted and playfully illustrated follow-up picture book to Amy Wu and the Perfect Bao and Amy Wu and the Patchwork Dragon.
Amy’s class has a new student from China! Amy tries hard to make Lin feel included, but she can’t draw him out of his shell. Then she sees Lin chattering happily in Chinese with his family. The gears in her head start to turn, and a plan blossoms. Step one: invite Lin to her dumpling party …
With a little help from her grandma and a shiny new banner, can Amy give Lin the warmest welcome?
Animals, Humour • Henry Holt and Co
With the irreverent humor of Mother Bruce, Harry the Dirty Dog, and Gaston, this laugh-out-loud picture book follows Ralph the dog as he unexpectedly becomes the new dad to a flock of ducklings, and soon realizes he’s bitten off more than he can chew!
Ralph the dog enjoyed a quiet life … until the day he stumbles across an egg. Surely the best thing for him to do is ignore it and walk right on by. But, CRACK! The egg hatches, then and there.
What’s inside? A cute and fluffy little duckling searching for a parent. And though Ralph isn’t sure he wants a duckling, the duckling is definitely sure it wants Ralph! As does the very excitable, very loud, and very large flock of ducklings in the nearby field …
Filled with heart, hilarity, and adorably raucous ducklings, this celebration of love and community is perfect for all families, big and small.
Humour • Random House Books for Young Readers
What makes you unique? Find out with Little Ellen, the creative and lovable star of Ellen DeGeneres’ debut picture book, based on her new animated series!
Hi! Little Ellen here—You know I love making people laugh, but did you also know that I am full of questions? SO many questions! And the one I am wondering most is, what makes me, well, me?
Before she was an award-winning actor and talk show host, Ellen DeGeneres was a little girl in New Orleans. Get to know Little Ellen and the wonderful world she sees in this book of friendship and groovy moves, perfect for kids with big imaginations and even bigger hearts!
This joyful picture book promotes empathy and social-emotional learning, with an inclusive voice that encourages kids to be themselves.
Fantasy • Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
The tale of a young girl who cares for her pet cloud as it grows.
It’s a little out of fashion to buy a pet cloud, but Lizzy doesn’t mind. She’s not looking for a big one or a fancy one, just one that’s right for her. And she finds it in Milo.
Soon, she’s taking Milo out on walks with her family, watering Milo right on schedule, and seeing Milo grow and grow. But what happens when her pet cloud gets too big for Lizzy to handle?
People & Places • Random House Books for Young Readers
Jazmyn Simon’s debut is a moving love letter to children struggling to accept themselves inside and out—exactly as they are. This gorgeous picture book was inspired by a conversation between the author and her daughter.
I was shown all the smiles in the entire world. I looked at all of the many bright smiles until I found my favorite: your smile.
After comparing herself to other little girls, Irie confides in her mama that she feels something is wrong with her, that she’s not perfect as she is. And so Irie’s mama tells the magical story of how Irie was intentionally and wonderfully made. In fact, Irie is made up of all her mother’s favorite things: sparkling eyes, a bright smile, and a kind heart.
Actor and activist Jazmyn Simon’s tender picture book emphasizes the unique beauty and strength of all children, encouraging them to love their most perfect selves.
Awesome Girl heroically saves her daddy from danger in this adorable and funny book, perfect for Father’s Day and beyond.
Quicker than lightning, stronger than steel, disguised as an ordinary kid, Awesome Girl is here to save the day! That is, until her dad says it’s time to come in for a bath. Abigail is tired of her dad not believing in her true superhero powers … until she finally gets the chance to show him what she can do by saving him from the tentacles of a supervillain.
All Are Welcome meets Sometimes People March in this uplifting picture book with an empowering message: No matter your size, you can do big things.
This joyful book celebrates the many ways people can join together to become something bigger—an unstoppable force. Each and every one of us can use our voices to make a difference!
The lyrical text by New York Times bestselling author Pat Zietlow Miller is brought to life with vibrant illustrations by Paola Escobar. This stirring book will inspire readers of all ages.
A small voice can travel for miles.
Showing kindness.
Hope.
And love.
Social Themes • Tra Publishing
An inspiring, large-hearted picture book that takes on issues of inclusion, bullying, determination, and peaceful resolution in a humorous, touching, and deeply relatable way. This witty, wise, and timeless tale follows the adventures of a lovable family of platypuses.
It’s a perfect day for the beach, and Mrs. Duck-billed Platypus, her seven children, and her egg set off for an outing by the sea. But all does not go as planned. One beach does not allow beaks. The next does not permit fur. The platypus gang is turned away again and again, but Mrs. Duck-billed Platypus remains calm and determined to provide her offspring with a beautiful beach experience.
On their journey, the platypuses meet many other animals in the same situation. Does Mrs. Duck-billed Platypus save the day for herself, her children, and all of the other animals?
An all-new Little Golden Book starring Jedi Knight Obi-Wan Kenobi from the Star Wars saga!
The legend of Jedi Knight Obi-Wan Kenobi is retold in this Star Wars Little Golden Book! A hero of the Clone Wars and the Rebellion, Obi-Wan battled Sith Lords Darth Maul and Darth Vader, helped destroy the Empire’s Death Star, and guided Luke Skywalker in his quest to restore peace to the galaxy and balance to the Force. Featuring stunning retro stylized illustrations, this Little Golden Book stars everyone’s favorite characters from the Star Wars saga. It is perfect for Star Wars—and Little Golden Book—fans of all ages.
Filled with charmingly rustic illustrations of people, plants and animals, this story about community and biodiversity introduces children to the variety of ways things can grow and flourish in nature.
In the village of Mirren, a tidy community garden is carefully organized and tended by the townspeople. On the other side of the garden wall is a wild patch of land— a jumble of trees, a pond, and tall grassy places. While the garden is cared for in different ways throughout the seasons, Jilly and her grandfather like to visit the wild place, foraging for mushrooms, asparagus, and nuts, and watching the insects, birds and other animals. When the townspeople decide they need a bigger garden, they make plans to expand beyond the wall into the wild place. Worried about what will happen to their special piece of nature, Jilly and her grandfather come up with a plan, inviting the townspeople to discover a new kind of gardening. Their plan works and the wild place and the community garden merge harmoniously; the bees pollinate the crops, berry bushes take over a garden corner, pumpkins grow along the pond, and delicious herbs appear among the ferns. Cynthia Cliff’s lovingly detailed illustrations reveal the joys of every kind of garden, while her story offers endless opportunities to talk about healthy eating, nature, ecological gardening, and friendship.
May 10th
Family, Holiday • Random House Studio
Two-time Caldecott Honor author/illustrator Lane Smith tells a whimsical story about a little rabbit searching for the best gift for someone very special.
A thoughtful little Rabbit sets out to find the perfect gift for his Nana. He knows she will love anything he brings her but Rabbit wants this gift to be extra special. As he travels on his quest, Rabbit encounters an assortment of creatures-a crow, a smiling full moon, a stickler (whatever that is), a big fish, and a volcano. Each is certain they offer the best advice but nothing they suggest seems right for his Nana. It’s not until Rabbit reaches the highest peak, that he finds exactly what he’s been searching for.
The award-winning illustrator of bestsellers including Penguin Problems and Giraffe Problems, brings originality and gentle humor to a story that parents and grandparents will be sharing with their children for years to come.
Animals • Atheneum Books for Young Readers
In this sweet and affirming picture book, two cats discover they don’t need to share a language to become friends.
Leonard adores his human. “Stay! Let’s play!” he says when it’s time to leave for work. His human just hears “Meow.”
Sometimes Leonard gets lonely. So does Mariposa, who is new in town. Maybe they could keep each other company? “Hello,” says Leonard. “Hola,” says Mariposa.
While the friends don’t share a language, they do share adventures. And together they find a place where all cats—and their humans—are welcome.
From beloved comedian, actress, and New York Times bestselling author Tiffany Haddish comes Layla, the Last Black Unicorn, a hilarious, original picture book tale about a lovable but awkward unicorn who learns why her uniqueness is her biggest strength.
It’s not easy to fit in when you stand out. When Layla arrives for her first day of school at Unicornia, the school for unicorns, she realizes that she’s not like the other kids there. They’re all pastel colors and know the rules to Horn Ball and none of them come from the Woods like Layla does. Try as she might to make friends, Layla’s just … different. But when her class gets lost during a field trip to the Fiddle Dee Deep Forest, it’s up to Layla to step up and save the day.
Layla, the Last Black Unicorn is a hilariously heartwarming picture book about self-acceptance, self-esteem, and standing up for standing out by New York Times bestselling author, Grammy Award-winning comedian, and actress Tiffany Haddish and Jerdine Nolen, author of the Coretta Scott King Honor Book Thunder Rose.
Insects • Atheneum Books for Young Readers
One small spider takes a big risk to bring together the people she watches over in her apartment building in this charming picture book from the celebrated author and illustrator of Truman.
Sylvie hangs on a silvery thread, safely hidden under her damp, dark fire escape. Sure, it’s a little too close to the dumpster below, but if she stays carefully out of sight, she can watch over her people in the apartment building above—a painter, a proper lady, a man with a plan, and a girl with an exceptionally brave tortoise.
Day and night, night and day, Sylvie watches over them making sure everything is just so. Lately though, her people seem to be missing…something. Sylvie wants to help, but she’s always stayed out of view. After all, not everyone appreciates a spider who calls attention to herself. When a most audacious idea comes to her though, one that might make everything more than just so, maybe even just right, can Sylvie muster her moxie and risk stepping into the spotlight?
Diversity • Nancy Paulsen Books
Two children’s book superstars join forces to celebrate the joy and freedom of summer in the city, which is gloriously captured in Jacqueline Woodson’s rhythmic text and Leo Espinosa’s lively art.
It’s getting hot outside, hot enough to turn on the hydrants and run through the water—and that means it’s finally summer in the city! Released from school and reveling in their freedom, the kids on one Brooklyn block take advantage of everything summertime has to offer. Freedom from morning till night to go out to meet their friends and make the streets their playground—jumping double Dutch, playing tag and hide-and-seek, building forts, chasing ice cream trucks, and best of all, believing anything is possible. That is, till their moms call them home for dinner. But not to worry—they know there is always tomorrow to do it all over again—because the block belongs to them and they rule their world.
Family • Viking Books for Young Readers
Fang isn’t like the other vampires. Will he be able to make his dreams of a beach vacation come true?
The last thing Fang wants is another vacation in Transylvania. He’s toured Dracula’s castle and the coffin museum enough for an eternal lifetime. Why can’t he spend the summer swimming and surfing like his other friends? When his parents refuse, Fang decides to convince them that fun at the beach is possible, even for a family of vampires.
Laura Lavoie’s clever text and Micah Player’s devilishly fun illustrations are the perfect pairing for this hilarious picture book that captures the joy of having new adventures and staying true to yourself.
In the tradition of The Wonderful Things You Will Be and I Wish You More, this debut book reminds us that “all who wander are not lost.”
You are here, and from here there are so many places you can go. But how will you know how to get there? In this warm and wise debut, Zach Manbeck gives readers a poetic roadmap to help us find our way in the world, while also reminding us all that right now, we are here—exactly where we are meant to be.
Both sweet and uplifting, this is a perfect book for a new baby, a new graduate, or anyone who could use a reminder that “all who wander are not lost.”
May 17th
Tony Award-winning actress Ali Stroker captures the magic and community of theater in her debut picture book, about a spirited girl in a wheelchair who stages a show for her hometown. Based on the pivotal summer Ali performed in her first musical by the Jersey Shore!
Ali loves to dance, sing, and act. But she had never thought of putting on her own show until her neighbor asks, Why wait? Immediately energized, Ali gets to work.
There’s so much to do before showtime—choosing the right musical, auditions, rehearsal, costume and set design—but Ali can do anything with her family and friends. When a storm threatens to undo all their hard work, Ali must use her imagination and adapt so the show can go on!
Includes an inspiring letter from Ali to readers on how she developed confidence while on-stage and how theater encourages teamwork and creativity.
A beautiful and poignant meditation on what makes a home from Newbery Medalist Cynthia Rylant.
There are so many things, both big and small, that make a place feel like home. Home is where you might have a special nickname or a special toy. It’s where you might have a snack or a nap or a bath—or all three! Whether home is a city apartment or a country cottage, it’s a place you want to return to again and again. Celebrate all kinds of homes—and all kinds of families—in this cozy, lushly illustrated ode to the universal feeling of being at home.
The dog days are over when one pup breaks free from his home to become an independent, Lone Wolf!
Humans don’t realize the stresses of pet life.
Working hard to meet every command.
Trying to be a good boy, the best boy.
It’s exhausting … humiliating, even!
Sick of the pressures of pet life—the costumes, the treat-withholding, and the dreaded cone of shame—one dog escapes to fulfill his true Lone Wolf destiny. But then he sees his owner—um, ex-owner—with a new dog and feels unexpectedly jealous. All he wanted was a little space to poop in peace, not for his ex-owner to forget him entirely! Is it too late to go back, or is he stuck in the doghouse forever?
Find out in this hilarious picture book by the author/illustrator team that brought you Poe and Lars!
This is a Little Golden Book retelling of Illumination’s Minions: The Rise of Gru—releasing in theaters July 3, 2020!
In the latest installment of one of the most successful animated franchises of all time, Minions: The Rise of Gru takes us back to bad with the origin story of young Gru and his Minions. This Little Golden Book retells the mischief and the heartfelt story of how Gru and his Minions became the world’s most despicable team. It’s perfect for boys and girls ages 3 to 7, and all who enjoy Little Golden Books.
Explore what it means to share space and have fun on the playground with this sweetly funny picture book of playground rules based in social-emotional learning.
There are so many reasons why our playground RULES!
1. Everyone gets a turn, no matter time that takes…)
2. We play fair, even when the weather isn’t…)
3. We try to be patient, which is always worth it!
This young picture book plays with the double meaning of rules to explore how following a few simple rules of kindness can make playtime more fun for everyone! Featuring simple text and engaging illustrations that embrace with the varying needs and capabilities of the cast of animal characters, Our Playground Rules is built to help small children feel seen and to better empathsize others.
May 24th
A charming and heartfelt picture book about a little bird who dreams of making it big on Broadway, from Tony Award-winning Broadway director Alex Timbers.
What Louisa loved most about living in Times Square wasn’t the buzzzz of the city …
No, it was that she could sing as loud as she wanted. She could sing all day and she could sing all night.
Louisa was truly a Broadway bird.
Louisa is a tiny parakeet with a HUGE dream: to be a Broadway star. But no matter what she does, everyone keeps telling her she’s too small to make it big! When a chance at her big break comes, Louisa learns that no matter how small you are, with a little talent and a lot of hard work, you can do anything — even be on Broadway!
With colorful, charming illustrations by artist Alisa Coburn, this heartfelt picture book from renowned Broadway director Alex Timbers is about persistence, believing in yourself, and, of course, the magic of Broadway.
Lucky just might be the luckiest pearl in the ocean … or not?
In this humorous and meaningful picture book by debut author-illustrator Christy Mandin, a pearl named Lucky sets off in search of a new home after her home is crushed by trash.
While looking for a place to live, Lucky bumps into a certain someone and discovers something even better than a shiny new shell: friendship.
Lucky is perfect for fans of Not Quite Narwhal and Tiny T. Rex and the Impossible Hug. This story shows the harmful effects of ocean pollution and models how materials can be reused rather than thrown away. Perfect for Earth Day promotions!
Dynamic backmatter provides further details on the environmental crisis and how readers can prevent and reverse ocean pollution.
Superheroes • Viking Books for Young Readers
A bright and fun superhero story that normalizes fear and celebrates the potential in all of us to be brave and bold.
Maisie dreams of being a superhero because they never get scared—right? But when she learns that even the biggest superheroes feel afraid sometimes, she realizes that it’s perfectly ok to be fearful, and that you can still be brave, too.
Perfect for kids who love Superman, Spider-Man, the Black Panther, and Wonder Woman—and also for kids who just need a reminder of how strong they are inside.
Family • Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
From the nationally beloved co-host of the #1 hit show Home Town comes the quintessential celebration of home.
Imagine a house’s early days as a home: A young family builds a picket fence and plants flowers in its yard, children climb the magnolia tree and play the piano in the living room, and there is music inside the house for many happy years. But what will happen when its windows grow dark, its paint starts to crumble, and its boards creak in the winter wind? The house dreams of a family who will love it again … and one day, a new story will emerge from within its walls.
In this modern classic, Erin Napier’s lyrical prose and Adam Trest’s warm and comforting paintings deeply evoke the soul of a house cherishing the seasons of life and discovering the joy of rebirth.
A confident little Black girl has a fantastic first day of school in this companion to the New York Times bestseller The King of Kindergarten.
MJ is more than ready for her first day of kindergarten! With her hair freshly braided and her mom’s special tiara on her head, she knows she’s going to rock kindergarten. But the tiara isn’t just for show—it also reminds her of all the good things she brings to the classroom, stuff like her kindness, friendliness, and impressive soccer skills, too! Like The King of Kindergarten, this is the perfect book to reinforce excitement and build confidence in the newest students.
May 31st
A heartening picture book about a young pup who looks different from her siblings and ultimately learns that love, rather than how you look, is what makes a family.
Sutton Button has always looked different from her family. While her siblings had short, stout legs, Sutton’s legs were long like noodles. And while her siblings had scruffy, yellow fur, Sutton was a tricolor puppy with soft fur.
But when others don’t believe that Sutton and her siblings are actually related, Sutton starts to wonder if she really belongs in her family at all–until she realizes that her and her family are the same in all the most important ways and that love, rather than what you look like, is what makes a family.
With heartwarming text and adorable illustrations, A Family Looks Like Love is a story about the enduring power of love and teaches readers that family comes in all shapes and sizes.
Animals, Transportation • Dial Books
Buckle up for a little bear’s first flight in this adorable, light-as-air picture book by New York Times bestselling author Deborah Underwood.
Follow a bear cub, their grownup, and their beloved stuffie Teddy as they make their way through the busy airport and cub’s first plane ride. Their destination? A bear-y special family reunion with grandma! This cheerful, rhyming, reassuring go-to for little ones preparing for their first (or second or tenth) flight is a gentle adventure full of accessible bear puns and delightful touches, plus a detailed map of the bear-port on the endpapers.
Here’s the shuttle—climb inside.
Time for your first bearplane ride!
Animals • Doubleday Books for Young Readers
The comic duo that brought you I Don’t Want to Be a Frog is back, with Chip the dog, a hilarious new character who’s got some wisdom to share.
Are you a dog in need of advice? Fear not: Chip the dog is ON IT in this super-silly guide to living your best canine life. Chip is seven; he knows things. Like what to eat (important papers, the fancy bird the humans cooked for the fancy dinner, Grandpa’s teeth), and what not to eat (bees). He won’t get those mixed up, will he?
Pet lovers will see their own goofy fur-friends in Chip’s earnest yet ridiculous antics, and readers who love funny animal stories will find their next favorite book buddy with Chip the dog, who’s patiently waiting to eat your homework and slobber on your clothes.
A sly, hilarious, and bold picture book from debut creator Sabina Hahn about a fierce little girl who commandeers a rotting pineapple for a royal crown—perfect for fans of Eloise and Olivia.
This misunderstood little girl is certain she’s a princess—despite the protests of her family. One afternoon she’s struck by a brilliant idea. Princesses wear crowns and she knows exactly where to get one.
She gets to work—decimating her midday snack until she has a pineapple headpiece fit for royalty. Is she sticky? Yes. Does her tummy feel funny? Yes. Is she very important? Absolutely.
What follows is a power rush of epic proportions and a horde of eager subjects in the form of flies. Unfortunately, her new subjects take direction … poorly. As this princess’s kingdom slowly devolves into chaos, both her rule and her pineapple crown begin to fall apart.
A laugh-out-loud funny debut, perfect for every intrepid, young megalomaniac in the making.
Danny and Dino set off to rescue a princess in the latest Dinosaur That Pooped story by Tom Fletcher and Dougie Poynter of the English pop punk group McFly.
Danny and Dinosaur are convinced that a princess is in danger and needs their help … if only they could find her. The two friends journey through Fairy Tale Land to track her down, but things don’t go exactly to plan. Can Dinosaur make it through Fairy Tale Land without eating everything in sight? And does the princess really need to be rescued?
New Experiences • Feiwel & Friends
Leading actor, producer, director and New York Times-bestselling author Channing Tatum’s Sparkella picture book series is a charming ode to self-esteem and the love between a father and daughter.
Sparkella is excited for her first sleepover with her new friend, Tam.
A glittery, glimmering outfit sure to impress? Check!
Everything they need for the awesomest tea party ever? Check!
A collection of games to delight and inspire? Check!
She can’t wait for Tam to arrive in a few hours, but first she needs one more very important thing for their sleepover: A castle fit for two royal highnesses. But no matter what she tries, Sparkella just can’t seem to get the castle to work. The leopard stones for the wall are too hard to find! The cardboard breaks when she tries to climb to the second floor! The nails are boring and so NOT glitter-tastic.
Sparkella is frustrated, and worried her castle will never be finished in time. But with a little help from her dad, she soon learns the importance of patience, and figuring out creative new ways to do things when your original plans fall through.
A sweet and celebratory story of a girl’s first time marching with her two moms at Pride.
One day in June, Emily takes the train into the city with her two moms to attend the Rainbow Parade. She loves how all the people marching are extra loud, extra proud, and extra colorful. But when her mama suggests they join the parade, Emily isn’t so sure she belongs in the throng.
This joyful and affirming picture book about a family’s first Pride parade, reminds all readers that sometimes pride takes practice and there’s no one way to be a part of the LGBTQ+ community.
The Rare, Tiny Flower illustrates a deeply touching and thoughtful poem by Kitty O’Meara that, in the form of a parable, celebrates difference, tolerance, and unity.
The poem features a mysterious flower that looks different to each viewer, which leads to strife as everyone insists that their vision is “right.” Leaders and even botanists are unable to agree on the nature of the flower—it takes a young girl to point out that the flower is, in fact, quite multidimensional. Remarkably, she has the ability to be heard by the squabbling masses, who then see beyond their fighting and commit to connecting with one another.
O’Meara’s thoughtful poem begins with these words:
Once, in a forest,
a bird dropped a seed.
It wasn’t a sapling,
it wasn’t a weed,
but a rare, tiny flower
that found light and grew.
To some it looked red,
to some it looked blue.
Imagination • Katherine Tegen Books
This debut picture book from author Danielle Davis and illustrator Mags DeRoma celebrates the joys and rituals of the creativity process. Perfect for fans of Kevin Henkes, Corinna Luyken, and Julie Fogliano.
To make … a cake, a garden, a song, you first gather, then make—and wait. To make a story (like this one), you gather, make, wait.
To make anything—big or small—it will take some time.
You may have to gather more,
make more,
and wait a little more,
but you can create wonderful things
if you just gather,
make,
and wait.
Danielle Davis and Mags DeRoma deliver a gentle, lyrical story about the spirit of collaboration and its role in creating meaningful work, and the emphasis on patience as part of the process. Perfect for young makers everywhere, this picture book uplifts young creators to persevere and keep going.
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Aww Duck, Duck, Dad? looks so cute! So does Don’t Eat Bees lol I might need to get The Dinosaur that Pooped a Princess for my son. He loves anything dinosaur related.