Are you looking for the best picture books to read in June 2021?
I really do mean it when I say that the book releases get better and better each month. The picture books released in May 2021 are great and now there is another list of fantastic picture books to read in June 2021.
If you’re looking for new releases to read with your kids before bed, picture books to add to your classroom library, or a new read-aloud for class, this list of brand new picture book releases is for you!
Whether you need a humourous story or one with an important message, you’ll find a perfect book on this list.
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June 1st
Animals • Random House Books for Young Readers
TOP DOGS! Can there really be 100 dogs behaving in oh-so familiar doggy ways packed into the pages of this picture book?
Leap dog, sheep dog, fallen fast asleep dog … Follow Michael Whaite’s fun and lively rhyme as it weaves its way from happy dogs to yappy dogs to every type of dog in between.
This romp of a read-aloud is bursting with amusing details to spot and hilarious hounds that dog-lovers won’t be able to resist. Readers will want to pore over it again and again. Which dog is yours?
Humour • Katherine Tegen Books
Laugh-out-loud humor and a tender friendship blossom in author-illustrator Monica Arnaldo’s charming US picture book debut about a lonely raccoon, a curious seed, and the world’s most important question: Can the seed grow cheeseburgers?
Grub is a lonely racoon. Rumbling in the trash. Looking for food.
Seed is, well, a seed! Patiently waiting in the trash. Hoping someone will plant it.
When the two finally meet, they realize they might be able to help each other! Grub has just one big question first: What will Seed grow? Could Seed grow Grub’s favorite food, mouthwatering cheeseburgers? Seed isn’t sure what a cheeseburger is exactly, but … maybe!
And so begins a hilarious friendship following two unlikely strangers learning more about the other and discovering the pressure that comes with fulfilling expectations. Author-illustrator Monica Arnaldo will leave readers giggling and clamoring for more in this charming story that celebrates the unexpected — and how the most special friendships bloom only when we are unapologetically ourselves.
Lili loves to cook baos, and Nai Nai has taught her all the secrets to making them, from kneading the dough lovingly and firmly to being thankful for the strong and healthy ingredients in the filling. But when Nai Nai realizes that they are out of cabbage (Secret #8: line the basket with cabbage leaves!), she sends Lili up to Babcia’s apartment on the sixth floor to get some. Babcia is happy to share her cabbage, but she needs some potatoes for her pierogi …
What follows is a race up and down the stairs as Lili helps all the grandmothers in her building borrow ingredients for different dumplings: Jamaican beef patties, Italian ravioli, Lebanese fatayer, and more. Energized by Melissa Iwai’s engaging artwork and kinetic storytelling, Dumplings for Lili is a joyful story of sharing food, friendship, and love in all their forms.
Imagination • Running Press Kids
Any treasure seeker will love this stunning book, highlighting the magic and beauty in everyday objects that could be overlooked by the average untrained eye.
From award-winning author-illustrator Elly MacKay comes a story exploring the little treasures we find in everyday places. When a young treasure hunter goes to the beach for a day of playing in the surf, she dives deep under the waves to find treasures of all kinds. Some treasures have stories to tell and others are too precious to keep. It seems treasure is everywhere, but nothing could make her feel more like a queen than a perfect day at the beach with her grandfather and furry best friend.
A truly refreshing picture book about determination, kindness, ice pops — and the true meaning of being part of a community — from Latin Grammy winning musician Lucky Diaz and celebrated artist Micah Player!
What’s the best way to cool off on a hot summer day? Run quick! And find Paletero José!
Ring! Ring! Ring!
Can you hear his call?
Paletas for one! Paletas for all!
Follow Paletero José’s call and rush along with our narrator as he passes through his vibrant and busy neighborhood in search of the Paletero Man. But when he arrives, our narrator’s pockets are empty! What happened to his dinero? It will take the help of the entire community to get the tasty treat now.
Celebrating the strength of community and the tastes of summer, fans of Thank You, Omu and Carmela Full of Wishes will be hungry for what Paletero Man has in store.
The book includes Spanish words and phrases throughout and an author’s note from Lucky Diaz about why he was inspired to write this picture book.
Abby is anxious to host the perfect tea party for a friend she idolizes, but life serves up a sweet taste of the fun to be had when perfection is off the table.
Have you met Phoebe — Miss Phoebe Dupree?
Phoebe’s as perfect as perfect can be.
To Abby, her friend Phoebe can do no wrong. Phoebe is speedy. Phoebe is smart. She’s equally brilliant at science and art. So when the budding hostess invites Phoebe over for a tea party, everything from the sugary treats on the menu to Abby’s dog, Louie, must be, well … perfect. But when life — and possibly Louie — send a clear message to let loose, the girls indulge in a perfectly imperfect playdate. Linda Ashman’s vivacious rhyme and Alea Marley’s inviting illustrations serve up a classic tale of enduring friendship at a tea party that will leave readers wanting to pull up a chair.
Nathan W. Pyle’s first picture book in his New York Times bestselling Strange Planet series!
Based on his popular Instagram comics, Nathan W. Pyle presents a delightful, heartfelt, and clever picture book that young and old beings alike will enjoy reading together.
When the nearest star rises, Lifegiver has an exciting quest planned for Offspring! Follow along as they observe a strange creature that sneaks, hides, and vibrates around their house. Hilarity ensues as the blue beings try to mimic this talented creature.
As always, Nathan W. Pyle draws humor from his unique perspective on human activity and delivers a colorful experience that is an ode to cats and humans alike.
This book is a joy to read and share, no matter how many revolutions you’ve made around the nearest star.
Family • G.P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers
A migh-TEA mix-up leads to a delightful day for a little girl and her grampy.
Frannie and Grandy both have an idea about what the perfect day should look like, but when that day arrives, there is a migh-TEA mix-up. Tea gets splashed, sandwiches smashed, and expectations, crushed. Luckily, Frannie and Grandy discover that a perfect day is just one they spend together.
New York Times bestselling author Beth Ferry partners with award-winning illustrator Dana Wulfekotte to bring us a funny and tender ode to the relationship between children and grandparents.
June 8th
Environment, Nature • Tundra Books
A stylish picture book about an underwater quest for an elusive, bioluminescent plant perfect for young conservationists and fans of Wes Anderson’s The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou.
Fox loves nature, and enjoys discovering strange and fascinating plants. He especially loves the seaside, and often walks the salty coastal trails with his cousin Wolf. One day, Seagull tells the two about an especially interesting underwater plant called the constellation of the deep. According to Seagull, it grows on the bottom of the ocean, but no one knows exactly where, and it glows in the dark. Before long, Fox has donned his diving equipment, including a wet suit, a snorkel, a diving mask, fins and more, and sets off on an underwater quest to find this incredible plant. Along the way, Fox observes many different kinds of ocean life, like crabs, starfish, algae and an amazing array of corals. He also comes across some underwater friends who try to help guide him to the elusive plant. But Fox despairs when he loses his camera — even if he finds the constellation of the deep, how will he capture this amazing discovery?
With spreads of informational content interspersed throughout, Constellation of the Deep is a charming picture book featuring the same character from The Golden Glow that details the wonders of the underwater world and celebrates observing the beauty of nature.
Metamorphosis brings astonishing and exciting changes to a pair of caterpillar friends, who take pride in being the same — and different.
Two caterpillar friends love what they have in common — lots of legs and a talent for chewing leaves into funny shapes. And when it’s time to build cocoons, they hang theirs side by side. “Happy metamorphosis,” says an older, more knowledgeable butterfly. And it is a happy metamorphosis indeed — for when the two emerge from their cocoons, they can fly! But so much else has changed — as one is now a moth, who flies by night, and the other is a butterfly, who flies by day. How will things work now?
Fortunately some things never change — like true friends figuring out a way to be together, and happily flying into the sunset and sunrise.
Family • Random House Books for Young Readers
Meghan, The Duchess of Sussex’s first children’s book, The Bench, beautifully captures the special relationship between father and son, as seen through a mother’s eyes. The book’s storytelling and illustration give us snapshots of shared moments that evoke a deep sense of warmth, connection, and compassion.
This is your bench
Where you’ll witness great joy.
From here you will rest
See the growth of our boy.
In The Bench, Meghan, The Duchess of Sussex, touchingly captures the evolving and expanding relationship between father and son and reminds us of the many ways that love can take shape and be expressed in a modern family.
Evoking a deep sense of warmth, connection, and compassion, The Duchess’s debut children’s book gives us a window into shared and enduring moments between a diverse group of fathers and sons-moments of peace and reflection, trust and belief, discovery and learning, and comfort and nurture.
Working in watercolour for the first time, Caldecott-winning, bestselling illustrator Christian Robinson expands on his signature style to bring joy and softness to the pages, reflecting the beauty of a father’s love through a mother’s eyes.
With a universal message, this thoughtful and heartwarming read-aloud is destined to be treasured by families for generations to come.
Animals, Emotions • Dial Books
A spare and laugh-out-loud-funny picture book about seeing only half the full picture … and admitting when you’re not quite all the way right.
A greyhound swears there’s a turtle in the tree. A bulldog says it’s a squirrel. After all, a turtle in a tree? Who’s ever heard of such a thing? But their argument leads to a most surprising discovery … that maybe neither one of them is all the way wrong, or all the way right, and friendship is all about listening to someone else’s perspective.
You’re not going to find a more heartwarming dynamic duo than Pig and Mouse! Join Pig as he learns how to turn his “what if” worries from anxiety to optimism, all with the help of his loving friend Mouse.
Mouse has never had a friend quite like Pig. Pig is so incredibly kind, fabulously fun, but he also has a big secret — he’s a tremendous worrier!
When Pig gets the brilliant idea to throw a party for Mouse and their friends, he can’t help but think of everything that could possibly go wrong. After all, what if a lion eats all the invitations? What if nobody comes? Or worse, what if everyone comes and has an awful time? In this adorable story, Linzie Hunter’s charming, bright illustrations pair perfectly with her sweet and funny story about friendship and the endless wonder of “what if” that readers of all ages can relate to. This picture book is a great conversation starter in the home or classroom.
June 15th
Transportation • Knopf Books for Young Readers
A heroic tale of boats, large and small, teaming up and lending a hand in a time of need, based on the true story of a community that came together to rescue survivors of Hurricane Katrina.
When the wind is high and the barometer is low, it can mean only one thing: Hurricane! In the aftermath of a terrible storm, a coastal community is left in shambles, with thousands of people stranded on cars or rooftops. The Coast Guard is stretched to its limit, and all along the coast, schooners and sloops and speedboats wonder “What can I do? I am only one little boat.” But by working together, even the littlest boats can make a difference.
Based on the true story of the “Cajun Navy” that came together in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina and has continued to assist in rescue efforts after every major hurricane to strike the Gulf Coast in the years since, this tale of courage and community will inspire readers of all ages to step up and do their part.
Education • Knopf Books for Young Readers
For readers of Alma and How She Got Her Name and The King of Kindegarten, this story will help kids just starting school transform from timid caterpillars into beautiful butterflies so they can love who they are.
On Vanessa’s first day of school, her parents tell her it will be easy to make friends. Vanessa isn’t so sure. She wears her fanciest outfit so her new classmates will notice her right away. They notice, but the attention isn’t what she’d hoped for. As the day goes on, she feels more self-conscious. Her clothes are too bright, her feather boa has way too many feathers, and even her name is too hard to write.
The next day, she picks out a plain outfit, and tells her mom that her name is too long. She just wants to blend in, with a simple name like the other girls — why couldn’t her parents have named her Megan or Bella? But when her mother tells her the meaning behind her name, it gives her the confidence she needs to introduce her classmates to the real Vanessa.
Friendship • Random House Studio
From the New York Times bestselling illustrator of Battle Bunny comes a laugh-out-loud story of a little sponge dinosaur that keeps growing … and growing … and growing …
Cole is very excited about his new Dino-Gro toy. He can’t wait for it to reach its full size! But when Dino-Gro becomes much larger than intended, Cole goes so far as to put Dino-Gro on a liquid-free diet and an exercise regimen, which don’t seem to make a difference! As Dino-Gro becomes so big that he can’t fit in the house, Cole learns that growing up and getting bigger can have advantages too, even if you’re not a dinosaur.
For fans of Tiny T. Rex and We Don’t Eat Our Classmates, this sweet and hilarious read-aloud is fun for kids to learn the importance of growing up big and strong.
Emotions • Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
With this educational and entertaining picture book, learn how to approach difficult emotions with compassion and understanding — and be the best friend you can be.
My friend Jenny Mei is sad. But you might not be able to tell.
Jenny Mei still smiles a lot. She makes everyone laugh. And she still likes blue Popsicles the best. But, her friend knows that Jenny Mei is sad, and does her best to be there to support her.
This beautifully illustrated book is perfect for introducing kids to the complexity of sadness, and to show them that the best way to be a good friend, especially to someone sad, is by being there for the fun, the not-fun, and everything in between.
What happens when best friends Q and U quarrel? From author Stef Wade and illustrator Jorge Martin, this quirky picture book about friendship and letter learning will get readers excited to think about letter combinations.
Q and U have always been quality friends. They quilt together, they go on quests — they are a true squad.
But sometimes, U wants some time to herself, even though Q gets lonely. When the other letters notice that Q and U have split up, they decide they want to do the same. And utter chaos ensues!
Can Q and U come together to quell all the mayhem and help the other letters repair their friendships?
Bedtime, Languages • Nancy Paulsen Books
This playful story celebrates the joy of a refreshing nap — while introducing some simple Spanish vocabulary.
Young children are busy all day long–running and climbing, looking and laughing — and in the middle of a full day of fun, there’s nothing like taking a break for a small nap. This is the time of day to have a little dream — sueñito — that gives the afternoon some added sweetness.
Look at me RUN. Mis pies go fast!
Look at me READ. Mis ojos explore!
Kids will soon be chiming in with the Spanish words for their body parts, as they wind down and get ready for that refreshing nap. And they will love poring through the pages of toddlers at play in an imaginary multicolored world that is full of happiness, setting the stage for their dreams.
Bullying • Roaring Brook Press
From bestselling author Ame Dyckman and illustrator Eda Kaban, The New Kid Has Fleas is a hilarious picture book about a new kid in school who appears to have been raised by wolves.
There’s a new kid in class, and they’re … different.
They dress different. Talk different. Eat different.
And the word on the playground is: they have fleas.
But, one of their classmates wonders, what if we got to know the new kid? Visited their home (wolves’ den)? Met their parents (wolves)? Shared a snack (squirrels)?
Maybe then the new kid wouldn’t be so bad after all.
School’s in session for a howlingly fun “lesson” in preconceptions, differences, rumors, karma, and not just being the new kid, but befriending them.
This silly and quirky dinnertime caper about a rebellious pea’s adventures shows what can happen when you take your eyes off your food — perfect for fans of Sue Hendra, Paul Linnet, and Jory John!
It’s time for dinner, but one pesky pea has decided to roll himself off the plate in search of a party! The rogue pea shoots, flings, and bounces across the kitchen as he embarks on his perilous adventure. But will he find the fun he is looking for, or is the kitchen a scarier place than he thought?
When a big vocabulary leads to big confusion, Theo TheSaurus learns that there are some things you can say without any words at all! This story is Fancy Nancy for dinosaur lovers.
Theo TheSaurus is a little dino who loves words–the bigger the better! And he’s determined to share that love with his new classmates in his new school, no matter that they don’t understand him at first. But when a trip to the athenaeum (also known as the library) becomes a visit to the auditorium instead, and a suggestion to play conceal-and-search (or hide-and-seek) only earns him looks of confusion, Theo realizes that misinterpretations can actually just be plain confusing! It’s only when his newfound friends find a way to show they care that Theo learns that sometimes, there are things more important than words.
In this sweet and funny book filled with bright art, a brand-new dino character, and a full glossary of big words at the end, readers have tons of fun–and learn some new words along the way! It’s FANCY NANCY for the dino-loving set!
Humour • Random House Books for Young Readers
Someone lost their underpants! There, dangling from that tree branch! Are they YOURS? New York Times bestselling author/illustrator of Can I Be Your Dog ?, Troy Cummings, brings to life Melissa Martin’s gentle but hilarious read aloud, filled with silliness and gleeful anticipation of THE END.
One morning, Bear Cub wakes up and finds underwear hanging on a tree limb. Who could they belong to? Ever inquisitive, he sets out on a quest through the forest to find the tighty whities’ rightful owner. Could the underpants belong to Squirrel? Moose? Snake, maybe? Salmon?! Each animal denies that the bloomers belong to them, but readers will surely be giggling every step on the way … especially when they find out who the underpants actually belong to.
Award-winning illustrator Troy Cummings delivers his signature warmth and humor to what could have been a very embarassing tail, er, I mean TALE, by author and child therapist Melissa Martin.
Concepts • Anne Schwartz Books
Hip, funny, unique — and a perfect curriculum tie-in — here’s a picture book with mega kid-appeal about the challenges a student faces when she is given an assignment to make a chart of her own home!
Uma’s been making charts since she was a little kid. But when her teacher gives the class Uma’s dream assignment — to make a chart of their own homes — she is thrown for a loop. Oh, the possibilities! Oh, the pressure! What makes a house housey? she wonders. In order to figure it out, she asks each member of her family — Mom, Dad, and brothers Rex, Bram, and Lukey. But it’s not until she has a meltdown and Lukey comforts her that Uma figures out the secret to her chart–and her family. It’s the love that is shared inside a house’s walls.
Told in first-person and featuring engaging graphic artwork, this fun and lively picture book — perfect for classroom use — is a reminder that someone’s true home is not a place, but rather the people with whom you surround yourself.
Children will learn to both celebrate diversity and embrace how much we all have in common.
In We Are All Under One Wide Sky, Deborah Wiles beautifully weaves together images from the natural world in a lovely, lyrical poem. Andrea Stegmaier’s fresh and captivating illustrations feature children from around the globe and celebrate different architecture, landscapes, and activities.
By the end of the book, children will have internalized the message that although we are from different places, we are the same in so many ways. What we have in common is what is most important — family, laughter, love, nature, and friendship. We all share the same wide sky.
We Are All Under One Wide Sky is a peace anthem with a timely and important message for children: to both celebrate diversity and embrace how much we all have in common.
Self-Esteem • Quill Tree Books
For fans of Fresh Princess, Fancy Nancy, and Lola Dutch comes the first book in a charming picture book series about a spunky girl with big ideas and an even bigger heart.
Meet Zuri Ray!
She’s always willing to go the extra mile for family and friends, and is up for any challenge. At least, that was before her BFFD (best friend from diapers), Jessie, asked her to join a ballet camp.
Now Zuri isn’t sure if she’s up for everything. Ballet calls for pointed toes, tight hair buns, and frilly tutus. And while Jessie can’t wait to chassé and plié on the dance floor, that doesn’t sound like Zuri at all! But she can’t let her friend down. Maybe classical ballet just needs a new spin …
June 22nd
Health • Bloomsbury Children’s Books
For fans of All the World and Love, a poetic story that celebrates the littlest things we all need to be happy — and the beauty of sharing with others when we have more to give.
Each bustling day in our busy world, we can take a moment to appreciate the little things. From the simplest essentials like air and water to the wonderful warmth of family, friends, and neighbors, there is so much in life to be thankful for.
Kathy Wolff’s melodic verse and Margaux Meganck’s lush and cozy city scenes follow three families through moments of daily discovery and joy, culminating in a celebration of community and giving.
When we have all we need, plus a little to spare, the only need left … is to share.
Do you know how to find a best friend? Find out in this wonderful celebration of kindness and friendship!
Today, I will find a best friend! announces a little girl to her mother as they walk to school. Her mother reminds her that it’s only the first day of school, and finding a best friend might take some time. But the girl isn’t worried, because she knows exactly how to spot a best friend. A friend lends you a crayon. A best friend lends you a brand-new, extra-sharp green crayon, she explains. And so begins a whimsical exploration of what it means to be a best friend. Full of imagination and charm, this is the perfect picture book for little ones hoping to find — and be — a best friend at school.
Humour • Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
A groovy jellyfish helps a scared-of-everything sardine learn to take its problems in stride in this humorous picture book about wiggling your worries away.
When a sardine who’s scared of everything loses its handbook for staying safe in the sea, it goes into total panic mode. But right as big, scary shadows are surrounding it, the sardine runs into a jellyfish preaching the wisdom of wiggling your worries away. Try it! Wiggle up … wiggle down … wiggle all around! When you’re done, your problems might not seem so enormous — and those scary shadows might turn out to be friends!
From the creator of Smug Seagull comes a funny, feel-good story about facing your fears (with the help of a few awesome dance moves).
Celebrate the love of food in this charming picture book that teaches kids not only to try new foods but to brush up on their colors, too!
Frankie the Flamingo loves food but she’s tired of eating the same thing day after day: shrimp. So Frankie decides to expand her palate by trying exciting new foods — with some colorful consequences! But as Frankie’s food world expands, her friends can’t quite seem to understand what’s gotten into her. Until they spy on Frankie cooking up something special and decide that they, too, might want to go on a food adventure of their own.
Learn all about becoming a foodie with Frankie in this delightful story about being brave and trying new foods.
Transportation • HMH Books for Young Readers
Ride along to school with the #1 New York Times best-selling Little Blue Truck and meet Blue’s new friend: a bright yellow school bus. Beep-beep!
Little Blue Truck and his good friend Toad are excited to meet a bright yellow school bus on the road. They see all the little animals lined up in the school bus’s many windows, and Blue wishes he could be a school bus too. What a fun job — but much too big for a little pickup like Blue. Or is it? When somebody misses the bus, it’s up to Blue to get his friend to school on time. Beep! Beep! Vroom!
Also enjoy Blue’s bedtime ride in Good Night, Little Blue Truck and his trip to the city in Little Blue Truck Leads the Way.
June 29th
Animals, Counting • Bloomsbury Children’s Books
A lively stream of dachshunds, cleverly dressed as hot dogs, dinosaurs, birds, bees, books and more, parade across the pages until 78 dachshunds and tons of townspeople join together for Dachshund Day fun.
A sing-along, bark-along dachshund song celebrates this beloved breed. Back matter highlights the different sizes, coats and colors, and introduces the author’s own adorable dachshund, Harry.
From the best-selling author of the hugely popular Kindergarten, Here I Come!, here’s a guidebook in verse that shows children how to be kind in the new and exciting world of kindergarten.
Small enough to fit in a child’s backpack, this collection of short poems — one to a page — spans the entire year of kindergarten, offering sweet and simple tips on how to be your best self — sharing your umbrella with a friend; taking turns on the swings, and inviting someone to join in a game. This is the perfect companion to DJ Steinberg’s enormously successful Kindergarten, Here I Come!
Humour • Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Filled with fan-favorite characters and hilarious references to the acclaimed TV show, this storybook is an age-appropriate way for fans of Parks and Recreation to share their love with the whole family!
Leslie Knope is running for class president! She campaigns all around Pawnee Elementary with her friends, Ann and Ben. In order to win over voters, though, Leslie starts to make some big promises … ones she’s not sure she can keep. Will Leslie be able to keep her word and become the best president Pawnee Elementary has ever seen?
Filled with colorful, detailed illustrations and brimming with Easter eggs and nods to iconic moments from the show, this hilarious reimagining features a pint-sized cast.
The story will introduce Parks and Recreation to a whole new generation and will teach them the importance of staying true to yourself. And waffles.
Animals • Doubleday Books for Young Readers
A funny and encouraging alphabetic book about all the things animals CAN’T do but kids CAN! Every parent teaching their children new skills will be happy to have this super-positive picture book on hand.
Bees can’t ride bicycles, penguins can’t play ping-pong, and zebras can’t go zip-lining. No one is good at everything, but that shouldn’t stop you from trying! Here is a funny and encouraging picture book for any child learning how to tie their shoes, ride a bike, spell their name, or do a variety of new things.
Follow a hilarious alphabet of animals, and see all the things they can’t do but kids can from doing gymnastics to flipping pancakes to playing a xylophone. Along the way, young readers will learn that it’s okay if they can’t do everything; they can still have a LOT of fun trying.
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[…] every month of new releases, the books get better and better. I’m always adding new books to my TBR — and even though I really don’t need more […]