If you’re looking for the best picture books to read in September 2021, you’ve come to the right place!
Finding brand new picture books for kids can sometimes be time consuming. Whether you’re looking for a story before bed, a classroom read-aloud or a book for a specific purpose, I hope this list of picture books to read in September 2021 will help.
With a wide range of themes and concepts, you’ll find some amazing books in this list. And I’m sure many of them will become brand new favourites! Happy reading!
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September 7th
An imaginative girl shares some of the wonderful ways she can still show her love to friends and family far, far away. This moving, hopeful picture book is perfect for fans of While We Can’t Hug and Outside, Inside.
Inspired by the universal feelings of loss and loneliness that came when the pandemic forced people to stay inside and far apart, Racha Mourtada wrote a reassuring poem about connection and the endurance of love that will appeal to readers of all ages. This gorgeous picture book is a tribute to all the hugs and moments we haven’t been able to share with each other.
In tender and lyrical rhyming text perfect for reading aloud intimately or in a group, the little girl thinks of creative and wondrous ways to support and reach her loved ones from afar. Positive and encouraging, these ideas will make any reader feel more hopeful about the future.
With an adorable cast of kids from all around the world, I’ll Love You from Afar is a universal message about how we can express love for one another.
Social Themes • Disney-Hyperion
Ryan T. Higgins, the #1 New York Times best-selling author of the Mother Bruce series, delivers a contemporary tale of friendship.
Norman is a porcupine. Mildred is a tree. Norman and Mildred are best friends. Just the two of them. And only the two of them. But when a surprise pops up, life will never be the same again.
Ryan T. Higgins’ signature wit, whimsy, and humor brilliantly explore the depths and complexities of friendship.
When a cloudy gray sky cancels Pete the Cat’s beach day plans, a big box is all he needs to beat the rainy-day blues.
Pete the Cat wants to go surfing, but he looks outside and — oh no! — it’s gray and rainy. Does Pete get sad? No, he doesn’t! Instead, he finds a really big and groovy box. Find out in this epic adventure just where Pete’s imagination takes him.
Ryan T. Higgins, #1 New York Times best-selling author and illustrator, celebrates the season of thanks in this Little Bruce Book.
It’s autumn in Soggy Hollow, and the mice have a lot to be thankful for. But Bruce the bear is not so thankful for all the thanking.
This bite-sized Little Bruce Book is perfect for fans of the Mother Bruce board books.
A hilarious story of wishes and friendship by Drew Daywalt, the #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Day the Crayons Quit , and Molly Idle, the Caldecott Honor-winning illustrator of Flora and the Flamingo.
Everyone knows that kids wish upon stars, but did you know that stars wish upon kids, too?
When Clyde makes a wish on a star before bedtime, he doesn’t expect the star to actually show up in his bedroom. Then Star reveals she made a wish, too! But both their wishes are secret.
From the author of the blockbuster hit The Day the Crayons Quit and the Caldecott Honor-winning illustrator Molly Idle comes a hilarious and heartfelt story about finding friendship in the most unexpected places.
Animals • Sourcebooks Jabberwocky
Hooray! Hooray! It’s Unicorn Night! Thelma the Unicorn meets Uni the Unicorn in this rainbow-packed book guaranteed for bedtime fun! This clever, colorful, and over-the-top picture book about unicorns and unique-corns is a MUST for all unicorn lovers!
Unicorns love to prance and dance the day away. But it’s exhausting! Now it’s time for unicorns to brush their manes, fluff their pillows, and sing the unicorn lullaby in this companion to the best-selling Unicorn Day.
Fuzzy jammies, flower beds,
Sweet dreams swirling in our heads,
Neigh, neigh, neigh,
Played all day,
Time to sleep the night away!
A beautifully illustrated picture book that will explore the fantastical elements of the Marvel Studios film Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings while introducing readers to a child-aged Shang-Chi and his family.
September 14th
A humorous picture book featuring a blob (n. a creature that can be anything they want) who finally finds out who they really are after a series of small discoveries.
Blob is a creature of indeterminate kind. Blob can be a giraffe, cotton candy, and even an octopus. It’s not until a negligent (albeit well-meaning) narrator continuously calls them “Bob” that Blob starts to question who they really are.
After a series of funny yet enlightening discoveries about all the possible things they can be, Blob realizes that the best thing to be is …
Blob.
(With the L.)
This debut picture book by talented author, artist, and auntie Anne Appert is sure to please fans of What If, Pig?, Tiny T. Rex, and other hilariously charming and meaningful picture books.
From the author and illustrator team behind Pink Is for Boys comes an empowering read-aloud picture book that teaches kids and adults alike that gender cannot define who you are or want to become.
Dolls and trucks are for boys and girls, as are dancing shoes, figure skating and hockey, and many more activities and hobbies. Robb Pearlman and Eda Kaban (Pink Is For Boys) create a celebratory read-aloud book that defies gender stereotypes and encourages the youngest readers to reach for the stars and to follow their dreams no matter what.
Imagination • Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Reminiscent of Pete the Cat and Llama Llama, Dragonboy begins a new series about a curious, imaginative, playful little boy and his band of lovable stuffed animal friends.
Dragonboy is curious. He is playful, pensive, and kind. More than anything, he is himself: an imaginative little boy who loves to be a dragon. His stuffed animal friends—Darwin, Yellow Kitty, Simon, and Drako—are always by his side as he explores and discovers something new. Because the best part of an adventure is being with the ones who know you best.
The first in a new series, Dragonboy is the friend every child has been waiting for, a little boy full of empathy and joy who’s ready to discover anything and everything our wonderful world has to offer.
Renowned author Eoin McLaughlin and award-nominated illustrator Rob Starling join forces to create a hilarious, not-so-spooky tale.
This book is NOT a bedtime story.
It’s scary, strange and rather gory.
Bedtime stories make you sleepy.
This book won’t.
It’s much too CREEPY.
Except it isn’t …
This book is told by a group of monsters who think they’re very scary, but in fact they’re not — they’re cute and cuddly. They try their hardest to frighten — in a haunted house, creepy wood, ghostly ship and darkest dark, but each time they fail! The problem is, these monsters aren’t at all scary, they’re a bit silly and a bit cuddly. They share the insecurities and worries of us humans and all they want is a good night’s sleep.
September 21st
A little evergreen tree learns that self-acceptance and being yourself never goes out of season in this irresistible picture book that’s perfect for fans of Jory John and Pete Oswald’s The Cool Bean and Michael Hall’s Red.
One spring, a pine tree named Everly sprouts in the woods where everyone is green. Fitting in feels great for Everly. But, uh-oh, one day all of the other trees begin to change — their greens turn to bright yellows and reds.
Everly wants to change just like her friends, but … what’s an evergreen to do? With the help of her friends, Everly soon realizes she is perfect just the way she is and starts to glow in her own special way.
Readers will be inspired as Everly’s confidence grows in this heartwarming story perfect for every season.
Humour • Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
From the hilarious author of Who Wet My Pants?, Unicorn Thinks He’s Pretty Great, and the Dinosaur Vs. series comes a kid-pleasing read-aloud about a devious alligator who learns to love!
Welcome to Chez Bob, which seems like a real restaurant … until you realize … it’s on an alligator’s NOSE! Bob’s got a hidden plan for his customers: “Birds will come to eat, but I will eat the birds!” As they fly in from all over the world to dine on Bob’s face, something starts to happen that takes the lazy, hungry reptile by surprise — the birds stay. “More yummy birds!” he rejoices — he’ll want for nothing! But when the time is right, will Bob make the right choice?
Comic genius Bob Shea cooks up a tasty tale that proves anyone, even hungry alligators, can have a change of heart and learn to be a good friend.
New York Times bestselling author Tracey Baptiste and acclaimed illustrator Amber Ren take readers on a fun, creepy, storytime-ready romp through a forest filled with creatures from Caribbean folklore.
I’m looking for a jumbie, I’m going to find a scary one.
But Mama says jumbies exist only in stories. So Naya sets out on a nighttime adventure to find out for herself.
No such thing, say the friends she makes along the way.
But Naya is sure that jumbies are real. Some have big mouths. Or thick fur. Or glowing skin. Or sharp teeth. Kind of like her new friends …
Looking for a Jumbie is a gentle, bouncy, and creepily fun read-aloud inspired by traditional Caribbean tales.
This hilarious picture book about how to be a unicorn is laugh-out-loud funny and will encourage readers to embrace their own unique and glorious selves! Perfect for fans of How to Catch a Unicorn, Thelma the Unicorn, and Not Quite Narwhal.
Do you want to shine like a unicorn? Of course you do!
My name is Glitter Poop and I’m here to show you in nine secret steps how to be a UNICORN. Warning: It’s not always easy being a unicorn. Unicorns are special and totally uni-que. We have crazy names, know how to stand out in a herd, love to ask questions, and always search for the bright side. Most importantly, we make our own magic!
This is the perfect gift to give for celebrations, including birthdays, graduations, holidays and even National Unicorn Day!
Join celebrated creator Gris Grimly in this spooky countdown, as one little girl ventures out into the night for an unforgettable Halloween adventure!
10 little pumpkins, sitting in a line,
looking for a cat and they found nine.
The wind said SWOOSH and the gate went CREAK.
The owl cried WHOOOO, we all screamed EEK!
Celebrated creator Gris Grimly, widely known for his gothic style illustrations, puts a spooky twist on a favorite preschool rhyme in this Halloween read-aloud. Join goblins, ghosts, witches, and more in this rhythmic countdown, traveling through the countryside and discovering more Halloween creatures along the way. Finally, the story culminates with them all joining together in a joyful celebration under the full harvest moon, dancing until it’s time for bed. Paired with Gris Grimly’s sweeping, stunning watercolor illustrations and a rhyming refrain reminiscent of classics like We’re Going on a Bear Hunt, this is a read-aloud for the whole family to cherish.
Travel back to Astoria with an all-new illustrated storybook retelling of the ’80s fan favorite, The Goonies.
“Hey you guys!” The Goonies are back! Mikey, Chunk, Mouth, Data, and their friends first stole everyone’s hearts in 1985’s hit film The Goonies. After finding an ancient treasure map from the pirate One-Eyed Willy, the gang sets out on an adventure to find the legendary rich stuff. But along the way, they run into the notorious Fratelli crime family and must follow the map to escape before the Fratellis catch them.
Now the award-winning film is an illustrated storybook, complete with booty—er, booby—traps, near-death experiences, pirate’s treasure, Sloth, and a heartwarming ending. Filled with tons of ’80s nostalgia and beautiful original illustrations, The Goonies: The Illustrated Storybook is certain to be more amazing than the time Michael Jackson came to Chunk’s house to use the bathroom.
After reading this charming, festive story, kids can join in this fun Christmas tradition and place their own wishes to Santa on a wishing tree with the punch-out cards in the back of this book.
A powerful wish and a magical tree …
Theo loves everything about Christmas—from the twinkling lights to the merry carolers … and don’t forget about Santa! But with days before before December 25th, there isn’t even a single holly in sight.
Determined to show his town what Christmas is all about, Theo finds ways to share his holiday cheer. And along the way, with a little help from the magical wishing tree, Theo discovers the true meaning of Christmas and a new holiday tradition.
September 28th
Imagination • Greenwillow Books
Caldecott Medalist and #1 New York Times–bestselling author Kevin Henkes explores what it means to be at home in this stunning picture book. Brimming with interactive, call-and-response questions, A House is a timeless and irresistible must-have for both very young children and emergent readers—as well as the entire family.
Where is the door to the house? Do you see any clouds? What does the house look like when it is sunny outside? When it is raining? And what will the house turn into when its family returns? A home.
Kevin Henkes employs interactive questions, declarative sentences, basic shapes, and a limited color palette in this brilliant and classic picture book. A House introduces young readers to shapes, numbers, the weather, and the parts of a house with a rhythmic, repetitive text and remarkable illustrations. A story about home, family, community, and belonging, A House is an excellent choice for emergent readers, for social and emotional development, and for storytime sharing.
In time for the Rugrats’ 30th anniversary, the beloved Chanukah Special is now a delightful picture book for readers of all ages!
On the eighth night of Chanukah, Grandma Minka reads aloud a story about the meaning of the holiday to Tommy, Chuckie, Lil, Phil, and Angelica. The babies imagine themselves as the characters in the story, but then Grandma stops reading to make latkes, and the ending is left unknown.
Soon they’re all off to the synagogue, where Grandpa Boris is acting in the Chanukah play. The children, misunderstanding the phrase “the meaning of Chanukah,” believe that an actor in the play is the “meanie of Chanukah” and storm the stage to save Grandpa. How will the Rugrats get out of trouble this time? And will they ever learn the true meaning of Chanukah?
This storybook is a perfect blend of silly, sweet, and educational and will make a cherished gift for children, nostalgic millennials, and anyone who’s ever wondered about the true meaning of the holiday.
Animals • Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
From the creators of the critically acclaimed The Night Gardener and Ocean Meets Sky comes a whimsical and elegantly illustrated picture book about community, art, the importance of giving back—and the wonder that fell from the sky.
It fell from the sky on a Thursday.
None of the insects know where it came from, or what it is. Some say it’s an egg. Others, a gumdrop. But whatever it is, it fell near Spider’s house, so he’s convinced it belongs to him.
Spider builds a wonderous display so that insects from far and wide can come look at the marvel. Spider has their best interests at heart. So what if he has to charge a small fee? So what if the lines are long? So what if no one can even see the wonder anymore?
But what will Spider do after everyone stops showing up?
From the team behind Ten Minutes to Bed Little Unicorn; a little monster who would rather do anything but sleep …
This is the perfect bedtime story for every little monster’s bedtime! It’s full of magic, big paws, fluffy fur and little claws.
Belch the monster is supposed to be settling down for bedtime, but with so many distractions it looks like bedtime could be quite a way away …
Count down from ten as you journey through the beautifully illustrated, gradually calming pages of this gorgeous bedtime story.
Bedtime • Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
An inspirational and heartwarming tale of a mother and child, and the dreams they build together.
When Ebere’s mother puts her to bed at night, she always says, “Remember to dream, Ebere.” And dream, Ebere does! Encouraged by her mother to make her dreams as big as possible, Ebere imagines herself as the captain of a rocket ship with the ability to go anywhere in the universe.
A message of hope and possibility, award-winning star of stage and screen Cynthia Erivo’s debut picture book is an ode to a child’s imagination, a parent’s love, and the big dreams shared by both.
The #1 New York Times bestselling author-artist of the Pinkalicious series, Victoria Kann, is back with an all new-picture book about generosity and kindness, starring Pinkalicious and Peterrific.
Pinkalicious is searching for stones for her rock collection when suddenly—POOF!—out pops a surprise! Rocky is here to grant Pinkalicious and her brother Peter one wish, and one wish only, so they must choose wisely.
Should they wish for a pile of sweets? Or the ability to fly? Or maybe a castle with a fire-breathing dragon? But are any of those things good enough to be their very best, most special wish in the whole wide world? And what will happen to Rocky after they make their wish?
This gem of a book looks at how being selfless can be its own best reward. Rubylicious is a sparkling addition to the Pinkalicious library!
Social Themes • Penguin Workshop
Can a vegetable and a dessert really be friends? Find out in this sweet story of solidarity!
Cookie and Carrot are a true dynamic duo. Carrot teaches Cookie how to dip (in hummus), and Cookie teaches Carrot how to dunk (in milk). But when Cookie and Carrot’s other pals make fun of their friendship, the two start to wonder if different food groups can ever really be friends. Packed with plenty of puns, this satisfying tale of acceptance and forgiveness will leave kids asking for more.
Exciting, easy-to-read books are the stepping stone a young reader needs to bridge the gap between being a beginner and being fluent.
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