Only Picture Books’ 23 Favorites of 2023

Well, we’re now fully into 2024, which means I now have 100% of the picture book options from 2023 available to read and rave about. In no particular order (save alphabetical!), here are OPB’s 23 favorite picture books from 2023.

People sometimes ask how I pick these books. I have the following listed on the SUBMIT PBs tab above as my overall criteria for including a book on the blog:

  • Books that have heart.
  • Books that resonate.
  • Books that are skillfully done.
  • Books that matter.

To be a Best of 2023, though? I’m looking for even more, such as:

  • Engagement of the Imagination: Books that spark creativity and wonder, inviting young minds to explore new worlds and ideas.
  • Emotional Detail and Complexity: Stories that navigate a spectrum of feelings with nuance and depth, resonating with both young hearts and mature minds.
  • Exceptional, Vivid Writing: Narratives that are not only beautifully penned but also vibrant and evocative, creating lasting impressions.
  • Interplay Between Text and Image: A harmonious and enriching balance where words and illustrations enhance and echo each other, creating a unified storytelling experience.
  • Relevance and Timelessness: Something that speaks to the present moment while holding enduring appeal for future generations.
  • Re-​readability: Titles that invite repeated enjoyment, revealing new layers and joys with each reading.
  • Visual Storytelling: Illustrations that don’t just accompany the text but enrich the narrative, adding dimensions of meaning and engagement.

Yeah, that’s a tall order. I quite agree. But doing so many good things at once is how you get on a Best of list.

Now, any list like this is wildly subjective despite my lists above, so plenty of worthy books won’t appear here. If I missed your favorite, my apologies! Feel free to note those in the comments on this post. Perhaps I’ll be able to work them into a future roundup or list of one type or another.

Since this is running in OPB’s usual monthly Picture Book Review slot, I’m including my own 5‑word reviews for each title along with a link to the appropriates Goodreads page.

Here we go!


Autumn Peltier, Water Warrior by Carole Lindstrom, illustrated by Bridget George (19 September 2023)

OPB Five-​Word Review: Tidal wave of change inspires.

Goodreads Reviews


Beneath by Cori Doerrfeld (17 January 2023)

OPB Five-​Word Review: Hidden depths, revealed with love.

Goodreads Reviews


The Book from Far Away by Bruce Handy, illustrated by Julie Benbassat (15 August 2023)

OPB Five-​Word Review: Wordless wonder: cosmic book connection.

Goodreads Reviews


Butt or Face? by Kari Lavelle (11 July 2023)

OPB Five-​Word Review: Guessing game with cheeky charm.

Goodreads Reviews


Cape by Kevin Johnson, illustrated by Kitt Thomas (20 June 2023)

OPB Five-​Word Review: Grief, memories, and hope entwined.

Goodreads Reviews


Friends Beyond Measure by Lalena Fisher (28 February 2023)

OPB Five-​Word Review: Friendship visualized through graphic design.

Goodreads Reviews


Grief Is an Elephant by Tamara Ellis Smith, illustrated by Nancy Whitesides (23 October 2023)

OPB Five-​Word Review: Metaphorical, empathetic exploration of grief.

Goodreads Reviews


Hidden Gem by Linda Liu (11 July 2023)

OPB Five-​Word Review: Rock’s reflections, profound self-​acceptance lesson.

Goodreads Reviews


How Dinosaurs Went Extinct: A Safety Guide by Ame Dyckman, illustrated by Jennifer Harney (18 April 2023)

OPB Five-​Word Review: “Safety Guide,” dino style. UpROARious!

Goodreads Reviews


How to Write a Poem, by Kwame Alexander and Deanna Nikaido, illustrated by Melissa Sweet (4 April 2023)

OPB Five-​Word Review: Poetry’s dance in everyday moments.

Goodreads Reviews


Invisible Things by Andy J. Pizza, illustrated by Sophie Miller (18 July 2023)

OPB Five-​Word Review: Unveiling life’s unseen wonders…poetically.

Goodreads Reviews


Jumper: A Day in the Life of a Backyard Jumping Spider by Jessica Lanan (11 April 2023)

OPB Five-​Word Review: Arachnid adventure–jumping into action.

Goodreads Reviews


Mae and Gerty and the Matter with Matter by Elaine Vickers, illustrated by Erica Salcedo (17 October 2023)

OPB Five-​Word Review: Sibling scientists bond through chemistry.

Goodreads Reviews


Mama Shamsi at the Bazaar by Mojdeh Hassani and Samira Iravani, illustrated by Maya Fidwai (19 July 202)

OPB Five-​Word Review: Under chador, a world unfolds.


Mother of Sharks by Melissa Cristina Márquez, illustrated by Devin Elle Kurtz (30 May 2023)

OPB Five-​Word Review: Shark magic fuels STEAM dreams.


Our Pool by Lucy Ruth Cummins (13 June 2023)

OPB Five-​Word Review: City pool: splashtastic summer delight.

Goodreads Reviews


Paula’s Patches by Gabriella Aldeman, illustrated by Rocío Arreola Mendoza (11 July 2023)

OPB Five-​Word Review: Heartwarming tale of mending friendships.

Goodreads Reviews


Remember by Joy Harjo, illustrated by Michaela Goade (21 March 2023)

OPB Five-​Word Review: Nature’s wisdom in poetic embrace.

Goodreads Reviews


The Skull by Jon Klassen (11 July 2023)

OPB Five-​Word Review: Cozy chills: eerie, tender, captivating.

Goodreads Reviews


Spicy Spicy Hot! by Lenny Wen (19 July 2022)

OPB Five-​Word Review: Cultural connection through fiery sambal.

Goodreads Reviews


The Search for the Giant Arctic Jellyfish by Chloe Savage (5 October 2023)

OPB Five-​Word Review: Enchanting storytelling reveals hidden marvel.

Goodreads Reviews


A Vaccine Is Like a Memory by Rajani LaRocca, illustrated by Kathleen Marcotte (20 June 2023)

OPB Five-​Word Review: Inoculating minds with vaccine knowledge.

Goodreads Reviews


A Walk in the Woods by Nikki Grimes, illustrated by Jerry Pinkney and Brian Pinkney (12 September 2023)

OPB Five-​Word Review: Grief’s path leads to treasure.

Goodreads Reviews


Only Picture Books’ 22 Favorites of 2022

Hello, 2023! While we’re really excited about the kidlit world and all that’s about to happen this year, we wanted to take a moment to reflect on some truly terrific picture books from the past twelve months.

This is a subjective list, so if we missed a great picture book, our apologies. Feel free to add your own suggestions in the comments. We’ll try to include those in future lists, if we can.

One last thing–since we’re running this in our regular Picture Book Review slot of the month, we’ll include our own 5‑word reviews along with a link to the Goodreads reviews. Creating these haiku-​like mini-​reviews is as challenging as it is fun. Try it yourself sometime!


Berry Song by Michaela Goade (19 July 2022)

OPB Five-​Word Review: Luminous, dreamy, pro-​earth joy. Berrytastic.

Goodreads Reviews


Chester van Chime Who Forgot How to Rhyme by Avery Monsen, illustrated by Abby Hanlon (15 March 2022)

OPB Five-​Word Review: Rhyming read-​a-​loud hilarity. Interactive fun.

Goodreads Reviews


A Gift for Nana by Lane Smith (10 May 2022)

OPB Five-​Word Review: Quirky. Cute. Maybe for adults?

Goodreads Reviews


All Star: How Larry Doby Smashed the Color Barrier in Baseball by Audrey Vernick, illustrated by Cannaday Chapman (4 January 2022)

OPB Five-​Word Review: Unsung hero. Door-​opener. Fascinating. Timely.

Goodreads Reviews


Bedtime for Bo by Kjersti Annesdatter Skomsvold and Mari Kanstad Johnsen, translated by Kari Dickson (9 August 2022)

OPB Five-​Word Review: Joyous, snuggly bedtime love. Imaginative.

Goodreads Reviews


The Blanket Where Violet Sits by Allan Wolf, illustrated by Lauren Tobia (30 August 2022)

OPB Five-​Word Review: Lyrical cumulative rhymes. Picnicky fun.

Goodreads Reviews


The Depth of the Lake and the Height of the Sky by Kim Jihyun (19 April 2022)

OPB Five-​Word Review: Evocative wordless storytelling. Enchanting debut.

Goodreads Reviews


Dodos Are Not Extinct by Paddy Donnelly (8 February 2022)

OPB Five-​Word Review: Extinct animals aplenty. Storytime silliness.

Goodreads Reviews


Good Night Little Bookstore by Amy Cherrix, illustrated by E.B. Goodale (29 August 2022)

OPB Five-​Word Review: Cozy, charming Goodnight Moon pastiche.

Goodreads Reviews


I Am Mozart, Too: The Lost Genius of Maria Anna Mozart by Audrey Ades, illustrated by Adelina Lirius (22 February 2022)

OPB Five-​Word Review: Gender injustice–Mozart’s prodigy sister.

Goodreads Reviews


John’s Turn by Mac Barnett, illustrated by Kate Berube (24 February 2022)

OPB Five-​Word Review: Embrace your talent. Gloriously so.

Goodreads Reviews


Knight Owl by Christopher Denise (15 March 2022)

OPB Five-​Word Review: Owlish wordplay. Bravery. Radiant art.

Goodreads Reviews


The Legend of Gravity: A Tall Basketball Tale by Charly Palmer (4 January 2022)

OPB Five-​Word Review: Splendrous colors. Fanciful facts. Teamwork!

Goodreads Reviews


Lizzy and the Cloud by The Fan Brothers (3 May 2022)

OPB Five-​Word Review: Pet clouds are awesome. Beautiful.

Goodreads Reviews


Love in the Library by Maggie Tokuda-​Hall, illustrated by Yas Imamura (8 February 2022)

OPB Five-​Word Review: Detainment camp. History. Heartbreak. Books!

Goodreads Reviews


Monsters in the Fog by Ali Bahrampour, illustrated by Cannaday Chapman (14 June 2022)

OPB Five-​Word Review: Humorous mountain journey. Beware “monsters”!

Goodreads Reviews


Nigel and the Moon by Antwan Eady, illustrated by Gracey Zhang (19 July 2022)

OPB Five-​Word Review: Childhood dreams. Heart-​melting ending.

Goodreads Reviews


The Rise (and Falls) of Jackie Chan by Kristen Mai Giang, illustrated by Alina Chau (29 March 2022)

OPB Five-​Word Review: Goofball acrobatics. Vibrant art. POW!

Goodreads Reviews


Standing in the Need of Prayer: A Modern Retelling of the Classic Spiritual by Carole Boston Weatherford, illustrated by Frank Morrison (20 September 2022)

OPB Five-​Word Review: Glorious tribute. Discussion-​starting. Ear-​pleasing. Timely.

Goodreads Reviews


Strong by Rob Kearney and Eric Rosswood, illustrated by Nidhi Chanani (10 May 2022)

OPB Five-​Word Review: Becoming an LGBTQ+ strongman. Empowering.

Goodreads Reviews


Uncle John’s City Garden by Bernette Ford, illustrated by Frank Morrison (3 May 2022)

OPB Five-​Word Review: City gardens. Family. Recipes. Delicious.

Goodreads Reviews


The Year We Learned to Fly by Jacqueline Woodson, illustrated by Rafael López (4 January 2022)

OPB Five-​Word Review: Lyrical history lifts up readers.

Goodreads Reviews


I got so excited going through my shelf of 2022 picture books for this end-​of-​year list that I completely forgot to go back through the books we reviewed here at OPB (which I keep on a different shelf in a different room). I’m not bumping any of the 22 above books because they all belong here, but so do the following three titles.

I supposed that makes this post more accurately “Only Picture Books’ 22 25 Favorites of 2022.”

 

Mommy’s Hometown by Hope Lim, illustrated by Jaime Kim (12 April 2022)

OPB Five-​Word Review: Hits me just right. Sensitive.

See the original OPB review here.

 

Wally, the World’s Greatest Piano-​Playing Wombat by Ratha Tep, illustrated by Camilla Pintonato (18 October 2022)

OPB Five-​Word Review: Passion. Pride. Participation. Pianos. Potent!

See the original full OPB review here.

 

Wombat Said Come In by Carmen Agra Deedy, illustrated by Brian Lies (6 October 2022)

OPB Five-​Word Review: Friendship. Empathy. Safe and secure.

See the original full OPB review here.

Only Picture Books’ 20 Favorites of 2020

2020 was a rough year–no doubt about it. But at least we had some first-​rate new picture books to help us through it all.

This list is our subjective ranking of 20 books OPB really liked from this past year. If we missed a great book, please take a moment to share your 2020 faves in the comment section

Great work should be recognized, valued, and encouraged.

We hope OPB helps make all that happen.


All of a Sudden and Forever by Chris Barton, illustrated by Nicole Xu (4 February 2020)

This nonfiction book tenderly handles the Oklahoma City Bombing of 1995–Barton does a wonderful job of showing how healing happens after a collective tragedy. The art by debut illustrator Xu elevates an already beautiful story.

 

Construction People by Lee Bennett Hopkins (editor), illustrated by Ellen Shi (16 March 2020)

The late Lee Bennett Hopkins assembled 14 poems about the wide range of people needed to build a city high rise. The poems are noisy and fun in all the right ways for young readers–this is a real treat.

 

Digging for Words: José Alberto Gutiérrez and the Library He Built by Angela Burke Kunkel, illustrated by Paolo Escobar (8 September 2020)

This book offers a wonderful look at Colombia while telling the amazing story of a garbage collector in Bogotá who created a library that started with a single discarded book that he found on his route. Digging for Words has solid read-​aloud potential, too, which isn’t always the case with nonfiction.

 

Evelyn Del Rey Is Moving Away by Meg Medina, illustrated by Sonia Sánchez (8 September 2020)

The first-​person present-​tense story is a believable tale of how the friendship of two girls can survive anything–including separation/​change. Sánchez’s mixed-​media art is bright, vibrant, and lovely.

 

Hans Christian Anderson: The Journey of His Life by Heinz Janisch, illustrated by Maja Kastelic (1 September 2020)

OPB reviewed this book earlier this year, and months later, we still think it’s still a standout. This story-​in-​a-​story biography is simply enchanting.

 

Hike by Pete Oswald (17 March 2020)

There simply aren’t enough quality father-​son picture books, but this one adds to that list. The adventure is nearly wordless, but the journey is marvelous for father, son, and reader. Delightful, and with just a hint of whimsy.

 

Honeybee: the Busy Life of Apis Mellifera by Candace Fleming, illustrated by Eric Rohmann (4 February 2020)

Fleming crafts language that manages to communicate the facts of the honeybee’s intriguing short life, but it’s Rohmann’s exquisite oil paint illustrations that makes this book soar. The close-​ups can easily be mistaken for photographs! Watch for the gorgeous gatefold at the very end, as well as a backmatter essay on the plight of the honeybees.

 

I Am Every Good Thing by Derrick Barnes, illustrated by Gordon C. James (1 September 2020)

There are catchy, memorable lines throughout (“I am good to the core, like the center of a cinnamon roll”) that readers will delight in. But it’s the empowering message of self-​affirmation and value here that makes this a must-​read. James’ oil-​paintings are richly textured and powerful–watch for a cameo from Barack Obama!

 

If You Come to Earth by Sophie Blackall (15 September 2020)

While the premise is intriguing (how might you introduce Earth to a visitor from outer space?), it’s no surprise that two-​time Caldecott winner Blackall’s illustrations steal the show. Her stunning attention to detail showcases the diversity of our planet in all of its glory. Simply beautiful.

If you liked Oliver JeffersHere We Are: Notes for Living on Planet Earth, If You Come to Earth will likely be a hit, as well.

 

Lights on Wonder Rock by David Litchfield (8 September 2020)

In this story, Heather yearns to go to outer space. But is she truly ready to leave Earth–and everything about it–behind? I think I love this cover (and story) because it reminds me of E.T., but the graphic novel style throughout is equally compelling. Note the numerous wordless spreads that burst with delicious light and color. Litchfield is really, really good.

 

Nonsense!: The Curious Story of Edward Gorey by Lori Mortensen, illustrated by Chloe Bristol (24 March 2020)

A lyrical biography about the curious, strange man who served as inspiration for other curious, strange creatives (like Tim Burton and Lemony Snicket)? Yes, please! Of course, both the lyrical and artistic elements are positively Gorey-​esque. A generous two-​page Author’s Note helps round out a reader’s understanding of Gorey’s amazing life and accomplishments.

 

The Ocean Calls: A Haenyeo Mermaid Story by Tina Cho, illustrated by Jess X. Snow (4 August 2020)

Haenyeo” means free diving, and we learn all about that in this lovely story where a Korean girl dreams of being a haenyeo and diving deep to grab treasures from the ocean floor, just as generations have done before, and just as her grandma does now. There’s plenty of STEM appeal here, but it’s also a sweet story about family and tradition.

 

The Old Truck by Jarrett Pumphrey and Jerome Pumphrey (7 January 2020)

The retro design is what first catches my eye, but I’m quickly taken by this eloquent ode to perseverance and grit. OPB is definitely looking forward to more picture books from the Pumphrey brothers.

 

Outside In by Deborah Underwood, illustrated by Cindy Derby (14 April 2020)

Each year, it seems OPB includes a Deborah Underwood story in one way or another, and here’s yet another fine one. The starred review at Kirkus has it right–this book is a “love letter to nature.” Best of all, Outside In isn’t preachy nor heavy-​handed. It’s (appropriately) quiet, wise, and wondrous.

 

The Paper Kingdom by Helena Ku Rhee, illustrated by Pascal Campion (18 February 2020)

What a cool book! It’s the “simple” story of a parent going to work, but it’s filtered through the wondrous imagination of a child. Yes, there’s social critique tucked away in these pages, but even if a child doesn’t get that, this book will resonate on many levels.

 

A Polar Bear in the Snow by Mac Barnett, illustrated by Shawn Harris (13 October 2020)

Children will love the in-​text questions about where this polar bear is going–it’s a great way to get them involved in the storytelling. The art is simple and charming, as is this captivating Arctic adventure.

 

The Secret Garden of George Washington Carver by Gene Barretta, illustrated Frank Morrison (14 January 2020)

I love picture book biographies–especially when it’s about someone I THINK I know, then I come to realize how much more there is to their story. That’s the case here in this dignified and interesting take on the life of George Washington Carver–a “living folk hero.”

 

The Truth About Dragons by Jaime Zollars (15 September 2020)

This debut picture book will help readers see beyond their fears to find their own strength/​inner dragon. It’s a delightful take about the anxiety of new experiences.

 

We Are Water Protectors by Carole Lindstrom, illustrated by Michaela Goade (17 March 2020)

It’s hard to say which is more captivating–the potent words of Lindstrom or the lush art of Goade. Regardless, it’s a passionate call for much-​needed environmental stewardship that shows how interconnected our world is. Simply lovely.

 

Your Name Is a Song by Jamilah Thompkins-​Bigelow (7 July 2020)

A young girl is understandably unhappy at how people mishandling her name, yet her mother teaches her about the magic and music of names…including her own. It’s a celebration of language and history suitable for all readers.