User menu

Shopping cart

Bookshop's Favorite Picture Books

Ignite your child's love of reading with these gorgeous picture books! Each book features bright, colorful illustrations and simple, easy-to-understand text making them the perfect introduction to reading for your child.

Something, Someday by Amanda Gorman

This primer on hope and activism encourages even the youngest of us to trust the voice inside that says, “I see something wrong and I can help.” The literary powerhouse collaboration between Christian Robinson and Amanda Gorman provides page after page of inspiration, confirming that whoever you are, wherever you are, you have a part to play in making your world just a little bit better. 

—Jenny

Staff Pick Badge
Something, Someday By Amanda Gorman, Christian Robinson (Illustrator) Cover Image
By Amanda Gorman, Christian Robinson (Illustrator)
$18.99
ISBN: 9780593203255
Availability: On Our Shelves Now
Published: Viking Books for Young Readers - September 26th, 2023

My Cat Does Ballet by Robert Heidbreder

A fun and silly book perfect for lovers of cats or ballet. The story is simple and sweet: A boy tells his friends about his talented cat and invites them over for an exclusive Cat Ballet masterclass. The playful illustrations are accompanied by ballet terms and a glossary at the back. Dancers will recognize the moves, nondancers will learn a little more about the world of ballet, and everyone will enjoy some silly cats! 

—Alana

Staff Pick Badge
My Cat Does Ballet By Robert Heidbreder, Matt Schu (Illustrator) Cover Image
By Robert Heidbreder, Matt Schu (Illustrator)
$18.99
ISBN: 9781665917032
Availability: On Our Shelves Now
Published: Atheneum Books for Young Readers - October 17th, 2023

Say My Name by Joanna Ho

There is so much in a name. Joanna Ho’s gorgeous new picture book speaks to the importance of learning the stories behind each other’s names, their ancestral and historical grounding, and the essential value in pronouncing them correctly. Accompanied by Khoa Le’s rich, soaring illustrations and a pronunciation guide, Say My Name celebrates children around the world. This story is a lyrical, loving, and necessary call for a more connected, empowered community. 

—Melinda

Staff Pick Badge
Say My Name By Joanna Ho, Khoa Le (Illustrator) Cover Image
By Joanna Ho, Khoa Le (Illustrator)
$19.99
ISBN: 9780063205338
Availability: On Our Shelves Now
Published: HarperCollins - September 26th, 2023

If I Was a Horse by Sophie Blackall

Everyone has dreamed of having a horse, but to be one—now that’s the thing! And to be one in a human family with siblings and a bedroom, that’s the whimsical, imaginative genius of Sophie Blackall. If I Was a Horse delights in the possibilities of such a life, with simple sentences, exquisite illustrations (no wonder she’s a two-time Caldecott winner), and a much-needed dose of joy. Here is your new classic, already well-loved and timeless. 

—Melinda

Staff Pick Badge
If I Was a Horse By Sophie Blackall Cover Image
$18.99
ISBN: 9780316510981
Availability: On Our Shelves Now
Published: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers - October 3rd, 2023

The North Wind & the Sun by Phillip Stead

After a brief preamble about seasons, we are introduced to three sisters wearing patchwork coats who sense a new but familiar chill in the air. Soon the North Wind whips up, and they huddle together even as the gale forces strain at their coat seams. Cue the Sun, strong in its own way, spreading its warmth as flowers bloom and coats are mended. Philip Stead’s heartwarming illustrations invite us to look again at this classic fable. 

—Michelle

Staff Pick Badge
The North Wind and the Sun By Philip C. Stead Cover Image
$18.99
ISBN: 9780823455836
Availability: On Our Shelves Now
Published: Neal Porter Books - October 24th, 2023

What You Need to Be Warm by Neil Gaiman & 13 illustrators

What do you need to be warm? Neil Gaiman took thousands of answers to this question to write a resonant poem, which 13 artists harmoniously illustrated, and created this beautiful book of warmth and welcome. While inspired by the refugee crisis, children of any age and background will find recognition and comfort in these pages. A book to curl up with on a cold winter’s night. Royalties will be donated to the UNHCR, the United Nations refugee agency. 

—Jocelyn

Staff Pick Badge
What You Need to Be Warm By Neil Gaiman, Yuliya Gwilym (Illustrator), Nadine Kaadan (Illustrator), Pam Smy (Illustrator), Daniel Egnéus (Illustrator), Beth Suzanna (Illustrator), Marie-Alice Harel (Illustrator), Petr Horácek (Illustrator), Chris Riddell (Illustrator), Bagram Ibatouilline (Illustrator), Benji Davies (Illustrator), Majid Adin (Illustrator), Richard Jones (Illustrator), Oliver Jeffers (Illustrator), Oliver Jeffers (Illustrator), Benji Davies (Illustrator) Cover Image
By Neil Gaiman, Yuliya Gwilym (Illustrator), Nadine Kaadan (Illustrator), Pam Smy (Illustrator), Daniel Egnéus (Illustrator), Beth Suzanna (Illustrator), Marie-Alice Harel (Illustrator), Petr Horácek (Illustrator), Chris Riddell (Illustrator), Bagram Ibatouilline (Illustrator), Benji Davies (Illustrator), Majid Adin (Illustrator), Richard Jones (Illustrator), Oliver Jeffers (Illustrator), Oliver Jeffers (Illustrator), Benji Davies (Illustrator)
$18.99
ISBN: 9780063358089
Availability: On Our Shelves Now
Published: Quill Tree Books - October 31st, 2023

Chubby Bunny by Julie Murphy

Bunny is an adorable and outgoing kid who finds herself being teased by classmates after playing the marshmallow eating–contest game Chubby Bunny and, after a few shenanigans, discovers that she doesn’t have any reason to feel ashamed at all. This is such a lovely body-positive story of not just accepting but embracing every part of what makes us ourselves. It filled my heart with so many warm feelings, and I wish I could put it in every classroom! 

—Mo

Staff Pick Badge
Chubby Bunny By Julie Murphy, Sarah Winifred Searle (Illustrator) Cover Image
$19.99
ISBN: 9780063011182
Availability: On Our Shelves Now
Published: Balzer + Bray - October 24th, 2023

Stickler Loves the World by Lane Smith

Stickler, a wonderfully optimistic and peculiar little creature, is guided by curiosity and kindness. We are the lucky ones to be swept along as Stickler introduces a mysterious new friend to the wonders of the forest. Each page is full of charming details by Lane Smith, who also illustrated the award-winning Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales. This picture book is an engaging read-aloud for kids who are curious about the world around them.—Isaac
 

Staff Pick Badge
Stickler Loves the World By Lane Smith Cover Image
$18.99
ISBN: 9780593649831
Availability: On Our Shelves Now
Published: Random House Studio - August 22nd, 2023

Masala Chai, Fast and Slow Written by Rajani LaRocca, Illustrated by Neha Rawat

Thatha shuffles, saunters, and strolls. Aarav runs, rushes, and races. What do they have in common? Masala Chai! Aarav’s grandfather Thatha makes the best chai every day at five, and he says it can’t be rushed. One day when Thatha hurts his foot, Aarav steps in to make the chai. He has the milk, tea leaves, spices, and sugar. What’s missing? A simple story sweetly told, with a recipe to try it yourself.—Noreen

Staff Pick Badge
Masala Chai, Fast and Slow By Rajani LaRocca, Neha Rawat (Illustrator) Cover Image
By Rajani LaRocca, Neha Rawat (Illustrator)
$17.99
ISBN: 9781536219401
Availability: On Our Shelves Now
Published: Candlewick - September 5th, 2023

Hansel & Gretel: A Toon Graphic Written by Neil Gaiman, Illustrated by Lorenzo Mattotti

Neil Gaiman's lyrical, ethereal writing style pairs beautifully with the stunning ink illustrations by Lorenzo Mattotti to create this retelling of the classic Grimm fairy tale. Together these artists breathe new life into a story everyone knows, including important historical context from the time period in which the original story was written. To me, this is the only Hansel & Gretel you'll ever need. —Mo

Staff Pick Badge
Hansel and Gretel: A TOON Graphic By Neil Gaiman, Lorenzo Mattotti (Illustrator) Cover Image
By Neil Gaiman, Lorenzo Mattotti (Illustrator)
$11.99
ISBN: 9781662665042
Availability: On Our Shelves Now
Published: TOON Books - August 1st, 2023

Pages

Subscribe to RSS - Bookshop's Favorite Picture Books