10 Best Children’s Picture Books 2024
by Tapestry on October 28
Are you looking to update the book corner in your setting or at school? Or are you searching for the perfect gift for a child that you know well? Every year, a wealth of new children’s picture books are published, but it can be tricky to find just the right one! Lots of new books are based on themes that authors know children are interested in, but sometimes they also enable opportunities for conversations about subjects that might be hard to understand.
Here’s a rundown of some of our favourite children’s picture books that have been published in the last 12 months:
Olu’s Teacher
Author: Jamel C. Campbell
Illustrated by Lydia Mba
Olu is about to start nursery and meet his teacher, Jay… But what will Jay be like? What if he has big sharp teeth like a dinosaur, wonders Olu, or breathes fire like a dragon?! His worries fly away when Jay greets him with a big smile, before reading stories, playing the guitar and making Olu feel right at home. (From Publisher)
Don’t Think of Tigers
Author: Alex Latimer
The narrator of this book will draw anything you want, but he can’t draw tigers! Except trying to draw them might be the only way to get better…
This book is magical. Whatever you think of, the narrator will draw it on the next page. There’s just one problem: they’re really bad at drawing tigers. Hilariously bad. So please, don’t think of tigers!
But of course, soon all you’ll be able to think of is tigers . . . so the narrator will draw them, more and more ridiculous as they go: a tiger in a mermaid outfit, one carrying a coffee and a briefcase, some just plain awful. But with practice, will they get better? (From Publisher)
Maya & Marley and the Great Big Tidy Up
Author: Laura Henry-Allain MBE,
Illustrated by Yabaewah Scott
Maya and Marley live in their very own playground with Mum, Dad and pet goats Lou and Chou!
But when the playground becomes overrun with litter, it’s up to Maya and Marley to plan a tidy up! Will they be able to clear it all away by themselves? A warm and adventurous picture book from bestselling author, Laura Henry-Allain, that promotes empathy and caring for the world around you. (From Publisher)
Does a Bear Wash its Hair?
Author: Moira Butterfield
Illustrated by Adam Ming
Did you know that some crabs get dressed? Or that young meerkats have to go to ‘school’? Or that sloths have very particular pooping habits?
From brave plover birds who clean crocodile teeth, to orangutans who make cosy treetop beds, animals have the most fascinating routines – just like us! Whether they’re keeping clean or using tools to catch their dinner, explore the daily habitats of 15 animals across the planet – including sloths, meerkats, alpacas, wolves, foxes, crabs and more. (From Publisher)
Rainbowsaurus
Author: Steve Antony
Join two dads and their three children as they set off on an adventure to find the Rainbowsaurus. On their way, they meet animals that are all the colours of the rainbow who all want to find the Rainbowsaurus, too. (From Publisher)
It’s Time to Hush and Say Good Night
Author: Chitra Soundar
Illustrated by Sandhya Prabhat
Travel a lush dreamscape world as a father lulls his toddler towards sleep, weaving a quilt of dreams across the roaring seas and through the inky night – and dealing with some big toddler emotions en route. Sumptuously illustrated by Sandhya Prabhat, and infused with the spirit and flora and fauna of India. (From Publisher)
I Do Not Eat Children
Author: Marcus Cutler
A big orange creature lurks in a crowded playground…but don’t worry! He would never eat a child. What do you think he is…a MONSTER? And kids are definitely not disappearing every time you turn a page. You’re imagining things. The monster has nothing to hide; in fact, he loves children. And he would never, ever, ever-oops! There goes another kid…. (From Publisher)
The Girl Who Figured It Out
Author: Minda Dentler
Illustrated by Stephanie Dehennin
The uplifting true story of Minda Dentler, the first female wheelchair athlete to complete the Ironman World Championship triathlon.
Despite the obstacles and failures she experienced along the way, Minda’s persistence and determination in the face of setbacks helped her to make sports history and inspire people around the world to rethink what’s possible! (From Publisher)
A Book of People Like Me
Author: HarperCollins Children’s Books
Illustrated by Joelle Avelino
Kenny is on a journey of discovery! He likes riding his bike, the colour purple and, best of all, his dog, Ketchup. Is there anyone else in the world like him?
Making friends, favourite foods, dreaming big – Kenny thinks about all the things he likes, and on the way he meets lots of friends and discovers fun things about them. (From Publisher)
Shine Like the Stars
Author: Anna Wilson
Illustrated by Harry Woodgate
We are all connected to the natural world, and it is connected to us. And just as the stars shine brightly in the night sky, so can you. Told from the point of view of the natural world, this exquisite and thought-provoking story from children’s author Anna Wilson invites us to connect with the world around us and achieve our potential. (From Publisher)
Tapestry helps connect educators and families and can be a great way to communicate how a child is progressing with their reading. Are you a setting or school? Try Tapestry for free today.
Our Education Advisor Jack has also written this article on using Tapestry for reading records.