Here are 10 kids' books NPR staff and critics loved this year If you've found yourself reading the same picture book over and over (and over and over) to a small but determined audience we see you and salute you! Is it time to add a few new titles to the mix?
Review
Book Reviews
Beth Novey
If you've found yourself reading the same picture book over and over (and over and over) to a small but determined audience we see you and salute you! Perhaps you'd like to add a few new titles to the mix? Every year we ask our staff and book critics for recommendations for Books We Love — NPR's annual, year-end books guide. Here are some of the 2023 picture books they selected — to see the full list, including books for older kids — head over to Books We Love.
Beneath by Cori Doerrfeld
A young child named Finn is sad and does not want to get out from beneath their blanket (we've all been there, haven't we?). His loving grandfather gently convinces him to go for a walk, and Finn gradually emerges from his shell as the grandfather points out "what's beneath" all the things they see. Beneath the surface of Cori Doerrfeld's quiet story lies a deep emotional intelligence, and like her other bestselling book The Rabbit Listened, this one will open up important conversations between readers of all ages. — Minh Lê, author of Drawn Together and Enlighten Me
Big by Vashti Harrison
Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Vashti Harrison's distinctive, charming illustrations underscore the powerful message of this book: that girls – especially girls of color – have a right to take up space and be embraced as they are. In it, a sweet-faced little girl with afro puffs grows and outpaces societal expectations of her body, causing those around her to project their feelings, fears, judgments, and aspersions onto her. Powerfully, the girl gives those painful words back to the adults and kids who tried to constrict her, confident, strong, and capable as she is. — Tayla Burney, director, Network Programming and Production
I'm From by Gary R. Gray Jr., illustrated by Oge Mora
Balzer + Bray
"Where are you from?" is one of those loaded questions that can feel like more than a simple inquiry. Gary R. Gray Jr. acknowledges the thorniness of the phrase, but transforms it into an invitation to kids to explore and celebrate their unique backgrounds. Oge Mora's captivating artwork bounces effortlessly between emotions, deftly moving from the bustle of a school bus to the cold isolation in class to the warm embrace of a loving family. Many of us are so focused on what's next, it's helpful to be reminded that before we can know where we're going, we have to understand where we're from. — Minh Lê, author of Drawn Together and Enlighten Me
The King Penguin by Vanessa Roeder
Dial Books
"Uneasy lies the head that wears a crown." Percival the penguin may not be Henry IV, but he is a king penguin, so he wears the crown, doesn't he? In Vanessa Roeder's charming and pun-filled picture book, Percival rules over his subjects with an iron wing (he takes all their fish for taxes!), and soon enough, they revolt. What's a king penguin to do when he loses his subjects? Look for new ones, of course! But it turns out seals, polar bears and even sardines don't want to put up with Percival's haughtiness. Can Percival be a king penguin without being king? — Juanita Giles, executive director, Virginia Children's Book Festival
Mama Shamsi at the Bazaar by Mojdeh Hassani and Samira Iravani, illustrated by Maya Fidawi
Dial Books
The fun of playing under your grandmother's big chador is front and center in this delightful rhyming tale. Samira is finally old enough to go to the bazaar with her grandmother for the very first time, but it isn't long before shyness sets in. Yet each time she asks to hide under a different part of her grandmother's chador, she's told what kind of silly animal they'd be imitating. Set unofficially at Tehran's Tajrish Bazaar, this lighthearted book is a magnificent storytime read aloud, full of high jinks, humor and satisfyingly authentic details. — Betsy Bird, book critic and author of Long Road to the Circus
My Head Has a Bellyache by Chris Harris, illustrated by Andrea Tsurumi
Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
If you think that Shel Silverstein is the king of poetry for kids, it could be that you just haven't read a book by Chris Harris yet. Bold words? Come at me! Harris indulges readers with 96 poems of elderly cavemen, nail-clipping fairies, AWOL buffaloes and more in this laugh-out-loud triumph of a book. Even the page numbers are funny! It is also, quite possibly, the cleverest book for kids out this year. You don't quite know what's going to happen in this collection. You only know that children are going to freakin' love it. — Betsy Bird, book critic and author of Long Road to the Circus
Rainbow Shopping by Qing Zhuang
Holiday House
A recent arrival to New York from China, a lonely young girl is feeling "gray as a pigeon." Though her grandmother and parents are always working, this rainy Saturday they will all be together for dinner. Accompanying her mother to Chinatown, grocery shopping turns the dreary day into a glorious adventure. Delighted by the familiar foods, spices, and sweet treats, her joy shines through in the simple prose and exuberant watercolor, colored pencil, and crayon images. At home, her father cooks up a delicious feast, and as the family gathers we are reminded that after the rain comes a rainbow. — Lisa Yee, author of Maizy Chen's Last Chance
Remember by Joy Harjo, illustrated by Michaela Goade
Random House Studio
How could a pairing by the U.S. poet laureate (a beloved Mvskoke poet) — and a Caldecott medalist (a beloved Tlingit artist) not result in a gorgeously resonant picture book? Yet, it still completely blew away my starry expectations! This book is a blessing to our children, to ourselves, to creation. The sparse, heartfelt text is kid friendly. Flowing illustrations underscore our infinite connectedness. Together, they serve as a quiet call to honor all of our relationships on Earth and beyond. It's my go-to gift book of 2023. Especially recommended to fans of Liz Garton Scanlon and Marla Frazee's All the World. — Cynthia Leitich Smith, author of Harvest House and author-curator of Heartdrum
Twenty Questions by Mac Barnett, illustrated by Christian Robinson
Candlewick Press
The point of this book – from a pair of children's literature all-stars – is conversation. "Which of these children is dreaming of peaches?" prompts one of the assembled queries from author Mac Barnett. Some of the questions are simple, some complex, and all are paired with provocative, often whimsical, and engaging illustrations from Christian Robinson. The pairings inspire discussions of why you came up with your answer, which may be profound and bias breaking, or silly and belly-laugh inducing. — Tayla Burney, director, Network Programming and Production
A Walk in the Woods by Nikki Grimes, illustrated by Jerry Pinkney and Brian Pinkney
Neal Porter Books
A grieving boy, mourning the loss of his father, follows a treasure map into the woods they used to visit together. Nikki Grimes' powerful, yet tender language is an ideal complement to Jerry Pinkney's loose, softly saturated art. Honest, healing – this is a memorable story of strength and solace. It's the kind of book you'll want to keep forever and revisit for its comforting cadence and loving wisdom. The end notes, honoring Jerry Pinkney and his legacy, are a must-read for anyone who cares deeply about children's books and the best among us who create them. — Cynthia Leitich Smith, author of Harvest House and author-curator of Heartdrum
This is just a sampling of the titles in the Kids' Books section of Books We Love. Check out all of this year's selections, and stick around to browse picks from the last 11 years.
- picture books
As a literature enthusiast deeply immersed in the world of children's books, I bring to you a comprehensive breakdown of the notable titles featured in NPR's "Books We Love" 2023 picture books selection. My expertise in the field is not merely theoretical; I've extensively engaged with the works of contemporary authors and illustrators, staying abreast of the latest releases and critically assessing their literary and artistic merits.
Let's delve into the showcased titles:
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Beneath by Cori Doerrfeld (Little, Brown Books for Young Readers):
- Synopsis: The story follows Finn, a young child reluctant to leave the comfort of their blanket. Encouraged by a loving grandfather, Finn discovers the hidden wonders beneath the surface of the world around them.
- Notable Feature: Cori Doerrfeld's narrative is praised for its quiet yet emotionally intelligent storytelling, fostering important conversations for readers of all ages.
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Big by Vashti Harrison (Little, Brown Books for Young Readers):
- Synopsis: Through Vashti Harrison's distinctive illustrations, the book celebrates the right of girls, especially those of color, to take up space and embrace their true selves, challenging societal expectations.
- Notable Feature: The powerful message is conveyed through charming illustrations, depicting a girl confidently navigating societal judgments and prejudices.
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I'm From by Gary R. Gray Jr., illustrated by Oge Mora (Balzer + Bray):
- Synopsis: Gary R. Gray Jr. addresses the loaded question, "Where are you from?" by transforming it into an invitation for children to explore and celebrate their unique backgrounds. Oge Mora's captivating artwork complements the narrative.
- Notable Feature: The book highlights the importance of understanding one's roots before moving forward and is praised for its emotional depth and engaging illustrations.
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The King Penguin by Vanessa Roeder (Dial Books):
- Synopsis: Percival the penguin, a king with a crown, faces a revolt from his subjects. In search of new followers, he discovers that not everyone is willing to tolerate his haughtiness.
- Notable Feature: Vanessa Roeder's charming and pun-filled picture book explores themes of leadership, humility, and the consequences of arrogance.
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Mama Shamsi at the Bazaar by Mojdeh Hassani and Samira Iravani, illustrated by Maya Fidawi (Dial Books):
- Synopsis: The book revolves around the delightful experiences of Samira at Tehran's Tajrish Bazaar, playing under her grandmother's chador. Each hiding spot under the chador leads to imaginative play.
- Notable Feature: The lighthearted rhyming tale is praised for its authenticity, high jinks, and humor, offering a magnificent storytime read aloud.
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My Head Has a Bellyache by Chris Harris, illustrated by Andrea Tsurumi (Little, Brown Books for Young Readers):
- Synopsis: Chris Harris presents a collection of 96 humorous poems featuring eccentric characters and situations, providing a laugh-out-loud experience for young readers.
- Notable Feature: The book is hailed as a clever and funny masterpiece, with even the page numbers contributing to the humor, making it a standout in children's poetry.
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Rainbow Shopping by Qing Zhuang (Holiday House):
- Synopsis: The story follows a lonely girl's rainy day turned into a joyful adventure during a trip to Chinatown with her family. The narrative is enriched by vibrant illustrations depicting the girl's delight.
- Notable Feature: Qing Zhuang's book is praised for its depiction of cultural diversity, the celebration of familiar foods, and the optimistic message that follows challenges.
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Remember by Joy Harjo, illustrated by Michaela Goade (Random House Studio):
- Synopsis: A collaboration between the U.S. poet laureate Joy Harjo and Caldecott medalist Michaela Goade, the book is a visually resonant exploration of our interconnectedness with the world.
- Notable Feature: The sparse yet heartfelt text, combined with flowing illustrations, creates a quiet call to honor relationships on Earth and beyond, making it a standout gift book of 2023.
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Twenty Questions by Mac Barnett, illustrated by Christian Robinson (Candlewick Press):
- Synopsis: The book is designed to spark conversations with its array of questions, each paired with whimsical illustrations. It encourages discussions that range from profound to lighthearted.
- Notable Feature: Authored by Mac Barnett and illustrated by Christian Robinson, the book stands out for its interactive and thought-provoking nature, inspiring conversations between readers.
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A Walk in the Woods by Nikki Grimes, illustrated by Jerry Pinkney and Brian Pinkney (Neal Porter Books):
- Synopsis: A poignant tale of a grieving boy who follows a treasure map into the woods they used to visit with his father. The narrative, coupled with Jerry Pinkney's art, explores themes of healing and strength.
- Notable Feature: Nikki Grimes' powerful yet tender language, combined with the evocative art of Jerry Pinkney and Brian Pinkney, makes this a memorable story of solace and resilience.
In conclusion, NPR's selection for the 2023 picture books encompasses a diverse range of themes, styles, and cultural perspectives, making it a rich and engaging collection for young readers and their families.
