The Best Books of 2023

Pulled from award-winners, bestsellers, and our own staff's favorites, here
is the list of titles from 2023 we think you're really going to want to read!






Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus

A classic! Now celebrating its 20th anniversary, a whole new generation of children can appreciate the tenacity of this pigeon who just wants to drive the bus, man.




Flat Cat

What happens when a cool flat cat falls into the dryer and comes out a round fuzzy puff of a cat? Read Tara Lazar and Pete Oswald's hilarious book about making the best of change to find out!




Gato Guapo

This bilingual English-Spanish title by Anika Aldamuy Denise and illustrated by Zara González Hoang is a great read-aloud. As Gato Guapo loses his nine gatitos one at a time, kids learn basic counting and Spanish phrases.




Hoops

The only book for older readers to make our list, Matt Tavares's graphic novel is based on the true story of a girls' high school basketball team overcoming obstacles (especially gender inequality) in 1970s Indiana.






Kitty

When Granny comes to cat-sit and loses her glasses in Rebecca Jordan-Glum's new book, she accidentally takes in a raccoon and cares for it instead, with chaotic results.




Knight Owl

Owl wants to be a knight but isn't taken seriously because of his size. In the end his cleverness and nocturnal skills save the day, but what we love most about this one is Christopher Denise's night-glowy illustration style.




Lizzy and the Cloud

The Fan Brothers at it again! Turn the pages and you're transported to a dreamy world, one where you can buy a cloud. Which is exactly what Lizzy does. Turns out clouds are moody and hard to rein in.



Mother Bruce

This one has become a staff favorite! Grumpy Bruce loves eating eggs. One day, a rude surprise - his meal hatches into a crew of goslings! Read along as Bruce taps into his maternal instincts.



Out of a Jar

The companion book to Deborah Marcero's Into a Jar, this one does a great job of explaining big feelings, and how and when to manage them, in a way young kids can understand.



Peekaboo Rex!

Every Sandra Boynton book is the best! This one has a high laugh factor, as little ones will relate to the giant T Rex trying and failing to hide behind a number of things.



"Slowly, Slowly, Slowly" Said the Sloth

Now in board book after 20 years, this classic Eric Carle story encourages everyone to slow down and enjoy the world around them.



The Three Billy Goats Gruff

Last but not least, a retelling of a classic tale by the team behind I Want My Hat Back! You think you know how this one goes, but you'll want to sit down and savor how Barnett and Klassen bring the story vividly to life with their illustrations and narrative tone.