Special Collections
New York Times Best Sellers Children's Picture Books
Description: Bookshare is pleased to present the top 10 picture books from the New York Times Best Sellers list, updated weekly. The month and year given are when the title first appeared on the Times' list. You may find some old and new favorites! #kids
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Millie Fleur's Poison Garden
by Christy MandinWednesday Addams meets The Curious Garden in this delightfully peculiar story about finding joy in being wonderfully weird.
Garden Glen is a very bland place. Every house and every garden looks exactly like the other. That is... until Millie Fleur La Fae comes to town.Up on a scruffy hill, beside a ramschackle house, Millie Fleur plants her marvelously strange garden, filled with Sneezing Stickyweed, Fanged Fairymoss, and Grumpy Gilliflower. Millie Fleur finds it enchanting, but the townspeople of Garden Glen call it poison!
But Millie Fleur is proud of her beloved little garden. So if some townspeople want to be sticks in the mud, she'll take matters into her own hands and find the kindred spirits who appreciate everything the garden has to offer.
Millie Fleur's Poison Garden is a reminder to embrace everything that makes us wonderfully weird. Perfect for readers of The Creepy Carrots and fans of the Addams Family movies.
Advisory: Bookshare has learned that this book offers only partial accessibility. We have kept it in the collection because it is useful for some of our members. Benetech is actively working on projects to improve accessibility issues such as these.
New York Times Bestseller
The Yellow Bus
by Loren LongPerfect for fans of Love and Hello, Lighthouse, The Yellow Bus from #1 New York Times bestselling Loren Long is a tender and hopeful new classic about a forgotten school bus that finds happiness and purpose in the most unexpected places--and in the journey along the way.
There is a bright yellow bus who spends her days driving. She loves carrying children from one important place to another. Every morning they climb in... Pitter-patter, pitter-patter, giggle, giggle-patter. And they fill her with joy.
As time passes, things change. The Yellow Bus gets a new driver, a new route, and new passengers, young and old. Until one day the driving stops for good, and the Yellow Bus is left on her own. And yet, no matter where she is, the Yellow Bus still finds joy and discovery in the world around her.
With stirring black-and-white artwork and powerful pops of color, The Yellow Bus is a poignant reflection on the many new beginnings life has to offer.
Advisory: Bookshare has learned that this book offers only partial accessibility. We have kept it in the collection because it is useful for some of our members. Benetech is actively working on projects to improve accessibility issues such as these.
New York Times Bestseller
Pete the Cat Screams for Ice Cream!
by Kimberly Dean and James DeanI scream! You scream! Pete screams for ice cream!
The Just Chillin’ ice cream truck is coming today and Pete the Cat can't wait. He runs as fast as he can to find the truck. It's getting late, but his friends need his help.
Will Pete take a little time out of his day to help his friends?
Follow Pete the Cat as he learns that it's always cool to be kind.
From the authors of the #1 New York Times bestselling Pete the Cat series, James and Kimberly Dean, this picture book is reminiscent of Pete favorites like Magic Sunglasses and perfect for fans of Grumpy Monkey by Suzanne Lang.
Advisory: Bookshare has learned that this book offers only partial accessibility. We have kept it in the collection because it is useful for some of our members. Benetech is actively working on projects to improve accessibility issues such as these.
New York Times Bestseller
You Can Be a Good Friend (No Matter What!)
by Taraji P. HensonFrom award-winning actress and mental-health advocate Taraji P. Henson, You Can Be a Good Friend (No Matter What!) shows kids the great things that can happen when we approach others and ourselves with empathy, patience, and love.
In this debut picture book from Taraji P. Henson, quirky, stylish and a bit off-the-cuff Lil TJ is ready for her first day of school. But when she gets there, TJ finds that everything she does is a little different than everyone else and she's standing out in all the wrong ways. Once TJ's classmate Beau notices, he relentlessly teases her. TJ is filled with anxiety and doubt until she recalls some important words of wisdom from her Grandma Patsy. When she looks inside to her own creativity and personality, she figures out how to help herself make new friends! —and helps someone else too!
New York Times Bestseller
I Love Grandpa with The Very Hungry Caterpillar
by Eric CarleGive lots of love to Grandpa with The Very Hungry Caterpillar in this colorful book featuring Eric Carle's delightful illustrations!The Very Hungry Caterpillar knows how special grandpas are, and this celebratory keepsake is the perfect way to honor them. Give the gift of love and show Grandpa how much you care with sweet sentiments and Eric Carle's charming illustrations.
New York Times Bestseller
Gorgeously Me!
by Jonathan Van Ness and Kamala M. NairA celebration of all the things that make you extraordinary, unique, and gorgeously YOU, by Jonathan Van Ness, New York Times bestselling author and star of the Netflix hit show Queer Eye.
I won't be afraid to stand out
or show the world what I'm all about.
I am exactly who I'm meant to be.
Perfectly, happily, gorgeously me!
Being true to yourself and showing the world who you are isn't always easy. Gorgeously Me assures young readers that they are loved and cherished, exactly as they are. A joyous, lyrical ode of pride and self love and a celebration of all of the things that make us exceptional.
Perfect for fans of I Am Enough by Grace Byers and The World Needs Who You Were Made to Be by Joanna Gaines.
New York Times Bestseller
Willow the White House Cat
by Dr Jill Biden and Kate BerubeThis illustrated picture book tells the story of how Willow the White House Cat made her way from a farm in Pennsylvania to her new home and made new friends along the way.
When Willow leaves her cozy barn for Washington, DC, and the big white house where she will now live, Willow discovers new rooms to explore and is welcomed by the nice lady she met at Farmer Rick’s farm. Soon, Willow meets so many new people—one who arranges the flowers, another who makes sweet things to eat, and the man with a nice smile who seems to be able to do everything at once. Even though they are much bigger and busier than she is, each of them always seems to have time to say hello and make her feel at home in the big white house. Willow enjoys discovering the White House and all the special people who make this house a home.
Jill Biden, First Lady of the United States, an educator, and a New York Times bestselling author, tells the story of Willow, the White House cat, and about the very special place she and President Biden call home.
Advisory: Bookshare has learned that this book offers only partial accessibility. We have kept it in the collection because it is useful for some of our members. Benetech is actively working on projects to improve accessibility issues such as these.
New York Times Bestseller
How Does Santa Go Down the Chimney?
by Mac BarnettWhen Santa arrives at a child’s house on Christmas Eve, does he go down the chimney feetfirst or headfirst? What if he gets stuck? What if there’s no chimney? Maybe he slides under the door, as thin as a piece of paper? Or is it possible he pours himself through the faucet? What happens once he’s inside? Whether it’s shape-shifting or impromptu laundry use, Mac Barnett’s iconic talent for earnest deadpan humor and Jon Klassen’s irresistibly funny art honor the timeless question with answers both ridiculous and plausible, mounting in hilarity as the night continues. Channeling a child’s fanciful explanations (and begging for further speculation), this latest collaboration by a New York Times best-selling team will find a secure spot among family holiday traditions.
The Truth About the Couch
by Adam RubinPssst! Hey. I'm here to tell ya what the furniture police don't want you to know... Listen close. I'll explain everything.
Most people think couches are just for sitting, or maybe napping, and don't give it a second thought. But did you know couches can go berserk if you don't feed them a steady diet of coins, cell phones, and remote controls? And did you know some couches are grown on a farm? (Where do you think the term couch potato comes from?) Some come from two chairs who love each other very much, and some are actually aliens in disguise. And that's just the tip of the iceberg...
This laugh-out-loud send-up of conspiracy theories brings Adam Rubin's trademark zany humor together with the richly expressive artwork of Macanudo creator Liniers to explore the totally, completely true (really! maybe?) history of the world's most beloved—and misunderstood—item of furniture.
New York Times Bestseller
My Lost Freedom
by George Takei and Michelle LeeA moving, beautifully illustrated true story for children ages 6 to 9 about growing up in Japanese American incarceration camps during World War II—from the iconic Star Trek actor, activist, and author of the New York Times bestselling graphic memoir They Called Us Enemy.
February 19, 1942. George Takei is four years old when his world changes forever. Two months after the bombing of Pearl Harbor, President Franklin D. Roosevelt declares anyone of Japanese descent an enemy of the United States.
George and his family were American in every way. They had done nothing wrong. But because of their Japanese ancestry, they were removed from their home in California and forced into camps with thousands of other families who looked like theirs.
Over the next three years, George had three different “homes”: the Santa Anita racetrack, swampy Camp Rohwer, and infamous Tule Lake. But even though they were now living behind barbed wire fences and surrounded by armed soldiers, his mother and father did everything they could to keep the family safe.
In My Lost Freedom, George Takei looks back at his own memories to help children today understand what it feels like to be treated as an enemy by your own country. Featuring powerful, meticulously researched watercolor paintings, this is a story of a family’s courage, a young boy’s resilience, and the importance of staying true to yourself in the face of injustice.
Advisory: Bookshare has learned that this book offers only partial accessibility. We have kept it in the collection because it is useful for some of our members. Benetech is actively working on projects to improve accessibility issues such as these.
New York Times Bestseller
Addie Ant Goes on an Adventure
by Maren Morris and Karina ArgowAcclaimed singer-songwriter Maren Morris and former schoolteacher Karina Argow have together written their picture-book debut, Addie Ant Goes on an Adventure. This delightful story of one little ant’s journey for independence while realizing when to ask for help, is set against the backdrop of a vast and abundant garden inhabited by some very helpful insect friends.Addie Ant travels from one garden bed to another on her first solo adventure. As she forges her own path, she gets lost along the way and finds help from her trusted garden pals, Lewis Ladybug, Beatrix Butterfly, and Cleo Cricket, in finding her way back home. A celebration of friendship, this sweet book is a collaboration by renowned, musical artist Maren Morris and former schoolteacher and close friend Karina Argow. Artist Kelly Anne Dalton brings the delightfully written characters to life with colorful and charming illustrations. Join Addie Ant in a vast and magical garden adventure full of insect friends, growing vegetables, blooming flowers, and the inspiring abundance of nature.
Piper Chen Sings
by Phillipa Soo and Maris Pasquale DoranAn empowering story about a girl who turns her performance jitters into confidence when faced with singing a solo at her school concert. Inspired by the childhood experience of award-winning actress Phillipa Soo who originated the role of Eliza in Hamilton.
Piper Chen loves nothing more than to sing. She sings to the sun, and she sings to the moon. She sings to her stuffed animals and with the birds outside her window. So, when her music teacher asks if Piper would like to sing a solo in her school’s Spring Sing, all she can say is “yes!” But as practice continues, doubt and worry creep in and Piper’s confidence wavers. She feels like butterflies are having a dance party in her belly. At home, Piper finds Nai Nai, her grandmother, at the piano. They’ve always shared a love of music, and Piper knows if anyone can help her through the unsettling feeling in her stomach and to shine her brightest at the Spring Concert, it’s Nai Nai.
First time picture book writers and sisters-in-law, Phillipa Soo and Maris Pasquale Doran along with acclaimed illustrator Qin Leng have created a cheerful intergenerational and stunning story that inspires confidence in the face of nervousness
New York Times Bestseller
Bear Finds Eggs
by Karma WilsonBear and his friends hunt for missing eggs in this new picture book adventure in the bestselling series.
Mama Meadowlark can’t find her eggs! Bear and his friends pitch in to help and search high and low. Each time they find an egg, they paint it with bright colors so they don’t lose it again and add it to Hare’s handy basket. Will they be able to return all the eggs to their mother?
Advisory: Bookshare has learned that this book offers only partial accessibility. We have kept it in the collection because it is useful for some of our members. Benetech is actively working on projects to improve accessibility issues such as these.
New York Times Bestseller
Girls of the World
by Michael Tyler and Linsey DavisEncourage children to use their voices, talents, and intelligence to help the world and raise awareness of girls and all the amazing things they do! An inspiration for readers of all ages, New York Times bestseller Girls of the World: Doing More Than Ever Before calls attention to the truth that it’s never too soon to become aware of and speak up about things that are important to you. Now is the perfect time for girls to show the world just who they are and what they’re capable of!
Written by ABC News anchor and bestselling author Linsey Davis, together with co-author Michael Tyler, Girls of the World invites us to celebrate the equality and fairness we should all experience. It encourages girls to be strong, brave, and curious about the world and their place in it.
Girls of the World:
Features inspiring, motivating rhymes from Emmy award-winning ABC News anchor and New York Times bestselling authors Linsey Davis and Michael Tyler
Advisory: Bookshare has learned that this book offers only partial accessibility. We have kept it in the collection because it is useful for some of our members. Benetech is actively working on projects to improve accessibility issues such as these.
New York Times Bestseller
Just Try It!
by Phil Rosenthal and Lily RosenthalFrom Netflix star and New York Times bestselling author Phil Rosenthal and his daughter Lily comes a hilarious picture book about a food-loving dad encouraging his picky eater daughter to just try something new.
Phil has one rule about food: try everything at least once. Otherwise, how will you know what you like? His daughter Lil disagrees. She already knows what she likes—just bread and pasta with no sauce—and that&’s all there is to it! When the two go to a food truck festival, Phil tries introducing Lil to all kinds of delicious cuisine, but she doesn’t budge. Just when it looks like it’s going to be a very long day, an unexpected mustard accident changes everything.
Advisory: Bookshare has learned that this book offers only partial accessibility. We have kept it in the collection because it is useful for some of our members. Benetech is actively working on projects to improve accessibility issues such as these.
New York Times Bestseller
Hope Is a Rainbow
by Hoda Kotb and Chloe DominiqueFrom #1 New York Times bestselling author and cohost of NBC's TODAY Hoda Kotb comes a new book about finding hope in ordinary places.
What do you hope for? What do you dream?Hoda Kotb's new book is a lyrical celebration of hope in children and teaching the youngest readers how to reach for their dreams—whether they are as big as the night sky or as small as a bowl of purple ice cream.
It's a lesson in optimism and what a positive outlook can bring.
With beautiful and timeless illustrations by Chloe Dominique, Hope Is a Rainbow is a can't-miss book for any child who dares to dream. It's a story that honors the childlike wonder and curiosity that exists in all of us, young and old.
New York Times Bestseller
Happy St. Patrick's Day from the Crayons
by Drew DaywaltThe hilarious crayons from the #1 New York Times bestselling The Day the Crayons Quit are ready to celebrate St. Patrick's Day!
St. Patrick's Day is almost here, and Green Crayon would like a break! (After all, he JUST had to carry a heavy load during Christmas...) His friends try to take over, but what's a leprechaun without green clothing? And a four-leaf clover can't be blue! And how in the world can the crayons make a rainbow without their good friend Green?
A humorous, small hardcover St. Patrick's Day story from everyone's favorite school supplies.
New York Times Bestseller
Grumpy Monkey Spring Fever
by Suzanne LangEveryone’s favorite grump, Jim Panzee, star of the bestselling Grumpy Monkey series, has caught a bad case of spring fever and wakes up feeling very silly in this delightful new picture book.
When Jim runs through the jungle laughing and shouting with glee, the other animals are very concerned. This just isn’t the grumpy Jim they know. Soon Norman diagnoses Jim with a bad case of spring fever and tells Jim that he needs to find a cure. The other jungle animals offer suggestions: Take a calming breath! Sniff lavender! Take a nap! Try a time-out! Jim tries everything to get his grump back, but when nothing works, it becomes contagious and the other animals catch spring fever too. Soon the jungle erupts into a silly celebration of springtime as they all join in the fun.
From the bestselling team Suzanne and Max Lang comes another fun filled adventure starring the beloved chaacter Jim Panzee. Lively illustrations offering a belly laugh on every spread will delight the many Grumpy Monkey fans.
New York Times Bestseller
Zilot and Other Important Rhymes
by Bob Odenkirk and Erin Odenkirk and Nate Odenkirk and Naomi OdenkirkEmmy Award-winning and New York Times bestselling writer, comedian, and actor Bob Odenkirk and his daughter, illustrator Erin Odenkirk, present poetic nonsense for all ages perfect for fans of Shel Silverstein and Jack Prelutsky!
Bob Odenkirk began writing these poems with his children when they were little, compiling the poetry into a homemade book entitled Olde Time Rhymes. He wanted Nate and Erin to understand that actual people had written the books the family loved to read and to instill in them the feeling that they could be writers and illustrators themselves. Almost twenty years later, when the Odenkirks found themselves quarantined under the same roof, they revisited these mostly silly, sometimes poignant works. It wasn't until Erin began to create illustrations to accompany the words, though, that the book grew to be something much bigger than an Odenkirk family treasure.
From the titular made-up word for a blanket fort, an adorable dog with a penchant for the zoomies, and a father teaching his kids how umbrellas work, the subjects of these works, complemented by Erin’s whimsical and detailed linework, come alive on these pages. Featuring over seventy poems, Zilot & Other Important Rhymes will delight readers young and old.
Why A Daughter Needs A Dad
by Gregory E. LangA New York Times and USA Today bestseller! The perfect Christmas gift of love or sweet keepsake for a daughter of any age to show why Dad is so amazing! This new picture book for kids ages 3-7 and beyond is a touching story showing all the ways a father will help his daughter grow. This is the gift for every girl dad and little girl to celebrate their special bond! Featuring charming animal illustrations and heartwarming rhymes about the moments fathers and daughters share, Why a Daughter Needs a Dad is the perfect story to connect father and child together.
We Don't Lose Our Class Goldfish (Penelope Rex Series #3)
by Ryan T. HigginsWhen Penelope Rex brings home Walter, the class goldfish, for the weekend, she is not sure how to feel, but when Walter goes missing, Penelope searches high and low for her fishy classmate.
How to Catch a Daddysaurus (How to Catch... Series)
by Alice WalsteadThe newest addition in the New York Times and USA Today bestselling How to Catch series―do YOU have the rad skills needed to catch the mystical Daddysaurus? The How to Catch Kids are at it again! This time, they're out to trap the Daddysaurus―a mystical creature capable of such amazing acts of kindness, bravery, brilliance and humor. The kids try to trap the creature with all his favorite activities, but will they succeed? Maybe all they need is a little sweetness to make this awesome Daddysaurus appear! The perfect gift for children ages 4-10 to share with Dad at Father's Day, Christmas, and beyond, this fun dinosaur picture book is filled with silly rhymes and illustrations sure to delight young readers and educators alike with STEAM concepts and classic hilarity and chaos.
Why a Son Needs a Dad
by Gregory E. LangA New York Times and USA Today bestseller! The perfect Valentine's Day gift of love or sweet keepsake to show why Dad is so amazing! A boy's first hero is his dad. A touching picture book for kids ages 3-7 and beyond showcasing all the ways a father will help his son grow, this is the gift for every dad and little boy to celebrate their special bond. Featuring charming animal illustrations and heartwarming rhymes about the loving moments fathers and sons share, Why a Son Needs a Dad is the perfect story to connect father and child together.
The Skull
by Jon KlassenCaldecott Medalist and New York Times best-selling author-illustrator Jon Klassen delivers a deliciously macabre treat for folktale fans. Jon Klassen's signature wry humor takes a turn for the ghostly in this thrilling retelling of a traditional Tyrolean folktale. In a big abandoned house, on a barren hill, lives a skull. A brave girl named Otilla has escaped from terrible danger and run away, and when she finds herself lost in the dark forest, the lonely house beckons. Her host, the skull, is afraid of something too, something that comes every night. Can brave Otilla save them both? Steeped in shadows and threaded with subtle wit—with rich, monochromatic artwork and an illuminating author’s note—The Skull is as empowering as it is mysterious and foreboding.