Picture book writers are almost always also avid picture book readers - and wow do they have GREAT recommendations.
For the past few years, I’ve queried lots of picture book writers (and some librarians, too!) who I admire, asking for their favorite title of the year. Creating this end-of-year round up is such a joy for me. I love seeing what books light other people up, which always leads to the discovery of new titles to check out… books that might have otherwise escaped my attention, which I do not care for at all. I want to read all the books!
Interested in previous years’ picks? Find them here!
The 2020 Picture Book Picks list is as beautiful as it is engaging and powerful. Have a look, then find the titles at your local library or bookseller! (And be sure to check out each curators’ books, too. You’ll be very glad that you did!)
Now, for that list…
2020 Picture Book Picks
Weshoyot Alvitre (@weshoyot), illustrator of the 2020 American Indian Youth Literature Award honor book AT THE MOUNTAIN’S BASE, recommends WAA’AKA’: THE BIRD WHO FELL IN LOVE WITH THE SUN by Cindi Alvitre, illustrated by Carly Lake (Heyday Books): I chose this book for a variety of reasons: The illustrations by Carly Lake are bold and beautifully rendered painted renditions of our birds and plants here in Southern California. The story by Cindi Alvitre is a modern tale which opens the door to combine both our traditional oral storytelling history as Tongva people, but breaks down doors to show how we have the potential to create new stories for our children and grandchildren. The combination is a fresh take on teaching stories which creates a bridge for non-Native readers to learn more about the Indigenous people of Southern California and their relationships with the native world that surrounds them.
Hayley Barrett (@hayleybwrites), author of 2020 picture book releases THE TINY BAKER and GIRL VERSUS SQUIRREL, recommends SEVEN GOLDEN RINGS by Rajani Larocca, illustrated by Archana Sreenivasan (Lee & Low Books): SEVEN GOLDEN RINGS is visually gorgeous and delightfully intelligent, not to mention heartwarming. It's lovely.
Ariel Berstein (@ArielBBooks), author of I HAVE A BALLOON and WHERE IS MY BALLOON? and the upcoming 2021 release WE LOVE FISHING!, recommends THE PASSOVER MOUSE by Joy Nelkin Wieder, illustrated by Shahar Kober (Doubleday Books for Young Readers): It’s a funny, heart warming and truly original take on Passover that can be enjoyed any time of the year by every reader.
Valerie Bolling (@valerie_bolling), author of 2020 picture book LET’S DANCE!, recommends TIARA’S HAT PARADE by Kelly Starling Lyons, illustrated by Nicole Tadgell (Albert Whitman): This is one of my favorite stories. The language in the book is beautiful. Lines like: “Their laughter jingled like silver charms” and “… voice sharp as a hatpin. Then … hushed as a feather.” Not only is the language captivating, but the touching story grabs a hold of the reader and doesn’t let go. I love that the story features the determined, innovative spirit of a young girl! When her mother is forced to close her hat shop, Tiara finds a creative, thoughtful way to bring the joy back to her mother and celebrate her as a milliner. Tiara has clearly inherited her mother’s entrepreneurial gene!
Shannon Bramer (@brokencloudco), author of the 2019 picture book CLIMBING SHADOWS: POEMS FOR CHILDREN , recommends ONCE I WAS A BEAR by Irene Luxbacher (Scholastic): In ONCE I WAS A BEAR, a little cub who is profoundly at home and at peace in the forest wakes from a deep slumber to discover that he is about to embark on a new journey as a little boy in a busy city. It is a story about transformation, bravery and the kindness and beauty in the world that is waiting to meet us, even if it might take a bit of time to get there, even if we must always let our hearts live in the woods where we most belong.
Anika Aldamuy Denise (@anikadenise), author of the 2020 picture book A GIRL NAMED ROSITA, and 2019 titles BUNNY IN THE MIDDLE, PLANTING STORIES and THE LOVE LETTER, recommends YOUR NAME IS A SONG linked by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow, illustrated by Luisa Uribe (Innovation Press): All through my life, teachers, classmates, friends, and colleagues have had trouble pronouncing my name. I wish I had had this book when I was a girl, that celebrates the lyrical beauty and history of African, Latinx, Middle Eastern, Asian, and any non-Anglo names. It's a beautifully written and illustrated celebration of diversity and cultural identity.
Raissa Figueroa (@rizzyfig), illustrator of two books coming out in January 2021 - WE WAIT FOR THE SUN by Kate McCabe and OONA by Kelly DiPucchio - recommends LIFT by Minh Le, illustrated by Dan Santat (Little, Brown Books for Young Readers): I just discovered his (Le) book DRAWN TOGETHER earlier this year, and it evokes so many feelings of my childhood in particular that I just had to buy his other works! LIFT has the pair teaming up again (I’m also in love with Dan’s illustrations) and doesn’t disappoint. The story is just a breath of fresh air-a delight to the imagination!
Josh Funk (@joshfunkbooks), author of 2020 picture book releases SHORT & SWEET: LADY PANCAKE & SIR FRENCH TOAST, WHERE IS OUR LIBRARY?: A STORY OF PATIENCE AND FORTITUDE and IT’S NOT LITTLE RED RIDING HOOD recommends GRANDPA GRUMPS by Katrina Moore, illustrated by Xindi Yan (little bee books): GRANDPA GRUMPS is a super cute book about a little girl whose grandpa visits from China. While Grandpa speaks a different language, isn't interested in kid-friendly things, and generally appears grumpy, the two of them slowly bond in unexpected ways (a little food always helps). This book makes a great read aloud over a zoom with grandparents (or grandchildren) you haven't seen in a while and for anyone who likes uplifting, beautifully written, and gorgeously illustrated picture books.
Jenna Grodzicki (@jennawritesPB), author of 2020 picture book release WILD STYLE: AMAZING ANIMAL ADORNMENTS, and 2019 title I SEE SEA FOOD: SEA CREATURES THAT LOOK LIKE FOOD, recommends MAMIE ON THE MOUND: A WOMAN IN BASEBALL’S NEGRO LEAGUES by Leah Henderson, illustrated by George Doutsiopoulos (Capstone): As a huge baseball fan, I absolutely loved this book. Mamie Johnson was so much more than a baseball player. She broke down racial and gender barriers and paved the way for future female African American players. The combination of thoughtful prose and expressive artwork make this a home run.
Alastair Heim (@alastairheim), author of 2020 release IF I HAD YOUR VOTE BY CAT IN THE HAT and the upcoming 2021 picture book QUIET DOWN LOUD TOWN!, recommends THE BARNABUS PROJECT by The Fan Brothers (Tundra Books): I have been a fan of The Fan Brothers since one of my children pointed to The Night Gardener on the shelves of a local bookstore in 2016 – when I asked her what book we should get. The Barnabus Project is, in my opinion, a master class on artistry, craft, and storytelling for any and all aspiring author/illustrators. I cannot draw to save my life, but if I could, this book is what I would aspire to.
Joshua C. Heinsz (@JCHeinsz), illustrator of 2019 release EXCEPT WHEN THEY DON’T and 2020 picture book FROG BOOTS, recommends STARCROSSED by Julia Denos (HMH Books for Young Readers): The power of wishes has always been a narrative draw for me, and as a big Julia Denos fan, I couldn’t have been more excited about her take on this subject in her latest book Star Crossed. The friendship shared between Acamar and Eridani is pure magic and reflected so perfectly in Julia’s breathtaking watercolor illustrations of the stars and beyond. A true work of art narratively and visually, this book is an absolute must for any dreamer’s bookshelf!
Anna Kang (@annakang27), author of ERASER and the "NOT” series, including 2020 release IT IS (NOT) PERFECT, recommends I TALK LIKE A RIVER by Jordan Scott, illustrated by Sydney Smith (Neal Porter Books): I TALK LIKE A RIVER is one of the most beautiful picture books I've read this year. in a time when there is so much negativity, this book stands out as beautiful and empathetic, without being cloying or preachy. The lyrical text and gorgeous watercolors work hand-in-hand to capture the boy's frustration and sadness. I love how the author uses elements of nature to reflect his inner struggle and, ultimately, his epiphany.
Supriya Kelkar (@supriyakelkar_), author of 2019 picture book THE MANY COLORS OF HARPREET SINGH and upcoming 2021 release BINDU’S BINDIS, recommends OUTSIDE IN by Deborah Underwood, illustrated by Cindy Derby (HMH Books for Young Readers): OUTSIDE IN is a gorgeously illustrated, moving picture book about reconnecting with the outdoors. It was so gentle and profound, I found myself reading it over and over again.
Kelly Starling Lyons (@kelstarly), author of 2020 picture book TIARA’S HAT PARADE and early reader series TY’S TRAVELS, and 2020 Caldecott Medal winner GOING DOWN HOME WITH DADDY, recommends I AM EVERY GOOD THING by Derrick Barnes, illustrated by Gordon C. James (Nancy Paulsen Books): Like their masterpiece, Crown, I Am Every Good Thing is a jewel that lets Black boys know they're seen, heard and loved. Bursting with confidence and conviction, this powerful picture book deserves a place on every shelf. It brings me joy each time I read it.
Ishta Mercurio (@IshtaWrites), author of 2019 release SMALL WORLD, recommends LITTLE THIEF! CHOTA CHOR! written by Vijaya Bodach, and illustrated by Nayantara Surendranath (Reycraft Books): I just love the clever, clear-headed heroine in this book. And the way it acknowledges that some moments in childhood can be scary, but shows young readers how to cope with that fear and move through it, is really wonderful.
Jerome Pumphrey (@wjpumphrey), illustrator of the 2020 picture book release THE OLD TRUCK, recommends A POLAR BEAR IN THE SNOW by Mac Barnett, illustrated by Shawn Harris (Candlewick): This is a gentle poetic story, told with spare text and beautiful intricately crafted illustrations. The illustrations were created using cut paper and interesting lighting techniques. It’s deceptively simple and rewarding to re-read. Definitely a stand-out.
Cynthia Leitich Smith (@CynLeitichSmith), author of 2020 American Indian Youth Literature Award winning novel HEARTS UNBROKEN and editor of the 2021 release ANCESTOR APPROVED: INTERTRIBAL STORIES FOR KIDS recommends WE ARE WATER PROTECTORS by Carole Lindstrom, illustrated by Michaela Goade (Roaring Brook): An exquisite pairing of deeply resonant, lyrical text and breathtaking, evocative illustrations birthed one of the most powerful picture books ever published—a proudly Indigenous call to action, a glittering literary triumph, a must-read for every child, family, classroom and community.
Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow (@jtbigelow), author of 2018 release MOMMY’S KHIMAR and 2020 picture book YOUR NAME IS A SONG, recommends MAGNIFICENT HOMESPUN BROWN: A CELEBRATION by Samara Cole Doyon, illustrated by Kaylani Juanita (Tilbury House Publishers): This book is poetry and wonder and love. The vivid yet soft language and illustrations depict the beauty and joy of Black children.
Kataneh Vahdani (@KatanehV), author and illustrator of 2020 picture book KAT AND JUJU and upcoming stories in the KAT AND JUJU series, recommends THE BOY, THE MOLE, THE FOX AND THE HORSE by Charlie Mackesy (HarperOne): This book has a heartbeat! The words are like poetry to the ears and the outstanding strong illustrations dance beautifully with the story. I want to frame each page.
Mia Wenjen (@PragmaticMom), author of 2019 picture book SUMO JOE, co-creator of Multicultural Children’s Book Day, and host of the Pragmatic Mom blog, recommends NO STEPS BEHIND: BEATE SIROTA GORDON’S BATTLE FOR WOMEN’S RIGHTS IN JAPAN by Jeff Gottesfeld, illustrated by Shiella Witanto (Creston Books): In 1929, A young Jewish girl, Beate Sirota Gordon, immigrated to Japan from Austria with her family to escape anti-Semitism. Because she spoke Japanese and understood the culture like a native, she would be asked to help write Japan's new Constitution after the war. At a time when girls could be sold or forced to marry, Beate's proposed new law gave Japanese women more rights than American women had at the time.
Beate was a hidden figure until now because the U.S. considered her role in writing Japan's Constitution a security issue. While the U.S. rounded up Japanese Americans and put them in prison camps, Japan was doing the same thing to foreign ex-pats living there, including Beate's parents. Her parents' imprisonment prompted Beate to return to Japan to search for them. One young person, with just the strength of her convictions, made life more just for generations of Japanese women. "All of the people are equal under the law and there shall be no discrimination in political, economic or social relations because of race, creed, sex, social status, or family origin." -- From Article 14, Japanese Constitution
I hope you enjoyed the 2020 Picture Book Picks roundup and found some new titles for your next library or bookstore haul! And if you’re a Twitter person, visit the hashtag #PBchat from 8 to 10 p.m. EASTERN (7 to 9 p.m. CENTRAL) on Dec. 23, as PB Debut Troupe 21 (my picture book debut group!) joins #PBchat host Justin Colón for a Twitter Holiday Party - for picture book prompts, giveaways, games and more!
Wishing you the very best this holiday season, and a Happy New Year, too!
Anitra