These are the nominated titles for the current 2025 award year. All books on this page were published between November 16, 2023 and November 15, 2024. All of these books have strong early literacy messages or modeling and could be used in storytime, one-on-one with a child, or in helping caregivers support the early literacy of their children.
Titles are organized by the early literacy practices: READ, WRITE, TALK, SING, PLAY.
The shortlist has been announced. The award winners will be announced in early 2025.
READ
READ Criteria
Reading aloud to children is the single most important activity for building all early literacy skills and preparing children to read on their own. Reading shortlist and winning titles will be a collection of books that demonstrate great shared reading practices, show that books can affect lives profoundly, and allow children to practice age-appropriate pre-reading behaviors themselves.
We look for stories about the reading experience, the value of reading, that model great reading behaviors, celebrate books, reading, and literacy, and/or are about loving the library, and loving books.
Books nominated for READ
READ – No Cats in the Library
By Lauren Emmons — March 5, 2024 — Paula Wiseman Books, an imprint of Simon & Schuster
Clarisse is a clever cat who loves books and must find a way into the library.
READ – You Can Read to Me!
By Francesco Sedita, illustrated by Arin Gentry and Clare Crosh — May 1, 2024 — Blue Manatee Press
A sweet, simple story featuring photographs of diverse families reading with their infants during the formative first months of life.
READ – My Book and Me
By Linda Sue Park, illustrated by Chris Raschka — June 4, 2024 — Red Comet Press
“My Book and Me” invites us to reflect on beloved books which are friends we hold dear; books we read over and again; books that may take us to places afar to experience the world in different ways, and books that comfort and reassure us.
READ – Abuela’s Library
By Lissette Norman, illustrated by Jayri Gómez — June 11, 2024 — HarperCollins
Alfonso and Abuela love to spend Saturday afternoons reading books together beneath their favorite oak tree. But when their beloved tree is cut down, can Alfonso transform the stump into something magical for their whole community?
READ – I Lived Inside a Whale
By Xin Li — February 20, 2024 — Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
This is a story of friendship and finding your own voice in a world that is “filled with too much of everything, everywhere.”
READ – The Plant Rescuer
By Matthew Rivera — May 21, 2024 — Neal Porter Books
Manny harnesses love, determination, and a visit to the library to care for his first plant and make his gardener father proud.
READ – Go and Get with Rex
By David LaRochelle, illustrated by Mike Wohnoutka — May 7, 2024 — Candlewick
Jack, Jill, and Rex are excited to play a game of Go and Get! The rules are simple: on the count of three, each player must go and get something that begins with a certain letter. It’s a rousing alphabetical exercise in thinking outside the box.
READ – When You Love a Book
By Kaz Windness, illustrated by Heather Brockman Lee — May 21, 2024 — Flamingo Books
When You Love a Book is a poetic ode to readers and the way the stories we read as children have the ability to shape our lives forever. Includes nods to some of the most beloved children’s books of all time.
READ – The Invisible Story
By Jaime Gamboa and Wen Hsu Chen — April 2, 2024 — Lantana Publishing
One day, a reader who is blind approaches the story’s trembling pages. This reader is unlike any reader the secret story has ever encountered. And when she runs her fingertips over the book’s white pages, the secret story is astonished by what she finds.
READ – Once Upon a Friend
By Dan Gemeinhart, illustrated by ShinYeon Moon — June 18, 2024 — Henry Holt and Company
Once Upon a Friend is an imaginative ode to the beloved fictional characters who we never leave behind.
READ – I Want to Read All the Books
By Debbie Ridpath Ohi — September 17, 2024 — Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
Hana discovers the wonderful world of books, but what happens when she wants to read every single book in existence?
READ – A Love Letter to My Library
By Lisa Katzenberger, illustrated by Rob Sayegh, Jr. — June 4, 2024 — Sourcebooks Explore
A heartwarming picture book love letter to libraries and all the moments that make them so special!
READ – Words Are Magic!
By Zaila Avant-garde — January 2, 2024 — Random House Books for Young Readers
New readers will find joyful encouragement in this level 1 easy reader that sings out about the magic of words.
READ – My Friend LeVar
By Ezra Edmond, illustrated by Jenna Nahyun Chung — October 1, 2024 — Charlesbridge
Celebrate the joy of reading and imagination with Ezra; he loves discovering new picture books with his friend LeVar Burton, whom he knows from TV!
READ – All the Books
By Hayley Rocco and John Rocco — October 1, 2024 — Little Brown Books for Young Readers
Piper Waterstone loves her books. So much so, that she cannot, will not, share them with anyone. That is, until a friendly librarian presents Piper with a magical card that will give her all the books she could ever dream of . . . as long as she shares them with all her book-loving neighbors.
READ – Dogs Love Books, Too
By Maria Coco — November 12, 2024 — Bloomsbury Children’s Books
Discover all the possibilities in this delightful story about the joys of reading and companionship, perfect for both book and dog lovers!
WRITE
WRITE Criteria
Writing skills develop in tandem with reading skills and help children build on the key insight that print has meaning. Writing shortlist and winning titles present a variety of ways young children experiment with intentional mark-making: drawing pictures, interpreting their own marks, and using different types of print, such as lists and notes.
We look for books that show children the power of writing and drawing, or demonstrate that developmentally appropriate writing skills also include scribbling, scratching with a stick, tracing shapes with your finger, or movement activities such as lift the flaps or exploring tactile pages.
Books nominated for WRITE
WRITE – Between Two Windows
By Keisha Morris — January 2, 2024 — HarperCollins
Between two windows, Kayla and Mateo pass drawings of dinosaurs back and forth, back and forth, back and forth…until a story comes to life and the worlds of two friends come together.
WRITE – A Garland of Henna
By Varsha Bajaj, illustrated by Archana Sreenivasan – June 11, 2024 — Nancy Paulsen Books
Nikita is from a long line of henna artists. But the first time Nikita tries to make henna art, the mehndi paste looks like an ugly blob, and she feels like giving up.
WRITE – Leo and the Pink Marker
By Mariyka Foster — May 21, 2024 — Peachtree
Leo LOVES doodling away with his pink marker! A splash of pink would look great on that crunched-up convertible, and that magnet crane…and the family cat. Uh-oh! Leo got carried away. Will his moms be upset?
WRITE – A Letter to My Best Friend
By Yangsook Choi — July 9, 2024 — Farrar, Straus and Giroux
Fueled by wonderful memories of his former home, Jihun uses his creativity to craft a letter for his best friend, Oto. The result is nothing short of extraordinary and opens a door for Jihun to make new friends.
WRITE – A Rainbow in Brown
By Pavonis Giron — March 5, 2024 — Henry Holt and Company
Jo wants to paint all the wonderful things she loves. With a palette of red, yellow, and blue, Jo knows she can mix any colors together to create new ones. Her imagination takes flight as she explores painting with primary and by mixing her own secondary colors, each picture as beautiful as the last.
WRITE – Programmed to Paint
By Mauricio Abril — January 16, 2024 — Penguin Workshop
A perfectionist robot taps into his creativity to make his art more than a carbon copy.
WRITE – Left Hand, Right Hand
By Doris Elys — June 25, 2024 — Little Simon
Little ones learn to tell their right hand from their left hand, all while exploring fun textures!
WRITE – Good Night, National Parks
By Doris Elys — June 25, 2024 — Little Simon
This interactive boardbook prompts, with 9 slide-action pages, kids to the explore the national parks by watching shooting stars and colorful sunsets, counting hoodoos and fireflies, and hooting like owls and howling like wolves.
WRITE – I’m Sorry You Got Mad
By Kyle Lukoff, illustrated by Julie Kwon — August 27, 2024 — Dial Books
Elevated by equally charming illustrations and text, “I’m Sorry You Got Mad” is a journey in learning the importance of an apology that goes deeper than just words.
WRITE – The Shape of Things: How Mapmakers Picture Our World
By Dean Robbins, illustrated by Matt Tavares — August 20, 2024 — Knopf Books for Young Readers
See how mapmakers used their hands and tools throughout history to chart our world for the better.
WRITE – How to Draw a Brave Chicken
By Ethan T. Berlin, illustrated by Jimbo Matison — August 27, 2024 — Hippo Park
Follow these simple instructions for drawing a brave chicken: Draw an oval, two dots for eyes, triangles for the beak, lines for legs, and some wings. Easy enough. But wait . . . where is the chicken?
WRITE – Dot! Scribble! Go!
By Hervé Tullet, illustrated by Jimbo Matison — October 8, 2024 — Chronicle Books
Each reader will be convinced that their hand is magic and capable of transforming a few simple lines, squiggles, dots, and shapes into . . . well, pretty much anything they can imagine!
WRITE – My Hands Can
By Ammi-Joan Paquette, illustrated by Sabrena Khadija — May 7, 2024 — Rise x Penguin Workshop
Hands can do some amazing things. Read this board book to find out!
WRITE – Let’s Go Home, Baby Shark
By Carolina Búzio — May 7, 2024 — Nosy Crow
Help the baby animals find their way home in this fun new sliding counter series!
WRITE – Baby on Board: Tractor
By Sebastien Braun — June 4, 2024 — Candlewick Press
Climb aboard the tractor in this novelty series about things that go! With tabs to slide and wheels to spin, little ones will love making the tractor move on every page.
WRITE – Feel Calm
By Andy J. Pizza and Sophie Miller — October 1, 2024 — Chronicle Books
This hands-on board book leads toddlers on a whimsical and reassuring journey from chaos to calm.
WRITE – Beto’s Berry Treasure
By Andy J. Pizza and Sophie Miller — October 1, 2024 — Chronicle Books
Beto makes a map to a delicious hidden treasure. But Cora ends up in the wrong place! Will Cora find the treasure before Beto eats it all? A playful exploration of mapping, featuring Chicanx (Mexican American) characters and a glossary of Spanish words.
TALK
TALK Criteria
Talking is a foundational early literacy practice, providing ongoing experience with oral language, and allowing children to develop the background knowledge about the world that leads to greater comprehension of the texts they encounter. Talking shortlist and winning titles include books that encourage conversations, foster language play, and model creative adult-child dialog.
We look for books that are all about age-appropriate conversations, about the value of spoken communication, or are books that make it easy to have conversations with children while you read.
Books nominated for TALK
TALK – What’s New, Daniel?
By Micha Archer — February 20, 2024 — Nancy Paulsen Books
“What’s new?” We casually say this to each other all the time, but when Daniel’s grandpa asks him this question, Daniel’s curiosity is sparked and he’s determined to really find out!
TALK – Kadooboo: A Silly South Indian Folktale
By Shruthi Rao, illustrated by Darshkia Varma — February 6, 2024 — Page Street Kids
Kadooboo! Golden brown, puffy, sweet, and crunchy, it’s fresh from the pan―a delicious treat! This modern retelling of a South Indian folktale is about friends, family, and food―the perfect recipe for a satisfying story time.
TALK – Popo & MeiMei Can Help
By Cathy Wu — April 23, 2024 — Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Here is a heartwarming and poignant intergenerational story touching on themes of dependence and independence that is about language, love, and the fact that actions ultimately speak loudest of all.
TALK – The Boy Who Said Wow
By Todd Boss, illustrated by Rashin Kheiriyeh — April 2, 2024 — Beach Lane Books
Inspired by the beautiful true story of a nonverbal boy moved to speech at his first Mozart concert, this picture book is a testament to the power of art and the boundless joy it can bring.
TALK – Butterfly on the Wind
By Adam Pottle, illustrated by Ziyue Chen — March 12, 2024 — Roaring Book Press
A magical picture book about a Deaf girl who creates a butterfly with Sign Language and sends it on a journey around the world.
TALK – ¡Hola, cara! Hello, Face!
By Aya Khalil — April 2, 2024 — Barefoot Books
Hello, smiling face! From laughing to cooing, from sneezing to yawning, join baby in discovering what expressive eyes, noses, and mouths can do. Bilingual in English and Spanish.
TALK – I Can Say Mama
By Stephanie Cohen — March 26, 2024 — Sourcebooks Explore
Each page features simple words and “Mama” phrases that are easy for little ones to imitate, and can be used and practiced throughout daily routines
TALK – I Can Say Dada
By Stephanie Cohen — March 26, 2024 — Sourcebooks Explore
Babies and toddlers will learn to say “Dada!” and other first words with this adorable and fun-to-read board book created by an early speech expert!
TALK – I Can Say Goodnight
By Stephanie Cohen — October 1, 2024 — Sourcebooks Explore
Teach speech skills as you get ready for bed!
TALK – Mara Hears in Style
By Terri Clemmons, illustrated by Lucy Rogers — February 27, 2024 — Beaming Books
Mara takes on the world with her flashy purple hearing aids and sassy, hot pink earmolds.
TALK – OnomatoPanda
By Janik Coat — July 16, 2024 — Harry N. Abrams
In this oversize board book, young readers will learn about onomatopoeia via a very humorous panda.
TALK – Monster Hands
By Karen Kane and Jonaz Mc Millan, illustrated by Dion MBD — May 7, 2024 — Nancy Paulsen Books
Two best friends use rhyming ASL to help vanquish their fear of the monster under the bed in this fun, interactive bedtime readaloud.
TALK – Partly Cloudy
By Deborah Freedman — March 5, 2024 — Viking Books for Young Readers
Two curious bunnies enjoy watching clouds go by. But when they look at the sky, they each see something completely different!
TALK – Play With Me
By Kat Chen, illustrated by Lorraine Nam — April 2, 2024 — Rise x Penguin Workshop
A child invites you to a picnic playdate. See what fun things you’ll discover and talk about together!
TALK – Pasta Pasta Lotsa Pasta
By Aimee Lucido, illustrated by Mavisu Demirag — July 2, 2024 — Beach Lane Books
A family dinner gets out of hand as guest after guest arrives with a different pasta request in this delectable and rambunctious rhyming picture book. How much pasta is too much pasta?
TALK – Old Clothes for Dinner?!
By Nathalie Alonso, illustrated by Natalia Rojas Castro — March 12, 2024 — Barefoot Books
Magaly loves the yummy Cuban food her Abuela has been cooking since arriving from Havana, but when Magaly’s sweater goes missing, she discovers that Abuela is making ropa vieja for dinner.
TALK – Bye Land, Bye Sea
By Rene Spencer and Rodolfo Montalvo — April 30, 2024 — Roaring Book Press
Two children from different backgrounds show that friendship has no language in this epic bilingual story about being lost and finding a friend who understands.
READ: ¡Hola, barriguita! / Hello, Tummy!
By Aya Khalil — April 2, 2024 — Barefoot Books
From tummy time to snack time, from burps to giggles, join baby in discovering what round little bellies can do in English and Spanish.
TALK – Poppy’s Family Patterns
By Lauren Semmer — June 18, 2024 — Crown Books for Young Readers
Poppy’s stuffed bunny’s dress rips and Poppy is sad. Mama has an idea to bring all the scraps of fabric from their family’s history out to make bunny a new dress.
TALK – Next Level: A Hymn in Gratitude for Neurodiversity
By Samara Cole Doyon, illustrated by Kaylani Juanita — April 16, 2024 — Tilbury House Publishers
Told from the loving perspective of a mother of a child with autism, Next Level shows the full humanity of people who move through the world and communicate in their own unique, complete, and powerful way.
TALK – If You Run Out of Words
By Felicita Sala — April 9, 2024 — Harry N. Abrams
In this imaginative bedtime story, a father reassures his daughter of the fantastical lengths he’d go to in order to show his love
TALK – Insha’Allah, No, Maybe So
By Rhonda Roumani and Nadia Roumani, illustrated by Olivia Aserr — May 14, 2024 — Holiday House
What does “Insha’Allah” really mean? In this warmly illustrated picture book, Ranya and her mom tackle the meaning of the powerful phrase and ponder the best way to talk about their hopes and dreams—and maybe, sometimes, the things they want to put off.
TALK – Ready to Soar
By Cori Doerrfeld — March 12, 2024 — Dial Books
Riley wants to fly a paper airplane, but the birds in the sky keep telling Riley it needs to be bigger, fancier, better. Riley finally listens to their own heart and finds the joy to soar.
TALK – Genius in a High Chair
By Rosemary Wells — September 17, 2024 — Simon & Schuster / Paula Wiseman Books
Little Koko’s head is an inbox. Everything fits inside, Mom’s bath time song, Daddy’s breakfast yogurt song, and every other word they say!
TALK – Hello Day
By Charlie Mylie — April 16, 2024 — Harry N. Abrams
When a father and child finally get out of the house, the toddler says “hello” to everything from a snack to a squirrel to a sidewalk puddle.
TALK – The Thingamajig
By Rilla Alexander — March 26, 2024 — Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
A young elephant is on the case to find the miscellaneous objects their animal neighbors have lost in this playful and whimsical humdinger of a picture book.
TALK – Get the Giggles
By Andy J. Pizza and Sophie Miller — October 1, 2024 — Chronicle Books
With this book in hand, take a moment to be silly, boost your mood, and experience joy and connection through laughter.
TALK – I Like Your Chutzpah
By Suzy Ultman — September 17, 2024 — Rise x Penguin Workshop
Learn popular Yiddish words that we use in our vernacular vocabulary with bright, whimsical illustrations.
TALK – The Boy Who Found His Voice
By Tyler Gordon — June 25, 2024 — Farrar, Straus and Giroux
From teen activist and artistic prodigy Tyler Gordon comes a heartwarming picture book inspired by his own life about a boy with a speech difference who learns the power of self-expression through art.
TALK – Look
By Gabi Snyder, illustrated by Samantha Cotterill — April 16, 2024 — Simon & Schuster / Paula Wiseman Books
The natural world is full of patterns to enjoy for those who can ground themselves, be mindful, and truly see.
TALK – Our Woolly Bear
By Katie Arthur — March 12, 2024 — OwlKids
Two sisters discover the seasons and the natural world through their connection with a woolly caterpillar.
TALK – Joyful Song: A Naming Story
By Lesléa Newman, illustrated by Susan Gal — May 7, 2024 — Levine Querido
What a happy day! Zachary’s baby sister will have her naming ceremony. In the temple! With his moms, the congregation, and all their friends!
TALK – Chooch Helped
By Andrea L. Rogers, illustrated by Rebecca Lee Kunz — October 8, 2024 — Levine Querido
This is a universal story of an older sibling learning to make space for a new child, showing one Cherokee family practicing their cultural traditions.
TALK – Once Upon a Sari
By Zenia Wadhwani, illustrated by Avani Dwivedi — May 7, 2024 — Tundra Books
A picture book about a little girl who gets into her mom’s saris and makes a glorious, colorful mess and discovers the memories attached to each sari.
TALK – An Anishinaabe Christmas
By Wab Kinew, illustrated by Erin Hill — October 8, 2024 — Tundra Books
A festive, joyful Indigenous picture book that explores both Christmas traditions and Anishinaabe culture
SING
SING Criteria
Singing supports children’s oral language development of language structures, vocabulary, and phonological awareness. Singing shortlist and winning titles show families and characters who incorporate singing and music into their daily routines, or foster the exploration of rhyme, alliteration, and syllable concepts.
We look for books about singing or chanting, that have songs in them, or make it easy to sing or chant or enjoy rhythms and rhymes together while you read.
Books nominated for SING
SING – The Belly Song
By Mother Moon, illustrated by Leah Giles — July 2, 2024 — little bee books
With a QR code link to a song, irresistible illustrations, and a powerful message of love, acceptance, and kindness to our bodies, this board book is a great gift for any growing library.
SING – Bed! Bed! Bed!
By Douglas Florian, illustrated by Christiane Engel — March 5, 2024 — little bee books
Bright smiles and enthusiastic kids share their wind-down routines in this lyrical, dreamy read-aloud.
SING – Desert Song
By Laekan Zea Kemp, illustrated by Beatriz Gutiérrez Hernández — June 4, 2024 — Neal Porter Books
A family joins the music of the Texas desert night in this tale of tradition and memory. Desert Song hums and chimes with all the music a front porch and the desert beyond can hold.
SING – One Sweet Song
By Jyoti Raja Gopal, illustrated by Sonia Sánchez — January 16, 2024 — Candlewick
In an ode to the power of music and community, this vibrantly illustrated picture book steps out on the balcony for a shared moment of spontaneous joy and celebration.
SING – Love, Lah Lah
By Nailah Blackman, illustrated by Jade Orlando — January 9, 2024 — Knopf Books for Young Readers
Join Lah Lah and her papa on Carnival morning as they dance through the streets of Trinidad and Tobago, cheer on the King and Queen of the Carnival parade, and end with a grand performance onstage!
SING – Gather Round
By David Covell — March 26, 2024 — Viking Books for Young Readers
A girl and her father build a campfire together to keep the cold at bay. But as they welcome passing travelers–from musicians to animals–they create a community, fostered by a crackling fire and its comforting warmth.
SING – Jam, Too?
By JaNay Brown-Wood, illustrated by Jacqueline Alcántara — February 27, 2024 — Nancy Paulsen Books
A drum circle is forming on the beach, and one fascinated child would love to join in. Soon there’s everything from a conga’s pat-a-pat-a, pat pat to some bongos’ taka taka, ta ta—and it looks like so much fun!
SING – All Aboard the Alaska Train
By Brooke Hartman, illustrated by John Joseph — March 5, 2024 — Red Comet Books
Toot toot! Come aboard the Alaska Train for a rollicking rhyming adventure with Alaska’s favorite animals!
SING – Let’s Make Music
By Alexandra Penfold and Suzanne Kaufman — May 7, 2024 — Knopf Books for Young Readers
Dance to the rhythm of music with the beloved characters from the New York Times bestseller “All Are Welcome!” A joyous exploration of musical instruments and sounds, perfect for toddlers.
SING – Five Speckled Frogs (Sing Along With Me! series)
Traditional words, illustrated by Yu-Hsuan Huang — May 7, 2024 — Candlewick Press
Count down the colorful frogs sitting on a log, five to zero, in this interactive board book based on the beloved children’s song. A QR code links to both instrumental and vocal versions of the song.
SING – Hen in the Bed
By Katrina Charman, illustrated by Guilherme Karsten — March 19, 2024 — Nosy Crow
There were 10 in the bed and the speckled hen said, “Roll over! Roll over!” Count the funny animal friends as they noisily roll, flop, and tumble out of bed, one by one, in this clever split-page picture book.
SING – Why Do We Sing?
By Sam Tsui and Casey Breves, illustrated by Sam Tsui — April 9, 2024 — HarperCollins
Travel the world and learn about the reasons we sing—to have fun and share our stories; to pass the time and remember times past; and to come together and celebrate!
SING – I Am Wriggly
By Michael Rosen, illustrated by Robert Starling — August 20, 2024 — Candlewick Press
Melding an exuberant text by rhyming master Michael Rosen with bold and bouncing illustrations from Robert Starling, this third in a series exploring early childhood emotions is a go-to book to share with little ones.
SING – Sleep Little Dozer
By Diana Murray and Cleonique Hilsaca — June 4, 2024 — Random House
After a long day of rugged play, it’s time for Little Dozer to get ready for bed. He has a bath to wash away the mud and snuggles into bed to start counting jeep after jeep… but Dozer needs his bedtime song, and Mama isn’t home to sing it! Luckily, Papa knows most of the words…
SING – Jane Foster’s Baby’s First Stories: 4 Stories to Read Aloud
By Lily Murray — May 1, 2024 — Kane Miller
The first story collection features black-and-white art to help newborns focus and flowing, rhythmic text to soothe baby.
SING – Adela’s Mariachi Band
By Denise Vega, illustrated by Erika Rodriguez Medina — August 13, 2024 — Charlesbridge
Adela wants to be in her family’s mariachi band, but nothing seems to fit quite right. Can she find a way to participate while trying out the fun instrument sounds?
SING – Here Are the Seeds
By JaNay Brown-Wood, illustrated by Olivia Amoah — May 7, 2024 — Kids Can Press
Two children learn the rhythm of nature as they grow a garden and repeat a refrain based on “The House that Jack Built.”
SING – This is the Way in Dog Town
By Ya-Ling Huang — June 4, 2024 — Frances Lincoln Children’s Books
Sing along to this catchy rhyme, set to “Here We Go Round the Mulberry Bush”, and discover what the residents of Dogtown get up to in this delightful book of first experiences.
SING – No Bear Anywhere
By Leah Gilbert — May 14, 2024 — Bloomsbury Children’s Books
Bruin is determined to spot a bear on his walk. He makes up a song for his adventure and learns to deal with the disappointment of finding no bears anywhere.
By Lakshmi Thamizhmani, illustrated by Avani Dwivedi — August 20, 2024 — HarperCollins
From visiting with family to golu hopping and more, Navya loves everything about Navarathri—except singing in front of a crowd. She’s too afraid. Will the support of her female relatives and the goddess Durga help Navya overcome her fear?
SING – Spooky, Scary Skeletons
By Andrew Gold, illustrated by Polona Lovsin — August 27, 2024 — Random House Books for Young Readers
Follow along as five little skeletons go trick-or-treating on Halloween night. But when they take their scares too far, can a skeleton dance save the day?
SING – Goodnight Sounds
By Debbie S. Miller, illustrated by Michelle Jing Chan — October 1, 2024 — Bloomsbury Children’s Books
This soothing picture book describes nighttime sounds of all kinds, from trilling crickets to train wheels that go clickity-clack, from raindrops on a slick metal roof to the steady ticking of an old clock.
SING – The Mommies on the Bus
By Hannah Eliot, illustrated by Airin O’Callaghan — March 12, 2024 — Little Simon
Set to the tune of “The Wheels on the Bus,” this sweet and funny board book shows how mommies keep their kids entertained on the bus!
SING – The Rattlin’ Bog
Adapted by Jessica Law, illustrated by Brian Fitzgerald — April 2, 2024 — Barefoot Books
A lively adaptation of the traditional Irish folk song ‘The Rattlin’ Bog’, this musical picture book showcases the brilliant bog and the creatures that call it their home
SING – I Gotta Sing!
By Alice Faye Duncan, illustrated by Paul Kellam — July 9, 2024 — Waterbrook
Sing along with Big Baby Jenkins, Pop Charlie, Great Nana, and a crew of farm animals as they shout for joy to this rendition of an African American spiritual!
SING – It’s Time to Hush and Say Good Night
By Chitra Soundar, illustrated by Sandhya Prabhat — October 1, 2024 — Candlewick Press
Lull a little one to sleep with gentle rhyming verses and a mesmerizing swirl of imagery from the natural world, as a loving parent takes a child on a dreamlike journey.
SING – This Land is a Lullaby
By Tonya Simpson, illustrated by Delreé Dumont — September 17, 2024 — Orca
Written as a lullaby for the author’s daughter and featuring striking pointillism artwork, this lush lullaby of the land honors the beauty of the Prairies and the Plains and the spiritual connection between Indigenous children, ancestors and their Traditional Territories.
PLAY
PLAY Criteria
Playing encourages children to use their growing vocabularies to think about their world, to experiment with how stories work, and to understand relationships. Playing shortlist and winning titles demonstrate and reflect play in a variety of ways: games between parents and children, interactions with a book itself, or by modeling open-ended exploration of toys or found materials.
We look for stories about developmentally appropriate play, or books that celebrate playfulness, imagination, or creative use of materials, that illustrate what great play looks like or that make it easy for adults to play with their children while they read.
Books nominated for PLAY
PLAY – AHOY!
By Sophie Blackall – April 2, 2024 – Anne Schwartz Books
Join a child captain and parent first mate as they embark on a wild high seas adventure…all without leaving the living room!
PLAY – Gaga Mistake Day
By Emma Straub and Susan Straub, illustrated by Jessica Love — April 9, 2024 — Rocky Pond Books
Gaga days are the best! That’s when this eccentric, mischievous grandma babysits her delighted granddaughter. These Gaga days are always full of the silliest “mistakes,” like swapping eyeglasses and walking backwards to the park.
PLAY – You’re SO Amazing!
By James Catchpole and Lucy Catchpole, illustrated by Karen George — April 16, 2024 — Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
In this authentic and humorous picture book, a child with a limb difference is tired of being told how amazing he is for doing normal things.
PLAY – Pajamarama!
By Julie Gonzalez, illustrated by Rob Sayegh, Jr — June 4, 2024 — HarperCollins
Pajamarama! is a party where all styles of sleepwear become magical and little sleepers dream BIG. And guess what? Everyone’s invited!
PLAY – All the Rocks We Love
By Lisa Varchol Perron and Taylor Perron, illustrated by David Scheirer — July 16, 2024 — Rise x Penguin Workshop
This book is an appreciation of their versatility and appeal, paired with the presentation of real types of rocks and their play-worthy attributes.
PLAY – This Is a Window
By Lauren Paige Conrad — April 9, 2024 — Minerva
Children will use their own imaginations and storytelling skills as they figure out what the book’s busy characters are up to in the gorgeous collage-style art.
PLAY – Built to Last
By Minh Lê, illustrated by Dan Santat — April 30, 2024 — Knopf Books for Young Readers
Two kids build entire worlds out of blocks, cardboard, and imagination. And they don’t mind when these creations break apart and CRASH to the floor.
PLAY – Bros
By Carole Boston Weatherford, illustrated by Reggie Brown — March 12, 2024 — Candlewick
From sunrise to sunset, a group of young Black boys joyously spend the day together as they live their best lives freely in their community. With confidence and a touch of swag, these friends do everything with one another.
PLAY – How We Play
By Dolisha Mitchell — April 23, 2024 — Little Feminist Press
Play is powerful! Whether it’s inside or outside, quiet or loud, alone or with friends—there are so many ways to play.
PLAY – Little Helper, Big Imagination
By Emily Morrow, illustrated by Sally Garland — July 9, 2024 — Zonderkidz
How can you turn a day filled with normal things like breakfast and chores into an unforgettable adventure? Use your IMAGINATION!
PLAY – I Hear a Búho
By Raquel MacKay, illustrated by Armando Fonseca — April 9, 2024 — Scribble US
I Hear a Búho is a rhyming story with text in English and Spanish, which encompasses language, the parent-child bond, nature, and the benefit of being still, and listening.
PLAY – My Baby Sister is a Diplodocus
By Aurora Petit — March 5, 2024 — Gecko Press
A brother finds an inventive way to reconcile with his new baby sister through his love of dinosaurs in this eye-catching, neon-bright picture book.
PLAY – The World In Our Backyard
By Jami Gigot — May 21, 2024 — Simon & Schuster/Paula Wiseman Books
As children play together, a sandbox becomes a desert, sidewalk chalk drawings become an art gallery, and everything that can be dreamed up is within reach. Creative little ones don’t have to look any farther than their own backyard for wonderful things to be discovered!
PLAY – If You Spot a Shell
By Aimée Sicuro — May 14, 2024 — Random House Studio
In this joyous celebration of a day at the beach, artist Aimée Sicuro uses real shells she hand-selected to make her oh-so-charming illustrations. Any young reader who turns the pages of this beautiful book will be inspired to use their own imagination as they comb the beach for shells this summer.
PLAY – Your House Is Not Just a House
By Idris Goodwin, illustrated by Lorraine Nam — May 7, 2024 — Clarion Books
One rainy day, a kid opens their closet to discover a teleportation chamber. In the adventure of make-believe that follows, we are invited to see our homes as more than places to live—they are vessels for creativity and joy.
PLAY – Adventure Babies
By Rosamund Lloyd, illustrated by Chris Dickason — August 27, 2024 — Tiger Tales
This fun, sturdy board book introduces first numbers in a lively and engaging way, with additional prompts to help young readers practice counting from 1 to 10.
PLAY – Doris
By Lo Cole — March 5, 2024 — Boxer Books
A red elephant does not want to stand out. She hides among other colorful things. Can you find her and help her embrace her boldness?
PLAY – Enola’s Best Friend
By Katie Kordesh — August 13, 2024 — Rocky Pond Books
Enola loves spending time at grandma’s, until grandma lets her dog eat Enola’s best friend. Can Enola forgive grandma and find a new way to have fun?
PLAY – This Is How We Play: A Celebration of Disability and Adaptation
By Jessica Slice and Caroline Cupp, illustrated by Kayla Harren — September 24, 2024 — Dial Books
A jubilant, inclusive, luminously illustrated picture book that features families at play, each with a family member who has a disability.
PLAY – Greetings, Floof!
By C. J. Hong, illustrated by A. J. Smith — June 4, 2024 — Kids Can Press
An interactive adventure full of way-out-there fun starring an adorable alien named Floof!
PLAY – Sister Day
By Jyoti Rajan Gopal, illustrated by Fanny Liem — July 16, 2024 — Farrar, Strauss, and Giroux
A lyrical picture book about two sisters playing, fighting, and forgiving.
PLAY – Play Outside With Me
By Kat Chen, illustrated by Lorraine Nam — June 1, 2024 — Rise x Penguin Workshop
Take part in an outdoor playdate-in-a-book, with small learnings and tender moments.
PLAY – What Can a Mess Make?
By Bee Johnson — August 20, 2024 — Henry Holt and Company
Two sisters spend their day playing at home and leaving joyful, cozy messes in their wake.
PLAY – You Be Grandpa
By Karla Clark, illustrated by Debby Rahmalia — May 14, 2024 — Feiwel & Friends
A grandpa tells his grandson that after a long day of playing pirates, gardening, skateboarding and more―he’s simply too tired to be Grandpa at bedtime and asks that the grandson take over for him.
PLAY – Can You Do This?: An Imagination Play Book
By Megan Roy — September 24, 2024 — Blue Star Press
Brimming with whimsical art, this book takes kids through a series of fun physical activities that get them up and moving!
PLAY – One Giant Leap
By Thao Lam — February 27, 2024 — OwlKids
A child zips up their orange suit, pulls on a pair of boots, and adjusts their hat. They’re ready for an adventure. But where are they going? With the push of an elevator button, their adventure begins, and they’re transformed … into an astronaut!
PLAY – Play Games with Me
By Kat Chen, illustrated by Lorraine Nam — November 12, 2024 — Rise x Penguin Workshop
Play a bunch of different games in this playdate-in-a-book with small learnings and tender moments.
