Best Books of 2026 so far: Picture Books

Looking for the best picture books for babies, toddlers, preschoolers, and elementary-age readers? Every book on this list has been personally read and recommended by Midsummer Books, an independent children's bookstore in Philadelphia.

We're somehow already over halfway through 2026, and while my TBR pile continues to grow at an alarming rate, I've managed to read quite a few books this year that I can't stop recommending.

Some are brand-new releases. Some are books I completely missed when they first came out and finally got around to reading (because let's be honest, no one can keep up with every great book the moment it's published).

Owning a bookstore has made me appreciate picture books in an entirely new way. I used to think of them as something we "graduated" from once we became confident readers. Now I think the opposite. Picture books deserve to stay with us long after preschool.

The best ones tackle enormous ideas: grief, belonging, identity, courage, justice, family, culture. But here's the thing that makes them so appealing: they do it with incredible clarity. Instead of burying us in hundreds of pages, they invite us to sit with one important idea and really let it settle. In that way, they're just as meaningful for adults as they are for children.

They also introduce us to experiences, histories, and traditions we may never have encountered growing up. I was raised on Greek and Roman mythology, with maybe a little Norse mythology sprinkled in, but I learned almost nothing about the stories and traditions of Indigenous peoples, Asia, Africa, or countless other cultures. Picture books are one of the easiest—and most joyful—ways to begin filling those gaps.

The same is true for everyday experiences. What does it feel like to bring food to school that no one recognizes? To have your hair become a conversation? To discover that the way you've always seen the world isn't the only way to see it? Books like Hair Love, Eyes That Speak to the Stars, Blue Is the Only Color That Sings, and so many others help children feel seen while also helping adults recognize experiences they may never have considered.

That's why picture books remain one of the most important sections in the bookstore. They're not simple books. They're books that make complicated things understandable.

Best New Picture Books of 2026 so far...

These are my absolute favorite stories I've read that have been released this year or in the last 8 months

Some are brand-new releases. Some are books I completely missed when they first came out and finally got around to reading (because let's be honest, no one can keep up with every great book the moment it's published)

Tiny T. Rex Tries Soccer

Written by Jonathan Stutzman • Illustrated by Jay Fleck

Tiny T. Rex continues to be one of my favorite characters in children's literature. His determination, kindness, and quiet courage make every new adventure a joy to read. This latest installment is a wonderful reminder that trying something new is often much harder, and much braver, than succeeding at it.

Don't Trust Fish

Written by Neil Sharpson • Illustrated by Dan Santat

Equal parts conspiracy theory and absurd comedy, this may be the funniest picture book I've read all year. Kids will laugh at the escalating nonsense while adults will appreciate just how committed the joke becomes. Dan Santat's illustrations make every page even better.

Apapacho Love

Written by Cynthia Harmony • Illustrated by Erika Meza

A beautiful celebration of the Indigenous Mexican concept of apapacho—a love that comforts, nurtures, and embraces the soul. Whether it's a hug from a grandparent, a warm meal, or the reassurance that someone will return, this story captures the many ways families show love. It's especially lovely for children navigating separation or change.

The Great Escape

Written and illustrated by Deborah Marcero

Every older sibling will recognize Evie's desire for just a little space of her own. What follows is a snowy adventure filled with imagination, humor, and the realization that even when siblings drive us crazy, they're often exactly who we want beside us. Deborah Marcero's illustrations are absolutely magical.

Do You Know the Dark?

Written and illustrated by Roz MacLean

Rather than teaching children to fear the night, this gorgeous book invites them to notice it. Full of wonder, quiet observations, and breathtaking artwork, it's a celebration of darkness as a place filled with life, beauty, and possibility.

The Legend of Ban-Dal

Written by Jessica Yoon • Illustrated by Seo Kim

Inspired by Korean folklore, this stunning picture book explores humanity's relationship with nature, the consequences of greed, and the importance of living in balance with the world around us. The artwork alone is worth lingering over, but its message feels especially timely.

The Greatest Bedtime Story Ever

Written and illustrated by Jessie Sima

Jessie Sima is one of my automatic-buy authors, and this one doesn't disappoint. Clever, self-aware, and laugh-out-loud funny, it plays with the conventions of bedtime stories while still delivering the cozy ending every bedtime book should have.

Weather Together

Written and illustrated by Jessie Sima

One of my favorite friendship books of the year. Using weather as a metaphor for emotions, Jessie Sima gently reminds readers that everyone has stormy days—and that asking for help is part of being a good friend to ourselves and others.

Jeong Is Jeong

Written by Jessica Yoon • Illustrated by Michelle Lee

Some words don't translate neatly because they carry an entire way of seeing the world. This beautiful introduction to the Korean concept of jeong explores love, connection, generosity, and belonging through everyday moments. It's a reminder that language can teach us entirely new ways of caring for one another.

The Marvelous Now

Written by Angela DiTerlizzi • Illustrated by Lorena Alvarez Gómez

Mindfulness books can sometimes feel overly instructional. This one doesn't. Instead, it gently encourages children to notice the present moment through rich, imaginative illustrations and lyrical text. It's a wonderful resource for talking about big feelings without feeling preachy.

Suuban's First Day

Written by Shugri Salh • Illustrated by Àlàbá Ònájìn

Set in the Somali desert, this quiet, joyful story celebrates curiosity, resilience, and the beauty of growing up in close relationship with the natural world. It's the kind of picture book that expands a child's understanding of what everyday life can look like.

Quill the Forest Keeper

Written and illustrated by Marije Tolman

A gentle, contemplative story about slowing down, paying attention, and finding wonder in ordinary moments. In a world that often feels too busy, this book feels like taking a deep breath.

My Papi Has a Motorcycle

Written by Isabel Quintero • Illustrated by Zeke Peña

More than a father-daughter story, this is a love letter to neighborhoods, community, and the changes our hometowns go through. The vibrant illustrations burst with movement and warmth, making this one of the most joyful books on my shelf.

Eyes That Speak to the Stars

Written by Joanna Ho • Illustrated by Dung Ho

A beautiful companion to Eyes That Kiss in the Corners, this story celebrates identity, family, and seeing ourselves reflected in those who came before us. It's both deeply personal and universally meaningful.

The Dog Who Was Almost Perfect

Written and illustrated by Jack Kurland

A warm, funny story about a dog who tries very hard to be exactly what everyone wants—until he discovers that being himself is what makes him special. Full of heart, gentle humor, and charming illustrations, it's a wonderful reminder that we don't have to be perfect to be loved. Editor's Note: About Midsummer Books

Midsummer Books is an independent children's bookstore in Philadelphia specializing in books for babies through young adults. Every recommendation on this page comes from books we've personally read, shared during storytimes, or recommended to families in the shop. We will update this list throughout the year as we discover new favorites.