‘Tis the season for end-of-year book lists! And do I have a good one for you. What makes this list unique? All of the titles in the Picture Book Picks round ups are picture books chosen by picture book authors and illustrators!
An extra meta layer this year: The 7th annual list (the biggest one yet - 25 titles!) is curated by picture book creators whose titles were honored by their peers in 2024, as each contributor to the post is a Crystal Kite Award winner or honoree. The Crystal Kites are a recognition of the Society of Picture Book Authors and Illustrator - an award that spans the globe, celebrating the favorite books of SCBWI-ers far and wide. Congrats to this talented group!
When you receive a book recommendation from a craft-focused creator, you get the very best. Authors and illustrators read a ton within the genre, so when a title rises to the top for them, it’s a very notable thing. Out of all of 2024’s fantastic books, choosing just one is a bit agonizing. But, the curators rose to the task, and here it is! (Spoiler alert: It’s incredible.) So now, it’s my pleasure to reveal:
2024 Picture Book Picks
Atlantic Division
The family of Katey Howes (Instagram: @kidlitlove), winner of the Atlantic Division Crystal Kite for her title WOVEN OF THE WORLD, illustrated by Dinara Mirtalipova, chose A PLACE FOR RAIN by Michelle Schaub, illustrated by Blanca Gómez (Norton Young Readers):
This beautifully crafted picture book invites young readers to explore where rainwater goes and how stormwater runoff can cause pollution in our rivers, ponds, and waterways. Through an inspiring classroom project, children learn to plan and build a rain garden, collecting water and planting native flowers and grasses to help nature thrive. The lively storytelling and vibrant illustrations make the book both informative and engaging, empowering children to take actionable steps to protect the environment.
Rebecca Gardyn Levington (Instagram: @RebeccaGardynLevington), honoree of the Atlantic Division Crystal Kite for her title WHATEVER COMES TOMORROW, illustrated by Mariona Cabassa, chose YOU ARE MY EVERYTHING by Kelly Conroy, illustrated by Abigail Hookham (Tiger Tales):
With my first born headed into his senior year of HS and then to college in a year, I cannot read this book without bawling my eyes out. An absolutely gorgeous, poetic picture book that expresses the deep and forever love we feel for our children, and our understanding of how their arrival changes our lives and the lives who have the privilege and joy of knowing them. Perfect both as a baby shower gift for a soon-to-be mother or a cuddle-up bedtime book to share with the little ones who have already blessed our lives.
California and Hawaii Division
Jilanne Hoffmann (X/Twitter: @Jill_SF), winner of the California and Hawaii Division Crystal Kite for her title A RIVER OF DUST: The Life-Giving Link Between North Africa and The Amazon, illustrated by Eugenia Mello, chose THAT ALWAYS HAPPENS SOMETIMES by Kiley Frank, illustrated by K-Fai Steele (Knopf Books for Young Readers):
I laughed in rueful recognition as the well-meaning MC uses coping strategies to stay focused on the "right" things (and gets derailed, anyway). He whirls about the playground, trying to find friends who are simpatico, but ultimately uses his high-octane brain to "towering" success—at least for the moment. The tenderness of the pitch perfect 1st person POV text and humorous illustrations create empathy and understanding, while letting neurospicy kids like my son feel seen and loved in all their messy glory.
Midsouth Division
Jody Jensen Shaffer (X/Twitter: @jodywrites4kids), winner of the Midsouth Division Crystal Kite for her title CREEP, LEAP, CRUNCH! A Food Chain Story, illustrated by Christopher Silas Neal, chose PIZZA FOR BIRDS by Bob Shea (Little, Brown Books for Young Readers):
Bob Shea is masterful at picture book humor, and Pizza for Birds is no exception! Shea's main character, Chez Bob, is equal parts clueless, neurotic, sweet, and lovable. Shea's storytelling, word choices, and details are hysterical. And that ending? Chef's kiss. I'm betting anybody who makes books this clever is quite affable. (IYKYK)
Jess Townes (Instagram: @jesstownesbooks), honoree of the Midsouth Division Crystal Kite for her title SOMETIMES I CRY, illustrated by Daniel Miyares, chose THE MAN WHO DIDN’T LIKE ANIMALS by Deborah Underwood, illustrated by LeUyen Pham (Clarion Books):
This origin story of Old McDonald is a beautiful exploration of perspective-taking and the power of changing our minds. In this richly illustrated book, a man embraces a single story about himself ("I don't like animals") until one day he is confronted with evidence in the form of a friendly cat that causes him to question his story. He opens his small and tidy world to the messiness of community, but also to all of its joy. A must-read for our times!
Midwest Division
Anitra Rowe Schulte (Instagram: @anitraroweschulte), winner of the Midwest Division Crystal Kite for her title WILLOW AND BUNNY, illustrated by Christopher Denise, chose HOME IN A LUNCHBOX by Cherry Mo (Penguin Workshop):
This book just grabbed right hold of my heart. Its beautiful mood-rich palette conveys the emotions of a character who longs (in cool gray-blues) for the comfort and happiness of home. At school, where the language is unfamiliar, worry, discomfort and embarrassment are around every corner. But there is a place that restores her sense of self and place, without fail. In the lunchroom (in swirls of warm pink-golds), she is home - a joy which touchingly connects her to new friends. HOME IN A LUNCH BOX is divine, and I am so glad it came into my world this year!
Jessica Stremer (Instagram: @jlstremer), honoree of the Midwest Division Crystal Kite for her title GREAT CARRIER REEF, illustrated by Gordy Wright, chose THIS BOOK IS FULL OF HOLES: From Underground to Outer Space and Everywhere in Between by Nora Nickum, illustrated by Robert Meganck (Peachtree Publishers):
Sometimes the most simple concept can be the most challenging to pull off, yet in Holes author Nora Nickum makes it look easy. This is the type of book that leaves readers feeling inspired to look more closely at the world around them. The art has massive kid appeal. Just look at the cover! Who wouldn't want to crack this book open. This Book is Full of Holes is at the top of my list for 2024 titles.
New England Division
Abi Cushman (Bluesky: bsky.app/profile/abicushman.com), winner of the New England Division Crystal Kite for her title WOMBATS ARE PRETTY WEIRD: A [Not So] Serious Guide, chose HOW TO PEE YOUR PANTS: The Right Way by Rachel Michelle Wilson (Feiwel & Friends):
We've all been there at some point in our lives. We've peed our pants. This is a really fun, fresh take on a very universal issue kids face. And I love that this book handles the topic with just the right amount of humor and grace, so that kids feel assured that accidents do happen, and it'll all be okay.
Winsome Bingham (Instagram: @armyvetfive), honoree of the New England Division Crystal Kite for her title THE WALK: A Stroll to the Poll, illustrated by E.B. Lewis, chose THE LAST STAND by Antwan Eady, illustrated by Jerome Pumphrey and Jarrett Pumphrey (Knopf Books for Young Readers):
THE LAST STAND did it for me. The persistence and plight of Black farmers is documented so well in this breathtaking picture book written by Antwan Eady and illustrated by the Pumphrey brothers. The book is about a young boy who helps his grandfather at the farmer's market. In the begininng, there were many farmers stands existing. But soon, the stands are dwindling and less farmers are showing up. And when his grandfather gets sick, the young protagonist pushes through delivering the foods to the neighbors. My favorite part was when the neighbors got word that the grandfather is sick, they delivered food to him via his grandson. Any book that shows collective community tugs at my heart. There were many great books in 2024, including three that I wrote. But this one was definitely one of my favorites.
Federico Erebia (Instagram: @federicoerebia), honoree of the New England Division Crystal Kite for his title PEDRO & DANIEL, illustrated by Julie Kwon, chose THE YELLOW BUS by Loren Long (Roaring Brook Press):
The Yellow Bus is a story of the life of a bus over years and decades that is heartwarming and bittersweet. I loved the word choices and pacing. The illustrations are beautiful. Back matter explains how he used 3D models.
New York Division
Suzy Levinson (Instagram: @suzylevinson), honoree of the New York Division Crystal Kite for her title ANIMALS IN PANTS, illustrated by Kristen and Kevin Howdeshell, chose BARNABY UNBOXED! by The Fan Brothers (Tundra Books):
I don’t know how the Fan Brothers do it, but they’ve done it again. Barnaby Unboxed! manages to keep its perfectly imperfect balance, tottering between light and dark, real and weird, gasp-worthy danger and the sweet comfort of home. Friendship, family, fame, forgiveness; it’s all here, in this stunning story about a little pink half-mouse/half-elephant (with a dash of flamingo).
Southeast Division
Kelly Rice Schmitt (Instagram: @krschmittwrites), winner of the Southeast Division Crystal Kite for her title I SHIP: A Container Ship’s Colossal Journey, illustrated by Jam Dong, chose THE BOO-BOOS OF BLUEBELL ELEMENTARY by Chelsea Lin Wallace and Alison Farrell (Chronicle Books):
This charming and hilarious story in stunning verse follows a day in the life of a school nurse with wit and heart. A colorful class of kids keeps Nurse Peatree on her feet as she tends to everyone's ailments inlcuding a loose tooth, upset stomach, homesickness, lice and more. The art includes a fantastic running sidebar of the nurse's logbook with everyone's woes. A delightful read aloud and perfect for school-aged kids, this book is pure joy.
Marta Magellan (Facebook: Marta.Magellan), honoree of the Southeast Division Crystal Kite for her title BEE CATASTROPHE: We'll Miss Them When They're Gone, illustrated by Mauro Magellan, chose UNO MÁS, ONE MORE: A Latino Retelling of an Old Scottish Ballad by Silvia López, illustrated by Olivia Sua (Christy Ottaviano Books):
This book is a delightful version of an old Scottish ballad set instead in Mexico. The welcoming, inclusive family always has room for one more. The house fills to the point of collapse. I love the themes of welcoming others, music, and neighborliness.
Southwest Division
Julie Hedlund (Instagram: @juliefhedlund), winner of the Southwest Division Crystal Kite for her title SONG AFTER SONG: The Musical Life of Julie Andrews, illustrated by Ilaria Urbinati, chose MY DADDY IS A COWBOY by Stephanie Seales, illustrated by C.G. Esperanza (Abrams Books for Young Readers):
Talk about fresh! I have never seen anything like this book before. A father and daughter riding horses in the city streets, with art so emotive it bleeds off the page with joy. I hope to see this one win a Caldecott.
Texas and Oklahoma Division
Chris Barton (Instagram: @bartographyatx), winner of the Texas and Oklahoma Division Crystal Kite for his title GLITTER EVERYWHERE! Where It Came From, Where It’s Found & Where It’s Going, illustrated by Chaaya Prabhat, chose I’M SORRY YOU GOT MAD by Kyle Lukoff, illustrated by Julie Kwon (Dial Books).
It's one thing to tell readers how to make a good apology. It's a whole 'nother thing -- a very funny, deeply relatable one -- to show them what it looks like to struggle through the process of arriving at a satisfying, meaningful apology and why the effort is worthwhile. There's a terrific book for adults called Getting to Sorry: The Art of Apology at Work and at Home, by Marjorie Ingall and Susan McCarthy, but Lukoff and Kwon have created the perfect manual for readers of any age who could use a highly entertaining lesson in that art in just 32 pages.
Susan Johnston Taylor (Instagram: @UrbanMuseWriter), winner of the Texas and Oklahoma Division Crystal Kite for her title ANIMALS IN SURPRISING SHADES: Poems About Earth’s Colorful Creatures, illustrated by Annie Bakst, chose THE SECRET GARDENS OF FRANCES HODGSON BURNETT by Angelica Shirley Carpenter, illustrated by Helena Pérez Garcîa (Bushel & Peck Books):
Frances Hodgson Burnett's books were a childhood favorite, so I loved learning more about the author behind The Secret Garden, A Little Princess, and others. Angelica Shirley Carpenter's lyrical prose emphasizes Burnett's resilience, while Helena Pérez García's captivating illustrations evoke the magic of childhood and the natural world. A die-cut cover makes this an extra special book that I would've loved as a bookish kid (and still love as an adult).
Sydney Dunlap (Instagram: @sydneydunlapwrites), honoree of the Texas and Oklahoma Division Crystal Kite for her title IT HAPPENED ON SATURDAY, chose I AM A THUNDERCLOUD by Leah Moser, illustrated by Marie Hermansson (Running Press Kids):
This is a heartfelt, beautifully-illustrated book written to help young children navigate their difficult emotions. It is a great story for building emotional intelligence as well as empathy. Bringing in various aspects of nature as metaphors for the main character's journey through anger to calm is a wonderful way to show how emotions can feel, and I also love how there are practical steps that children can use to assist themselves when upset.
West Division
Leslie Barnard Booth (Instagram: @lesliebarnardbooth.books), winner of the West Division Crystal Kite for her title A STONE IS A STORY, illustrated by Marc Martin, chose DIVE, DIVE INTO THE NIGHT SEA by Thea Lu (Candlewick Studio):
I love informational picture books that take me on a journey and teach me something new. This gorgeously illustrated lyrical picture book does just that, immersing the reader in a little-known world—the night sea. Atmospheric illustrations and a lift-the-flap format create an experience of mystery and discovery, encouraging the reader to look closely and observe carefully. When we do, we are rewarded with a deep sense of awe. Each page reveals another creature and describes its nighttime activities, inviting us to appreciate the beauty and complexity of the ocean at night.
Carrie Tillotson (Instagram: @carrietillotson), honoree of the West Division Crystal Kite for her title B IS FOR BANANAS, illustrated by Estrela Lourenço, chose MILLIE FLEUR’S POISON GARDEN by Christy Mandin (Orchard Books):
I loved MILLIE FLEUR’S POISON GARDEN, in which we meet Millie Fleur La Fae, a girl who is enthralled with peculiar plants like Fanged Fairy Moss, Tentacled Tansy, and Grumpy Gilliflower. But the residents of Garden Glen, a “picture-perfect place,” don’t like Millie’s strange new garden. They are afraid of new and different things than their perfectly pruned yards—until Millie finds a way to bring prickly people and her wild and weird plants together. Author-illustrator Christy Mandin expertly tackles the idea of staying true to your authentic self and celebrating all that is wonderfully weird in each of us.
Australia, New Zealand & Oceana Division
Elissa Weissman (www.ebweissman.com), winner of the Australia, New Zealand & Oceana Division Crystal Kite for her title HANUKKAH UPSIDE DOWN, illustrated by Omer Hoffman, chose MOON BEAR by Clare Helen Welsh, illustrated by Carolina T. Godina (Frances Lincoln Ltd):
In this nearly wordless picture book, a girl who’s unsure about the dark befriends a moon bear who’s unsure about the light. The pictures reveal more with every reading, and you can’t help but smile more and more with every page. MOON BEAR is warm, cozy, and glowing with charm.
Prasha Sooful (Instagram: @little_ms_read), honoree of the Australia, New Zealand & Oceana Division Crystal Kite for her title MY BRAIN IS MAGIC: A Sensory-Seeking Celebration, illustrated by Geeta Ladi, chose TIMELESS by Kelly Canby (Fremantle Press):
This clever and visually delightful book explores the theme of time through the eyes of young Emit, whose family yearns for more hours in the day. The text is minimal yet sophisticated, masterfully using time-related idioms and puns to distill complex ideas. The beautiful endpapers invite reflection on our relationship with time and echo Emit's satisfying journey toward finding it.
Canada and North America Division
Lydia Lukidis (X/Twitter: @LydiaLukidis), winner of the Canada and North America Division Crystal Kite for her title DEEP, DEEP DOWN: The Secret Underwater Poetry of the Mariana Trench, illustrated by Juan Calle, chose UP, UP, EVER UP! Junko Tabei: A Life in the Mountains by Anita Yasuda, illustrated by Yuko Shimizu (Clarion Books):
This book is phenomenal. First off, hats off to my CP Anita for doing such extensive research and taking the time to figure out how best to tell this story, With wonderfully lyrical text, Anita did such a wonderful job at engaging readers. Then you add Yuko Shimizu's unbelievable illustrations, and magic takes place. This book is a work of art!
Europe and Central, South and Latin America Division
Lawrence Schimel (Bluesky: lawrenceschimel.bsky.social), winner of the Europe and Central, South and Latin America Division Crystal Kite for his (PRONOUN CHECK) title LUCKY ME, illustrated by Juan Camilo Mayorga, chose THE BOOK THAT ALMOST RHYMED by Omar Abed, illustrated by Hatem Aly (Dial):
This picture book is overflowing with fun--as well as rhymes, and almost rhymes, and how rhyming helps two siblings overcome their rivalry to work together and have great adventures together. Pure delight. And so satisfying to know what the missing rhyming words should've been, and to see how, together, the two siblings manage to have an even more exciting time when they discover that the new words actually do rhyme if they tweak the plot a little.
United Kingdom and Ireland Division
Alice Bianchi-Clark (Instagram: @alicebianchiclark), winner of the United Kingdom and Ireland Division Crystal Kite for her title WINDOWS TO THE WORLD, illustrated by Chloe Chang, chose SMALL THINGS MENDED by Casey W. Robinson and illustrated by Nancy Whitesides (Rocky Pond Books):
This picture book is enchanting. It resonates with E. Stead's A Sick Day for Amos McGee vibes with its old man protagonist and its message of healing and community, but comes into its own by tackling grief with an exquisite lightness of touch. Casey W. Robinson's careful choice of words stirs and resonates, while Nancy Whitesides's pink elephant and old-fashioned illustrations, culminating with a warm extravaganza of pastels, tugs at the heartstrings. Keep your eyes peeled because this trailblazer of a picture-book deserves to win the most coveted awards.
Yvonne Banham (Instagram: @yvonnebanham), honoree of the United Kingdom and Ireland Division Crystal Kite for her title THE DARK AND DANGEROUS GIFTS OF DELORES MACKENZIE, chose PANDORA AND THE STORY FORGE by Gaynor Andrews, illustrated by Marie-Alice Harel (Rocket Bird Books):
This beautifully illustrated book tells of Pandora, a wordsmith who collects words and sounds and forges them into stories as they spin and sparkle around her. It's a beautifully illustrated journey that puts the reader at the heart of storytelling, until they too become a wordsmith on the closing page. It's also the most gorgeous reminder of the importance of reading with our children and the difference it makes to their lives.
I hope you enjoyed the 2024 Picture Book Picks list! Be sure to check them out, and then add the curators’ books to your TBR, too! And review them online at the bookseller of your choice, while you’re at it! It’s a small but super meaningful way to help authors and illustrators. For even more recommendations, check out the past six years’ Picture Book Picks lists:
2018 picture book Picks, here
2019 Picture Book Picks, here
2020 Picture Book Picks, here
2021 Picture Book Picks, here
2022 Picture Book Picks, here
2023 Picture Book Picks, here
Thanks for spending some time with our story selections today - happy reading to you and yours, and wishing you a peaceful, engaging, invigorating 2025!