16 Awesome Picture Books to Read
in 2016
by Dena McMurdie
With authors like Jarvis, Oliver Jeffers, Lita Judge, and Joan Holub releasing new work, 2016 is shaping up to be a great year for picture books. In addition to the tried-and-true authors we already know and love, there will also be some amazing debuts. Whether your kids like funny, whimsical, or clever stories, these sixteen books are some of the most promising releases for the upcoming year and are definitely worth having on your radar.
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The Hueys: What’s the Opposite?
The Hueys are back in their new book from New York Times bestselling illustrator, Oliver Jeffers. He combines his unique sense of humor and distinct illustrations to teach the concept of opposites.
(Available: January 12, 2016) -
Snappsy the Alligator (Did Not Ask to Be in This Book)
Available from:This hilarious debut picture book is already receiving rave reviews. Snappsy the alligator is going about his everyday business when a narrator shows up to make his story more interesting. Kids that like to laugh will love this book!
(Available: February 2, 2016)Also available from: -
Alan's Big, Scary Teeth
Available from:Alan is good at one thing: scaring other creatures with his big, shiny teeth. But false teeth can get lost, and one day Alan's teeth go missing. Jarvis's funny story boasts bright illustrations and a witty twist at the end.
(Available: February 23, 2016)Also available from: -
Lionheart
When something frightens Richard before bedtime, he runs away. He winds up in a wild jungle where he needs all his courage and a little help from his stuffed lion to overcome his fears.
(Available: February 23, 2016) -
Hoot and Peep
Available from:From the beloved author/illustrator of Red Sled comes a new picture book about exploration, creativity, and learning something new. This charming story about siblings is set in the night skies of Paris.
(Available: March 1, 2016)Also available from: -
Mini Myths: Good Job, Athena!
The Mini Myths series will be welcoming its newest member in March. This adorable board book is a modern retelling of the ancient Greek story of Athena and Arachne. It also includes the original story in the back.
(Available: March 8, 2016) -
The Bear and the Piano
When a bear learns to play the piano, he dreams of being a star, but he soon realizes that fame isn't everything. A visual feast for the eyes, this is a story of music, friendship, and reaching for your dreams.
(Available: April 5, 2016) -
ABCs of the Web
Your child's first introduction to the world of coding begins here. This picture book simplifies the complexities of the web into letters of the alphabet and snappy, rhyming text.
(Available: May 3, 2016) -
One Day in the Eucalyptus, Eucalyptus Tree
Take your kids on a rhythmic journey as you read about a little boy, a large snake, and a lot of disappearing animals. This new folktale brings humor and vibrant illustrations together to create a lyrical story that kids will love.
(Available: May 3, 2016) -
Chicken in Space
This hilarious new series of picture books features a spunky chicken and her outrageous aspirations. Zoey's dreams go far beyond the barnyard, and with the help of her friend Sam the pig, she just might be able to make them come true.
(Available: May 17, 2016) -
A Dark, Dark Cave
A brother and sister venture into a dark cave on a cold night. At first they are scared, but their flashlights shed some light on the true (and much less frightening) nature of the cave.
(Available: May 24, 2016)Available from: -
Hensel and Gretel: Ninja Chicks
Available from:Hensel and Gretel prove their pluck in this outrageously funny story. In order to rescue their kidnapped father from being stir-fried, these two chicks have to brave a forest and outsmart a sly fox. It's a good thing they know how to fight!
(Available: May 24, 2016)Also available from: -
Penny & Jelly: Slumber Under the Stars
Penny gets invited to a slumber party, but her dog Jelly can't come, so she tries to find a substitute to take instead. After several tries and a little creativity, Penny comes up with the perfect solution.
(Available: June 14, 2016) -
This Is Our Baby, Born Today
The birth of a new baby elephant brings joy to its jungle community. This beautifully illustrated picture book celebrates the wonder of new life and the love of family.
(Available: August 2, 2016) -
Aberdeen
When a bright red balloon floats past Aberdeen, he suddenly finds himself on an adventure ... and a little too far from home. Readers will love the story of Aberdeen and his quest to find his way home again.
(Available: August 9, 2016)Available from: -
Where Is Owl's Scarf?
Discover all kinds of forest animals as you and your little one lift the flaps on each page in search of Owl's scarf. This sweet nocturnal board book is a perfect bedtime story.
(Available: July 26, 2016)
Do you plan on reading any of these books with your kids? Which ones?