17 Picture Books Not to Be Missed
in 2017
by Devon A. Corneal
A new year brings new opportunities, new possibilities, and, yes, plenty of brand-new books. If you’re excited for a fresh year of reading with your young ones, take a minute to look through some of the picture books we’re looking forward to in the months ahead. 2017 boasts new offerings from bestselling authors, funny debuts, poetry collections, inspirational biographies, and much, much more. This list couldn’t possibly include all the amazing titles being published in 2017, but we think it’s a good start.
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A Greyhound, a Groundhog
There’s a lot to love in this tongue-twisting story about a sleek, elegant greyhound and a not at all sleek and sort of portly groundhog who, despite their appearances, really do enjoy each other’s company. Just think of them as a new loveable odd couple.
(On Sale: 1/3/17) -
XO, OX: A Love Story
When Ox falls in love with a snooty gazelle, he will stop at nothing to win her love. Although she rudely responds to all of his letters, he will not be deterred! Read along to see if Ox’s persistence will pay off.
(On Sale: 1/3/17) -
I am Jim Henson
Available from:This pint-sized biography shows kids how Jim Henson coupled imagination with determination to create "The Muppet Show" and "Sesame Street" and brought laughter and learning to generations of children and adults.
(On Sale: 1/10/17)Also available from: -
Samson: The Piranha Who Went to Dinner
A story of friendship and acceptance told by a charming piranha who wants nothing more than to try out all the new restaurants under the sea.
(On Sale: 2/7/17) -
Mighty, Mighty Construction Site
Your truck-loving kids will count down the days until the release of this follow-up to Goodnight, Goodnight Construction Site. Expect the same sweet diggers and dumpers and cranes, but with a whole new story.
(On Sale: 2/14/17) -
Not Quite Narwhal
Kelp is a little different than the other narwhals in his family. In fact, Kelp might not be a narwhal at all. Is it possible he’s really a unicorn? And if so, what does that mean? A fun and clever story about what it means to fit in while still being yourself.
(On Sale: 2/14/17) -
A Perfect Day
Lane Smith has a way of turning the things you thought you knew on their head and forcing you to rethink them. Take a perfect day, for example. By the time you’re done with this book, you’ll be asking yourself what perfect is after all.
(On Sale: 2/14/17) -
Waiting for Pumpsie
Available from:Jackie Robinson may have broken the color barrier in baseball, but that doesn’t mean that integration of the sport was easy. This fictionalized account of Boston Red Sox player Elijah Green shows just how difficult it was, and also how important.
(On Sale: 2/21/17)Also available from: -
You Can Read
Reminding kids that you can read anywhere, this lighthearted book in verse is sure to encourage kids to grab a book and set out on whatever adventures their hearts desire.
(On Sale: 2/28/17) -
Goodnight, Numbers
Available from:Your kids have no idea what “The Wonder Years” was, but that’s okay, because Danica McKellar has left the show behind to focus on her life as a mathematician and she’s bringing her love of numbers to children everywhere.
(On Sale: 3/7/17)Also available from: -
Lighter than Air
After a year in which women made history, why not keep exploring women’s many firsts? Lighter than Air tells the story of Sophie Blanchard, the first female pilot, which is cool enough, but kids will be equally fascinated to learn about the balloons she piloted.
(On Sale: 3/14/17) -
Out of Wonder: Poems Celebrating Poets
Available from:A glorious and uplifting collection of original poems celebrating inspiring poets from Maya Angelou to Robert Frost to Rumi. This book truly has something for everyone and every age.
(On Sale: 3/14/17)Also available from: -
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We’re All Wonders
Available from:From the author of the middle grade phenomenon Wonder comes a picture book for younger children. Palacio once again uses Augie and his friends to teach children about empathy and kindness. That’s a lesson we can learn every year.
(On Sale: 3/28/17)Also available from: -
The Giant Jumperee
Available from:Award-winning author Julia Donaldson and illustrator Helen Oxenbury are teaming up for this lively tale that’s part mystery, part fable, and all fun. Who or what is the Giant Jumperee? And is it really scary as can be? You won’t know unless you read along.
(On Sale: 4/18/17)Also available from: -
The Thing Lou Couldn’t Do
Lou can do anything. She has adventures, plays sports, and builds forts. The one thing Lou can’t do is climb a tree. So when her friends decide their next adventure has to be up in the branches, Lou has to find a way to conquer her fear and try something she’s never done before.
(On Sale: 5/2/17) -
Little Excavator
Available from:We lost Anna Dewdney in 2016, but her books live on. Her next story, Little Excavator, is out in June, and we think your little builders will enjoy it as much as her Llama Llama series.
(On Sale: 6/6/17)Also available from:
Let us know what books you’re looking forward to reading in 2017!