17 Must-Read Picture Books of
Fall 2019
by Dena McMurdie
Whether you love whimsical picture books or stories that teach a lesson, you’ll be delighted with the beautiful and inspiring books coming out this fall. With several books from celebrity and public figure authors, you and your child will have your choice of fantastic stories to snuggle up with. On this list, you’ll find a recently discovered Dr. Seuss manuscript, new books from beloved authors, and stunning stories by new voices in children’s literature. You won’t want to miss out on the great picture books coming your way this fall.
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Dr. Seuss’s Horse Museum
Available from:Young Dr. Seuss fans, art lovers, and horse enthusiasts will be delighted to get their hands on this new picture book. Drawing from the words of a recently discovered Dr. Seuss manuscript and illustrated by a beloved modern artist, young readers can explore a museum filled with art and horses in this must-read picture book.
(On sale: 9/3/19)Also available from: -
Astro Girl
Available from:Astrid has always wanted to go to space, so she and her dad practice being astronauts while her mother is gone on a work trip. This adorable book is about having big dreams and reaching for the stars.
(On sale: 9/3/19)Also available from: -
Just Ask!
Available from:Pulling from her own experiences as a child with diabetes, Supreme Court Justice Sonya Sotomayor writes a beautiful book about being different. This brightly illustrated story encourages readers to look for the beauty in our differences and to celebrate what makes us unique.
(On sale: 9/3/19)Also available from: -
The Knight Who Said “No!”
Available from:This endearing picture book celebrates the joy of friendship. Ned is the only child in his entire village and always does what he’s told. But one day, he decides to say "no" instead of "yes" and finds himself face to face with a dragon.
(On sale: 9/3/19)Also available from: -
Alma and the Beast
Available from:When a hairless beast shows up in Alma’s forest, she’s frightened. But when Alma realizes the beast is lost, she decides to help her find her way home. Readers will fall in love with this quirky, fantastical story about two very different girls discovering their similarities.
(On sale: 9/3/19)Also available from: -
Hey Grandude!
Available from:Music legend Paul McCartney penned a delightful picture book celebrating the unique connection between a grandfather and his grandchildren. Together, they head off on a breathtaking adventure filled with animals, nature, and danger.
(On sale: 9/5/19)Also available from: -
Just Because
Available from:A curious little girl asks her father a series of questions, which he answers with progressively imaginative responses. With soft, retro illustrations and a story that parents and children alike can appreciate, this amusing book is destined to become a bedtime favorite!
(On sale: 9/10/19)Also available from: -
Paper Son: The Inspiring Story of Tyrus Wong, Immigrant and Artist
Available from:Young artists will enjoy reading this inspiring picture book biography of Tyrus Wong, a talented artist from China with big dreams. After immigrating to America, Tyrus eventually went to work for Disney and created the stunning background artwork for the movie Bambi.
(On sale: 9/24/19)Also available from: -
The Gift Inside the Box
Destined to become a modern classic, this charming story about a mysterious box will touch your heart. After several disappointing encounters with greedy people, the box thinks he may have found the right person to open him. With a gentle surprise and a heartwarming message, this delightful modern fable is perfect to read during the holidays.
(On sale: 10/1/19) -
The Thank You Letter
Available from:Cultivate an attitude of gratitude with this thoughtful and heartwarming picture book. When Grace starts sending thank you notes to everyone and everything that has touched her life, her town becomes a happier place. Utterly charming, this book teaches children that small acts of kindness can make a big impact.
(On sale: 10/8/19)Also available from: -
Elbow Grease vs. Motozilla
Available from:Get ready for the second action-packed picture book from mega-celebrity John Cena. With help from his four big brothers, the plucky little monster truck named Elbow Grease faces off against the big and scary Motozilla.
(On sale: 10/8/19)Also available from: -
Just in Case You Want to Fly
Available from:Parents and children alike will fall in love with this beautiful and tender story. Written in gentle rhyme, this whimsical book about the connection between a parent and child tugs on the heartstrings. It’s the perfect addition to your bedtime reading stack.
(On sale: 10/8/19)Also available from: -
The Crayon’s Christmas
Available from:Celebrate Christmas with the help of Duncan and the crayons. Don’t miss this delightful new companion to The Day the Crayons Quit and The Day the Crayons Came Home. Complete with games, letters, a poster, a pop up Christmas tree, and pop out ornaments, this book makes a wonderful holiday gift.
(On sale: 10/15/19)Also available from: -
This Is Not That Kind of Book
Available from:What kind of story is this? Nobody seems to know. As soon as the characters think they have the story figured out, it changes into something else. This funny and original story takes readers on a mashup adventure where they encounter every kind of picture book genre.
(On sale: 10/15/19)Also available from: -
Kevin the Unicorn: It’s Not All Rainbows
Available from:When Kevin the Unicorn wakes up on the wrong side of the bed, his day progresses from bad to worse. This funny, colorful book is a good reminder for children and parents that everyone has bad days—and that’s okay.
(On sale: 10/22/19)Also available from: -
Sunny Day: A Celebration of the Sesame Street Theme Song
Commemorate the 50th anniversary of Sesame Street with this stunning picture book. Popular illustrators interpret lines from Sesame Street’s theme song to create a one-of-a-kind celebration of the beloved TV show.
(On sale: 10/22/19) -
The Space Walk
Join astronaut Randolph as he goes for a walk in space! After fulfilling the responsibilities that ground control gives him, he grabs his camera and heads out. Kids will laugh along with Randolph’s goofy adventures in outer space.
(On sale: 10/29/19)
