25 of the Most Exciting Picture Books of Fall 2017
by Devon A. Corneal
Crisp autumn leaves deserve to be celebrated with the crisp new pages of a bevy of beautiful picture books, arriving just in time for the start of the school year. Fill your children’s shelves and backpacks with stories about monsters, princes, dinosaurs, precocious pears, big words, bold colors, interesting shapes, clever animals, courageous trailblazers, and unexpected adventures. We’ve read through scores of amazing picture books and selected some of our very favorites for fall.
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Dangerous Jane
Jane Addams won a Nobel Peace Prize — but, even more importantly, she dedicated her life to helping those less fortunate than herself. Learn more about the woman who started Hull House and a movement for peace and security for all.
(On Sale: 9/1/17) -
Big Words for Little Geniuses
There’s no reason little kids can’t use big words. Really big words. Like “onomatopoeia” and “magnanimous” and, my personal favorite, “catawampus.” Grab this colorful book and watch your child’s vocabulary expand — and, if you’re like me, you may learn a new word or two yourself!
(On Sale: 9/4/17) -
Give Me Back My Book!
Fighting over a book isn’t all that unusual, but in this funny and fun story, you might be surprised at who helps two warring friends put their differences aside and learn to share.
(On Sale: 9/5/17) -
Sam, the Most Scaredy-cat Kid in the Whole World
Available from:Mo Willems is a favorite of children everywhere for good reason. He’s funny, insightful, and unbelievably creative. His latest story revolves around a very frightened little boy named Sam, who we first met in Willems’s Leonardo, the Terrible Monster.
(On Sale: 9/5/17)Also available from: -
Sarabella’s Thinking Cap
Available from:When Sarabella’s teacher and classmates notice her constant daydreaming, she wishes they could understand all the things that run through her head. So she crafts a beautiful “thinking cap” to help everyone see how vivid and endless her imagination is.
(On Sale: 9/5/17)Also available from: -
There’s a Monster in Your Book
Available from:Interactive books are fun and entertaining for the youngest of readers, and your child will love shaking and jiggling the monster in this hands-on book until … Wait a minute! Where did the monster go?!
(On Sale: 9/5/17)Also available from: -
Twinderella, A Fractioned Fairy Tale
Available from:Little did you know that Cinderella had a twin named Tinderella. They can share everything, except a prince. An engaging numbers-inspired twist on a classic tale.
(On Sale: 9/5/17)Also available from: -
When’s My Birthday?
Birthdays are the very best days of the year! So no wonder this little girl cannot wait for her big day. Help her celebrate by thinking about all the delicious, magical, and fun things that happen when we turn one year older.
(On Sale: 9/5/17) -
A Hundred Billion Trillion Stars
Don’t stop after you’ve learned big words — keep on learning with some of the biggest numbers in the universe! Combining the best of math and science with a proper dash of whimsy, this book will captivate curious children everywhere.
(On Sale: 9/12/17) -
Imagine That! How Dr. Seuss Wrote The Cat in the Hat
Available from:If you’ve ever wondered how Dr. Seuss came up with the ideas for the classic The Cat in the Hat, look no further! Seuss fans and aspiring authors alike will find inspiration in this biography of one of the giants of children’s literature (and they’ll laugh a lot too).
(On Sale: 9/12/17)Also available from: -
Are We Pears Yet?
Part play, part ecology lesson, and part picture book, this story of how pear seeds turn into pear trees is both educational and hysterical.
(On Sale: 9/19/17) -
The Purloining of Prince Oleomargarine
Available from:Take something old (in this case, a previously unpublished story by Mark Twain) and add something new (in this case, an end to the story and beautiful illustrations) and you have a wonderful new picture book about a boy, his pet chicken, and the lessons he learns.
(On Sale: 9/26/17)Also available from: -
Tyrannosaurus Rex vs. Edna the Very First Chicken
If you’ve ever wondered why you never see a T. Rex hanging around, but there are plenty of chickens, this clever story will explain the mystery. You see, Edna the first chicken was very, very fierce.
(On Sale: 9/26/17) -
Rapunzel
Available from:Forget the Rapunzel you thought you knew and dive into Bethan Woollvin’s startlingly modern and vibrant take on the tale. With breathtaking illustrations and a spunky heroine, you’ll find yourself reading this story over and over again.
(On Sale: 10/1/17)Also available from: -
After the Fall (How Humpty Dumpty Got Back Up Again)
Fairy tales almost always end at “happily ever after.” Except, of course, for Humpty Dumpty. He fell down and shattered — end of story. Or is it? Read along to discover what might have happened to everyone’s favorite egg after his famous fall.
(On Sale: 10/3/17) -
Dinosaur A to Z
Available from:Budding paleontologists will marvel over this illustrated dictionary of some of the coolest dinosaurs in history. With over 150 creatures included in the book, Dinosaur A to Z is the perfect starter guide to all things dino.
(On Sale: 10/3/17)Also available from: -
The Great Puppy Invasion
In a world where puppy and kitten videos go viral in a matter of minutes, it’s hard to imagine a place like Strictville where cuteness of any kind is absolutely forbidden. So imagine what happens to this dreary town when it is invaded by hundreds of adorable, big-eyed, soft-furred, cuddly, squirmy puppies!
(On Sale: 10/3/17) -
I am Gandhi
Available from:It never hurts to be reminded that the famous people we look up to were once ordinary people before they did something noteworthy. The Ordinary People Change the World series is more than just a set of biographies of extraordinary men and women, it’s a reminder that each one of us is capable of amazing things. (Make sure to keep an eye out for the brand-new I am Sacagawea too!)
(On Sale 10/3/17)Also available from: -
La La La: A Story of Hope
Available from:Sometimes you don’t need words to tell a story, and this wordless picture book does just that. If you have a little courage and a little song, you can discover a world you never expected.
(On Sale: 10/3/17)Also available from: -
Love, Triangle
Friendships change shape all the time, even if the friends are actually, well, shapes. Circle and Square have to learn how to make room in their friendship for the new kid in town, Triangle.
(On Sale: 10/3/17) -
Blue vs. Yellow
Get ready for a real color war! I’m not talking about those silly races where adults sprint through clouds of paint, but a real battle between Blue and Yellow. May the best color win.
(On Sale: 10/10/17) -
The Wolf, the Duck, and the Mouse
Available from:Being eaten by a wolf must be a terrible fate. Unless you’re a resourceful duck with an optimistic attitude. Then, being eaten by a ravenous wolf might be the answer to your prayers.
(On Sale: 10/10/17)Also available from: -
My Journey to the Stars
Available from:Set off for space in this inspiring story about Scott Kelly and his dream of working for NASA — from having a hard time with school as a child, to picking up a book about astronauts, all the way to commanding the International Space Station. A fantastic story for little kids — grown-ups who want to learn more about Kelly’s journey should check out his new memoir for adults, Endurance.
(On Sale: 10/17/17)Also available from: -
Betty’s Burgled Bakery: An Alliteration Adventure
Baked buns, curious cops, and diligent detectives combine in this “alliteration adventure.” Adults will love the wordplay, while kids will love trying to uncover who stole Betty Panda’s pastries.
(On Sale: 11/7/17) -
Here We Are: Notes for Living on Planet Earth
Available from:We all need some tips for living here on Earth, and Oliver Jeffers has gathered some useful bits of wisdom for each and every one of us. A stunning addition to any young reader’s bookshelf from a hugely popular author and illustrator.
(On Sale: 11/14/17)Also available from:
What picture books have caught your eye for the fall? Let us know in the comments below!