We Love These New York Times’ Best Children’s Books of 2023
by the Brightly Editors
We’re approaching the end of the year, which means it’s time for many publications to compile their best-of-the-year lists. We love combing through these lists (and nodding in approval at having read a few of the books already, while also happily adding a title or two to our TBR list). The New York Times Book Review just released their list of the Best Children’s Books of 2023 and we were thrilled to see a few of our favorites recognized.
Here are some of the books we loved seeing on this year’s — and past years’ — lists of The New York Times’ Best Children’s Books.
2023 ║2022 ║2021 ║2020 ║2019 ║ 2018 ║ 2017
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2023
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A Walk in the Woods
Available from:While walking through the woods, a grieving young boy follows a map that guides him to discover poems and sketches of woodland creatures left behind by his deceased father. Understanding the backstory of this book and its father-son illustrators makes the experience of reading it all the richer.
(Ages 4 - 8)Also available from: -
Do You Remember?
Available from:A boy and his mom take turns sharing memories, culminating in the decision to create more memorable moments in their new situation. Text and illustrations beautifully combine to highlight the influence of the past and hope for the future through a child's perspective.
(Ages 4 - 8)Also available from: -
The Skull
Available from:This bestselling picture book by the esteemed Jon Klassen reimagines an old Tyrolean folk tale, deemed by Kirkus as "equal parts comfort and creepiness." Stunning illustrations, a simple, easy-to-read story, and the author's signature dry humor — what more could you ask for in a book about a brave little girl and her bony companion.
(Ages 6 - 9)Also available from: -
Who Will Make the Snow?
Available from:This sweet illustrated early chapter book that the New York Times calls "akin in spirit and tone to A.A. Milne’s Winnie the Pooh" follows two newborn moles as they grow through the seasons. Equal parts charming and wholesome, it's a timeless story about family and community that readers won't soon forget.
(Ages 7 - 11)Also available from: -
The Eyes and the Impossible
Available from:Johannes, a dog, watches everything that happens in the park and reports back to the Bison, the Keepers of the Equilibrium. But the Equilibrium has been disrupted and decisions must be made. A delightful animal adventure story about freedom and friendship that readers of all ages are sure to love. The audiobook, read by Ethan Hawke, is a read-aloud masterpiece.
(Ages 8 - 12)Also available from: -
Mexikid
Available from:Mexikid is a "wildly entertaining" coming-of-age graphic novel that intricately weaves together themes of identity, cultural heritage, and the challenges of growing up as a Mexican-American. Follow Pedro and his family on a road trip to bring their abuelito back from Mexico to live with them in the US.
(Ages 8 - 12)Also available from: -
Remember Us
Available from:Set during the Bushwick fires of the late 1970s when Black families' wooden homes frequently caught fire as easily as matchsticks, Jacqueline Woodson's story of a 12-year-old African American girl who dreams of becoming a pro basketball player is one of friendship, loss, and self-identity.
(Ages10+ )Also available from:
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2022
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Emile and the Field
Also available from: Frances in the Country
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The Summer of Diving
Also available from: Singing with Elephants
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The Last Mapmaker
Also available from: Cress Watercress
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2021
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Bright Star
Also available from: Dream Street
Also available from: Milo Imagines the World
Also available from: The Rock from the Sky
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Watercress
Also available from: The Beatryce Prophecy
Also available from: Long Road to the Circus
Also available from: The Genius Under the Table
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The Many Meanings of Meilan
Also available from: In the Wild Light
Preorder from:
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2020
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I Talk Like a River
Also available from: When Stars Are Scattered
Also available from: Before the Ever After
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2019
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My Papi Has a Motorcycle
Also available from: Small in the City
Also available from: All the Greys on Greene Street
Also available from: The Fountains of Silence
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Frankly in Love
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2018
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The Rabbit Listened
Also available from: The Wall in the Middle of the Book
Also available from: Julián Is a Mermaid
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Merci Suárez Changes Gears
Also available from: The Night Diary
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2017
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The Wolf, the Duck, and the Mouse
Also available from: All's Faire in Middle School
Also available from: Bronze and Sunflower
Also available from: The Stars Beneath Our Feet
Also available from: -
Tumble & Blue
Preorder from: Akata Warrior
Also available from: The Book of Dust: La Belle Sauvage
Also available from: I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter
Also available from: -
Turtles All the Way Down
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