From fun read-alouds and diverse voices to inspiring real-world stories and beloved creators, 2026’s picture book lineup is shaping up to be unforgettable. These are the titles book lovers, librarians, teachers, and parents can be most excited about.
But why should you care about these books?
Well...2026 is shaping up to bring:
❤ Diverse perspectives and history from tall tales to heritage stories.
❤ More music and culture with biographies and musical inspirations.
❤ Big laughs and big lessons of even more wacky dinos, future imaginings, and heartfelt moments.
❤ and of course, curating storytime staples that are perfect for libraries, classrooms, and cozy nights in.
** Note: All images will lead to either authors page if they are readily available OR Amazon ***
1. The Future Book — Mac Barnett (illus. Shawn Harris)
This tale seems to be coming up with the goofiest, silliest, alternatives to normal day-to-day terms and interactions.
The Future Book is a playful romp into what tomorrow might look like. Told with wit, vivid illustrations, and signature charm, It's an imaginative, fourth wall-breaking humor is sure to make it a Storytime favorite
Expected release date: March 3, 2026 *
2. Because of a Shoe by Julie Fogliano (illus. Marla Frazee)
The focus shifts smoothly and expertly from the child’s actions (refusing to put on a shoe, screaming, and flopping onto the floor) to the parent’s loss of patience (making their “maddest face” and “being loud and yelling”) to the eventual recovery of their true selves (“we are still us / (funny sweet us) / and you still love me / and i still love you”). -The Horn Book
From the creative mind behind the creation of the hit TV Series and Animation film, Boss Baby , comes a tender take on toddler tantrums and parental love, this slice-of-life story finds warmth and humor in the everyday. A likely new favorite for bedtime and preschool story time. Recommended for ages 3-5.
Expected release date: February 3, 2026 *
3. Just Like Tina: Inspired by the Life of Tina Turner by Ebony Lynn Mudd, Illustrated by Maruga Koops)
Tina was fearless. Tina was resilient. Tina was kind. And Shay is determined to follow in her footsteps in this lyrical and encouraging picture book inspired by the life of Tina Turner.
Just Like Tina encourages readers to find the balance between celebrating their favorite performers while staying true to themselves, using that inspiration to forge their own paths.
Blending biography with vibrant storytelling, this picture book celebrates resilience and individuality, perfect for kids who love music or big personalities.
Expected release date: January 27, 2026 *
4. Bing’s Cherries by Livia Blackburne , Illustrated by Julia Kuo
A young girl wonders what was it that made this man and the cherries he made so special, as she sits together with her father, enjoying cherries from their backyard. Weaving together cultural memory, historical fact, and her own imagination, the young girl imagines a narrative of Ah Bing that is as larger than life and as sweet as his namesake.
Livia Blackburne and Julia Kuo forge an unforgettable Chinese American folktale that has largely been untold. The backmatter includes a letter from the author and illustrator, as well as a recipe! (Yum!)
This tall tale celebrates creativity, heritage, and the magic in everyday experiences as a girl and her father weave a story around the real inventor of the Bing cherry.
Expected release date: March 10, 2026 *
5. Black Hands by Carole Boston Weatherford, illustrated by R. Gregory Christie
Since the United States won independence in 1776, African Americans have contributed greatly to the nation’s culture, politics, economy, and landscape. Black Hands celebrates the countless contributions of African Americans from building the White House, birthing jazz, and landing a man on the moon to pushing for social justice.
A poetic and powerful picture book about African American contributions to US history. A poignant, visual celebration that educators and families will want to have on their shelves.
From the Caldecott Honor-winning team behind Freedom in Congo Square. Ages 5-8.
Expected release date: April 28, 2026 *
6. Leo’s Lobo by Melissa Cristina Márquez, illustrated by Maria Gabriela Gama
Leo is thrilled when he and his family enter a shelter so he can adopt a new pet, but after searching for a while, Leo doesn’t feel the connection he had hoped for and leaves feeling disappointed. On the way home, he and his family see a busy marketplace and find another shelter hidden inside: one for magical creatures! There Leo connects with an alebrije, their bond forming before they can even leave the shelter. But he quickly learns just how much responsibility comes with raising a pet.
A sweet and humorous story about responsibility, friendship, and what it takes to care for an unexpected pet. charming for both animal lovers and young readers discovering empathy. Ages 5-8.
Expected release date: April 28, 2026 *
7. Pizzasaurus byTammi Sauer, Illustrated by Kyle Beckett
Meet Pizzasaurus, a dinosaur with a unique twist! While other dinosaurs are famous for their size, strength, or spikes, Pizzasaurus is known for his love of...well.... pizza!
"Tailor-made for an audience of dinosaur-loving pizza aficionados—in other words, nearly all kids—this title kicks off with an inviting 'You look like someone who knows a lot about dinosaurs.' Dinosaur books are plentiful, and though this one’s light on plot, it’s heavy on humor. Beckett’s bright, cheery illustrations feature rubber-faced dinos frequently breaking the fourth wall to stare at readers with eyebrows arched in disbelief. The pizza-themed puns and wordplay ramp up the read-aloud potential." -Kirkus Reviews
Bursting with "cheesy" puns and bright, zany dinosaur scenes, this supremely silly and sweet story is the perfect treat for any kid who loves dinosaurs and pizza. So again, Dinosaurs and pizza? Yes, please! This whimsical tale starring a pizza-obsessed dinosaur is sure to get giggles and repeat reads at snack time. Ages 3-7.
Expected release date: March 3, 2026 *
8. I’m So Happy You’re Here: A Celebration of Library Joy by Mychal Threets, Illustrated by Lorraine Nam
" The Internet's librarian" Mychal Threets's joyful picture books invites all big and small to the magical world of the public library through an information tour-style library guide.
This heartwarming debut picture book from the former librarian, extends an invitation to anyone who could use a little library joy and a reminder that libraries are for everyone. Made up of diverse character and relationships, it extends the welcoming aura of the library showing readers it's not always about books! Playing board games, having a little study session, hanging out with friends and even gardening are all welcomes hobbies inside these walls.
A joyful tribute to libraries and exploration, it is perfect for young readers discovering the thrill of books, movies, music, and imagination at their local library. Ages 4-8.
Expected release date: February 3, 2026 *
¡Qué alegría verte aquí! / I'm So Happy You're Here (Spanish Edition)
Expected Spanish Edition release date: February 24, 2026 *
9. Teeny and Tilly by Beanie Feldstein, Illustrated by Laura Watkins
A part of the Teeny and Tilly series, this specific version follows Teeny as she starts a new school, and boy, is she nervous. At her last school, the kids weren’t so nice to her- they called her names and made fun of her for being short. And she just knows that, as always, she’ll be the teensiest kid in her class here too.She meets Tilly, the tallest kid she’s ever seen, the knots in her stomach only grow. Will this new classmate make her feel too tiny all over again?
This sweet friendship story celebrates confidence, kindness, and finding your place in a big world, perfect for young readers navigating school and social adventures. For ages 4-8 years.
Expected release date: May 19, 2026*
10. Houdini's Library by Barb Rosenstock, Illustrated by Mar Delmar
As a young boy in Budapest, Harry learned to read at his father's knee. After the family emigrated to America, Harry grew up to be the amazing Houdini--but never lost his love of reading. He spent the rest of his life collecting all kinds of rare and unusual books, almost entirely about magic.
This picture book biography tells the story of Harry Houdini through the lens of his love of books and reading. With warm, inviting text and astounding art with miniature models constructed from paper, this extraordinary book opens a new page on the story of Harry Houdini. showing young readers how books can unlock dreams and shape a life. Ages 4-8 years.
Expected release date: February 17, 2026*
That's all for now! Which book are you looking towards?
 |
| Actual footage of Dee reading |
