It’s my great pleasure to share the 2022 Picture Book Picks list!
Friends, it is soooooo good.
The annual Picture Book Picks end-of-year roundup is curated by picture book creators — authors and illustrators, who read broadly within the genre. I’m lucky to call all of the 2022 curators friends! Each person who has selected a favorite book here is a children’s book creator I partnered with this past year for special projects: Members of PB Troupe 2021 and PB Tales 2022, my critique partners, and the founder of PB Chat and my 2022 PB Chat mentee. Thank you all so much for adding your favorites to the list!
We hope that within the 5th annual Picture Book Picks roundup, you’ll find something new to add to your collection or borrow from your local library.
Want to know what books topped the curators’ lists?
Let’s find out…
2022 Picture Book Picks
Anne Appert (@Anne_Appert), author and illustrator of 2021 release BLOB and upcoming 2023 release WHAT IF YOU WISH? recommends PAYDEN’S PRONOUN PARTY written by Blue Jaryn, illustrated by Xochitl Cornejo (Page Street Kids): Payden’s Pronoun Party is a colorfully illustrated and directly written approach to pronoun and gender exploration for readers of all ages. With author Blue Jaryn’s clear storytelling and illustrator Xochitl Cornejo’s energetic illustrations, this party invites everyone to discover the pronouns and expression that truly feel much more them.
Kira Bigwood (@kbigwood), author of 2021 release SECRET, SECRET AGENT GUY, recommends I WAS BORN A BABY written by Meg Fleming, illustrated by Brandon James Scott (HarperCollins): I WAS BORN A BABY isn’t your grandma’s baby animal book. Aww-inducing illustrations pair with the catchiest refrain ever, for a bouncy, perfect read-aloud that delivers a fresh take on this classic picture book category. Fleming’s text plays with the reader’s expectations in a way that will charm, teach, and have kiddos begging to read it again and again. A guaranteed good-time book!
Justin Colón (@JustinRColon), author of forthcoming 2024 titles IMPOSSIBLE POSSUMS (Disney-Hyperion) and THE QUACKEN (Simon & Schuster), recommends: A HISTORY OF UNDERWEAR (WITH PROFESSOR CHICKEN), written by Hannah Holt, illustrated by Korwin Biggs (Roaring Brook Press): A HISTORY OF UNDERWEAR (WITH PROFESSOR CHICKEN) both entertains and educates during what is sure to be a laughter-induced learning experience. Hannah Holt has taken some of the most interesting and important facts about the history of our undergarments and weaved them together in a most intriguing, humorous tale. Korwin Biggs’ hilarious illustrations are clucking with kid appeal — chickens modeling undergarments while appearing as hunters and gatherers, ancient Egyptians, English kings and queens —you can't beat that! If you could read this book a dozen times, I'm sure you could find something new in the illustrations with each read. Oh, and for the pun lovers out there, the puns in this book are top-notch.This book may have flown under the radar, but it's sure to be a hit in your house, classroom, or wherever you may read it!
Viviane Elbee (@VivianeElbee), author of TEACH YOUR GIRAFFE TO SKI and 2022 title I WANT MY BOOK BACK, recommends NOT SO GHOUL written by Karen Yin, illustrated by Bonnie Lui (Page Street Kids): I read so many wonderful new releases this year, but one that I really loved was NOT SO GHOUL by Karen Yin. It's got ghosts, a haunting school, friendship, cultural traditions, and lots of fun wordplay! This adorable Chinese-American ghost who is torn between fitting in with her American classmates and honoring her Chinese ancestors' traditions is one of my favorite new characters of the year!
Clothilde Ewing (@clo_ewing), author of STELLA KEEPS THE SUN UP and the forthcoming 2023 title STELLA AND THE MYSTERY OF THE MISSING TOOTH recommends FLY written by Brittany Thurman, illustrated by Anna Cunha (Athenum Books for Young Readers / Simon & Schuster): I will start by saying I am a sucker for picture books and feel like there is a picture book that can help you tackle just about any topic. In FLY, I found a lyrical story in Africa and her quest to become a champion in something she had never tried before. (“Africa feels certain she can double Dutch until her shoes are in fast-forward, until her feet forget the ground, until she flies like the birds in the sky.”) The unknown can be intimidating and though she wasn’t masterful her first go at it, she was open to the windy journey to get there. In the end, she won, thanks to her own attitude and her friends who helped her along the way.
Margaret Chiu Greanias (@MargaretGreania), author of 2022 title AMAH FARAWAY and upcoming 2023 releases HOOKED ON BOOKS and HOW THIS BOOK GOT RED, recommends SOMETIMES I GRUMBLESQUINCH written by Rachel Vail, illustrated by Hyewon Yum (Orchard Books): I loved Sometimes I Grumblesquinch, a companion book to Sometimes I'm a Bombaloo (which I haven't read yet), by Rachel Vail and illustrated by Hyewon Yum. It's about a girl named Katie Honors, a really nice, well-behaved kid, who feels the pressure to be perfect all the time. There is so much to love about this book. Rachel Vail does such a good job building Katie Honor's character and showing how she strives to be the perfect kid even as she unravels bit by bit as her little brother Chuck gets on her nerves. There's humor, a spot-on kid voice, so much heart, and the most adorable illustrations you can imagine. Highly recommend.
Neesha Hudson (@NeeshaHudson), author/illustrator of 2021 title TURTLE IN A TREE and upcoming 2023 release THE BEST FLOWER EVER! recommends THE THREE BILLY GOATS GRUFF written by Mac Barnett, illustrated by Jon Klassen (Orchard Books): I always love when these two pair up to make books. In this retelling of the classic tale, the troll is once again thwarted by the craftiness of the goats, and eventually bites off a bit more then it can chew. Klassen’s limited palette, striking images, and hilarious characters once again pair perfectly with Barnett’s whimsical and humorous storytelling. It’s silly and fun and everything a picture book should be.
Philip Hoelzel (@CotopaxiPhil), author of upcoming release PLANTING HOPE: A Portrait of Photograher Sebastião Salgado, recommends ALL STAR: How Larry Doby Smashed the Color Barrier in Baseball, written by Audrey Vernick, illustrated by Cannaday Chapman (Clarion Books): This uplifting story covers baseball, dreams come true and the realities and pace of societal change. It is a great choice for baseball fans wanting to learn more about the history of the game.
Leah Hong (@leahhongdraws), author and illustrator of HAPPY DREAMS, LITTLE BUNNY, and illustrator of the upcoming 2024 releases WHEN YOU HAVE TO WAIT and A MOUSE FAMILY CHRISTMAS, recommends NIGEL AND THE MOON written by Antwan Eady, illustrated by Gracey Zhang (Katherine Tegen Books): Nigel entrusts the moon to keep his big dreams safe in this wonderfully uplifting story of hope, courage and acceptance within. I knew I had to get my hands on a copy when I first saw the breathtaking cover with Gracey Zhang’s, loose, sweeping brushwork. When I opened the book, Antwan Eady’s words did not disappoint. From the opening line to the last sentence I was lockstep with Nigel as he rides the pendulum between dreaming and doubting, until at last he finds the courage to share his deeply personal aspirations with the world. I love everything about this book.
Katey Howes (@Kateywrites), author of picture books including RISSY NO KISSIES, new release A POEM GROWS INSIDE YOU, and upcoming 2023 release WOVEN OF THE WORLD, recommends THE GARDENER OF ALCATRAZ, written by Emma Bland Smith, illustrated by Jen Ely (Charlesbridge): Unexpectedly touching, surprising, and poignant, THE GARDENER OF ALCATRAZ is a tour de force of a picture book biography. Stunningly atmospheric illustrations draw the reader in deep as they learn about Elliott Michener, a criminal locked away in one of the most secure prisons in the United States for counterfeiting. Michener starts off planning his escape, but instead becomes more and more involved in restoring nature and beauty to the island - and a sense of dignity and worth to himself.
Jenna Elyse Johnson (@kidlit_jennaj), PB Chat mentee and 2023 intern at The Writing Barn, recommends MENDING THE MOON written by Emma Pearl, illustrated by Sara Ugolotti (Page Street Kids): I’ve always loved the moon and distinctly remember being jealous of my brother in the 3rd grade when he got to do a report on the moon and I got stuck with Uranus. (You can imagine the parents giggling through my presentation as I tried to pronounce Uranus.) So, when I saw MENDING THE MOON, I knew I had to own it. The title alone, along with the stunning cover, grabbed my heart and never let go. It’s a book I wish I had written and that I can’t wait to share with my students. The illustrations are breathtakingly beautiful. I think this is the most gorgeous book that I own and I could just stare at it for hours. (Maybe Sara can illustrate one of my books some day…) I also love the folktale feel of the story. While still contemporary, it gives the vibes of a fable or myth. The word choices are pristine. This book is perfect for a class that I teach (all about fables and folklore), and I can’t wait to challenge my students to come up with their own stories about smudges or “faces” on the moon. I love that the story follows a girl (Luna) and her Poppa, (got to love intergenerational relationships!) and that the animals in the forest all have roles to play too. Everything just comes together so nicely. MENDING THE MOON feels like an instant classic.
Sarah Kurpiel (@SarahKurpiel), author/illustrator of 2022 title ELEPHANT'S BIG SOLO and forthcoming 2023 title SNAKE'S BIG MISTAKE, recommends RICK THE ROCK OF ROOM 214 written by Julie Falatko, illustrated by Ruth Chan (Simon Schuster Books for Young Readers): Rick is a rock. An utterly endearing rock. A rock itching for adventure. He can’t wait to do all the exciting rock things he’s seen in books (like explode from a volcano and other cool stuff like that). But will life outside the classroom meet his expectations? You’ll have to check out this delightful book to find out! RICK THE ROCK OF ROOM 214 is one of the funniest and sweetest picture books I read this year. Ruth Chan’s illustrations are hilarious, adorable, and full of personality. (Just wait until you see the outdoor rocks!) Perfect for read-alouds, RICK THE ROCK OF ROOM 214 is a book sure to make kids smile.
Anna Lazowski (@anna_lazowski), author of the 2021 title T. REXES CAN'T TIE THEIR SHOES, and the upcoming 2023 release DARK CLOUD, recommends BEATRICE LIKES THE DARK written by April Genevieve Tucholke, illustrated by Khoa Le (Algonquin Young Readers): BEATRICE LIKES THE DARK shares the story of two sisters who find creative ways to overcome their very different differences. With lovely lyrical language and gorgeous illustrations, it's an excellent read for kids who want to sink into a beautifully imagined world and celebrate what makes them unique.
Alison Marcotte (@akmarcotte), author of the 2022 title SEEKING BEST FRIEND, recommends DIGESTION! THE MUSICAL written by Adam Rex and illustrated by Laura Park (Chronicle Books): This book is so funny and educational from start to finish. (It begins with a great dedication; Adam's dedication is "For my gastroenterologist, Dr. Bortuzzo." And the story ends with an Appendix. So many puns!) Not only does it teach readers about digestion in a hilarious, memorable way, but it also includes a clever storyline about the main star, a piece of candy. The pink gumball-shaped candy is excited to go on her digestion journey, but is vilified by the teeth, gallbladder, kidneys, and appendix for being junk food (thankfully she becomes friends with Gum in this stomach). But wait till Act 3 -- you'll have a change of heart about Candy when she goes on her final transformation in the stomach. Laura's illustrations are so fun, colorful, and informative, and the cast members' (who are food, organs, household items like the toilet paper rolls, etc.) expressions are priceless. If you tend to avoid books with potty humor, you won't have to worry about this one. A book on digestion indeed needs some info about going to the bathroom, but it doesn't play a huge role in the musical, and also is very funny. This book definitely involved a lot of research, and is an impressive picture book. Highly recommend it!
James McGowan (@jmcgowanbks), author of 2021 release GOOD NIGHT, OPPY!, recommends DOES BULLDOZER HAVE A BUTT? written by Derick Wilder, illustrated by K-Fai Steele (Chronicle Books): I’ve read lots of picture books this year but one of the few that stuck with me most is DOES A BULLDOZER HAVE A BUTT? By Derick Wilder and K-Fai Steele. It was silly in all the best ways, capturing a hilarious line of questioning that feels all too real for kids to ask, and Steele’s illustrations are the perfect complement. They’re whimsical, and hide butts in all the funniest places.
Rosie J. Pova (@RosiePOV), author of SUNDAY RAIN and 2022 release THE SCHOOL OF FAILURE, recommends POLAR BEAR ISLAND written by Lindsay Bonilla, illustrated by Cinta Villalobos (Union Square Kids): I loved the humor in this story - it made me smile throughout - and I appreciated the subtle message of inclusivity and the fun art! It's kid-relatable plus a great read-aloud that can sustain many rereads, and it's also an easy entry point to start a conversation with young kids about immigration, diversity, and inclusivity. A well-rounded book that stands out!
Sana Rafi (@srafibooks), author of LITTLE SEEDS OF PROMISE and 2022 release A MERMAID GIRL, recommends HOW WE SAY I LOVE YOU written by Nicole Chen, illustrated by Lenny Wen (Alfred A. Knopf Books for Young Readers): In this picture book, many immigrant children will be able to relate to growing up in a household where words of affirmation like "I love you" are not directly spoken. Instead, they're shown in so many different ways--food, effort to do better, patience, respect. This book is adorable, necessary and so sweet. A must-have and a must-read!
Debra Kempf Shumaker (@ShumakerDebra), author of FREAKY, FUNKY FISH, TELL SOMEONE, and 2022 release PECULIAR PRIMATES, recommends MUSHROOM RAIN written by Laura K. Zimmerman, illustrated by Jamie Green (Sleeping Bear Press): My favorite picture book of 2022 is Mushroom Rain. I absolutely LOVE this book! Zimmermann's opening lines pull you right in and her lyrical and lively text keeps you there as she shares the unique, bizarre, and strange features of mushrooms. Green's exquisite art slows you down to savor each page. I learned so much about mushrooms. A masterpiece!
Brittany J. Thurman (@janeebrittany), author of new release FLY and upcoming 2024 title FOREVER AND ALWAYS, recommends MY PAATI’S SARI written by Jyoti Rajan Gopal, illustrated by Art Twink (Kokila): I fell I love with the verse in My Paati’s Sari. The poetic language pairs perfect with the vivid imagery. This book is an invitation for one young child to realize who he is and who he will become. My Paati’s Sari reminds me so much of the relationship I have with my own grandmother, and how as a child, I looked up to my Gran-Gran, the clothing she put on, and the actions she took. I hope My Paati’s Sari becomes part of home and library collections. It is a reminder that there is much joy and possibility in what we often think of as ordinary.
And I’d love to share my favorite book, too!
Anitra Rowe Schulte (@anitraschulte), author of DANCING WITH DADDY and upcoming 2023 title WILLOW AND BUNNY recommends SEE YOU SOMEDAY SOON, written by Pat Zietlow Miller, illustrated by Suzy Lee (Roaring Brook Press): This surprising picture book beautifully chronicles the everyday-ness of missing someone you dearly love. Tender, sparse text hones in on the most central emotions and wishes one feels and makes during days apart. And the artwork is sooooo delightful. Perfectly placed cut-outs move unpredictably across the pages to spotlight important details, while loose, emotive sketches allow readers to poignantly see their own feelings of loss. And that yellow cover, dotted with bright conversation bubbles - divine! "See You Someday Soon" is a piece of art that's both cathartic and exploratory, a picture book that never looses the light of hope for a reunion… someday soon.
Thanks so much for reading! I hope your TBR is all set for the coming weeks and months. And don’t forget to add the curators’ books to your list, while you’re at it! If you’d like to take a look at the past four years’ Picture Book Picks lists, for even more great recos, you’ll find those below:
2018 picture book Picks, here
2019 Picture Book Picks, here
2020 Picture Book Picks, here
2021 Picture Book Picks, here
Wishing you a wonderful holiday season!
Anitra
