da Shop Favorites: Children's Literature

For babies to middle grade readers, here are books from diverse voices & perspectives. Books about adventure, friendship, and books that seem to be written for a specific moment or challenge. Plus, links to more book lists for great children's books.

Board Books for Babies

Antiracist Baby written by Ibram X. Kendi, illustrated by Ashley Lukashevsky
From the National Book Award-winning author of Stamped from the Beginning and How to Be an Antiracist comes a fresh new board book that empowers parents and children to uproot racism in our society and in ourselves.

Hawai‘i's Mixed Plate: A Collection of 3 Board Books illustrated by Kat Uno
Time for lunch! This mixed plate lunch is a mix of three board books for the hungry toddler set—one book about rice, one about salad, and one listing some of Hawai‘i’s favorite main dishes.

Y is for Yoga by Greg Paproki
An engaging collection of 26 illustrations featuring yoga poses, terms, and techniques from downward dog and visualize to yoga mat and warrior pose.

Dim Sum For Everyone! by Grace Lin
A tasty morsel of a board book all about dim sum from the Newbery Honor-winning author of Where the Mountain Meets the Moon, Grace Lin.

I am Peace: A Book of Mindfulness written by Susan Verde, illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds
Discover the power of mindfulness in this board book edition from the bestselling team behind I Am Human and I Am Love!

A is for Activist by Innosanto Nagara
A is for Activist is an ABC board book written and illustrated for the next generation of progressives: families who want their kids to grow up in a space that is unapologetic about activism, environmental justice, civil rights, LGBTQ rights, and everything else that activists believe in and fight for.

Books with Diverse Voices & Perspectives

All Because You Matter written by Tami Charles, illustrated by Bryan Collier
A lyrical, heart-lifting love letter to Black and Brown children everywhere reminds them how much they matter, that they have always mattered and they always will.

Me & Mama by Cozbi A. Cabrera
Mama's love is brighter than the sun, even on the rainiest of days. This celebration of a mother-daughter relationship is perfect for sharing with little ones!

Ho‘onani: Hula Warrior written by Heather Gale, illustrated by Mika Song
An empowering celebration of identity, acceptance and Hawaiian culture based on the true story of a young girl in Hawaiʻi who dreams of leading the boys-only hula troupe at her school. Ho'onani feels in-between.

You Matter by Christian Robinson
They All Saw a Cat meets The Important Book in this sensitive and impactful picture book about seeing the world from different points of view by Caldecott and Coretta Scott King Honoree Christian Robinson.

Julian at the Wedding by Jessica Love
The star of Julián Is a Mermaid makes a joyful return--and finds a new friend--at a wedding to be remembered.

I Am Every Good Thing written by Derrick Barnes, illustrated by Gordon C. James
An upbeat, empowering, important picture book from the team that created the award-winning Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut.

The Water Protectors written by Carole Lindstrom, illustrated by Michaela Goade
Inspired by the many Indigenous-led movements across North America, We Are Water Protectors issues an urgent rallying cry to safeguard the Earth's water from harm and corruption.

The Barren Grounds: The Misewa Saga, Book 1 by David Robertson
Narnia meets traditional Indigenous stories of the sky and constellations in an epic middle grade fantasy series from award-winning author David Robertson.

Prairie Lotus by Linda Sue Park
In this compelling, emotionally engaging novel set in 1880, a half-Chinese girl and her white father try to make a home in Dakota Territory, in the face of racism and resistance.

The Okinawan Princess written by Lee Tonouchi, illustrated by Laura Kina
Okinawan Princess: Da Legend of Hajichi Tattoos is an illustrated, transpacific feminist fairy tale for all readers that illuminates an ancient tradition and pushes back against normative standards of beauty.

The Old Truck by Jerome & Jarrett Pumphrey
A young girl turns her imagination into action in this beautifully crafted and intricately designed debut picture book.

Story Boat written by Kyo Maclear, illustrated by Rashin Kheiriyeh
When you have to leave behind almost everything you know, where can you call home? Sometimes home is simply where we are: here. A imaginative, lyrical, unforgettable picture book about the migrant experience through a child's eyes.

King and Dragonflies by Kacen Callender (middle grade)
In a small but turbulent Louisiana town, one boy's grief takes him beyond the bayous of his backyard, to learn that there is no right way to be yourself.

Ordinary ‘Ohana written by Lee Cataluna, illustrated by Cheyne Gallarde
This is a little book about a big family making the point that family is who you choose and there's always room for more at Sunday dinner, even if it's on Saturday night, or Wednesday night, or whenever. In a time when families don't fit traditional definitions, Ordinary ʻOhana assures readers that a diverse family is a normal family.

Books about Adventure & Friendship

Evelyn Del Rey is Moving Away written by Meg Medina, illustrated by Sonia Sanchez
From Newbery Medalist Meg Medina comes the bittersweet story of two girls who will always be each other's número uno, even though one is moving away.

‘Ohana Means Family written by Ilima Loomis, illustrated by Kenard Pak
In this cumulative rhyme in the style of "The House That Jack Built," a family celebrates Hawaii and its culture while serving poi at a luau.

The Barnabus Project by Terry, Eric, and Devin Fan
In a world built for Perfect Pets, Barnabus is a Failed Project, half mouse, half elephant, kept out of sight until his dreams of freedom lead him and his misfit friends on a perilous adventure. A stunning picture book from international bestsellers The Fan Brothers, joined by their brother Devin Fan.

Chirri & Chirra books by Kaya Doi, translated by Yuki Kaneko
A wonderfully imaginative series about two girls that is marked by revealing and lyrical small details.

If You Come to Earth by Sophie Blackall
In this picture book, a boy writes a letter to an imagined alien, explaining all the things he will need to know about Earth and the people who live here--and adding a postscript asking what the alien might look like.

What We'll Build: Plans for Our Future Together by Oliver Jeffers
A father and his young daughter gather their tools and begin building a future where love can be set aside until it is needed, enemies become friends, and exploration is key.

Kai Goes to the Farmer's Market written by Catherine Toth Fox, illustrated by Mariko Merritt
Kai wakes up hungry. What’s a kid to do when there’s no food in the fridge? Kai’s mom tells him to grab his hat and off they go to visit the farmers market where they see all kinds of food—fruit and veggies galore.

When You Trap a Tiger by Tae Keller (Middle Grade)

When Lily, her sister Sam, and their mother move in with her sick grandmother, Lily traps a tiger and makes a deal with him to heal Halmoni.

We Dream of Space by Erin Entrada Kelly (Middle Grade)
Newbery Medalist and New York Times-bestselling author Erin Entrada Kelly transports readers to 1986 and introduces them to the unforgettable Cash, Fitch, and Bird Thomas in this pitch-perfect middle grade novel about family, friendship, science, and exploration.

Wish in the Dark by Christina Soontornvat

A boy on the run. A girl determined to find him. A compelling fantasy looks at issues of privilege, protest, and justice.

Skunk and Badger by Amy Timberlake, illustrated by Jon Klassen (middle grade)

Winnie-the-Pooh meets Wallace and Gromit in this fresh odd-couple series. Newbery Honor author Amy Timberlake has created an instant classic with illustrations by Caldecott Medalist Jon Klassen

Books to Help Us Cope

The Immortal Jellyfish by Sang Miao

Where do we go when we die? Use this vibrantly illustrated story to guide your kids through the grieving process, with the help of a jellyfish that eternally regenerates and a young boy missing his grandfather.

I Talk Like a River written by Jordan Scott, illustrated by Sydney Smith
When a child has a "bad speech day" at school, his father gives him a new perspective on his stuttering.

The List of Things that Will Not Change by Rebecca Stead
Despite her parents' divorce, her father's coming out as gay, and his plans to marry his boyfriend, ten-year-old Bea is reassured by her parents' unconditional love, excited about getting a stepsister, and haunted by something she did last summer at her father's lake house.

Ruby Finds a Worry by Tom Percival
A young girl's sense of adventure and exploration vanishes when she discovers a Worry that grows and grows until she learns how to get rid of it.

I am One: A Book of Action written by Susan Verde, illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds
Discover the power of activism in this companion to New York Times bestsellers I Am Human and I Am Love!

Maybe written by Kobi Yamada, illustrated by Gabriella Barouch
You are more amazing than you even know. New York Times best-selling author Kobi Yamada has written a story about the unbound potential you hold inside. With striking, realistic illustrations, it's a reminder that you were meant for incredible things. And maybe, just maybe, you will exceed your wildest dreams.

Six Feet Together written by Beverly da Silva, illustrated by Kat Uno
How far is six feet apart? Too far to hold hands. Too far to give hugs. Too far to share snacks. But it’s not too far to share a laugh, trade a smile, or make a wish.

After the Fall (How Humpty Got Back Up Again) by Dan Santat
From a Caldecott Medalist and "New York Times"-bestselling author-illustrator comes the inspiring epilogue to a beloved nursery rhyme. Now terrified of heights after his fall, Humpty Dumpty can longer do many of the things he loves most. Will he summon the courage to face his fear?

Nonfiction Picture Books

The Ocean Calls: A Haenyeo Mermaid Story by written by Tina Cho, illustrated by Jess X. Snow
A breathtaking picture book featuring a Korean girl and her haenyeo (free diving) grandmother about intergenerational bonds, finding courage in the face of fear, and connecting with our natural world.

Drawing on Walls: A Story of Keith Haring by Matthew Burgess, illustrated by Josh Cochran
From Matthew Burgess, the much-acclaimed author of Enormous Smallness, comes Drawing on Walls: A Story of Keith Haring. Often seen drawing in white chalk on the matte black paper of unused advertising space in the subway, Haring's iconic pop art and graffiti-like style transformed the New York City underground in the 1980s.

I Dissent: Ruth Bader Ginsburg Makes Her Mark written by Debbie Levy, illustrated by Elizabeth Baddeley
Get to know celebrated Supreme Court justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg in the first picture book about her life.

Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History by Vashti Harrison
Based on her popular Instagram posts, debut author-illustrator Harrison shares the stories of 40 bold African-American women who shaped history and changed the world.

Obsessive About Octopuses by Owen Davey
The latest entry in acclaimed illustrator Owen Davey's popular About Animals series, featuring his signature minimalist art style with colorful, design-oriented layouts--Obsessive About Octopuses is sure to delight kids as well as adult cephalopod fans.

An Anthology of Intriguing Animals by DK
Covering more than 100 species, this beautiful compendium contains incredible stories and myths behind kids' favorite animals and features spectacular photographs and fun facts in easy-to-read text.

The Mysteries of the Universe: Discover the Best-Kept Secrets of Space by DK
Journey from Earth to the outer reaches of the universe with this stunning book about space! You'll encounter bizarre planets, distant stars, and intricate galaxies.

Lindburgh: The Tale of a Flying Mouse by Torben Kuhlmann (Middle Grade)
A new invention, the mechanical mousetrap, causes every mouse but one to flee to America. But with cats guarding the steamships, transatlantic crossings are no longer safe. In the bleakest of places . . . the one remaining mouse has a brilliant idea. He must learn to fly!

The Magical Unicorn Society Official Handbook by Selwyn E. Phipps, illustrated by Helen Dardik & Zanna and Harry Goldhawk
A vibrantly illustrated official guide to everything unicorn-related, from the Magical Unicorn Society. With breathtaking artwork from Dardik and Harry and Zanna Goldhawk, this special book is the ultimate gift for true believers. (okay, okay, not technically nonfiction but the book feels like nonfiction and for unicorn lovers, it's a gift to read a book that treats this beloved creature as if it were a real animal).

Graphic Novels for Young Readers

Princess Princess Ever After by Katie O'Neill
A sweet and positive fairy tale in which two princesses meet and embark on an adventure to overcome their own personal obstacles.

Written & Drawn by Henrietta by Liniers
When Henrietta's mother gives her a box of colored pencils, she sets out to draw a terrifying and fantastic adventure.

The Tea Dragon Society by Katie O'Neill
The Tea Dragon Society is the two-time Eisner Award-winning gentle fantasy that follows the story of a blacksmith apprentice, and the people she meets as she becomes entwined in the enchanting world of tea dragons.

Donut Feed the Squirrels (Norma and Belly #1) by Mika Song
Two squirrel best friends meet their match: a donut food truck! A hilarious young graphic novel perfect for fans of Narwhal: Unicorn of the Sea and anyone who would do ANYTHING for a donut.

Kodi by Jared Cullum
The gorgeous story of two friends separated by everything in the world -- except love. Readers and animal-lovers of every age will want to relive this journey over and over again.

Guts by Raina Telgemeier
A true story from Raina Telgemeier, the #1 New York Times bestselling, multiple Eisner Award-winning author of Smile, Sisters, Drama, and Ghosts!