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New York Times Best Seller of Children's Picture Books

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New York Times Best Seller of Children's Picture Books since 2008. The New York Times® Best Sellers List Children's Picture Books is maintained by The New York Times®. The list is updated on Friday, December 19, 2016.

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FRANKENKITTY

release date: Sep 20, 2026
No. 1 Best Seller on Sunday, September 20, 2026.
FRANKENKITTY
This lively, laugh-out-loud gothic tale in picture book form is perfect for kids ages 3-7 who love their monsters cute and their bedtime stories dramatic. Features a freakishly fun art style and a neon green Pantone on the cover! Meet Frankenkitty--a stitched-together kitten with a haunted castle for a home and a reputation that seems to terrify everyone…even his own inventor! Only Olive, the inventor’s brave young daughter, sees the sweet side of this misunderstood kitty. But when terrible things start to happen at the castle—like mice invading the kitchen, frogs appearing in the bathtub, and Brussels sprouts showing up on the dinner menu—poor Frankenkitty gets the blame and is banished from the castle into the snow. Will Olive be able to rescue the poor kitten before it's too late? Features a freakishly fun art style and a neon green Pantone on the cover! Full of playful twists on classic horror tropes, this entertaining story features hilariously dramatic narration, perfect for reading aloud and getting readers ready for the spooky season.

DOLLY PARTON

release date: Sep 13, 2026
No. 1 Best Seller on Sunday, September 13, 2026.

LITTLE BLUE TRUCK LOST AND FOUND

release date: Sep 06, 2026
No. 1 Best Seller on Sunday, September 6, 2026.
LITTLE BLUE TRUCK LOST AND FOUND
It's a fun day on the farm with the #1 New York Times bestselling Little Blue Truck and friends—until Toad goes missing! Toad helps prepare for a hayride by loading piles of hay into Little Blue's truck bed. But when they're ready for a ride, Toad is nowhere to be found! Can Blue and his farm animal friends find Toad in time for him to join the fun? This seventh picture book in the beloved and bestselling Little Blue Truck series features all the rhyme, rhythm, animal sounds, and good old-fashioned fun and friendship that Blue is known for. Join Blue and friends for another adventure on the farm! Check out the other exciting stories and formats in the Little Blue Truck series and celebrate all year 'round with Blue and friends! Little Blue Truck Little Blue Truck Leads the Way Good Night, Little Blue Truck Time for School, Little Blue Truck Little Blue Truck Makes a Friend Little Blue Truck and Racer Red Little Blue Truck’s Christmas Little Blue Truck’s Halloween Little Blue Truck’s Springtime Little Blue Truck’s Valentine Little Blue Truck Feeling Happy What Do You Say, Little Blue Truck? Little Blue Truck’s Beep-Along Book Little Blue Truck Farm Sticker Fun

SEE YOU LATER, ALLIGATOR!

release date: Aug 30, 2026
No. 1 Best Seller on Sunday, August 30, 2026.
SEE YOU LATER, ALLIGATOR!
A departing tortoise has his bags packed and is almost ready to set out on an adventure, but he can’t leave until he says good-bye to each of his animal friends. The tortoise stops for every last timid mouse and bumblebee, shouting his rhyming good-byes, making you wonder if, perhaps, he’s stalling the start of his trip.

ON THE FIRST DAY OF KINDERGARTEN

release date: Aug 23, 2026
No. 1 Best Seller on Sunday, August 23, 2026.
ON THE FIRST DAY OF KINDERGARTEN
On the first day of kindergarten, I thought it was so cool . . . riding the bus to my school! From making lots of friends to jumping rope in gym, this fun, build-on story counts twelve exciting firsts of big kid school.

MAC & CHEESE

release date: Aug 02, 2026
No. 1 Best Seller on Sunday, August 2, 2026.
MAC & CHEESE
The Bad Seed meets The Legend of Rock, Paper, Scissors in a pasta-tively hilarious story about the most enduring friendship of all time: Mac & Cheese! Mac was a friendly Noodle and rubbed elbows with everyone. But he didn't have the one thing he wanted most: A friend. Meanwhile, not too far away in Quesoland, Cheese was king. And while he could be a real crowd-pleaser, he didn't have the one thing he wanted most: a friend. Join Mac and Cheese in their search for true friendship, told through Michael Benner's hilarious, heartwarming text, and Alison Hawkins' endearing, delightful visuals! Perfect for the youngest readers, this funny and sweet read-aloud will ensure a goud-a time!

SING THE 50 UNITED STATES!

by: Dr
release date: Jun 21, 2026
No. 1 Best Seller on Sunday, June 21, 2026.
SING THE 50 UNITED STATES!
With this newly discovered and never-before-seen picture book by Dr. Seuss himself, celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States of America! From Alabama to Wyoming, learn the names of all 50 states with a little help from the Cat in the Hat. To sing the 50 United States you have to use your brain. Massachusetts. Minnesota. Missouri and Montana. M-i-s-s-Mississippi. Maryland! Michigan and Maine! In this never-before-seen picture book featuring Dr. Seuss’s signature rhyming style, readers will delight in naming the 50 states alongside the beloved Cat in the Hat! Funny, engaging, and educational, this book is ideal for Seuss fans and collectors of all ages. Sing the 50 United States! features original, previously unpublished text by Dr. Seuss and brand-new illustrations inspired by his sketches. At the end of the book you’ll find a Publisher’s Note about how this project came to be, including archival images of the original text and sketches by Ted Geisel—a.k.a. Dr. Seuss!

WE ARE MIGHTY

release date: Jun 07, 2026
No. 1 Best Seller on Sunday, June 7, 2026.
WE ARE MIGHTY
“America’s Government Teacher” and author of the New York Times bestselling The Small and the Mighty pens a hopeful picture book about twelve ordinary Americans who stood up to do the next needed thing. “Want mighty kids? Give them these spectacular mighty heroes. I love it. Sharon McMahon is a national treasure!” —Brad Meltzer, bestselling author of the Ordinary People Change the World series One kind act. One spark of bravery. One big idea from someone nobody expected. In this beautifully illustrated collection, you’ll meet twelve real people from America’s past—some famous, most not—whose choices changed the course of history. You’ll meet María de López, who drove ambulances during World War I and helped win the vote for women. You’ll read about two boys—Norman and Alan—who met at a campout, stayed friends for life, and helped lead the country together. And you’ll discover how teachers, kids, and quiet changemakers made a mighty difference in their communities. With powerful storytelling from #1 New York Times bestselling author Sharon McMahon and vivid art from award-winning illustrator Susanna Chapman, We Are Mighty celebrates courage, character, and the idea that the smallest step can create ripples we can’t yet see.

WHY A SON NEEDS A MOM

release date: May 10, 2026
No. 1 Best Seller on Sunday, May 10, 2026.
WHY A SON NEEDS A MOM
Based on Gregory Lang's New York Times bestselling original series! The perfect book or Easter gift to show why Mom is so special! A touching picture book for kids ages 3-7 and beyond showcasing all the ways a mother will help her child grow, this is the gift for every mom and little boy to celebrate their special bond. Featuring charming animal illustrations and heartwarming rhymes about the loving moments mothers and sons share, Why a Son Needs a Mom is the perfect story to connect mother and son together. From the moment that I saw your beautiful face, Held you close to my heart in a mother's embrace, I promised to help you grow with strength and grace. My dear one, my sweet son, my boy. For new moms, mothers-to-be, or for that perfect mother-son moment at birthdays and other special occasions all year, this sweet storybook celebrates how a mother helps her little boy grow with strength and love.

IT'S MY BIRD-DAY!

release date: Apr 26, 2026
No. 1 Best Seller on Sunday, April 26, 2026.
IT'S MY BIRD-DAY!
The Pigeon has the hat. And the hot dog cake! He is ready for the presents! But . . . do YOU think The Pigeon can handle his BIG bird-day surprise!?! Get ready for a very special birthday celebration from three-time Caldecott honoree Mo Willems.

FOR THE FANS!

release date: Jan 25, 2026
No. 1 Best Seller on Sunday, January 25, 2026.

Christmas at Hogwarts

release date: Oct 15, 2024
No. 1 Best Seller on Sunday, January 4, 2026.
Christmas at Hogwarts
"'Christmas was coming. One morning in mid-December, Hogwarts woke to find itself covered in several feet of snow.' So begins chapter twelve of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, and the ... story of Harry Potter's first Christmas at Hogwarts. From the Great Hall decked with magnificent fir trees to cozy evenings in the Gryffindor Common Room to the joy of presents on Christmas morning, it's a holiday filled with warmth, friendship, good food, and magical surprises that Harry will never forget. With text drawn directly from J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone and ... illustrations by artist Ziyi Gao, this favorite moment from one of the most beloved books of all time is now fully illustrated for the whole family to enjoy"--

HOW TO CATCH A REINDEER

release date: Dec 28, 2025
No. 1 Best Seller on Sunday, December 28, 2025.
HOW TO CATCH A REINDEER
Jingle all the way in this new Christmas story for kids from the New York Times and USA Today bestselling How to Catch series! It's Christmas Eve and Santa's team is off to deliver presents when one of the trusted reindeer Comet decides to explore on her own... the perfect opportunity for our How to Catch Kids to trap her and prove Santa exists! Come along on this fun Christmas adventure to see if you can catch Comet! Poised to become a new holiday tradition, this merry picture book is filled with silly rhymes and illustrations sure to delight young readers and educators alike with STEAM concepts and classic hilarity and chaos. The perfect Christmas gift or holiday stocking stuffer for children ages 4-10! Reindeer fly on Christmas Eve and bring us all good cheer. To catch one takes a special trap—will YOU meet one this year? Also in the How to Catch Series: How to Catch an Elf How to Catch a Snowman How to Catch a Yeti How to Catch a Gingerbread Man How to Catch a Unicorn and more!

HOW TO CATCH A SNOWMAN

release date: Dec 21, 2025
No. 1 Best Seller on Sunday, December 21, 2025.
HOW TO CATCH A SNOWMAN
A USA Today Bestseller! From the New York Times and USA Today bestselling How to Catch series comes a new winter adventure! Our heroes' entry for the snowman contest has magically come to life—and ran away! Can YOU help catch it? Get ready for snow much fun as you travel through a winter wonderland with running, skating, and bouncing through trap after trap to catch the snowman and claim the winning prize. Will the snowman teach our heroes a lesson they'll never forget? Who snows! This delightful picture book for ages 4-10 is filled with silly rhymes, fun art, and STEAM connections perfect for families and educators to enjoy this winter or as a holiday stocking stuffer. I don't thumpity-thump or give warm hugs—that's for my snowman friends to do. Clever kids will try to trap me, but who will catch me...YOU? Also in the How to Catch Series: How to Catch a Yeti How to Catch a Mermaid How to Catch a Dinosaur How to Catch an Elf How to Catch a Monster and more!

I AM GLINDA

release date: Dec 14, 2025
No. 1 Best Seller on Sunday, December 14, 2025.
I AM GLINDA
All of the "thrillifying" things about Glinda. (Ages 2 to 5)

HOW TO CATCH SANTA CLAUS

release date: Dec 07, 2025
No. 1 Best Seller on Sunday, December 7, 2025.
HOW TO CATCH SANTA CLAUS
Children attempt to catch Santa Claus as he delivers their presents on Christmas Eve.

THE HUMBLE PIE

release date: Nov 23, 2025
No. 1 Best Seller on Sunday, November 23, 2025.
THE HUMBLE PIE
The Humble Pie likes to give others the spotlight. Aw, shucks!—they deserve it! But when he’s paired with his best friend, Jake the Cake, for a school project, he soon realizes that staying in the shadows isn’t always as sweet as pie. Readers of all ages will laugh along as their new pie pal discovers that letting your voice be heard always takes the cake!

HOW TO CATCH A MONSTER

release date: Nov 09, 2025
No. 1 Best Seller on Sunday, November 9, 2025.
HOW TO CATCH A MONSTER
A USA Today Bestseller! From the New York Times and USA Today bestselling How to Catch series comes an all-new monster story and picture book for kids! Get ready to laugh along in this fun children's monster book as a brave young ninja heads into the closet to meet the monster that's been so scary night after night! But what if our monster isn't scary at all? Maybe our hero is about to make a friend of the strangest sort... Whether you're looking for kids books about fears, spooky basket stuffers, festive gifts for children, a great bedtime story, or inspiration to build your very own STEAM traps and activities, parents, educators, and children alike will love sharing this silly read aloud! This inventive picture book about conquering fears and overcoming anxiety reminds us that things aren't always as scary as they seem! There's a monster in my closet with claws, and teeth, and hair, and tonight, I'm going to scare him! He lives just right through there... Also in the How to Catch Series: How to Catch a Witch How to Catch the Easter Bunny How to Catch an Elf How to Catch a Turkey How to Catch a Leprechaun How to Catch a Dinosaur and more!

HOW TO CATCH A WITCH

release date: Oct 26, 2025
No. 1 Best Seller on Sunday, October 26, 2025.
HOW TO CATCH A WITCH
"When the Halloween Witch opens a magical portal and lets in all the Halloween creatures, the Catch Club Kids set up a trap to catch the creatures and send them back"--

THE LEAF THIEF

release date: Oct 05, 2025
No. 1 Best Seller on Sunday, October 5, 2025.
THE LEAF THIEF
Squirrel attempts to figure out who has stolen his leaves. (Ages 4 to 8)

Just Shine!

release date: Sep 09, 2025
No. 1 Best Seller on Sunday, September 28, 2025.
Just Shine!
From the author of the #1 New York Times bestseller Just Ask! comes a sweet and powerful story about being true to yourself and shining your brightest. How will you help people shine? There once was a little girl who grew up in Puerto Rico with an incredible ability—she was able to make everyone around her shine. She listened, she understood, she worked hard, and she brought out the beauty in each person she met. In a story inspired by her mother’s ability to help people see their own brilliance, Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor shows readers how helping others shine makes the whole world brighter. With art by award-winning illustrator Jacqueline Alcántara, Just Shine will help readers find their own inner glow—and recognize that glow in those around them.

HANSEL AND GRETEL

release date: Sep 21, 2025
No. 1 Best Seller on Sunday, September 21, 2025.
HANSEL AND GRETEL
*The haunting tale of two brave children lost in a dark and dangerous forest, reimagined by literary legends Stephen King and Maurice Sendak in an all-new picture book.* Let Stephen King, global bestselling and award-winning author, and Maurice Sendak, beloved creator of the Caldecott Medal–winning Where the Wild Things Are, guide you into the most deliciously daring rendition of the classic Grimm fairy tale yet. But will you find your way back out? With a personal introduction from Stephen King, the beautiful book has been created in close collaboration with the Maurice Sendak Foundation. This stunning storybook makes the perfect gift for fans of King, Sendak, and the Brothers Grimm.

THE SMART COOKIE

release date: Aug 03, 2025
No. 1 Best Seller on Sunday, August 3, 2025.
THE SMART COOKIE
This cookie has never felt like a smart cookie no matter how hard she tries, especially in comparison to all the clever cupcakes and brilliant rolls in the bakery. Will a dash of creativity and a sprinkle of confidence be enough to help her learn that perfect scores and having all the answers aren’t the only ingredients for intelligence?

NOBODY HUGS A CACTUS

release date: Jul 20, 2025
No. 1 Best Seller on Sunday, July 20, 2025.
NOBODY HUGS A CACTUS
Celebrated artist and lead character designer of Brave, Ratatouille, and Despicable Me, Carter Goodrich, shows that sometimes, even the prickliest people—or the crankiest cacti—need a little love. Hank is the prickliest cactus in the entire world. He sits in a pot in a window that faces the empty desert, which is just how he likes it. So, when all manner of creatures—from tumbleweed to lizard to owl—come to disturb his peace, Hank is annoyed. He doesn’t like noise, he doesn’t like rowdiness, and definitely does not like hugs. But the thing is, no one is offering one. Who would want to hug a plant so mean? Hank is beginning to discover that being alone can be, well, lonely. So he comes up with a plan to get the one thing he thought he would never need: a hug from a friend.

THE WILD ROBOT ON THE ISLAND

release date: Jul 13, 2025
No. 1 Best Seller on Sunday, July 13, 2025.
THE WILD ROBOT ON THE ISLAND
This gorgeously illustrated picture book brings to full color the adventures of the #1 New York Times bestselling novel The Wild Robot. Roz is not where she’s supposed to be. You see, the robot wasn’t designed to live in the wilderness. But when she washes up on an island, she must learn from the animal inhabitants and adapt to her new, natural surroundings, and before long, the island begins to feel like home. Filled with bestselling creator and award-winning artist Peter Brown’s stunning artwork, this moving picture book is the perfect gift for readers new to The Wild Robot or for longtime fans of the middle-grade book series that sparked a global phenomenon.

WILL THE PIGEON GRADUATE?

release date: Jun 01, 2025
No. 1 Best Seller on Sunday, June 1, 2025.
WILL THE PIGEON GRADUATE?
From #1 New York Times bestselling, award-winning author and illustrator Mo Willems comes this class-ic graduation book. The Pigeon had better graduate! He did the work! He paid attention to the little details! He overcame some BIG obstacles! The Pigeon's got this . . . Or does he? Do YOU think The Pigeon will graduate? Grab your caps, don your gowns, and raise your hands for The Pigeon's biggest adventure yet in this uplifting, hilarious, and inspirational graduation picture book from three-time Caldecott honoree Mo Willems. It's a PhD* in fun! (*Pigeon-y hilarious Diatribe)

WHY A DAUGHTER NEEDS A MOM

release date: May 25, 2025
No. 1 Best Seller on Sunday, May 25, 2025.
WHY A DAUGHTER NEEDS A MOM
Based on Gregory Lang's New York Times bestselling original series! The perfect book to show why Mom is so special! This new picture book for kids ages 3-7 and beyond is a touching story to show a girl all the ways her mother will help her grow and to remind her of the special bond only she can have with Mom. Featuring charming illustrations and heartwarming rhymes about the moments mothers and daughters share, Why a Daughter Needs a Mom is the perfect story to connect mother and daughter together and wonderful keepsake for a daughter at any age. From the first time I held you, so perfect and new, I promised to do everything that I could do To help you become your most wonderful YOU, My darling, my daughter, my girl. For new moms, mothers-to-be, or for that perfect mother-daughter moment at birthdays and other special occasions all year, this sweet storybook celebrates how a mother is always there for her little girl, reminding her how important she is.

LITTLE BLUE TRUCK AND RACER RED

release date: May 04, 2025
No. 1 Best Seller on Sunday, May 4, 2025.
LITTLE BLUE TRUCK AND RACER RED
The #1 bestselling Little Blue Truck meets a zippy red race car with a need for speed. Little Blue Truck and good friend Toad are out for a drive when a flash of red whizzes by—then whizzes back to stop and say hi. Sleek and low, Racer Red is made for speed and loves to go fast! When she challenges Blue to a race, Blue knows that win or lose, it’s fun to try! Beep! Beep! Zooooom!

MOSTLY WHAT GOD DOES IS LOVE YOU

release date: Mar 16, 2025
No. 1 Best Seller on Sunday, March 16, 2025.
MOSTLY WHAT GOD DOES IS LOVE YOU
Mostly what God does is love you. What if we shared this simple, beautiful, Biblical truth with our children from the youngest of ages—how different would we be? How wonderfully could this shape our perspectives from childhood on, knowing that the God who made all the wonders in creation—who hung the stars in the sky, who tells the wind where to blow—knows your name and loves you oh so very much? This #1 New York Times bestselling picture book—Mostly What God Does is Love You—does exactly that and so much more! From #1 New York Times bestselling author and TODAY show co-anchor Savannah Guthrie, this beautifully illustrated picture book showcases the wonders of nature, the beauty of God’s creation, and most importantly, how very loved you are by God. Mostly What God Does is Love You reminds children (and adults) of God’s great love for them, how very cherished they are by the creator of the universe, and how in turn, they can share that same love by being kind and compassionate to others. With its awe-inspiring and charming illustrations and a poetic, relatable and age-appropriate message, Mostly What God Does is Love You is the perfect way for adults reading Savannah’s bestselling book Mostly What God Does to share this all-important reminder with the children they love—that the vastness of God’s love is all for them and how they can share it with others as freely as God shares his love. Mostly What God Does Is Love You: Reminds children that God is always with them, loving them unconditionally. Is perfect for family reading, bedtime story, school or daycare story time. Makes the perfect gift for birthdays, Easter, graduation, and other celebrations and gift-giving occasions This sweet, uplifting book is sure to leave a lasting impression on children and adults alike, reminding them of the most important thing in the world—God’s enormous love for us—and how we, too can spread love and kindness, just like God does.

BUFFALO FLUFFALO

release date: Mar 09, 2025
No. 1 Best Seller on Sunday, March 9, 2025.
BUFFALO FLUFFALO
I’m the Buffalo Fluffalo I heave and I huffalo Leave me alone because I’ve had enuffalo. Buffalo Fluffalo arrives on the scene puffed up with self-importance. Stomping around and raising billows of dust, Buffalo Fluffalo proclaims his superiority to the other creatures—the ram, the prairie dog, and the crow—who just want to be his friend. So Buffalo Fluffalo, who has had enuffalo, heads off to grumble to himself. Suddenly, a rain shower pours down from the clouds and—what’s this? All of his fluffalo is a soggy mess! There Fluffalo stands, a drenched pip-squeak without his disguise. The other animals, who could see through Fluffalo’s bravado from the start, circle around to comfort him. As prairie dog says with a smile in his eyes, You’re great how you are, no matter your size. Readers will find Buffalo Fluffalo’s insecurity endearing and will be moved to reassure him. This humorous and delightful book encourages self-acceptance with a lighthearted touch.
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