(For ages 3 to 5), Little kids are goofy and frequently gross, we all know that — so Jon Scieszka and Lane Smith's gleefully surreal inversion of familiar fairy tales is perfect for little readers. (For ages 3 to 5), Who doesn't love a big chunk of heavy machinery? Sparkling with Southern diction and rhythms, and peppered with poems and songs, this novel composed of read-aloud monologues follows three generations of children in one fictional Mississippi family as they survive hardships from sharecropping to voter suppression. (For ages 6 to 8), by Margot Lee Shetterly and Laura Freeman, Margot Lee Shetterly adapts her groundbreaking book about Black female mathematicians at NASA for young readers, with sharp-edged, jewel-toned illustrations by Laura Freeman. So here are 100 favorite kids' books… Here, Fiona Noble looks back on … Black Bird Yellow Sun Written and illustrated by Steve Light, Candlewick Press (0-3)Deceptively simple, this book of colors will get your tot ma… (For ages 5 to 7), Kate DiCamillo is another author who showed up all over the original list of nominations, but our judges thought this series about a terrific, radiant little pig — who likes buttered toast, car rides and solving the occasional mystery — was the pick of the litter. MAÑANALAND, by Pam Muñoz Ryan. He's always on the same bus every morning, and he always has time to visit his animal friends. (For ages 8 to 12), Fair warning — Tracey Baptiste's Jumbies books, based on Caribbean folklore, are scary. (For ages 7 to 10), A delightfully gruesome tale in the Roald Dahl vein. (For ages 3 to 5), For the family in Story Boat, "here" is home — but "here" keeps changing as they travel onward to an unknown destination. (For ages 6 to 9), by Walter Dean Myers and Christopher Myers, This poem by Walter Dean Myers — a revered elder of children's literature — celebrates Harlem, where he grew up, full of "colors loud enough to be heard" and songs first heard in the villages of "Ghana/Mali/Senegal." By Emily Jenkins. And generally, when someone appeared more than once in the nominations, we went with whichever title was more popular with voters (so Kevin Henkes' Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse beat out Kitten's First Full Moon). But the judges felt Blueberries for Sal was the most compelling read. One night, lulled to sleep by drums, she dreams of an all-dog powwow, with all kinds of breeds dancing drumming, even selling Indian fast food to the attendees. And all he really wants to do is draw comics — so how can he stay true to himself and his neighborhood, and still figure out his new school? Kids will love exploring the blocky, brightly colored train cars and seeing what's inside. Creator Matthew Cherry told NPR he was inspired by friends of his who are young fathers, and "they're all willing to do whatever it takes for their young girls." As a bonus, you can see Ringgold reading the book here. Or try any of these new books that our editors recommend. (For ages 8 to 12), A classic! YOU MATTER, by Christian Robinson. So he created this ode to a favorite food that brings Native families together. SHOP NOW. (For ages 5 to 8), Everywhere you look in The Girl Who Loved Wild Horses, there's a tiny, precise and lovely detail — a plant, a bird, a lizard, a pebble, a shell and of course the magnificent horses. But she always has fun, thanks to her quick thinking and support from her big Pakistani American family. Readers may remember the Nora Roberts Rule, which came about during 2015's romance poll: No one gets on the list twice UNLESS they're as titanic a figure in their field as Roberts is in romance; we included her in that list under both her own name and her pen name, J.D. So they set up house in an abandoned boxcar and try to make it on their own. (For ages 4 to 8), Jerome Pumphrey was driving through central Texas to visit his brother Jarrett, and along the way he kept seeing old trucks sitting out in the fields. A STORY ABOUT AFIYA, by James Berry, illustrated by Anna Cunha. (For ages 4 to 8), Lonely little Henry has no brothers and sisters. And then something amazing happens: There's an open casting call for a Broadway musical based on E.T. OUR LITTLE KITCHEN, by Jillian Tamaki. What about the "forever home" Abia's Papa dreams of? (Greenwillow, $16.99.) She even loves her teacher Mr. Slinger — but when the wondrous purse and its contents keep interrupting his lessons, he confiscates it, leading Lilly to attempt revenge. The series grows up with its readers; at the beginning, Betsy and Tacy are small children; we see them through adventures fanciful and down-to-earth, and finally leave them as young married women. An anthem to self-worth that’s also about the history of life on Earth, and in 107 words somehow covers loneliness, death and rebirth. But as kids will learn from I Am Enough, like the sun, we're all here to shine. (For ages 4 to 8), Long ago, the birds of Africa were all the colors of the rainbow — but none of them had any black, because Blackbird had it all. From why roses have thorns to why noses have hair — and what's that stink in the house? BECOMING MUHAMMAD ALI, by James Patterson and Kwame Alexander, illustrated by Dawud Anyabwile. Why is it raining? Epic is the leading digital reading platform—built on a collection of 40,000+ popular, high-quality books from 250+ of the world’s best publishers—that safely fuels curiosity and reading confidence for kids 12 and under. (For ages 4 to 8), Artist Faith Ringgold's tale of young Cassie Louise Lightfoot who flies far above the "tar beach" of her apartment building roof is — along with The Undefeated — one of the most beautiful books on this list. "The Very Hungry Caterpillar, by Eric Carle, $7, Amazon. (For ages 4 to 8), Young Ada is insatiably curious: "She started with Why? I miss you.”. When a little girl’s brother tells her “our future is doomed,” in this entertaining yet serious story drawn in Yoshitake’s signature cartoon style, she runs in a panic to her grandmother, who helps her to imagine many possible futures, rather than to think only in terms of good and bad scenarios. The 25 Best Children’s Books of 2020. By bedtime she came back to Why? "This is one of those texts that really spoke to me; it was beautifully written and I felt it was a really great pairing of words and pictures of an author and an artist," Nelson told NPR. NPR's 100 Best Children's Books This year we had kids and caregivers in mind when we chose the genre for our summer poll. So embarrassing! (Nancy Paulsen, $17.99.) Moon has a secret: She sees heavenly visions, hears voices that tell her she doesn't belong on earth. (For ages 8 to 12), by Bill Martin Jr., John Archambault and Lois Ehlert, "A told B and B told C, I'll meet you at the top of the coconut tree." Looking through the new picture books set for publication in 2020, one theme kept standing out: positivity. And when a sinister archduke tries to grab the box for himself, he learns that crime doesn't pay. Viking Books for Young Readers The debut novel by Douglas Stuart draws on his own childhood in 1980s Glasgow, and is the winner of the 2020 Booker prize. (For ages 6 to 9), Ivy is quiet; Bean is loud and goofy. But Corinne La Mer isn't afraid of anything, especially jumbies, since everyone knows they're just made up, right? (For ages 8 to 12), Quiet, studious Christine and lively, messy Moon are unlikely friends — but when Moon and her family move in next door, they form a close bond. (For ages 1 to 4), Innosanto Nagara's ABCs of activism simplifies ideas about environmentalism, feminism, civil rights and democracy for the littlest readers. (Lantana, $17.99.) That means no Charlotte's Web, no Matilda and no Little House books (though we've got some wonderful suggestions for Little House fans, like Linda Sue Park's Prairie Lotus). OUTSIDE IN, by Deborah Underwood, illustrated by Cindy Derby. (For ages 3 to 7), Yuyi Morales was born in Mexico; she came to America with her baby boy in 1999, and she builds that experience into a poetic, visually stunning tribute to the immigrant experience — to walking the streets of a new place, getting lost and learning a new life and language, and to the dreams, hopes and talents immigrants bring to this country. This story of a Plains Indian girl who runs away with a band of wild horses, and eventually becomes one of them, won the Caldecott in 1978, and for good reason. What Are Stars Written and illustrated by Katie Daynes, Usborne Books, (2+)Toddlers just beginning to notice the lights twinkling above their heads at night are filled with questions, which this lift-the-flap book provides answers for—at just the right level for them to grasp. (Jimmy Patterson, $16.99.) Pete the cat wants to have a party with his gang and finds the cupcakes missing and gets on the mission of solving the mystery. This is a gorgeous tale of creativity and acceptance, rounded out with misty, jeweled gouache illustrations. Nigerian storyteller Atinuke spins a wonderful saga of modern West African family life — follow along with Anna as she learns about the world outside her walls, faces stage fright and even snow for the first time. "And then their relationship kind of takes off from there," Lê told NPR. And that might just be enough. (For ages 4 to 8), Daisy Ramona waits every day for her Papi to come home from work — because then she gets to ride around their city on the back of his motorcycle. Underwood’s quietly profound text and Derby’s lush art provide a homage to nature, and a comforting reminder that Outside will be there for us when we’re ready. (For ages 3 to 5), "Dear Lord," Sulwe prays, "Why do I look like midnight when my mother looks like dawn?" Thelma, Jane, Harriet and Roger use their wings to fly far away from the dangerous alley where they were born, but they find country life has its own challenges. (For ages 3 to 8), Julián is riding the subway with his abuela when he sees them: three mermaids, with fabulous hair and fishtail dresses. EVERYTHING SAD IS UNTRUE (A True Story), by Daniel Nayeri. Wherever I Go is a heartfelt portrait of life in a refugee family, and a meditation on the idea of home. “Dear Visitor from Outer Space,” the child narrator begins, “if you come to Earth, here’s what you need to know.” Blackall delivers on the promise: Her wondrous book seems to contain multitudes — the world’s every river, flower, person, cruise ship and bottle cap. Chris Van Dusen's lively, sweet-natured illustrations helped seal the deal. It is the ultimate booklist to read before you're 14, with books for children across a … (For ages 4 to 8), by Ibtihaj Muhammad, S. K. Ali and Hatem Aly, Olympic fencer Ibtihaj Muhammad was bullied as a child for wearing a hijab. Why not both?! Here are the 10 Best Books of 2020, along with 100 Notable Books of the year. Do you think of Sarah Cynthia Sylvia Stout when you have to take the garbage out? (For ages 2 to 5), Peaceful Ferdinand just wants to be left alone, to sit under his cork tree sniffing the flowers — and when he ends up in the bullring, his refusal to fight (the flowers in the lady spectators' hair are so much more interesting) confounds the bullfighters. Goodnight, Goodnight Construction Site by Sherri Duskey Ringer "For children fascinated with trucks and tractors." This eco-fable by the author of the adult novel “The Magicians” tackles climate change with poignant whimsy, via a magic steam train and talking animals. by the author. Alma and How She Got Her Name. (For ages 3 to 7), Any kid who has looked up at the moon and wondered why it changes shape will love the story of Little Star — who bakes a mooncake with her mother, and then can't resist a nibble ... and then another nibble ... and then another nibble. EPIC. (Abrams, $17.99.) (For ages 9 and up), Ibram X. Kendi wanted to have a tool to teach his young daughter about racism, so he adapted the ideas in his book How to Be an Antiracist into this brightly colored guide. (For ages 2 to 5), Jan Brett's luminous art brings this Ukrainian folktale about a careless boy and a snow-white mitten to life. And bit by bit, with hard work and cooperation, Rosa and her mom find the perfect chair. (For ages 4 to 8), Miss Rumphius dreams of living by the sea, traveling the world, and making it a more beautiful place — and she does it on her own terms, living alone with her cat and sowing lupine seeds along the coast of Maine despite the local kids who call her "That Crazy Old Lady." But luckily, by the end of Sandra Boynton's cheerful tale, the hippo gathers her courage and joins in the party. ), but we promise things will get better. Shop for children's books by age, series, author, subject and format. (For ages 7 to 10), Amphibians, sport coats and lasting friendship. Gordon C. James' lively paintings of smiling boys showing off their fresh cuts will put a smile on your face, too. But, as author B.J. Over the course of four books, Frog and Toad go swimming and sledding, search for lost buttons, bake cookies, grow gardens and generally have fun together all year round. 26, 2020. It's been such a strange, lost summer. Robb. Ivy wants to be a witch, Bean wants to play games. (For ages 4 to 8), by Else Holmelund Minarik and Maurice Sendak, Else Holmelund Minarik wrote this tale of a Bear and his Mother for her own daughter, to read in the mornings before school — longhand, as she wrote all her manuscripts, because she never learned to type. Best Classic: Goodnight Moon at Amazon "Kids love hearing all about the great green room and all of the quirky things it contains." CHANCE: Escape From the Holocaust, by Uri Shulevitz. Tummy Time is hard for babies. (Farrar, Straus & Giroux, $19.99.) WAYS TO MAKE SUNSHINE, by Renée Watson. Patricia Hruby Powell's jazz-inflected words and Christian Robinson's bright, exciting pictures make this book a treat for readers and listeners. (For ages 5 to 8), Dory is the youngest in her family, with a yen for attention and an overactive imagination — and did we mention her nemesis, Mrs. Gobble Cracker? (For ages 4 to 8), "I'm not meant to be like you; you're not meant to be like me," writes actor and author Grace Byers. And if you don't, why not? CLASS ACT, by Jerry Craft. (For ages 3 to 6), Rosa's mom works in a diner — and so does Rosa, sometimes, peeling onions, washing salt shakers and saving her pennies to buy her mom a comfortable chair because all their furniture was lost in a fire that turned their apartment to "charcoal and ashes." Cassius Clay’s kinetic boyhood — depicted through prose, poetry and illustration — is the prism through which this uplifting novel casts the myth of the legendary boxer. Nope. In these unprecedented times, the one thing we can always count on is an assortment of “Best Of” lists to round out the year. And as they fished, Bao's father would tell him stories about another pond back in their homeland of Vietnam. And as always, we had to decide which work to pick from creators who were nominated multiple times. Best Toddler Books for Counting Some of the most popular toddler books are centered around counting – that is the counting of things, numbers, quantities, and differentiation between choices. We defy you to read this to a kid and not end up dancing. Illus. (For ages 5 to 8), Waves roll by, seasons come and go, keepers tend to their duties, and through it all, the lighthouse stands tall, sending its beam out into the darkness, bidding hello to all the ships at sea. Looking for more? In nine steps, Kendi (and illustrator Ashley Lukashevsky) offers parents a way to open their eyes, and their children's eyes, to the realities of racism. (For ages 8 to 12), by Ruth Stiles Gannett and Ruth Chrisman Gannett, Childhood surrealism at its best. Illustrator Rashin Kheiriyeh, whose family fled Iran after war broke out in 1980, told NPR that when she first read the manuscript, "I thought, oh, that's me." We want this list to be a tool for discovery, which means we had to walk a delicate path when it comes to books that are undeniable classics — we knew all hell would rain down on us if we left out Where the Wild Things Are or The Very Hungry Caterpillar. (Little, Brown, $17.99.) 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