The Top 25 Books of 2020
25. After the Fall (How Humpty Dumpty Got Back Up Again) by Dan Santat
Everybody knows that Humpty Dumpty had a great fall from a wall. But this is the story about what he did afterward. I am a big proponent of growth mindset and grit, and this book is an excellent example of these characteristics that are easy for kids to see.
This book is on the following lists: Buckaroo Book Award, Goldfinch Award, Nutmeg Book Award, Volunteer State Book Award
24. Because by Mo Willems, illustrated by Amber Ren
Mo Willems is known for his book series with Elephant and Piggie or Pigeon. But this book replaces the silly with the insightful. Because it shows how every action is connected to another. Because people's lives are like dominoes. One thing leads to the next, leading a little girl to fall in love with music, changing her life forever.
This book is on the following lists: Capital Choices Noteworthy Books, Georgia Children’s Picturebook Award, Nutmeg Book Award, South Carolina Book Award
23. The Good Egg by Jory John, illustrated by Pete Oswald
You've heard of the bad egg, but what about the Good Egg? Sometimes people try hard to be perfect or do the right thing that they do more harm for themselves than good. This is a good lesson for kids. Sometimes it is just as important to have grace with others and accept them for who they are as than staying true to yourself. If you want to be verrrrrry good, you have the find that balance.
This book is on the following lists: North Carolina Children's Book Award, Colorado Children's Book Award, Grand Canyon Reader Award, Monarch Award
22. Magic Ramen: The Story of Momofuku Ando by Andrea Wang, illustrated by Kana Urbanowicz
Billions of people eaten instant ramen worldwide. But have you ever wondered who invented it? Ramen is a Japanese dish that has been around since the 1600s, but the instant variety wasn't invented until more than 300 years later! Magic Ramen tells the story of Momofuku Ando's trials and errors to perfect his invention.
This book is on the following lists: Flicker Tale Book Award, Nevada Young Readers' Award, Nutmeg Book Award, Washington Children’s Choice Picture Book Award
21. My Papi Has A Motorcycle by Isabel Quintero, illustrated by Zeke Peña
This is the story of Daisy as she spends a special moment with her papi. The book is a love letter in two ways. First, it celebrates the small moments in life between a daughter and her father who has a difficult time putting his feelings into words. The second is a celebration of the working-class people of Corona, California. The illustrations feel like they were photographs converted into a graphic novel.
This book is on the following lists: Colorado Children's Book Award, Monarch Award, PICTURE THIS, Washington Children’s Choice Picture Book Award
20. Nobody Hugs a Cactus by Carter Goodrich
Hank the cactus is grumpy and prickly as his appearance. He doesn't like when people are too loud, too close, or on his lawn. When a cowboy tells him that nobody hugs a cactus, Hank didn't mind. But then one day a friendly tumbleweed shows him some kindness and starts to change Hank's outlook.
This book is on the following lists: Grand Canyon Reader Award, Kentucky Bluegrass Award, Magnolia Book Awards, South Carolina Book Award.
19. The Scarecrow by Beth Ferry, illustrated by the Fan Brothers
A baby crow falls to the ground and is helped by the most surprising person, the Scarecrow! The two of them become unlikely friends. But most importantly, the Scarecrow and the baby crow forget who they are supposed to be and accept each other, an important lesson for kids.
This book is on the following lists: Georgia Children’s Picturebook Award, Nevada Young Readers' Award, PICTURE THIS, Read Aloud Indiana
18. Sweety by Andrea Zuill
Sweety is a naked mole-rat that has a hard time fitting in. People thought her hobbies, like identifying fungi, were weird. One day, Sweety's aunt Ruth encouraged her to keep being true to herself, and friends with similar interests will find her. But that is easier said than done.
This book is on the following lists: Golden Sower Award, Maryland Black-Eyed Susan Award, Red Clover Book Award, Washington Children’s Choice Picture Book Award
17. Thank You, Omu! by Oge Mora
Omu made a big pot of thick red stew for a nice evening meal. It smelled so good that everybody in the neighborhood stopped by to get a taste. Omu was so gracious that she gave some to everyone that visited. But what happens when she doesn't leave any for herself?
This book is on the following lists: Golden Sower Award, Land of Enchantment Book Award, Monarch Award, PICTURE THIS
16. There Are No Bears in This Bakery by Julia Sarcone-Roach
Muffin is a cat that protects the neighborhood. He is always prowling around and watching the goings-on of the area. One morning, Muffin heard a low growl. Upon further investigation, he realized that it was coming from the bakery. Inside there was something unexpected. A bear. But what comes next?
This book is on the following lists: Goldfinch Award, Ladybug Picture Book Award, Primary Virginia Readers' Choice, South Carolina Book Award
15. Truman by Jean Reidy, illustrated by Lucy Ruth Cummins
Truman is a tortoise that has found himself home alone for the first time ever. He is without his best friend, Sarah because she has left for her first day of school. So when Truman gets tired of waiting, what's his next move?
This book is on the following lists: A Baker's Dozen Award, Colorado Book Award, Ladybug Picture Book Award, PICTURE THIS
14. The Very Impatient Caterpillar by Ross Burach
Patience is a virtue. That's what they say. But this caterpillar must have never heard that before because he can't wait. Caterpillar is in such a rush to finish chrysalzing that he leaves his cocoon early and falls on his face. This is an entertaining way to show kids that there is no need to rush.
This book is on the following lists: Beehive Book Awards, PICTURE THIS, South Carolina Book Award, Washington Children’s Choice Picture Book Award
13. When Grandma Gives You a Lemon Tree by Jamie L. B. Deenihan, illustrated by Lorraine Rocha
Sometimes a girl knows exactly what she wants for her birthday. But even if she's made a list and given it out, she ends up with a Lemon Tree for a gift. Initially, she hates the gift, but then it starts to grow on her (pun intended).
This book is on the following lists: Maryland Black-Eyed Susan Award, PICTURE THIS, Primary Virginia Readers' Choice, The Sunshine State Young Readers Award Junior Books
12. Can I Be Your Dog? by Troy Cummings
Arfy is looking for a family. Currently, he's living in a cardboard box in the alley. He works hard writing letters to every house on Butternut Street. With each letter that gets delivered, he becomes sadder and sadder. But as it turns out, with each letter that he sends, Mitzy the letter carrier also feels more endeared with him.
This book is on the following lists: Goldfinch Award, Grand Canyon Reader Award, Keystone to Reading Elementary Book Awards, Monarch Award, The Sunshine State Young Readers Award Junior Books
11. Dreamers by Yuyi Morales
When Yuyi Morales came to America with her infant son, she didn't speak any English. But she and her son found a safe place, a library. It was here that she was able to learn English. Moving to a new place is never easy, even if there is no language barrier. This book shows that no matter what, everyone still has hopes, dreams, and gifts that they bring with them to new places.
This book is on the following lists: California Young Reader Medal, Georgia Children’s Picturebook Award, Goldfinch Award, Monarch Award, Primary Virginia Readers' Choice
10. Lubna and Pebble by Wendy Meddour, illustrated by Daniel Egnéus
Lubna and her father are refugees staying at a camp, when she finds her best friend, Pebble. Pebble is, well, a pebble. Then Lubna makes a real friend and realizes that he may need Pebble more than her. This book does a great job of showing how you can always find something good during a difficult situation.
This book is on the following lists: A Baker's Dozen Award, Capital Choices Noteworthy Books, Georgia Children’s Picturebook Award, PICTURE THIS, Read Aloud Indiana
9. Saturday by Oge Mora
Ava's mother works every day except Saturday. This is the day that both of them look forward to each week. Every week they go to the library, go to the beauty shop, and go to the park. But what happens when things don't go as planned? This book does a wonderful job celebrating the everyday.
This book is on the following lists: A Baker's Dozen Award, Ladybug Picture Book Award, Ohioana Awards, PICTURE THIS, Read Aloud Indiana
8. Carl and the Meaning of Life by Deborah Freedman
Carl is an earthworm in search of his purpose in life. So he quits digging through the dirt and sets out to ask the other animals around him why they do what they do. The rabbit does what she does for her children. The fox does what he does for the hunt. But Carl doesn't do any of those things. While he is gone, the ground goes hard, and the other animals leave the area. Then Carl realizes what he must do.
This book is on the following lists: Buckeye Children's Book Award, Capital Choices Noteworthy Books, Colorado Children's Book Award, PICTURE THIS, Primary Virginia Readers' Choice, South Carolina Book Award
7. Fry Bread: A Native American Family Story by Kevin Noble Maillard, illustrated by Juana Martinez-Neal
Fry bread is more than just a food, it is a part of the Native American culture. Making it is a family experience. Eating it is an experience. Fry bread is a symbol of the nations of tribes across the country. This book beautifully illustrates how one item can be symbolic of a whole group of people to the point that it help people identify with one another.
This book is on the following lists: Capital Choices Noteworthy Books, Flicker Tale Book Award, Ladybug Picture Book Award, North Carolina Children's Book Award, PICTURE THIS, Red Clover Book Award
6. Hair Love by Matthew A. Cherry, illustrated by Vashti Harrison
Zuri has hair that has a mind of its own. From day to day it is different. It was a special day, and she wanted to have a special hairstyle. Then daddy helped her figure out what style she should have for her mom coming back home. Hair Love tells a story of embracing and accepting who you are.
This book is on the following lists: California Young Reader Medal, Georgia Children’s Picturebook Award, Kentucky Bluegrass Award, North Carolina Children's Book Award, PICTURE THIS, Show Me Awards
5. Rescue & Jessica: A Life-Changing Friendship by Jessica Kensky & Patrick Downes, illustrated by Scott Magoon
Rescue is a service dog. Jessica is a new amputee. Rescue was learning how to help others by fetching and opening doors. Jessica was learning how to get out of bed in a new way and walking with a prosthetic leg. When the two were brought together, they were fast friends. When Jessica finds out that she has to have her other leg amputated, Rescue is by her side during her recovery. This book is based off true events.
This book is on the following lists: Goldfinch Award, Keystone to Reading Elementary Book Awards, Maryland Black-Eyed Susan Award, North Carolina Children's Book Award, Nutmeg Book Award, Washington Children’s Choice Picture Book Award
4. Sulwe by Lupita Nyong'o, illustrated by Vashti Harrison
Sulwe has a different skin tone than the rest of her family, and she's ashamed of how dark she is. She tried to erase a layer of her skin and also to cover it with makeup. When Sulwe reminds her that she is named after a star, which leads a shooting star to take Sulwe to space and explain the tale of night and day to the girl. The illustrations are as beautiful as the message in this book.
This book is on the following lists: California Young Reader Medal, Comstock Read Aloud Book Award, Ladybug Picture Book Award, Maryland Black-Eyed Susan Award, PICTURE THIS, Show Me Awards, Beehive Book Awards
3. The Proudest Blue: A Story of Hijab and Family by Ibtihaj Muhammad & S.K. Ali, illustrated by S.K. Ali & Hatem Aly
The first day of wearing hijab is special. It means being strong. Today is the first day of school, and Faizah's older sister Asiya' first hijab. Some of the kids don't understand what it is. They point and laugh. But Faizah is proud of the blue scarf. Ultimately, this is a story is as much about being strong and proud of who you are as it is to be accepting of others.
This book is on the following lists: Maryland Black-Eyed Susan Award, South Carolina Book Award, The Chickadee Award, The Sunshine State Young Readers Award Junior Books, Flicker Tale Book Award, PICTURE THIS, Rhode Island Children's Book Award
2. The Donkey Egg by Janet Stevens, illustrated by Susan Crummel
Bear is lazy. Fox is a trickster. And Hare is training for a rematch race against Tortoise. Bear's farm needs a lot of repairs. Fox gave Bear a "Donkey Egg" as a trick, but through the experience, Bear learned that he was no longer satisfied sitting on his porch and sleeping all day.
This book is on the following lists: Buckaroo Book Award, North Carolina Children's Book Award, Primary Virginia Readers' Choice, Show Me Awards, Golden Sower Award, Grand Canyon Reader Award, The Chickadee Award
1. Bear Came Along by Richard T. Morris, illustrated by LeUyen Pham
The bear wasn't planning on going on an adventure, but as soon as he started floating down the river, friends joined Bear and the adventure was afoot!
This book is on the following lists: Beehive Book Awards, PICTURE THIS, Colorado Children's Book Award, Georgia Children’s Picturebook Award, Grand Canyon Reader Award, Kentucky Bluegrass Award, Read Aloud Indiana
How many of these books have you read? Is there a book that really should be on this list?
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