The Top 32 Picture Books of 2021

Last year, I compiled a list of lists not only to determine the Top 25 Picture Books of 2020 but also to help me pick books to do read aloud videos for the YouTube channel. I found a lot of success finding new books this way and am back with the 2021 version. If I have posted a read aloud, I have included it below. I am also including an Amazon affiliate link to buy your own copy of the book. If you wish to purchase a book this way, it supports both me and the author of the book. 

To compile this list, I made an aggregate of the 66 state reading lists. The first thing that I did was collect all 535 titles and narrowed them down to the most commonly occurring titles. Each of the following books was on at least four of the state reading lists. Not all of these books were published in 2021.

As I was putting this list together, I noticed that there were a few themes that kept popping up in the books. There are grumpy characters that end up doing something nice. Some stories empower. and accept. Some books teach science, history, English, or math lessons. And also some books are illustrated by one of my favorite artists, Dan Santat. 

32. The Very Impatient Caterpillar by Ross Burach

As you may be able to guess from the title of the book Caterpillar is very impatient. This story teaches not only about metamorphosis but also shows how patience can be tough. And if you aren't patient, you may fall flat on your face. If you are patient and let nature take its course, you will come out a changed person.

This book is on the following lists: Rhode Island Children’s Book Award, Arkansas Diamond Primary, Illinois Monarch, Iowa Goldfinch

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31. Saturday by Oge Mora

Sometimes things don't go as planned. In this book, nothing seems to go right for Ava and her mother. Saturday is the one day a week that the two always have set aside to do something special together. Storytime is canceled, the wind messes up their hair, and they can't catch a break. But instead of giving up on the day, Ava points out that the most important thing is that they spend the day together, making it special and splendid.

This book is on the following lists: Missouri Building Block, Kentucky Bluegrass Award, Indiana Read Alouds Too-Good-To-Miss, Texas Mockingbird

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30. Nobody Hugs a Cactus by Carter Goodrich

Hank just wants to be alone. He doesn't want people talking to him, walking through his yard, nor a hug. But then when a friendly tumbleweed, Rosie shows an act of kindness towards Hank, despite his grumpy attitude, his mind is changed. Maybe he could do something nice, too. This book has a wonderful lesson and even better illustrations.

This book is on the following lists: North Dakota Flicker Tale, New Hampshire Ladybug Picture Book, Iowa Goldfinch, Rhode Island Children’s Book Award

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29. Nana Akua Goes to School by Tricia Elam Walker, illustrated by April Harrison

Bring your grandparent's day is approaching In Zura's class and she is nervous. While she loves her West African grandmother, Nana Akua, Zura is afraid that her classmates will either make fun of Nana Akua's tribal facial marks. But Nana Akua puts her granddaughter at ease with a quilt filled with African symbols and face paint for the students in Zura's class.

This book is on the following lists: Vermont Red Clover, North Dakota Flicker Tale, Delaware Diamonds Titles, Virginia VA Reads

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28. Llama Destroys the World by Jonathan Stutzman

Llama's first mistake was eating cake. Not just some, but ALL of the cake. His second mistake was squeezing into dancing pants after eating so much. When these pants rip, it is so catastrophic that a black hole emerges, which promptly starts sucking in the whole universe. This is the type of book that kids will love reading over and over knowing exactly what sill thing is about to happen next. 

This book is on the following lists: Wisconsin Battle of the Books, Nevada Young Readers’ Award, Indiana Young Hoosier Book Award, Wisconsin Golden Archer

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27. I Am A Tiger by Karl Newsome, Illustrated by Ross Collins

Mouse has a powerful combination of ambition and imagination. With sheer determination, he convinces Fox, Racoon, Snake, and Bird that he is a Tiger. But what happens when he comes across a real tiger? This book encourages children to harness the power of imagination as well as staying true to themselves.

This book is on the following lists: South Dakota Children’s Book Awards, Georgia Children’s Book Awards, Indiana Read Alouds Too-Good-To-Miss, Indiana Young Hoosier Book Award, Indiana Read Alouds Too-Good-To-Miss

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26. Hike by Pete Oswald

A successful wordless picture book is hard to beat. It allows emerging readers to enjoy the book by themselves while building their inferencing skills. In this book a father and child get ready to go on a hike together. The pictures allow readers to slow down and enjoy the nature that the duo are walking through. This is a great book to initiate conversations about Earth Day, family traditions, family bonding time, exercise, and nature.

This book is on the following lists: Georgia Children’s Book Awards, New Hampshire Ladybug Picture Book, Tennessee Volunteer State Award, Texas 2 X 2 Reading List

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25. Fauja Singh Keeps Going: The True Story of the Oldest Person to Ever Run A Marathon by Simran Jeet Singh Illustrated by Baljinder Kaur

The true story of Fauja Singh, who broke world records to become the first one hundred-year-old to run a marathon, shares valuable lessons on the source of his grit, determination to overcome obstacles, and commitment to positive representation of the Sikh community.

This book is on the following lists: Virginia VA Reads, Missouri Dogwood Readers Award, Rhode Island Children’s Book Award, Texas Topaz Nonfiction Reading List

Get your copy here: 

24. Crossings: Extraordinary Structures for Extraordinary Animals by Katy S. Duffield, Illustrated by Mike Orodán  

This powerful nonfiction picture book explores wildlife crossings around the world and how they are helping save thousands of animals every day.

Around the world, bridges, tunnels, and highways are constantly being built to help people get from one place to another. But what happens when construction spreads over, under, across, and through animal habitats? Thankfully, groups of concerned citizens, scientists, engineers, and construction crews have come together to create wildlife crossings to help keep animals safe.

From elk traversing a wildlife bridge across a Canadian interstate to titi monkeys using rope bridges over a Costa Rican road to salamanders creeping through tiny tunnels beneath a Massachusetts street, young readers are certain to be delighted and inspired by these ingenious solutions that are saving the lives of countless wild animals.

This book is on the following lists: Washington Children’s Choice Picture Book, California Eureka! Gold Awards, Maine Chickadee, Missouri Dogwood Readers Award

Get your copy here: 

23. Between Us and Abuela: A Family Story From the Border by Mitali Perkins, Illustrated by Sara Palacios 

It's almost time for Christmas, and Maria is traveling with her mother and younger brother, Juan, to visit their grandmother on the border of California and Mexico. For the few minutes they can share together along the fence, Maria and her brother plan to exchange stories and Christmas gifts with the grandmother they haven't seen in years. But when Juan's gift is too big to fit through the slats in the fence, Maria has a brilliant idea. Here is a heartwarming tale of families and the miracle of love.

This book is on the following lists: Virginia Readers’ Choice Award, Arizona Grand Canyon Reader, Illinois Monarch, South Dakota Children’s Book Awards

Get your copy here: 

22. Barnabus Project by Terry 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.

Deep underground beneath Perfect Pets, where children can buy genetically engineered "perfect" creatures, there is a secret lab. Barnabus and his friends live in this lab, but none of them is perfect. They are all Failed Projects. Barnabus has never been outside his tiny bell jar, yet he dreams of one day seeing the world above ground that his pal Pip the cockroach has told him about: a world with green hills and trees, and buildings that reach all the way to the sky, lit with their own stars. But Barnabus may have to reach the outside world sooner than he thought, because the Green Rubber Suits are about to recycle all Failed Projects . . . and Barnabus doesn't want to be made into a fluffier pet with bigger eyes. He just wants to be himself. So he decides it's time for he and the others to escape. With his little trunk and a lot of cooperation and courage, Barnabus sets out to find freedom -- and a place where he and his friends can finally be accepted for who they are.

This suspenseful, poignant and magical story about following your dreams and finding where you truly belong will draw readers into a surreal, lushly detailed world in which perfection really means being true to yourself and your friends.

This book is on the following lists: Florida Sunshine State Young Readers Award, Maryland Black-Eyed Susan Award, Vermont Red Clover, Washington Children’s Choice Picture Book, 

Get your copy here: 

21. See the Cat: Three Stories About A Dog by David LaRochelle, Illustrated by Mike Wohnoutka 

I love when picture books break the 4th wall and start talking to the reader. It reminds me onf one of my favorite childhood books, The Monster At the End of This Book. I think that it is a wonderful way to have kids become more engaged readers.

Max the Dog talks back to the book in a twist that will have fans of funny early readers howling. See Max. Max is not a cat—Max is a dog. But much to Max’s dismay, the book keeps instructing readers to “see the cat.” How can Max get through to the book that he is a DOG? In a trio of stories for beginning readers, author David LaRochelle introduces the excitable Max, who lets the book know in irresistibly emphatic dialogue that the text is not to his liking. Illustrator Mike Wohnoutka hilariously depicts the pup’s reactions to the narrator and to the wacky cast of characters who upend Max’s—and readers’—expectations as the three stories build to an immensely satisfying conclusion. Hooray, Max, hooray!

This book is on the following lists: Minnesota Star of the North Picture Book, Michigan Great Lakes’ Great Books, Florida Sunshine State Young Readers Award, Tennessee Volunteer State Award, Texas 2 X 2 Reading List

Get your copy here: 

20. The Panda Problem by Deborah Underwood, Illustrated by Hannah Marks 

Like the previous book on this list, I love how this book flips the narrative style on its head. This book also holds a special place in my heart because of the read aloud that I did for it. It was one of the first videos that I made and my daughter, Emery voiced the Panda(s). She absolutely killed it and the video is one of my most popular on my channel.

Every story needs a problem.
But Panda doesn't have a problem.
Unless . . . Panda is the problem.

This book is on the following lists: Wisconsin Battle of the Books, Washington Children’s Choice Picture Book, Nevada Young Readers’ Award, Indiana Young Hoosier Book Award, Wisconsin Golden Archer

Get your copy here: 

19. Packs: Strength in Numbers by Hannah Salyer

An exquisitely illustrated celebration of animals who live in packs, herds, pods, and more—including humans. Vivid art and exuberant vocabulary are perfect for emerging readers and parents looking for nonfiction picture books for home learning. Packs shows how togetherness and teamwork are the keys to survival of any species, and the many ways we rely on one another.

This book is on the following lists: Texas Red Poppy, Texas Topaz Nonfiction Reading List, Rhode Island Children’s Book Award, Missouri Dogwood Readers Award, Texas 2 X 2 Reading List

Get your copy here: 

18. My Papi Has A Motorcycle by Isabel Quintero, Illustrated by Zeke Peña

A celebration of the love between a father and daughter, and of a vibrant immigrant neighborhood, by an award-winning author and illustrator duo.

When Daisy Ramona zooms around her neighborhood with her papi on his motorcycle, she sees the people and places she's always known. She also sees a community that is rapidly changing around her.

This book is on the following lists: Indiana Young Hoosier Book Award, Delaware Blue Hen Book Award, Connecticut Nutmeg Award, Arkansas Diamond Primary, New Mexico Land of Enchantment

Get your copy here: 

17. 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: Washington Children’s Choice Picture Book, Maryland Black-Eyed Susan Award,  Kentucky Bluegrass Award, Illinois Monarch, Texas Red Poppy

Get your copy here: 

16. Just Ask: Be Different, Be Brave by Sonia Sotomayor, Illustrated by Rafael López 

Feeling different, especially as a kid, can be tough. But in the same way that different types of plants and flowers make a garden more beautiful and enjoyable, different types of people make our world more vibrant and wonderful.

In Just Ask, United States Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor celebrates the different abilities kids (and people of all ages) have. Using her own experience as a child who was diagnosed with diabetes, Justice Sotomayor writes about children with all sorts of challenges--and looks at the special powers those kids have as well. As the kids work together to build a community garden, asking questions of each other along the way, this book encourages readers to do the same: When we come across someone who is different from us but we're not sure why, all we have to do is Just Ask.

This book is on the following lists: Wyoming Buckaroo, Connecticut Nutmeg Award, Illinois Monarch, North Carolina Children’s Book Award, Pennsylvania Young Reader’s Choice

Get your copy here: 

15. If You Come to Earth by Sophie Blackall

If You Come to Earth is a glorious guide to our home planet, and a call for us to take care of both Earth and each other.

This stunning book is inspired by the thousands of children Sophie Blackall has met during her travels around the world in support of UNICEF and Save the Children.

This book is on the following lists: Vermont Red Clover, Colorado Children’s Book Award, Georgia Children’s Book Awards, New Hampshire Ladybug Picture Book, Tennessee Volunteer State Award

Get your copy here: 

14. Facts vs. Opinions vs. Robots by Michael Rex

Do you know the difference between a fact and an opinion? It can be a hard thing to understand. Some things are facts--like the number of robots in this book. Other things are opinions--like which robot would make the best friend, or which robot dances best. And sometimes to tell the difference between a fact and an opinion, you need to wait to get more information--that's because facts can be proven true or false, and opinions are things you feel and believe--but that you can't prove.

Mike Rex introduces young readers to the very important distinction between facts and opinions, and he reminds us that it is nice to listen to one another's opinions, and to stand up for the facts!

This book is on the following lists: Maine Chickadee, North Carolina Children’s Book Award, Vermont Red Clover, Washington Children’s Choice Picture Book, Texas 2 X 2 Reading List

Get your copy here: 

13. Bad Dog by Mike Boldt 

"Look what I got for my birthday! A pet dog!" says a little girl holding a . . . cat? Rocky doesn't listen or obey like all the other dogs. (Because Rocky is a cat.) And Rocky hates her leash and doesn't seem to like other dogs. (Probably because Rocky is a cat.) And rather than play fetch, Rocky prefers to . . . lick between her toes? Ew. Rocky is a bad "dog"! BUT Rocky doesn't bark, and is so cute when she sleeps in sunny spots. Maybe Rocky IS a good dog? (Or, you know, maybe Rocky is a cat.)

This book is on the following lists: Indiana Read Alouds Too-Good-To-Miss, Indiana Young Hoosier Book Award, Missouri Building Block, North Carolina Children’s Book Award, Wyoming Buckaroo

Get your copy here:

12. Swashby and the Sea by Beth Ferry, Illustrated by Juana Martinez-Neal

This hilarious picture book will keep emerging readers laughing, and the message-related mishaps in the story create an opportunity for spelling and sounding out new words while learning from home!

Captain Swashby loves the sea, his oldest friend. And he loves his life by the sea just as it is: salty and sandy and serene.

One day, much to Swashby’s chagrin, a young girl and her granny commandeer the empty house next door. All Swashby wants is for his new neighbors to GO AWAY and take their ruckus with them.

When Swashby begins to leave notes in the sand for his noisy neighbors, however, the beach interferes with the messages that are getting across. Could it be that the captain’s oldest friend, the sea, knows what Swashby needs even better than he knows himself?

This book is on the following lists: North Carolina Children’s Book Award, New Hampshire Ladybug Picture Book, Minnesota Star of the North Picture Book, Michigan Great Lakes’ Great Books, Kentucky Bluegrass Award, Virginia VA Reads

Get your copy here: 

11. Sulwe by Lupita Nyong'o, Illustrated by Vashti Harrison 

Sulwe has skin the color of midnight. She is darker than everyone in her family. She is darker than anyone in her school. Sulwe just wants to be beautiful and bright, like her mother and sister. Then a magical journey in the night sky opens her eyes and changes everything.

In this stunning debut picture book, actress Lupita Nyong’o creates a whimsical and heartwarming story to inspire children to see their own unique beauty.

This book is on the following lists: Nevada Young Readers’ Award, Missouri Show Me Readers, Kentucky Bluegrass Award, Colorado Children’s Book Award, California Young Reader Medal, Utah Beehive Award

Get your copy here: 

10. Snail Crossing by Corey R. Tabor

When Snail spies a plump, crisp cabbage across the road, nothing will stop him—not a speeding car or even a hungry crow.

But then kindhearted Snail stops to help a crew of antsy ants in a rainstorm, and he loses his way. It looks like he will never get his treat—until Snail’s new friends come up with an ingenious idea. . . .

This book is on the following lists: Rhode Island Children’s Book Award. Virginia Readers’ Choice Award  Utah Beehive Award, North Carolina Children’s Book Award, New Hampshire Ladybug Picture Book, Minnesota Star of the North Picture Book, 

Get your copy here: 

9. Proudest Blue: A Story of Hijab and Family by Ibtihaj Muhammad with S. K. Ali, Illustrated by Hatem Aly

With her new backpack and light-up shoes, Faizah knows the first day of school is going to be special. It's the start of a brand new year and, best of all, it's her older sister Asiya's first day of hijab--a hijab of beautiful blue fabric, like the ocean waving to the sky. But not everyone sees hijab as beautiful, and in the face of hurtful, confusing words, Faizah will find new ways to be strong.

Paired with Hatem Aly's beautiful, whimsical art, Olympic medalist Ibtihaj Muhammad and Morris Award finalist S.K. Ali bring readers an uplifting, universal story of new experiences, the unbreakable bond between siblings, and of being proud of who you are.

This book is on the following lists: Rhode Island Children’s Book Award, Pennsylvania Young Reader’s Choice, Minnesota Star of the North Picture Book, Illinois Monarch, Connecticut Nutmeg Award, Virginia Readers’ Choice Award

Get your copy here: 

8. Honeybee: The Busy Life of Apis Mellifera by Candace Fleming, Illustrated by Eric Rohmann  

With her new backpack and light-up shoes, Faizah knows the first day of school is going to be special. It's the start of a brand new year and, best of all, it's her older sister Asiya's first day of hijab--a hijab of beautiful blue fabric, like the ocean waving to the sky. But not everyone sees hijab as beautiful, and in the face of hurtful, confusing words, Faizah will find new ways to be strong.

Paired with Hatem Aly's beautiful, whimsical art, Olympic medalist Ibtihaj Muhammad and Morris Award finalist S.K. Ali bring readers an uplifting, universal story of new experiences, the unbreakable bond between siblings, and of being proud of who you are.

This book is on the following lists: Washington Towner, Georgia Children’s Book Awards, Illinois Monarch, Maryland Black-Eyed Susan Award, Tennessee Volunteer State Award, Texas Bluebonnet Award, Vermont Red Clover

Get your copy here: 

7. Hair Love by Matthew A. Cherry, Illustrated by Vashti Harrison

Zuri's hair has a mind of its own. It kinks, coils, and curls every which way. Zuri knows it's beautiful. When Daddy steps in to style it for an extra special occasion, he has a lot to learn. But he LOVES his Zuri, and he'll do anything to make her -- and her hair -- happy.

Tender and empowering, Hair Love is an ode to loving your natural hair -- and a celebration of daddies and daughters everywhere.

This book is on the following lists: California Young Reader Medal, Illinois Monarch, Indiana Young Hoosier Book Award, Iowa Goldfinch, New Hampshire Ladybug Picture Book, New Mexico Land of Enchantment, Missouri Show Me, Readers

Get your copy here: 

6. Fry Bread: A Native American Family Story by Keving Noble Maillar, 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 helps people identify with one another.

This book is on the following lists: South Dakota Children’s Book Awards, Pennsylvania Young Reader’s Choice, New Mexico Land of Enchantment, Maryland Black-Eyed Susan Award, Indiana Young Hoosier Book Award, Illinois Monarch, Arizona Grand Canyon Reader, Texas Mockingbird

Get your copy here: 

5. Federico and the Wolf by Rebecca J. Gomez, Illustrated by Elisa Chavarri 

Clever Federico outsmarts el lobo in this fresh and funny Mexican-American take on Little Red Riding Hood.

With his red hoodie on and his bicycle basket full of food, Federico is ready to visit Abuelo. But on the way, he meets a hungry wolf. And now his grandfather bears a striking resemblance to el lobo. Fortunately, Federico is quick and clever—and just happens to be carrying a spicy surprise! Federico drives the wolf away, and he and Abuelo celebrate with a special salsa. Recipe included.

This book is on the following lists: Washington Children’s Choice Picture Book, Florida Sunshine State Young Readers Award, Illinois Monarch, North Carolina Children’s Book Award, Pennsylvania Young Reader’s Choice, Texas 2 X 2 Reading List, Texas Mockingbird

Get your copy here: 

4. Oldest Student: How Mary Walker Learned to Read by Rita L. Hubbard, Illustrated by Oge Mora 

Imagine learning to read at the age of 116! Discover the true story of Mary Walker, the nation's oldest student who did just that, in this picture book from a Caldecott Honor-winning illustrator and a rising star author.

In 1848, Mary Walker was born into slavery. At age 15, she was freed, and by age 20, she was married and had her first child. By age 68, she had worked numerous jobs, including cooking, cleaning, babysitting, and selling sandwiches to raise money for her church. At 114, she was the last remaining member of her family. And at 116, she learned to read. From Rita Lorraine Hubbard and rising star Oge More comes the inspirational story of Mary Walker, a woman whose long life spanned from the Civil War to the Civil Rights Movement, and who--with perseverance and dedication--proved that you're never too old to learn.

This book is on the following lists: Texas Topaz Nonfiction Reading List. Texas Bluebonnet Award, Tennessee Volunteer State Award, Rhode Island Children’s Book Award, Minnesota Star of the North Picture Book, Michigan Great Lakes’ Great Books, Maryland Black-Eyed Susan Award, Colorado Children’s Book Award, Virginia Readers’ Choice Award

Get your copy here: 

3. This Way, Charlie by Caron Levis, Illustrated by Dan Santat

All the animals at the Open Bud Ranch can see that Jack likes keeping his space to himself. But when Charlie arrives, he doesn’t see Jack at all. He’s still getting used to seeing out of only one of his eyes.

The two get off to a bumpy start. At first, Jack is anxious and distrustful. But one day, he summons his courage and guides Charlie to his favorite sunlit field: this way, Charlie. And so begins a powerful friendship that will be tested by life’s storms—but will ultimately change each life for the better.

This book is on the following lists: Washington Children’s Choice Picture Book, Delaware Diamonds Titles, Georgia Children’s Book Awards, Illinois Monarch, Maine Chickadee, Montana Treasure, Nebraska Golden Sower, Pennsylvania Young Reader’s Choice, Virginia Readers’ Choice Award

Get your copy here: 

2. I Am Every Good Thing by Derrick Barnes, Illustrated by Gordon C. James

The confident Black narrator of this book is proud of everything that makes him who he is. He's got big plans, and no doubt he'll see them through--as he's creative, adventurous, smart, funny, and a good friend. Sometimes he falls, but he always gets back up. And other times he's afraid, because he's so often misunderstood and called what he is not. So slow down and really look and listen, when somebody tells you--and shows you--who they are. There are superheroes in our midst!

This book is on the following lists: Georgia Children’s Book Awards, Illinois Monarch, Iowa Goldfinch, Maryland Black-Eyed Susan Award, Minnesota Star of the North Picture Book, New Hampshire Ladybug Picture Book, Rhode Island Children’s Book Award, Tennessee Volunteer State Award, Texas 2 X 2 Reading List

Get your copy here: 

1. Lift by Minh Le, Illustrated by Dan Santat

Iris loves to push the elevator buttons in her apartment building, but when it's time to share the fun with a new member of the family, she's pretty put out. That is, until the sudden appearance of a mysterious new button opens up entire realms of possibility, places where she can escape and explore on her own. But when she's forced to choose between going at it alone or letting her little brother tag along, Iris finds that sharing a discovery with the people you love can be the most wonderful experience of all.

Using their dynamic comics-inspired storytelling, acclaimed author Minh Lê and Caldecott Medal-winning artist Dan Santat carry readers on a journey of ups, downs, and twists and turns that will send hearts--and imaginations--soaring.

This book is on the following lists: Texas Little Maverick Graphic Novel Reading List, Tennessee Volunteer State Award, Pennsylvania Young Reader’s Choice, New Hampshire Ladybug Picture Book, Nebraska Golden Sower, Minnesota Star of the North Picture Book, Michigan Great Lakes’ Great Books, Maryland Blue Crab, Maryland Black-Eyed Susan Award, Georgia Children’s Book Awards, Colorado Children’s Book Award, Utah Beehive Award

Get your copy here:

How many of these books have you read? Is there a book that really should be on this list?