The Adventures of Beekle by Dan Santat
An enchanting story that follows an imaginary friend who sets out on a long journey to try and find a child to adopt him. Inventive and original, this is a great picture book to help spark creative writing and narrative storytelling ideas.
Picture book

A Boy Named Isamu by James Yang
This inspiring picture book explores the childhood of Japanese-American artist Isamu Noguchi. With lyrical prose and an unusual second-person narration, the book shows young readers Isamu’s perspective on the world, his connection to nature, and how he enjoys peace and quiet. It’s a thought-provoking book to read and discuss with kindergarten classes.
Adventure | Diverse

Chez Bob by Bob Shea
Meet Bob, the alligator with a devious plan to lure birds to dine in at a restaurant that’s located on the end of his nose. But Bob reconsiders his dastardly plan in this charming and funny picture book story that teaches younger readers about the importance of building friendships.
Humorous | Friendship

Finding Winnie: The True Story of the World’s Most Famous Bear by Lindsay Mattick
When WW1 vet Harry Colebourn helps rescue a young bear, he decides to name her after his hometown – Winnipeg. The story follows Winnie’s amazing journey around the world to London Zoo which later inspired the famous book Winnie-the-Pooh. An enthralling read.
Narrative nonfiction

Good Night, Gorilla by Peggy Rathmann
As the zookeeper says goodnight to each animal at bedtime, someone or something very furry and very naughty is following him, with a set of keys. A riotously funny bedtime story with lots of clever visual cues and wordplay repetition.
Classic

Goodnight Already! by Jory John
When all exhausted Bear wants to do is go to sleep after a long day, his over-enthusiastic neighbor, Duck won’t stop trying to talk to him. A very funny picture book that helps teach children to respect boundaries and be careful not to annoy others.
Bedtime story

I Am Enough by Grace Byers
An award-winning and beautifully illustrated book that teaches children to think positively, believe in themselves, and embrace diversity in the world. It is a great book to spark questions and conversations in kindergarten.
Diverse

I Don’t Want to Be a Frog by Dev Petty
A clever moral tale about a young frog who finds it difficult to see the good in how things are and instead yearns to be something else. His father, however, is adept at grounding him in reality. A great book for parents to read with their children, or for teachers to read and discuss with a class.
Animal story

Jabari Jumps by Gaia Cornwall
A visually engaging story that teaches young readers to overcome fears and realize goals. When Jabari thinks he’s ready to jump off the diving board, suddenly doubts begin to form. Fortunately, his father is on hand to inspire courage.
Diverse

Locomotive by Brian Floca
An evocative and thrilling picture book full of onomatopoeic words to thrust the reader into the sights, sound, and atmosphere of railroads and locomotives. A fantastic book for children who are interested in machines.
STEM | Picture book

Last Stop on Market Street by Matt de la Peña
When CJ and his grandma travel to and from church every Sunday, he sees places that are very different from where he lives. An atmospheric picture book story that introduces kindergarten children to a diverse range of neighborhoods, people, and backgrounds – sensitively and thoughtfully.
Classic

Over the Hills and Far Away: A Treasury of Nursery Rhymes by Elizabeth Hammill
A wonderful collection of beautifully illustrated traditional nursery rhymes, collected from a diverse range of cultures around the world. A great classroom resource for kindergarten.
Nursery rhymes

Pink Is for Boys by Robb Pearlman
A stereotype-busting story that shows children that they can be whatever they want to be – whether it is playing baseball, trying on different colored clothes, or liking unicorns. A good book to provoke discussion and help children develop a sense of empathy and acceptance.
Diverse

Shh! We Have a Plan by Chris Haughton
A funny story that helps kindergarten-aged children understand that it’s not always the loudest person who has the best ideas. When a gang of four friends tries to catch a bird, they fail spectacularly, until they listen to the quiet observant member of the group.
Humor

Steam Train, Dream Train by Sherri Duskey Rinker
In this colorful picture book for emerging readers, each car on the train is boarded by a different animal, and each animal fills the car with more and more unlikely and amusing luggage and cargo. A great story to encourage children in grade K to read independently.
Rhyming

We Don’t Eat Our Classmates by Ryan T. Higgins
Penelope is really looking forward to starting school and meeting her new classmates. That is, she’s really looking forward to eating them because she’s a T-Rex dinosaur. Soon, however, the tables are turned in this compelling and fun book for children aged 3-5.
School story

The Word Collector by Peter H. Reynolds
Jerome doesn’t collect trading cards, coins, or stamps – instead, he collects words. Short words, long words, complicated words, and unusual words make up his collection – as well as words that can change and words that persuade. A highly original picture book that is perfect for developing a child’s imagination and interest in language.
Picture book