Best Picture Books of 2024: Wholesome Children’s Books
The Best Picture Books of 2024 is a booklist request from this precious bookish community. So, I have gathered the best books published in 2024 for young readers, including board books and picture books. This list is not determined by award-winning status or New York Times best sellers. These are books that I have enjoyed with my girls and new picture books that deserve a spot in your library bag or even a space in your home library. Due to the frequent request for newly published books, I will now keep a running list for each new year.
Top Picture Books Released in 2024
1. Rosie’s Wild Ride: Chasing Big Rodeo Dreams by Paige Murray
In this heartwarming tale, Rosie the Clydesdale and a spirited little cowgirl named Oakley aspire to become rodeo stars. However, Rosie’s size presents challenges in rodeo events. The courageous duo unexpectedly rises to heroism when a rogue bull creates chaos. This delightful book is a fantastic addition to any young horse enthusiast’s reading list.
2. Jonty Gentoo: The Adventures of a Penguin by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler
This is a fun animal tale about a spunky penguin named Jonty Gentoo that sneaks out of the zoo after hearing exciting stories about the South Pole but he swims to the wrong pole.
3. Counting Winter by Nancy White Carlstrom
This delightful winter favorite is perfect for young readers learning to count. It features snowy poetic verses, captivating scratchboard illustrations, and a captivating story.
4. Bunny Should Be Sleeping by Amy Hest
In this sweet bedtime story, Bunny should be asleep, but he is waiting on Dad. At last, Bunny slips out of bed to go find Dad. He pulls along his packed wagon, loaded with a blanket, water, and their favorite bedtime book. Bunny discovers Dad sound asleep, but Dad stirs and gets up sleepily to complete the bedtime routine. With everything in order, Bunny peacefully drifts off to sleep.
5. Narwhal by Candace Fleming (Pending)
I have big expectations for this one due to her pervious books. I’ve had this book on hold at our local library for months.
6. Knight Owl and the Early Bird by Christopher Denise
This delightful sequel to Knight Owl features the eager Early Bird, who aspires to become a knight just like her mentor. However, she often dozes off on the job, keeping Knight Owl awake during the day. Be sure to check it out!
7. Ursula Upside Down by Corey R. Tabor
In this interactive flipped-format picture book, Ursula is a happy upside-down catfish, enjoying her upside-down world until a fish asks her why she is upside down. This question throws her for a loop and she starts to swim like everyone else. She gets in trouble on the riverbank where she meets a helpful bat. If you enjoy this book, read Corey R. Tabor’s Mel Fell.
8. Alice in Winter Wonderland by Jan Brett
In this captivating adaption of Alice Wonderland set against the glistening Alaskan tundra and illustrated in the beloved distinctive style of Jan Brett, Alice spots a white rabbit and leaps down a crevasse in an Alaskan glacier. The story stays true with quirky characters on a whimsical wintry adventure. My only critique is that the text does not quite flow.
9. Under the Table by Allan Ahlberg
This is a comedic story featuring a cast of fascinating characters emerging from beneath the table, ranging from elephants to penguins. And then, of course, there is a camping trip.
10. Party Rex by Molly Idle
Rex is turning ten! This book helps young friends remember proper Birthday Party etiquette.
11. While You’re Asleep by Emmy Kastner
This charming bedtime story features delightful interruptions from flickering fireflies and curious raccoons, but eventually, even these nocturnal creatures must settle down for the night.
12. Big Bear and Little Bear Go Fishing by Amy Hest
Get ready to crave some freshly baked blueberry scones! This charming book narrates a delightful day spent fishing with Father and son, embracing the joy of a leisurely day.
13. Bear Finds Eggs by Karma Wilson
The beloved Bear and his woodland friends take a stroll through the forest near Strawberry Vale and find eggs along the way, leaving gifts for the soon-to-hatch baby birds. But then they are sent on a quest by a worried Mama Meadowlark to help find her missing eggs. Everyone lends a hand.
14. Escargot and the Search for Spring by Dashka Slater
Escargot, the adorable French snail, has a slightly rude demeanor after hibernating through the long winter. As he ventures out in search of the first signs of spring, he is accompanied by a fluffy white bunny.
15. Buffalo Fluffalo by Bess Kalb
This little buffalo is strong and fluffy, filled with pride. However, after a rainstorm, the other animals begin to see beyond his bravado.
I’m the Buffalo Fluffalo
I heave and I huffalo
Leave me alone because
I’ve had enuffalo.
Christian Picture Books
16. Home is Right Where You Are by Ruth Chou Simons
Listen close, my sweet child,
To this one thing I know.
Let’s walk together-
Hold my hand as we go.
Ruth wrote and illustrated this beautiful picture book to remind her boys of truth, God’s love, and His faithfulness. This book is a reminder that God is our dwelling place, our home.
17. A World Wonder by Laura Wifler
This sweet book is about a young girl named Cora who dreams of designing world wonders. When Cora is older, she returns to her hometown to transfer a house on top of a hill into a true world wonder. She learns life isn’t just about achievements but about giving generously and loving others well.
18. The Man in the Tree and the Brand New Start: A Story of Zacchaeus by Carl Laferton
This newest addition of the Tales that Tell the Truth shares the story of the not-so-loved Zacchaeus climbing a sycamore tree to see Jesus. This encounter with Jesus changed everything for Zacchaeus. The illustrations are lively and fun. The text is simple yet engaging. The Gospel is shared, encouraging young readers to repent and believe.
What had changed between Zacchaeus climbing up that tree and coming down that three? HE HAD MET JESUS.
19. Build by Emily Lex
This beautifully illustrated book features a young boy named Brady who loves to build. He becomes discouraged when he fails to build like the beaver, the spider, and the mama bird. Feeling down, he fears he is not a good builder after all. Yet, his woodland friends quickly remind him that “God made you and helps you from beginning to end to do all He’s created you to do.”
If you LOVE this one, make sure to check out Twirl.
20. Who Are You? A Little Book About Your Big Identity by Christina Fox
The world keeps trying to assign our children their worth by how they fell, what they do, or what the culture says about them. It has become a game of identity confusion and dangerous ideologies. Our children are surrounded by so much confusion, they need to know how to find their identity: we start with Scripture, Genesis 1. It’s not what you do, it’s not what you love, it’s not what people say, it’s not what you feel, it’s not how you look… “It’s this: you’re made by our Creator God. Designed by him, you’re loved and have great worth. You’re made like him, to show what he is like, to spread his love and grace throughout the earth.” this is an excellent book for kids ages 3-5.
“So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.” Genesis 1:27
21. The Best News of All by Sally Michael
This book is a great resource to facilitate memorization of Scripture. The text is repetitive and engaging and the illustrations spark interest.
“Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” Luke 2:10-11
22. Joshua and the Very Strong City by Tim Thornborough
This fun picture book encourages little readers to “stamp, stampety, stamp, stamp” and be at the ready to blow their trumpets. The text is theologically sound and the illustrations are brigth and colorful. My favorite part is the nod to Rahab, her part of the wall stands tall marked with a scarlet cord. God always keeps his promises.
Then the Lord gave Joshua this very special promise: “Be Strong And Brave. I am fighting for you. I will be with you.”
23. The Long Road Home by Sarah Walton (Pending)
I have only read great reviews about this one. Review coming soon.
24. Joni Eareckson Tada: The Girl Who Learned to Follow God in a Wheelchair by Kristyn Getty
It was easy to trust God when she was healthy and happy. But did she want to follow God now that life is so hard?
This inspiring biography picture book is about Joni, a precious soul who has been in a wheelchair for over fifty years and has experienced pain daily. But Joni remains steadfast in her devotion to God. She is a remarkable role model with a passion for sharing the gospel.
Check out more reviews from the Do Great Things for God Series {HERE}
Christian Board Books
25. It is Well With My Soul: Little Hymns for Little Ones
This sweetly illustrated board book features two kids as they row down the stream set to the words of the beloved hymn, “It is Well With My Soul.”
Other books in this series are:
Amazing Grace {Buy}
Nothing But the Blood of Jesus {Buy}
Holy, Holy, Holy {Buy}
26. Seek and Find: More Old Testament Stories by Sarah and Andre Parker
This Seek and Find book features 8 Old Testament Bible Stories with Scripture references, brief retelling, big truth (such as God is a promise keeper), and a visual list of items to find. Featured bible stories: Abraham & Sarah, Joseph’s Dream, Joseph in Egypt, The Red Sea, Strong Samson, Elijah & the Fire, Songs for God-Psalm 23, and Brave Esther.
27. What Are Eyes For? by Abbey Wedgeworth
“His eyes CLOSED when he died so I can be FORGIVEN and then OPENED again so I can live with HOPE!”
This interactive board book is a great resource for parents to proactively point their kids to Christ. It gives parents the words and kids fun visuals to help them learn what God made their eyes for!
This helpful and engaging training tool will help parents to teach their kids that God didn’t make their eyes to look down on others, but for positive things like watching, blinking, squinting and winking.The Good Book Company (Publisher)
More from this series {HERE}
28. What Are Feet For? by Abbey Wedgeworth
“Jesus did not run away from God’s plan but walked toward his death because he loves me.”
If you are looking for sturdy board books that are rooted in the gospel, the Training Young Hearts is a great addition to your home library. (Content warning: negative behaviors (kick, stomp, run away) are presented but with immediate correction.)
More from this series {HERE}
Interested in More Booklists for Kids: Check These Out!
Free Monthly Booklists: A Picture Book Collection for Every Month
Get all monthly booklists for free HERE.
Best Apple Picture Books
Get the complete booklist HERE.
Favorite Fall Picture Books for Kids
Get the complete list of favorite fall picture books HERE.
More Booklists Coming Soon!
Thanks for Stopping By!
Lastly, thank you for stopping by! Please say Hi in the comment section and share your favorite book from the Best Picture Books of 2024 or let me know if I missed your favorite new release. Be sure to subscribe to my mailing list for monthly picture booklists delivered right to your inbox.
HAPPY READING!
– With Great Joy, Katie
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