Best Picture Books of 2021 for Starting Conversations

by Éléonore Douspis ; illustrated by Éléonore Douspis ; translated by Shelley Tanaka

Visually and textually poetic, this contemplative story continues to grow through repeated visits. Full review >

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by Valérie Fontaine ; illustrated by Nathalie Dion ; translated by Shelley Tanaka

Masterfully done. Full review >

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by Katey Howes ; illustrated by Jess Engle

Radiant. Full review >

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by Naseem Hrab ; illustrated by Nahid Kazemi

A beautifully poignant celebration of memories of a loved one that live on in those that remain. Full review >

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by Gökçe Irten ; illustrated by Gökçe Irten

A thought-provoking way of looking at the world, and imaginative kids will love it. Full review >

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by Yuyi Morales ; illustrated by Yuyi Morales

Utterly beautiful. Full review >

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by Romana Romanyshyn & Andriy Lesiv ; illustrated by Romana Romanyshyn & Andriy Lesiv ; translated by Oksana Lushchevska

An expertly crafted story recognizing the power of humanity amid the life-altering tragedy of war. Full review >

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by Todd Stewart ; illustrated by Todd Stewart

Arresting art and an intelligent dialogue speak movingly to the realities of universal life cycles. Full review >

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by Tracy Subisak ; illustrated by Tracy Subisak

Intelligently and sympathetically demonstrates that children have complex emotional lives too. Full review >

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by Yoshi Ueno ; illustrated by Emiko Fujishima

Tender and companionable. Full review >

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by Debora Vogrig ; illustrated by Pia Valentinis

A book for adults and little ones to share, appreciate, and consider together. Full review >

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by Carole Boston Weatherford ; illustrated by Floyd Cooper

A somber, well-executed addition to the history as the incident approaches its 100th anniversary. Full review >

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by Derick Wilder ; illustrated by Cátia Chien

Stunning, tender, and brilliant. Readers will laugh and cry—but most of all love. Full review >

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by Dan Yaccarino ; illustrated by Dan Yaccarino

Resonant and reassuring. Full review >

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