The Most Anticipated Children’s Books of Spring 2026

by Derrick Barnes & Christian Gregory ; illustrated by Frank Morrison

An inspiring, kinetic look at an unconventional act of activism. Full review >

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retold by Mac Barnett ; illustrated by Carson Ellis

Deeply familiar but infused with 21st-century smarts; expect cries for repeated reads. Full review >

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by Elisha Cooper ; illustrated by Elisha Cooper

Pure imagination. Full review >

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by Matthew Cordell ; illustrated by Matthew Cordell

Utterly entrancing. Full review >

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by Nicholas Day ; illustrated by Hadley Hooper

A masterful blend of biography, science, and philosophy that makes profound ideas feel wonderfully attainable. Full review >

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by Laura Dockrill ; illustrated by Eva Byrne

Friends are literally what you make of them in this highly amusing jaunt into the unknown. Full review >

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by Deborah Freedman ; illustrated by Deborah Freedman

An enchanting story that honors both the artistic journey and the blooms that—eventually—result. Full review >

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by Kevin Henkes ; illustrated by Kevin Henkes

Masterfully captures that nebulous time when spring feels simultaneously imminent and worlds away. A seasonal triumph. Full review >

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by Jane Kurtz ; illustrated by Giselle Potter

A delightful STEAM biography that spotlights a female scientist who deserves to be better known. Full review >

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by Julie Leung ; illustrated by Angie Kang

An impressively realistic, heartfelt exploration of family dynamics and illuminating understanding. Full review >

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by Dinara Mirtalipova ; illustrated by Dinara Mirtalipova

A moving, memorable book that washes over readers with a call to stewardship. Full review >

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by S.D. Nelson ; illustrated by S.D. Nelson ; translated by Dakota Goodhouse

A masterful must-read for young readers navigating their world. Full review >

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by Christian Robinson ; illustrated by Christian Robinson

A powerful affirmation for all dads—the good, the flawed, and those doing the best they can. Full review >

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by David Sedaris ; illustrated by Bob Staake

Blessedly bad behavior gets its day in the sun, and we are HERE for it! Full review >

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by Natalia Shaloshvili ; illustrated by Natalia Shaloshvili ; translated by Lena Traer

Beautifully captures the vulnerability and wonder emanating from small creatures. Full review >

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