Best Children's Books of 2012: Friends & Family in Picture Books

by Aesop & retold by Helen Ward & illustrated by Helen Ward

A visual stunner. Full review >

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by Robyn Eversole illustrated by Scott Campbell

This primer on friendship wrapped in hijinks is paced for maximum pleasure. Full review >

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by Candace Fleming & illustrated by Eric Rohmann

Oh, yes! This is a terrific new picture book. Full review >

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by Marla Frazee & illustrated by Marla Frazee

Read unhurried, in a lap, again and again. Full review >

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by Susan Gal & illustrated by Susan Gal

A luminous celebration of family, food and home. Full review >

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by Debi Gliori ; illustrated by Debi Gliori

There is much to enjoy here, and the illustrations and allusions beg for repeat readings. Full review >

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by Kevin Henkes & illustrated by Kevin Henkes

A doll of a beginning reader. Full review >

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by Amy Hest & illustrated by Helen Oxenbury

Be forewarned: Youngsters will find Charley as irresistible as Henry does and will no doubt beg for puppies of their own. Full review >

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by Peter McCarty & illustrated by Peter McCarty

Beautifully benign illustrations conjure powerful familial feelings Full review >

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by Il Sung Na & illustrated by Il Sung Na

Ready or not! Here comes a book worth finding. Full review >

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by Philip C. Stead & illustrated by Erin E. Stead

The Steads’ work adopts a folkloric approach to cooperative relationships; the affectionately rendered animals that stand in... Full review >

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by Philip C. Stead & illustrated by Philip C. Stead

A deeply satisfying story that speaks to the universal desires to be nurtured and to find a home. Full review >

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by Shane W. Evans & illustrated by Shane W. Evans

Share with readers of all ages as a beautiful message about peaceful protest and purposeful action. Full review >

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by Mark Greenwood & illustrated by Frané Lessac

A joy to read. Play calypso music and celebrate! (author’s note, glossary and pronunciation guide, author’s sources)... Full review >

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by Jairo Buitrago & illustrated by Rafael Yockteng & translated by Elisa Amado

Eye-opening inspiration in this unassuming import from Colombia. Full review >

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by Peter Catalanotto & illustrated by Peter Catalanotto

Grown-ups beware. Youngsters might have their own questions and answers after this romp. (Picture book. 4-8) Full review >

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by Robert Neubecker & illustrated by Robert Neubecker

One romping celebration of boyhood to read again and again. Full review >

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by Eileen Spinelli & illustrated by Marjorie Priceman

This may not be the most exciting or enthralling winter tale, but it is perfect for sharing during readers’ own cold... Full review >

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by Sarah Stewart & illustrated by David Small

A warm, gentle portrait of an immigrant’s isolation and the ways that creativity and a loving family can offer both a safe... Full review >

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by Klaas Verplancke & illustrated by Klaas Verplancke & translated by Helen Mixter

Reminiscent of Where the Wild Things Are in its visual transformations and emotional intensity, but with a more present and... Full review >

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by Hyewon Yum & illustrated by Hyewon Yum

Yum has perfectly captured the emotional ups and downs of both parent and child in a visually expressive work that will... Full review >

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