52+ New Children’s Books for 2023 and 2024 to Enjoy

You’re My Little Cutie Pie by Nicola Edwards

Release Date: September 5

Plot: Cuddle up with your little cutie pie and share this festive Thanksgiving board book that’s part of the best-selling You’re My Little series. With cut-outs and raised elements, this hands-on book features rhyming text paired with adorable pumpkin pies, cranberries, turkeys, and more!

Wonderful Seasons by Emily Winfield Martin

Release Date: September 5

Plot: Celebrate the seasons with this original board book by Emily Winfield Martin–perfect for baby showers and fans of the New York Times Bestseller, The Wonderful Things You Will Be!

Dragon’s First Taco by Adam Rubin

Release Date: September 26

Plot: Let the New York Times bestselling team behind Dragons Love Tacos introduce the joy of dragons to the youngest of readers in this original board book shaped like a taco!

Out Cold by Ryan T. Higgins

Release Date: October 3

Plot: #1 New York Times best-selling author Ryan T. Higgins celebrates the joys of winter in this bite-sized Little Bruce Book perfect for fans of the Mother Bruce board books.

Grumpy Monkey Yuck! by Suzanne Lang

Release Date: October 10

Plot: This original story tackles a common toddler issue as the bestselling character Grumpy Monkey finds out that it’s okay to try something new.

At the Bakeshop by Eric Carle

Release Date: November 7

Plot: Trying sweet treats is a piece of cake for The Very Hungry Caterpillar! This delightful book introduces young readers to the delicious delicacies of the bakeshop, featuring three-dimensional board pieces in the shape of different desserts that look good enough to grab.

When I Smile: A Book of Kindness

Release Date: November 14

Plot: From author Jo Witek and illustrator Christine Roussey, the bestselling creators of In My Heart, When I Smile is a picture book about all the things a smile can do. I can’t wait to read this new baby book!

Bitsy Bat, School Star by Kaz Windness

Release Date: June 6

Plot: A sweet new school picture book for 2023! In this one, Bitsy Bat wants to fit in at her new school and make friends. She learns to celebrate difference. This one talks about school from an autistic perspective in ways all kids can understand.

Bruce and the Legend of Soggy Hollow by Ryan T. Higgins

Release Date: July 11

Plot: A Halloween Bruce book? You better believe this is one of my top picks for best picture books 2023! Bruce hates Halloween, but the mice and the geese are determined to change his mind with a spooky story.

Dear Unicorn by Josh Funk and Charles Santoso

Release Date: September 19

Plot: Josh Funk always had the best storylines. In this story, two pen-pals trade pictures and letters. -but when they meet for the first time, they realize one is a human and the other is a unicorn! This is definitely in the running for best picture books 2023.

This Book is Banned by Raj Haldar

Release Date: September 26

Plot: From #1 New York Times bestselling author of P Is for Pterodactyl Raj Haldar comes a silly and irreverent new picture book all about sharing ideas.

Freddie the Flyer by Danielle Metcalfe-Chenail and Fred Carmichael

Release Date: October 24

Plot: A gorgeous picture book that pays homage to aviator Freddie Carmichael — the first Indigenous commercial pilot in the Arctic –with each month of the year highlighting moments from his life, the beauty of the North and the power of dreams.

Kenny’s Bright Red Scooter by Amanda Kline

Release Date: November 7

Plot: Kenny’s Bright Red Scooter is the true story of a senior citizen Navy veteran who accidentally (but not surprisingly) captured the hearts of people from around the world through TikTok, of all places. This new kids’ book will capture hearts of all ages.

The House with 100 Stories by Toshio Iwai

Release Date: November 14

Plot: 100 floors. 100 new friends. 100 stories. Flip open this towering book vertically to climb and count with Tochi as he tries to discover who lives at the top of a strange, magical house.

Lila Greer, Teacher of the Year by Andrea Beaty

Release Date: November 17

Plot: A moving story starring the Questioneers’ teacher that’s all about kindness, learning to face your fears, and the profound difference that one brilliant educator can make in a child’s life from the #1 bestselling creators of Aaron Slater, Illustrator and Ada Twist, Scientist!

This is one of the new kids’ books for 2023 that my kids are dying to read!

Cupig by Claire Tattersfield

Release Date: December 19

Plot: A comically mismatched Valentine’s Day picture book with a clever and hilarious take on Cupid. Introducing Cupig the Valentine’s Day pig! This is one of our favorite new children’s books.

Are You Big? by Mo Willems

Release Date: February 6

Plot: Mo Willems, #1 New York Times bestselling, award-winning author-illustrator, tackles a BIG concept in this hilarious nonfiction picture book about the relationship between size and scale.  

Ten Little Rabbits by Maurice Sendak

Release Date: February 6

Plot: Maurice Sendak’s legacy continues with this playful counting extravaganza for the youngest child. Here is a small reader’s introduction to the magic of Mr. Sendak’s books—a journey that will continue for many years to come.

Roy is Not a Dog by  Esmé Shapiro and Daniel Newell Kaufman

Release Date: April 23

Plot: Take a ride down Lilypod Lane with Weasel and Pam Pam as they try to solve a mystery in their neighborhood in this hilariously fetching picture book: could their peculiar neighbor actually be a dog in disguise?

Poppelton in Summer by Cynthia Rylant

Release Date: May 2

Plot: Any new children’s books about Poppelton are perfect for beginning readers.

There’s so much fun in the sun with Poppleton, the posh and persnickety pig created by Newbery Medalist Cynthia Rylant and acclaimed illustrator Mark Teague!

A Super Scary Narwhalloween by Ben Clanton 

Release Date: July 4

Plot: In the hilarious eighth book of this blockbuster graphic novel series, Narwhal and Jelly celebrate the spookiest time of the year — Halloween — with a super twist!

Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Sleigh by Mo Willems

Release Date: September 5

Plot: Mo Willems is back with a charming new early reader book for Christmas! That rascal pigeon is trying to drive Santa’s sleigh in the latest installment of the beloved series.

I’ve already read this new children’s book and it’s hysterical.

Flat Cat by Tara Lazar

Release Date: September 19

Plot: This early reader book for 2023 is all about a cute flat cat who becomes fluffy after a trip through the dryer. He’s not happy about the change, but your kids will enjoy it!

Shapes and Shapes: TOON Level 1 by Ivan

Release Date: October 3

Plot:  In the hands of the author/artist of Wordplay, 3×4, and Comics: Easy as ABC, shapes explode, divide, and multiply, offering young readers a basic yet exciting art and math lesson. 

Soren’s Seventh Song by Dave Eggers

Release Date: February 6

Plot: From New York Times bestselling author Dave Eggers comes a deadpan take on creativity and persistence, as told through the eyes of a humpback whale looking for a new song. This is one of our most anticipated new children’s books.

Gnome and Rat: Time to Party by Lauren Stohler

Release Date: March 12

Plot: Your favorite hilarious best friends are BACK and ready to party in the second installment of this early graphic novel series. We recommend this new children’s book for beginning readers.

Mission: Arctic: A Scientifc Adventure to a Changing North Pole by Katharina Weiss-Tuider

Release Date: May 23

Plot: The Arctic is changing—fast. The once-frozen landscape is melting before our eyes, and the effects can be felt around the world. But the Arctic is also the region we know the least about. Thick ice, extreme cold, and total darkness have always prevented scientists from uncovering its secrets. Until now.

Cat on the Run by Aaron Blabey

Release Date: September 5

Plot: From the New York Times bestselling author of The Bad Guys comes another hilarious illustrated series starring a pampered cat who is way tougher than anyone realizes.

Fry Guys by Eric Geron

Release Date: September 26

Plot: In this colorful graphic novel, the Fry Guys–a team of three French fries–must do whatever it takes to defend their home against an invasion of evil UFO-nion Rings. ZZZAT! Ketchup blast. Ah, good grease.

The First Cat in Space and the Soup of Doom by Mac Barnett

Release Date: October 3

Plot: Award-winning creators Mac Barnett and Shawn Harris are back with the second volume in the bestselling The First Cat in Space graphic novel series! Secret tales of woe, hilarious new characters, and dangerous plans of sabotage will keep readers delighted and laughing until the thrilling climax. Perfect for fans of Dog Man and InvestiGators.

The Apartment House on Poppy Hill by Nina LaCour

Release Date: November 7

Plot: Welcome to 1106 Wildflower Place: It is no ordinary apartment house, but you, reader, are no ordinary visitor. So, please, come in!

This is one of our most antcipated new children’s books.

Keeper of the Lost Cities: The Graphic Novel by Shannon Messenger

Release Date: November 7

Plot: The middle-grade hit series is getting the graphic novel treatment! Since the content isn’t too difficult for newer readers, this easy-to-read format is perfect for them. Not to mention series fans will be eager to see their favorites illustrated! This is one of our favorite new children’s books.

Mercy Watson is Missing by Kate DiCamillo

Release Date: December 5

Plot: Every favorite character from Kate DiCamillo’s New York Times best-selling Mercy Watson books makes an appearance in this extended, riotously funny series crescendo.

From the World of Percy Jackson: The Sun and the Star Hardcover by Rick Riordan

Release Date: May 2

Plot: Percy Jackson fans, rejoice! Nico and Will have a book of their own!

As the son of Hades, Nico di Angelo has been through so much, from the premature deaths of his mother and sister, to being outed against his will, to losing his friend Jason during the trials of Apollo. But there is a ray of sunshine in his life—literally: his boyfriend, Will Solace, the son of Apollo. Together the two demigods can overcome any obstacle or foe. At least, that’s been the case so far…

This is one of the new children’s books I plan to pre-order.

The One and Only Ruby by Katherine Applegate

Release Date: May 2

Plot: Ruby’s story picks up a few months after the events of The One and Only Bob. Now living in a wildlife sanctuary, Ruby’s caretaker from the elephant orphanage in Africa where she grew up is visiting. Seeing him again brings back a flood of memories both happy and sad of her life before the circus, and she recounts the time she spent in the African savannah to Ivan and Bob.

Percy Jackon and the Chalice of the Gods by Rick Riordan

Release Date: September 26

Plot: One of the most anticipated new children’s books of the year is the return of Percy Jackson. After years and many other series, Rick Riordan is back with a new sequel featuring a college-aged Percy Jackson!

In order to get letters of recommendation from the gods, he needs to complete 3 quests. Could this be the start of a new trilogy? We want all of these new children’s books for our Percy Jackson fans!

If you are eagerly waiting until September, check out our guide to Percy Jackson and our list of books just like the Percy Jackson series.

Cross My Heart and Never Lie by Nora Dåsnes

Release Date: September 19

Plot: In this fresh, sensitive, diary-style graphic novel, 12-year-old Tuva’s questions about becoming a teenager are confusing–so when her first crush turns out to be on another girl, it feels absolutely wonderful–so why does it become so complicated?

Remember Us by Jacqueline Woodson

Release Date: October 11

Plot: National Book Award winner Woodson is back with a story about her hometown of Bushwick in the 80s. She brings readers a powerful story that delves deeply into life’s burning questions about time and memory and what we take with us into the future.

This is one of our favorite new children’s books for 2023.

The Winterton Deception by Janet Sumner Johnson

Release Date: October 24

Plot: In this twisty middle grade mystery for fans of Knives Out, The Inheritance Game, and The Westing Game, thirteen-year-old twins Hope and Gordon enter a spelling bee in a last-ditch effort to save their family from financial ruin, only to find themselves in a cut-throat competition to uncover a fortune and dark secrets about the wealthy relations they’ve never known.

The Misfits: A Royal Conundrum by Lisa See

Release Date: January 2

Plot: When a notorious thief is out for priceless treasure (gems! cats! general decorum!)–who’re you gonna call? An elite team of crime-fighting underdogs, that’s who! The Misfits are on the case in this hilarious illustrated series from Newbery Honoree Lisa Yee and Caldecott Medalist Dan Santat!

Slugfest by Gordon Korman

Release Date: January 9

Plot: Yash is the best athlete at Robinette Middle School. So good, in fact, that’s he’s already been playing on the high school’s JV sports teams. Imagine his shock when he learns that his JV practices have kept him from earning a state-mandated credit for eighth-grade PE. To graduate, he has to take Physical Education Equivalency—PEE—which is also known as “Slugfest,” in summer school. We can’t wait to read this new children’s book.

Alterations by Ray Xu

Release Date: January 30

Plot: For fans of Gene Luen Yang’s American Born Chinese and Svetlana Chmakova’s Awkward, this funny yet poignant middle-grade coming-of-age story highlights the struggle of feeling invisible while yearning to be seen by all.

The Liars Society by Alyson Gerber

Release Date: February 6

Plot: The Inheritance Games and One of Us is Lying for middle grade — beloved author Alyson Gerber’s new series is an unforgettable mystery featuring a secret society, a mysterious island, and dangerous family secrets. It’s going to be one of the best new 2023 kids books.

Heroes by Alan Gratz

Release Date: February 6

Plot: A new novel from #1 New York Times bestselling author Alan Gratz (Refugee; Ground Zero; Two Degrees) is a major publishing moment. A new World War II novel from Alan Gratz? That’s even bigger! Get ready for an action-packed, inventive, and powerful take on the attack on Pearl Harbor, as only Alan Gratz can tell it.

Our kids can’t wait to read this new children’s book for middle grade readers.

The Princess Protection Program by Alex London

Release Date: February 13

Plot: Where can a princess hide if her Ever After isn’t all that Happy? Bestselling author Alex London turns classic fairy tales on their heads in this fast-paced, funny fantasy about embracing change and taking control of your own story. For fans of The School for Good and Evil and the Chronicles of Never After series.