New Kids’ Books
Trying to weed through the best new kid’s books can be a difficult challenge. There are so many new books released each year for each age group.
I scour the upcoming releases and have relationships with publishers who let me in on the hottest new kids’ books of the season. Below is my list of the best upcoming releases for the rest of 2024.
The Best New Kids’ Books
Each colorful block below represents the best book in a subgenre. Click on the arrow to reveal my “best” pick in any category. You’ll also be able to use a page jump to see more books in that section.
For Babies & Toddlers
Let’s Put That Away by The Home Edit – Jump to section
For Picture Book Lovers
The Bakery Dragon by Devin Elle Kurtz – Jump to section
For Beginning and Early Readers
The Verts: A Story of Introverts and Extroverts by Ann Patchett- Jump to section
For Older Chapter Book Readers
The Bletchley Riddle by Ruth Sepetys and Steve Sheinkin – Jump to section
*Post contains affiliate links. Purchases made through links result in a small commission to us at no cost to you. Some books have been gifted. All opinions are our own.
New Books for Babies and Toddlers (0-2)
Let’s Put That Away Home Edit
Author: Clea Shearer and Joanna Teplin
Illustrator: Hsinping Pan
Release Date: September 3, 2024
Genre: Board Book
Age: 0-3
Plot
The Home Edit team is releasing their first baby book!! It’s the perfect way to teach your kids to tidy up from an early age.
Why Kirsten loves It
I love that this story teaches children to clean up after themselves and take care of their items. It’s an important skill to teach early; these fun colors and illustrations reinforce the message.
Find this book in: Books About Organizing / Best New Children’s Books of 2024
Plot
Hervé Tullet is a master at the interactive board book and I have long been a fan. This is his first new book in 7 years! You must get it for your little one if you like his previous hits.
Teeny Tiendas: The Flower Shop/La florería
Author: Lourdes Heuer
Illustrator: Zara Gonzàlez Hoang
Release Date: September 17, 2024
Genre: Board Books
Age: 0-3
Plot
The newest book in a bilingual series that teaches baby about different neighborhood hotspots is here and it’s about a flower shop!
Construction Site, A Thankful Night
Author: Sherri Duskey Rinker
Illustrator: Helen Morgan
Release Date: September 3, 2024
Genre: Board Book
Age: 2-4
Plot
A lift-the-flap book perfect for Thanksgiving! This one features all the beloved Construction Site characters kids know and love.
Why Kirsten loves it
Sweet flaps make this story interactive, while the rhyming story tells a nice story of being thankful for the everyday blessings in the trucks’ lives.
Find this book in: Books About Thanksgiving / Best New Children’s Books of 2024
A Little Book About Trust
Author: Greg Davidson, Michael Wieder, & Jenny Zych
Release Date: January 21, 2025
Genre: Board Book
Age: 0-3
Plot
From the creators of the A Book About Series comes a series for babies and toddlers to teach them important life lessons. I love this particular one about trust.
Plot
This is a picture book as only John Klassen could imagine. It’s about a collection of items that together make up a farm and it ends with the sunset at bedtime.
New Picture Books for Kids (3-5+)
Plot
This charming picture book is my most anticipated picture book of the fall! It’s about a tiny dragon who can’t keep up with his dragon brethren in the hunt for gold until he meets a baker! Soon they are working together in the bakery.
Why Kirsten loved it
This is the most charming little story about a dragon that finds joy in baked goods…I mean…don’t we all? The illustrations were incredible and I see this becoming a modern classic.
Lefty
Author: Mo Willems
Illustrator: Dan Santat
Release Date: December 3, 2024
Genre: Picture Book
Age: 4-8
Plot
What a dynamic duo for a picture book? Fan favorites, Willems & Santat, have teamed up to tell the true story of how it used to be a problem to be left-handed.
Pau: The Last Song of the Kaua’i ‘o’o
Author: Tony Piedra
Illustrator: Mackenzie Joy
Release Date: September 17, 2024
Genre: Picture Book
Age: 5-7
Plot
This eco-fable tells the story of a once prolific bird that is now extinct on the island of Kaua’i. It’s a lovely story that teaches kids to look after the environment.
The Most Boring Book Ever
Author: Brandon Sanderson
Illustrator: Kazu Kibuishi
Release Date: September 24, 2024
Genre: Picture Book
Age: 4-8
Plot
2 popular creators have teamed up to make a picture book that’s sure to be a hit! It’s about an ordinary boy, on an ordinary day…until it’s filled with adventure! This fantasy picture book has been preordered for my house.
Why Jackie loves it
If you ever have a kid who says they are bored…on repeat… you MUST get this book! It’s about how boring it is to sit in a chair, except when an adventure is happening around someone sitting in a chair and he keeps saying it’s boring sitting in a chair. It’s funny and silly and perfect for any time!
PictureFace Lizzy
Author: Josh Gad
Illustrator: Marta Kissi
Release Date: September 17, 2024
Genre: Picture Book
Age: 5-8
Plot
Josh Gad (Frozen‘s Olaf) has written a funny picture book about a girl obsessed with getting the newest toys. But what happens if she gets it and the joy wears off quickly?
Clydeo Takes a Bite Out of Life
Author: Jennifer Aniston
Illustrator: Bruno Jacob
Release Date: October 1, 2024
Genre: Picture Book
Age: 4-8
Plot
Jennifer Aniston’s debut picture book is here and it features a pup named Clydeo who is trying to find his “thing”. Will he ever find the thing that lights up his life?
Where to Hide a Star
Author: Oliver Jeffers
Release Date: October 8, 2024
Genre: Picture Book
Age: 4-8
Plot
Author-illustrator Oliver Jeffers, comes a story about the friendship between a boy, a star, and a penguin. One day, the star goes missing. As the boy goes to find his missing friend, he meets other friends during his adventure.
Agent Unicorn
Author: Jenny Alvarado
Illustrator: Jenny Alvarado
Release Date: September 17, 2024
Genre: Picture Book
Age: 4-8
Plot
Jenny Alvarado’s debut picture book is about a unicorn who wants to be an undercover agent. He’d finally hired to be one and now he needs to find a missing pet! Can he actually be the detective he wants to be?
New Early and Beginning Reader Books (6-9)
The Verts: A Story of Introverts and Extroverts
Author: Ann Patchett
Genre: Robin Preiss Glasser
Release Date: September 17, 2024
Genre: Picture Book for Early Readers
Age: 4-8
Plot
Bestselling author, Ann Patchett, explains the difference between introverts and extroverts in the picture book illustrated by the artist behind Fancy Nancy.
The Kelce Brothers
Author: Apple Jordan
Illustrator: Macky Pamintuan
Release Date: October 15, 2024
Genre: Early Reader
Age: 4-8
Plot
Learn about Travis and Jason Kelce in the latest Little Golden Book series installment. I love this series for introducing nonfiction to new readers.
Why Kirsten loves it
The Kelce brothers shot to fame for being great football players (remember the Kelce Bowl?) but their recent metaphoric rise to superstardom came from their charming personalities and a certain significant other. I love that this story filled me in on their back story in a format that is great for beginning readers.
Fairy Door Diaries: Eliza and the Flower Fairies
Author: Megan McDonald
Illustrator: Lenny Wen
Release Date: February 04, 2025
Genre: Early Reader
Age: 5-9
More info: Fairy Door Diaries #1
Plot
From the author of Judy Moody and the Stink series, a new early reader series is being released about Eliza, a regular girl who has secret access to the fairy world. This highly anticipated early reader series is sure to perfect for the fantasy lovers in your life.
Detective Beans & The Case of the Missing Hat
Author: Li Chen
Release Date: October 15, 2024
Genre: Beginning Reader Graphic Novel
Age: 8-10
Plot
This charming graphic novel is all about Detective Beans, a cute little kitty detective. But he is missing his hat! Go with him on the fun for his favorite accessory.
Pencil & Eraser: We Have a Dull-Emma!
Author: Jenny Alvarado
Release Date: September 10, 2024
Genre: Early Reader
Age: 5-8
More info: Pencil & Eraser #1
Plot
Get ready for back-to-school season with this adorable new early reader series about Pencil & Eraser! These besties are perfect for fans of Elephant & Piggie or Pizza & Taco! This new graphic novel series has charming adventures that are easy to read!
Why Kirsten loves it
I love this new series of graphic novel for early readers. The main characters are charming, the story is sweet, and I just know this series will be a hit with all new readers!
Gilmore Girls: A Stars Hollow Celebration
Author: Funko Golden Books
Release Date: January 07, 2025
Genre: Early Reader
Age: 2-5
Plot
If you love Gilmore Girls and its many festivals and special events, this is for you! It is a season-by-season look at every special event the famous TV town celebrates, and the characters are all done in the Funko Pop style.
New Middle Grade Books (10-13+)
Impossible Creatures
Author: Katherine Rundell
Illustrator: Ashley Mackenzie
Year: 2024
Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy
Age: 10+
More info: Impossible Creatures #1, International Bestseller, New York Times Bestseller
Plot
Bestselling author, Katherine Rundell launched a new fantasy series for the magical creature obsessed! After rescuing a baby griffin, Christopher learns about magical islands where magical creatures have lived in secret for thousands of years. Soon, he’s on a mission to help Mal figure out why the magic is fading from the islands.
Along the way, he meets numerous mythical creatures, discovers the magic of the archipelago, and forms a deep attachment to Mal and two adults who help them on their journey to restore the glimourie.
Trigger Warnings
Animal death, Child death
Why Kirsten loves it
Rundell wove a story that earned its place with the greats like Harry Potter and Percy Jackson. Christopher and Mal’s friendship moved me to tears and the lessons they learned about life, death, and what it all means felt as filled with wisdom as anything Dumbledore ever said.
I listened to this one and can attest that the narrator is marvelous. My boys looked forward to our car rides listening to this epic adventure and we can’t wait for the rest of the trilogy!
Find this book in: Books with Magical Creatures / Dragon Books for Tweens / Giftable Books / Best Children’s Books of 2024
The Bletchley Riddle
Author: Ruth Sepetys and Steve Sheinkin
Year: 2024
Genre: Middle Grade Historical Fiction
Age: 10+
Plot
In 1940, Jakob and his sister Lizzie have always loved riddles and puzzles. Now, after becoming orphaned during the Nazi invasion of Poland, they live at Bletchley Park for the start of WWII. There, Jakob is working to crack the Nazi code while Lizzie is trying to find their missing mother, who she believes didn’t die in Poland.
As the siblings struggle to adjust to their new surroundings and the many secrets they need to keep, they also need to learn to trust one another and fix their broken bond. Along the way, an interesting cast of characters help them solve the puzzle of their missing mom.
Why Kirsten loves it
I could see this turning into a series of stories because the story has a somewhat open-ended conclusion. I really enjoyed this story with precocious Lizzie being one of my favorite characters of Sepetys’ to date. I’d love to see more of this dynamic duo and their quirky group of friends at Bletchley!
Find this book in: WWII Books for Kids / Giftable Books / Best New Children’s Books of 2024 / Books for 12-year-olds
When We Flew Away: A Novel of Anne Frank
Author: Alice Hoffman
Release Date: September 17, 2024
Genre: Historical Fiction
Age: 8-12
Plot
Famed author, Alice Hoffman, take on Anna Frank’s pre-holocaust life story in this historical fiction novel. Hoffman explores the events leading up the Anne going into hiding and writing her famous diary. This timely work is so relevant today.
The Sherlock Society
Author: James Ponti
Release Date: September 3, 2024
Genre: Middle Grade Mystery
Age: 8-12
More info: Sherlock Society #1
Plot
In Miami, 4 kids decided to open a detective agency as a summer job. With the assistance of the Sherlock siblings’ grandfather, the kids try to solve cold cases starting with finding the lost treasure of Al Capone.
Murdle Jr.: Curious Crimes for Curious Minds: Solve Your Way Through 40 Puzzle Mysteries!
Author: G. T. Karber
Release Date: 2024
Genre: Middle Grade Mystery
Age: 8-12
Plot
Murdle Jr. is a word puzzle mystery story mixed with a logic game grid. You solve your way through the story in this epic mystery featuring a crew of aspiring detectives!
Why Kirsten loves it
I have Murdle for adults, so when I saw the Kids’ version, I knew it would be an immediate pre-order for my family. My kids love it and so do I! It’s really fun!
Wrath of the Triple Goddess
Author: Rick Riordan
Release Date: September 24, 2024
Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy
Age: 9+
More info: Percy Jackson and the Olympians Book 7
Plot
Coming out September 24, 2024, this is the second book in the Percy Jackson trilogy about the quests Percy needs to complete to apply for college.
In his continuing quest to earn college recommendation letters from the gods, Percy has to pet sit the goddess Hecate’s polecat and giant mastiff during Halloween week. What could go wrong? This new book for tweens has already been preordered in my house.
Unraveled
Author: Shannon Messenger
Release Date: December 3, 2024
Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy
Age: 8-12
More info: Keeper of the Lost Cities #9.5
Plot
The newest book in the KOTLC series is coming and I couldn’t be more excited for the release! Sophie and the gang have replaced Harry Potter as my favorite group of magical, meddling kids. This time, readers get the scoop on what Keefe was up to during the events of Stellalune.
Witchwood
Author: Kalyn Josephson
Release Date: October 1, 2024
Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy
Age: 10+
More info: Ravenfall #3
Plot
The third book in the Ravenfall series has Anna and Colin venturing into the town of Witchwood, a spooky town where magic isn’t hidden. As they try to complete their mission, Anna reunites with her family in the hopes of learning more Jewish magic. When witches start to go missing, Anna and Colin need to get to the bottom of the problem.
More Upcoming Children’s Book Releases
Helpful Tip
- Use this list to get your library holds in early!
- Many of these books make perfect presents for the holidays!
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I choose a good children’s book?
I find it best to lean into your child’s interests. Look for books in the genre they like, but be specific. If they love dragons, don’t just get them any old fantasy book – look for one with dragons within the pages.
Are children’s books still popular?
Of course! Children’s books will always be popular because of the importance of enhancing literacy skills. Children who read for 20 minutes a day rank in the 90% when taking tests.
Related Content
Epilogue
These are our most anticipated kids’ books for the remainder of 2024. Did you find anything you wish to get for a child in your life?
The Best Book Lists by Age for 2024
Looking for books for a specific age group? We’ve got lists divided by age for 1 to 13-year-olds!
