The Children’s Book Review’s Best Selling Picture Book
This month the best selling picture book from our affiliate store is Undefeated, written by Kwame Alexander and illustrated by Kadir Nelson—a picture book selection from the Black Lives Matter Book List for Kids and Teens.
Illustrated by Kadir Nelson
Publisher’s Synopsis: The Newbery Award-winning author of THE CROSSOVER pens an ode to black American triumph and tribulation, with art from a two-time Caldecott Honoree.
Originally performed for ESPN’s The Undefeated, this poem is a love letter to black life in the United States. It highlights the unspeakable trauma of slavery, the faith and fire of the civil rights movement, and the grit, passion, and perseverance of some of the world’s greatest heroes. The text is also peppered with references to the words of Martin Luther King, Jr., Langston Hughes, Gwendolyn Brooks, and others, offering deeper insights into the accomplishments of the past, while bringing stark attention to the endurance and spirit of those surviving and thriving in the present. Robust back matter at the end provides valuable historical context and additional detail for those wishing to learn more.
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Ages 6-9 | Publisher: Versify | April 2, 2019 | ISBN-13: 978-1328780966
Nationwide Best Selling Picture Books
You’ll also find our hand-selected titles of the most popular picture books from the nationwide best-selling picture books listed by The New York Times. We’re happy to see Mo Willems’ new Pigeon story on this list—everyone loves Pigeon!
Written by Suzanne Lang
Illustrated by Max Lang
Publisher’s Synopsis: The hilarious New York Times bestselling picture book about dealing with unexplained feelings…and the danger in suppressing them!
Jim the chimpanzee is in a terrible mood for no good reason. His friends can’t understand it–how can he be in a bad mood when it’s SUCH a beautiful day? They encourage him not to hunch, to smile, and to do things that make THEM happy. But Jim can’t take all the advice…and has a BIT of a meltdown. Could it be that he just needs a day to feel grumpy?
Suzanne and Max Lang bring hilarity and levity to this very important lesson. This picture book is an excellent case study in the dangers of putting on a happy face and demonstrates to kids that they are allowed to feel their feelings (though they should be careful of hurting others in the process!).
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Ages 5-6 | Publisher: Random House Books for Young Readers | May 15, 2018 | ISBN-13: 978-0553537864
Written by Adam Rubin
Illustrated by Daniel Salmieri
Publisher’s synopsis: This scrumptious New York Times bestseller has a whole lot of kick!
Dragons love tacos. They love chicken tacos, beef tacos, great big tacos, and teeny tiny tacos. So if you want to lure a bunch of dragons to your party, you should definitely serve tacos. Buckets and buckets of tacos. Unfortunately, where there are tacos, there is also salsa. And if a dragon accidentally eats spicy salsa . . . oh, boy. You’re in red-hot trouble.
The award-winning team behind Those Darn Squirrels! has created an unforgettable, laugh-until-salsa-comes-out-of-your-nose tale of new friends and the perfect snack.
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Ages 3-5 | Publisher: Dial | June 14, 2012 | ISBN-13: 978-0803736801
Written by Alexandra Penfold
Illustrated by Suzanne Kaufman
Publisher’s Synopsis:A warm, welcoming picture book that celebrates diversity and gives encouragement and support to all kids.
Follow a group of children through a day in their school, where everyone is welcomed with open arms. A school where kids in patkas, hijabs, and yarmulkes play side-by-side with friends in baseball caps. A school where students grow and learn from each other’s traditions and the whole community gathers to celebrate the Lunar New Year.
All Are Welcome lets young children know that no matter what, they have a place, they have a space, they are welcome in their school.
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Ages 4-8 | Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers | July 10, 2018 | ISBN-13: 978-0525579649
Written by Amy Krouse Rosenthal
Illustrated by Tom Lichtenheld
Publisher’s synopsis: Some books are about a single wish. Some books are about three wishes. The infallible team of Amy Krouse Rosenthal and Tom Lichtenheld have combined their extraordinary talents to create this exuberant book of endless good wishes. Wishes for curiosity and wonder, for friendship and strength, laughter and peace. Whether celebrating life’s joyous milestones, sharing words of encouragement, or observing the wonder of everyday moments, this sweet and uplifting book is perfect for wishers of every age.
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Ages 4-8 | Publisher: Chronicle Books | Mar. 31, 2015 | ISBN-13: 978-1452126999
Written by Adam Wallace
Publisher’s synopsis: Try to catch one of the world’s most elusive mythical creatures―the unicorn! Filled with zany traps and lots of rainbow unicorn fun, this is the unicorn book of the year!
Can you catch the unicorn?
You’ll have to use your brain,
So set your traps and prep your team
To pet that rainbow mane!
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Ages 4-10 | Publisher: Sourcebooks Wonderland | March 5, 2019 | ISBN-13: 978-1492669739
The information for the best-selling picture books was gathered from the New York Times Best Sellers list, which reflects the sales of picture books sold nationwide, including independent and chain stores. It is correct at the time of publication and presented in random order. Visit www.nytimes.com for their most current and up-to-date list.
Header image illustration by Kadir Nelson (Undefeated, Versify, 2019)
For more books like these best-selling picture books, follow along with our Picture Book category!