Well, we’re now fully into 2024, which means I now have 100% of the picture book options from 2023 available to read and rave about. In no particular order (save alphabetical!), here are OPB’s 23 favorite picture books from 2023.
People sometimes ask how I pick these books. I have the following listed on the SUBMIT PBs tab above as my overall criteria for including a book on the blog:
- Books that have heart.
- Books that resonate.
- Books that are skillfully done.
- Books that matter.
To be a Best of 2023, though? I’m looking for even more, such as:
- Engagement of the Imagination: Books that spark creativity and wonder, inviting young minds to explore new worlds and ideas.
- Emotional Detail and Complexity: Stories that navigate a spectrum of feelings with nuance and depth, resonating with both young hearts and mature minds.
- Exceptional, Vivid Writing: Narratives that are not only beautifully penned but also vibrant and evocative, creating lasting impressions.
- Interplay Between Text and Image: A harmonious and enriching balance where words and illustrations enhance and echo each other, creating a unified storytelling experience.
- Relevance and Timelessness: Something that speaks to the present moment while holding enduring appeal for future generations.
- Re-readability: Titles that invite repeated enjoyment, revealing new layers and joys with each reading.
- Visual Storytelling: Illustrations that don’t just accompany the text but enrich the narrative, adding dimensions of meaning and engagement.
Yeah, that’s a tall order. I quite agree. But doing so many good things at once is how you get on a Best of list.
Now, any list like this is wildly subjective despite my lists above, so plenty of worthy books won’t appear here. If I missed your favorite, my apologies! Feel free to note those in the comments on this post. Perhaps I’ll be able to work them into a future roundup or list of one type or another.
Since this is running in OPB’s usual monthly Picture Book Review slot, I’m including my own 5‑word reviews for each title along with a link to the appropriates Goodreads page.
Here we go!
Autumn Peltier, Water Warrior by Carole Lindstrom, illustrated by Bridget George (19 September 2023)
OPB Five-Word Review: Tidal wave of change inspires.
Beneath by Cori Doerrfeld (17 January 2023)
OPB Five-Word Review: Hidden depths, revealed with love.
The Book from Far Away by Bruce Handy, illustrated by Julie Benbassat (15 August 2023)
OPB Five-Word Review: Wordless wonder: cosmic book connection.
Butt or Face? by Kari Lavelle (11 July 2023)
OPB Five-Word Review: Guessing game with cheeky charm.
Cape by Kevin Johnson, illustrated by Kitt Thomas (20 June 2023)
OPB Five-Word Review: Grief, memories, and hope entwined.
Friends Beyond Measure by Lalena Fisher (28 February 2023)
OPB Five-Word Review: Friendship visualized through graphic design.
Grief Is an Elephant by Tamara Ellis Smith, illustrated by Nancy Whitesides (23 October 2023)
OPB Five-Word Review: Metaphorical, empathetic exploration of grief.
Hidden Gem by Linda Liu (11 July 2023)
How Dinosaurs Went Extinct: A Safety Guide by Ame Dyckman, illustrated by Jennifer Harney (18 April 2023)
OPB Five-Word Review: “Safety Guide,” dino style. UpROARious!
How to Write a Poem, by Kwame Alexander and Deanna Nikaido, illustrated by Melissa Sweet (4 April 2023)
OPB Five-Word Review: Poetry’s dance in everyday moments.
Invisible Things by Andy J. Pizza, illustrated by Sophie Miller (18 July 2023)
OPB Five-Word Review: Unveiling life’s unseen wonders…poetically.
Jumper: A Day in the Life of a Backyard Jumping Spider by Jessica Lanan (11 April 2023)
OPB Five-Word Review: Arachnid adventure–jumping into action.
Mae and Gerty and the Matter with Matter by Elaine Vickers, illustrated by Erica Salcedo (17 October 2023)
OPB Five-Word Review: Sibling scientists bond through chemistry.
Mama Shamsi at the Bazaar by Mojdeh Hassani and Samira Iravani, illustrated by Maya Fidwai (19 July 202)
OPB Five-Word Review: Under chador, a world unfolds.
Mother of Sharks by Melissa Cristina Márquez, illustrated by Devin Elle Kurtz (30 May 2023)
OPB Five-Word Review: Shark magic fuels STEAM dreams.
Our Pool by Lucy Ruth Cummins (13 June 2023)
OPB Five-Word Review: City pool: splashtastic summer delight.
Paula’s Patches by Gabriella Aldeman, illustrated by (11 July 2023)
OPB Five-Word Review: Heartwarming tale of mending friendships.
Remember by Joy Harjo, illustrated by Michaela Goade (21 March 2023)
OPB Five-Word Review: Nature’s wisdom in poetic embrace.
The Skull by Jon Klassen (11 July 2023)
OPB Five-Word Review: Cozy chills: eerie, tender, captivating.
Spicy Spicy Hot! by Lenny Wen (19 July 2022)
OPB Five-Word Review: Cultural connection through fiery sambal.
The Search for the Giant Arctic Jellyfish by Chloe Savage (5 October 2023)
OPB Five-Word Review: Enchanting storytelling reveals hidden marvel.
A Vaccine Is Like a Memory by Rajani LaRocca, illustrated by Kathleen Marcotte (20 June 2023)
OPB Five-Word Review: Inoculating minds with vaccine knowledge.
A Walk in the Woods by Nikki Grimes, illustrated by Jerry Pinkney and Brian Pinkney (12 September 2023)
