Reading with kids from an early age helps build crucial brain connections and expand their vocabulary. As they begin reading on their own, books introduce new concepts and can help build empathy. But unlocking those benefits starts with finding books kids actually enjoy. That’s where we come in!
Some 125 testers, from babies to young teens, read, rated, and reviewed more than 225 books from every genre for the fifth annual Kids’ Book Awards, and there were clear winners. One 5-year-old gushed, “The whole book is my favorite part!” and a tough-to-please tween reviewer noted, “I can’t put down this book!”
Many of the 54 books that made the cut had innovative qualities,—a board book that turned into a night-light, a picture book that could be read both forward and backwards. Others brought their A game with clever and imaginative storylines: Kids would repeat jokes and catchphrases from them (e.g., “You smell like a baby”) for weeks!
Our picks span categories from board books though middle-grade novels, which we expanded this year to include titles that weren’t part of a series. The winners make great gifts for little ones in your life or even for kids’ teachers for their classrooms. Scoop ’em up soon, before they go on back-order—that happened with some of our award winners last year!
Board Books
Written and illustrated by Julie Koon
Inspired by her work as a school counselor and preschool teacher, Koon has created an engaging interactive board book that’s literally a breath of fresh air. On each of its eight spreads, she provides an example of a big feeling kids might be dealing with and encourages them to use a breathing technique to feel better. In the first example, she writes, “If you feel like a thundercloud, breathe a rainbow,” guiding children to breathe in and out while tracing the arch of a textured rainbow with a finger. Ages 0 to 4
TESTER NOTES: Try it before nap time. “The craftsmanship of the book, from the visuals to the textures to the writing, actually made my toddler calm down!” said one tester.
Written and illustrated by Sandra Magsamen
Welcome a baby with this rhyming story that focuses on endearing nicknames for little ones. Brightly colored illustrations, including a sweet pea and a chickadee, match the text and help babies know they’re loved. A heart-shaped mirror and a gift tag drawn onto the back cover are as sweet as honey. Ages 0 to 3
TESTER NOTES: “The book was heartwarming to read and reminded us how happy we are to have our son,” said a tester who had a 1-year-old. “We really liked the sparkly wings on the cover’s bumblebee.”
Written and illustrated by Thomas Hedger
This glossy book from London shines for its imaginative journey toward settling down for slumber. The high-contrast illustrations follow a girl who is “dreaming of a place tonight” as she looks out of 10 die-cut windows throughout the book. A refrain “And I want to see more” carries readers throughout the book until they reach the end when the girl’s mom tucks her in. Ages 0 to 3
TESTER NOTES: Linger over the images in each window cutout. “My 1-year-old’s favorite pages were the ones that contained the cars,” said one mom. “The concept for the book was unique and creative.”
Written and illustrated by Sarah Finan
What’s more delectable before mealtime than a celebration of a favorite kid food, pasta? Rhyming text (“Pasta comes in tubes and twirls/Round my fork, spaghetti swirls”) accompanies vibrant art showing toddlers eating different kinds of pasta, from ravioli to shells. “Cutouts on each page add an appealing tactile element,” says judge Betsy Bird, a librarian in Evanston, IL. Ages 0 to 3
TESTER NOTES: Emphasize the illustrations. “My son was so intrigued by the book,” said one tester. “He just loved the pasta shapes and pointing out to me things in the book including the pasta, peas, beans, fish, and even the colors.” She added, “The quality of the book is excellent; it feels thick and made to last.”
Written by Jonathan Emmett, illustrated by Rob Hodgson
Counting to 20 has never been more exciting than iwith this cat-themed book containing pop-ups and flaps. Each colorful cat, from one with a red and pink stripes to another with black polka dots, has a number on its collar to make counting simpler. Ages 2 to 5
TESTER NOTES: Little reviewers pored over the cats’ different styles. “My 2-year-old loved the art of the cats and named family members she thought they resembled, which was so fun to see,” said one mom.
Written by Johnny Barr, illustrated by Carmen Saldaña
It’s a book! It’s a night-light! After reading a cute, calming story about how a wise owl comforts the forest animals in Slumber Wood with a lantern, pull on the bottom tab to reveal the book’s very own night-light, which contains a rechargeable LED light. Turn the switch on and see animals falling asleep just like your little one should be. In the morning you can fold up the light and return the book to its case. Ages 3 to 5
TESTER NOTES: Be prepared to leave the light on all night. “My 3-year-old loves the night-light, especially all the cutouts, which she likes to project onto the wall of her bedroom,” said our tester. “There have been nights when she even wants me to leave it on next to her bed while she goes to sleep.”
Written and illustrated by Hervé Tullet
A master of interactive books for toddlers, French artist Tullet delivers another gem to go with his playful previous hits Press Here and Mix It Up. As young readers turn the chunky pages filled with flaps, folds, and cutouts, they’re led on a wondrous adventure, tracing lines, climbing stairs, knocking on doors, and more until they finally reach out! Ages 3 to 5
TESTER NOTES: Since it may be too stimulating at bedtime for some children, enjoy it first during the day. “My daughter loved following along with each page’s activities, and it kept her engaged and excited to see what would happen next,” said our tester. “She practiced and learned simple directions, shapes, colors, and actions.”
Written by Celeste Cortright, illustrated by Giulia Orecchia
A guessing game with mythical creatures from gargoyles to griffins is brought to life thanks to “slide and see” pages that turn for the big reveal. Two sentences of clever rhyming riddles hint at what’s on the following page, which shows through thanks to some serious paper engineering. The final spread contains more information about each creature. Ages 3 to 5
TESTER NOTES: The “moving pages” captured our testers’ attention. “This book is so cool! He loved playing with the interactive open-and-close that moved the pages. He was making noises and playing pretend along with the story,” said one tester of her son.
Written by Sherri Diskey Rinker, illustrated by Shawna J.C. Tenney
The most epic book in the series, the latest installment rolls out all the bells and whistles from sound buttons to moveable wheels. Kids can remove cones, load dirt, and help clear the ground on the active construction site. Ages 3 to 5
TESTER NOTES: The sound buttons may be the biggest hit. “My 5-year-old son laughed so hard when the sound button made the worker say, ‘Hey, quiet down!’” said our tester. She also appreciated the emphasis on teamwork and noted that the faces on the machines were friendly.
Written and illustrated by Matthew Reinhart
Reinhart, a pop-up-book icon, has started a new series of books for younger kids, and they’re everything. Kids learn dinosaur facts as they peek through the book’s eyeholes trying each of the six masks. A Velcro tab holds everything together when not in use. Ages 3+
TESTER NOTES: Kids at our book-testing event waited in line for a turn to try on all the masks. We overheard a 5-year-old say, “This is the coolest!” when putting on on the purple T-Rex mask.
Picture Books
Written and illustrated by Mo Willems
A hilarious Pigeon story takes place on his birthday! As he anticipates having the spotlight on him, he discovers a half-eaten birthday hot dog with an extinguished candle. It turns out that the duckling and the new chicks share his birthday, and he’s upset that he doesn’t get the day to himself. Willems’ quintessential illustrations and zippy text make this book a winner. Ages 3 to 5
TESTER NOTES: As usual, our kid testers reveled in all of Pigeon’s silly antics, and parents said the book would make a great gift for preschoolers. “I love that while it seems like Pigeon’s tough, he learns to share his joy,” said one mom.
By multiple authors and photographers
This 10-book box set covers social-emotional topics—including sharing, forgiveness, and taking turns—that are an integral part of starting and maintaining friendships. Each book features real-life photos of a diverse group of children, who are introduced at the beginning of the story. Ages 3+
TESTER NOTES: “The series addressed important social-emotional skills and presented situations in a realistic and relatable way,” said one parent. “I also really liked the questions and guidance provided for educators and parents using the books.”
Written by Brooke Harman, illustrated by Michael Slack
A clever title (an alligator in an excavator) draws in readers for a rhyming story centered on self-control and teamwork. When the alligator’s work turns into a muddy mess, those in other vehicles step in to help do the job. Ages 3 to 7
TESTER NOTES: Construction fans were captivated. “Having read what feels like every construction book in existence, I have a high bar,” said one mom. “This is a cute addition to a construction-focused library.” Another parent noted, “We especially love the meaning behind the book: Take your time, and ask for help if needed.”
Written and illustrated by Christian Robinson
Exquisitely illustrated child-and-father animal pairs portray every kind of dad. For instance, a seahorse “holds on tight,” while a shark “needs lots of space”; a penguin “picks you up,” while a lion “makes you feel safe.” This is a gorgeous ode to fatherhood. Ages 3 to 6
TESTER NOTES: Our kid reviewers related to the story, many calling out, “That’s my dad!” Parents appreciated that it didn’t shy away from difficult situations. “I liked how it acknowledged that dads are not perfect and can make mistakes,” said one father. “And I don't think I’ve ever seen another book that said that dads could cry sometimes.”
Written by Michael L. Benner, illustrated by Alison Hawkins
A piece of elbow macaroni is searching for “a noodle in a haystack,” a friend with whom to play games, watch movies, and just hang out. So begins Mac’s quest for a BFF through the Sea of Snacks and up to Mount Cheddar until he meets Cheese. As Cheese tells Mac, “In queso you didn’t know, you make a great friend.” Heart melted. Ages 4 to 8
TESTER NOTES: The friendship story’s many jokes and puns enthralled kid readers and their parents. “My daughter’s favorite joke was ‘What’s a pirate’s favorite cheese? Cheddarrrrrr,’” said one parent. “We walked around the house saying that joke for days.”
Written and illustrated by Dan Yaccarino
The highest-rated picture book we tested stars a naughty French bulldog who isn’t being patient waiting for his boy to come home from school. Bold yet simple digital art and sparse text tell the story from the dog’s hilarious and endearing point of view. For instance, when he’s exercising, he’s unraveling toilet paper, and when he’s thirsty, he’s drinking from the toilet bowl. A reunion at the end is super sweet. Ages 4 to 8
TESTER NOTES: Reviewers were especially invested in the illustrations, which they said made the book feel more real. “I also like that the book sends a positive message about patience, perseverance, and trusting that good things can come with time,” said one parent.
Written by Mac Barnett, illustrated by Shawn Harris
Called “the gold standard of read-alouds,” by judge Liv Hanson of the Chicago Public Library, this comical story dreams up the most ridiculous alternatives for the names of objects and customary expressions from the future and works them into a story that your child will probably adopt into their own vocabulary: “You smell like a baby,” for instance, is the book’s suggestion for how people will say goodbye in distant times. Ages 4-8
TESTER NOTES: You’ll be laughing right along with your kids. “This is one of the rare children’s books that achieve the balance of being clever and funny for adults but not going over the heads of kids,” said one mom. “I have never heard my son laugh at a book like he laughs at this one.” A 5-year-old reviewer said, “The whole thing was my favorite part!"
Written and illustrated by Maddie Frost
Entrepreneurship meets friendship in this cute tale of collaboration between a moose who prefers simple stuffed animals and Mabel, who likes to bedazzle them. Once the moose opens his stuffie stand, he’s overwhelmed with customers and has to take a break until he reluctantly asks Mabel for help. The illustrations of the multitude of stuffies hold kids’ attention. Ages 4 to 8
TESTER NOTES: Families appreciated the book’s message. “I think the concept was a great lesson for children about how to share work when you are overwhelmed,” said one mom. “It also highlighted that people can have different styles but still collaborate and work together.”
Written and illustrated by Christy Mandin
Millie, a goth girl who resembles Wednesday Addams, is having a bad morning on the day of her town’s highly anticipated Butterbloom Fest. She carries a gigantic backpack with a cake, animals, and plants to the event, and it all comes tumbling down. Will a little help from her friends turn everything around? Spoiler: Yes! Ages 4 to 8
TESTER NOTES: “My 5-year-old loved the silly words in this story—“morgenfuffel” and “humbug,” for example—and the illustrations,” said one mom. “At the end of the book, she said, “I'm glad Millie ended up having a good day! I love when my bad days turn good.” Another parent noted, “I really liked the lesson in the story about how not every day goes perfectly and about leaning on other people to help you through it when you’re having a bad day.”
Written by Matthew Burgess, illustrated by Robin Rosenthal
Dive into this adorably illustrated tale of a tabby cat and her bunny lovey who are too scared to try swim lessons. Something (no spoilers!) forces her into the pool, and then she’s hooked! The tender writing and funny puns (Cat-astrophe!) kept kids transfixed. Ages 4 to 8
TESTER NOTES: Little readers found the story relatable. “It really resonated with my 6-year-old, because she takes swim lessons and understands what it feels like to be a little nervous or afraid of the water,” said one mom. “Once she’s in the pool, however, she loves it!”
Written and illustrated by Felicita Sala
A young girl’s dramatic declaration of boredom spirals into an imaginative adventure that makes her too busy to come downstairs for dinner. The expressive art perfectly captures her listlessness, with her flopping on chairs and a large stack of pillows, as well as her daydreams involving a whale, musicians, and knights on Bored Island (a figment of her imagination). Ages 4 to 8
TESTER NOTES: Our kid reviewers didn’t seem to get bored with this book. “My daughter has asked for it to be read to her every night for the past week,” said one parent. “When I asked her what she likes about it, she said, ‘I like when you see her imagination, and it’s funny when her mom calls her for dinner and her imagination breaks.”
Written by Mary Oliver, illustrated by Melissa Sweet
Pulitzer Prize–winning poet Mary Oliver’s first book for children is a standout for families to enjoy together. Lyrical text about the relationship between goldfinches and thistles is paired with the most stunning illustrations, making the book a visual delight. Ages 6+
TESTER NOTES: One parent noted, “The book could be enjoyed by those of any age. I love how beautiful the illustrations are and how the book reads like a journal.” Another said, “It provided an opening for talking about the cyclical nature of seasons and the connection between the seasons and new generations of birds.”
Written by Kate Messner, illustrated by Brian Biggs
A whale or an otter—who’s the best? This delightful story, drawn in a cartoonlike way in a limited color palette, is told from the whale’s perspective from and from the otter's point of view when read from the back. The verdict: The otter’s tale flows better by a smidge. Ages 4 to 8
TESTER NOTES: Our junior reviewers had never read a book from back to front before. “My girls got a real kick out of reading the book forward and backward,” said one parent. “They asked me to read it several times back and forth and then read it on their own. We also enjoyed the author’s note and learning more about each of the animals.”
Written by Jill Santopollo, illustrated by Momoko Abe
Kids think their moms can do anything, and this rhyming story shows them the reality in a loving way. Mom may not be able to grow a striped banana, build a tower of guitars, or sit atop a rocket, but she’ll always find a way to show her love to her child. Ages 2 to 5
TESTER NOTES: Parents appreciated the tenderness of the book. “It’s a very sweet story showing a mother’s love and how she wants to make her daughter’s dreams come true,” said one mom.
Illustrated by Jessica Courtney-Tickle
You’re sure to fall down the rabbit hole right alongside Alice as you read the classic book and press buttons to listen to the enchanting music of British composer Joby Talbot. The buttons play 10-second clips of Talbot’s work from a Royal Ballet performance. Ages 5-8
TESTER NOTES: “The combination of the classic story, gorgeous artwork, and interactive musical elements created such an immersive reading experience,” said one parent. “It was a wonderful way to introduce children to both literature and classical music, and it kept my 6-year-old engaged from beginning to end.”
Graphic Novels
Written by Chris Barish, illustrated by Nate Sweitzer
The 2022 World Cup Final with Argentina vs. France was a soccer match for the ages, and this nonfiction graphic novel highlights the role of Argentina’s superstar Lionel Messi. Comic panels cover the action on the field so realistically that you’d think you were there. The book also includes surprising facts about Messi’s upbringing: For instance, when he was young, he had a growth disorder and had to get medical injections to help him continue getting bigger! Ages 8 to 12
TESTER NOTES: Kid testers were on the edges of their seats. Said one 11-year-old, “I really liked the suspense that was built throughout the story.”
Written by Ann M. Martin, illustrated by Arley Nopra with color by Braden Lamb
The latest release in the Baby-Sitters Club series of graphic novels takes readers to California. Dawn loves the weather, the beaches, and the theme parks in the state so much that she thinks she might want to move there and live with her dad. But what would that mean for her mom and her role in the Baby-Sitters Club? Ages 8 to 12
TESTER “My 9-year-old niece loves this series!” said one aunt. ”It’s really ignited her love for reading; she really enjoys the storylines and that she’s able to read it completely by herself.”
Written by Melissa de la Cruz and Mike Johnson, illustrated by Caballo Loco Studio
This colorful, short graphic from Sloomoo Institute is elevated by Cruz, the bestselling author of Disney’s Descendants. An 11-year-old girl with an interest in STEM and a slime obsession is eager to find a slime scientist who disappeared a decade ago. A mystery and friendship tale rolled into one, this story oozes with excitement. Ages 6 to 10
TESTER NOTES: Our kid reviewers praised the character development. “The characters were my favorite part of this book. They were very real and I felt like I really knew them,” said an 8-year-old reviewer.
Written by Morr Meroz, illustrated by Collin Fogel
The first book in this new graphic-novel series focuses on a wolf who is ostracized from her pack for being white. Soon she’s caught in a trap with a snow leopard and a wild cat, and the trio go on to have many harrowing adventures. Ages 8 to 12
TESTER NOTES: “This is a great graphic novel with lots of surprises and excitement throughout,” said one kid reviewer.
Written by Meg Cabot, illustrated by Bethany Crandall
The classic hit published in 2000 and made into a movie has been modernized into a charming, bubbly graphic novel. Mia, a high school freshman, learns that she’s actually the Princess of Genovia (a fictional country in Europe), and her dad and grandmother train her for the relevant duties. Ages 11+
TESTER NOTES: Introduce this book to your tween. “The story of The Princess Diaries is a multigenerational favorite,” said one mom. “I loved it when I was younger, and now my daughter loves it.”
Non-Fiction Books
Written by Ben Lerwill, illustrated by Xuan Le
A roll-up-your-sleeves investigation into what lives in soil—from rabbits to worms—led by two children carrying magnifying glasses engrossed our kid testers. A perfect amount of enthusiastic prose dispenses facts (some earthworms are so small they can fit on a freckle) and engages curiosity. Ages 4 to 8
TESTER NOTES: Families enjoyed the format: “The page setup keeps kids interested by presenting the information in different but consistent formats,” said one parent. “For example, a page will be split into thirds to explain three different facts, but then the next page will be singular. There is a lot of information on the pages, but it's not overwhelming at all.”
Written and illustrated by Highlights
Given this book’s activities for every day of 2027, kids will be reaching for it over and over again. Quizzes, mazes, word searches, seek-and-finds, and more that align with celebrations like National Cheese Day (June 4) and the 75th anniversary of Charlotte’s Web (October 15) give this almanac an edge over a traditional activity book. Glossy pages and bright illustrations up the fun quotient. Ages 7+
TESTER NOTES: “This is a cute book that looks at all the fun milestones and celebrations throughout the year,” said one parent. “It has great pictures and illustrations and activities you can do by yourself or with your family or friends.”
Written by Kate Siber, illustrated by Chris Turnham
Though this coffee table-style book covers all of the more than 60 national parks, it does a deep dive into more than two dozen, from Indiana Dunes (kids will learn that the dunes there can be as high as 120 feet) to Glacier Bay (reading about it, they’ll discover that a humpback whale can take in 15,000 gallons of water in one gulp). Ages 8+
TESTER NOTES: “I liked how this book featured information about all parts of the country and also how there were lots of labels to describe the pictures,” said our 11-year-old reviewer. “For example, the section on Yosemite National Park showed when it was founded, the different animals that live there, and other highlights with small paragraphs."
Chapter Books
In the second book of the hit Ivy and Bearlock Holmes series, a girl bear and her grandpa investigate the mystery of a missing dinosaur fossil on Jurassic Ridge. Little readers can help them by solving the 15 puzzles in this hands-on book that contains both graphic-novel panels and prose. The story incorporates facts about paleontology, including how fossils form. Ages 5 to 9
TESTER NOTES: “The art is amazing and the world-building and dialogue is wonderful,” said one father. “There was a great lesson at the end. It’s fun, it’s educational, and the puzzles are so cool.”
Written and illustrated by Catharina Valckk, translated by Anthony Shugaar
Wry and self-aware, this book could teach other stories a thing or two about pacing, says librarian judge Betsy Bird. The curse of immortality is explored through Edith, a girl who seems destined to remain 10 years old forever, and her adorable lemon sidekick. Ages 6 to 10
TESTER NOTES: Our junior reviewers dug the plot, especially the part where Edith and friends met the gnome Dwim on their quest to find the fairy who could change Edith’s gift of eternal childhood. “I was very happy with the ending,” said a kid reviewer.
Written by Adeola Sokunbi
In Destiny’s words, it's "Inktastic!" A relatable plot and cute doodles on almost every page made this sweet paperback novel stand out. An exuberant girl gets invited to her first sleepover, and she’s excited and nervous at the same time. During a practice run at home, she meets a three-eyed monster and is heartened to learn that he’s also afraid of the dark. Fear conquered! Ages 6 to 8
TESTER NOTES: “The book was a sweet way to teach a child about how to be brave,” said one parent. “The art is cute and quirky, and the character herself was relatable to my child in so many ways, even how Destiny looks—which she loved.”
Written by Goldie Hawn and Lin Oliver, illustrated by Breanna Chambers
This feel-good series opener, cowritten by an Academy Award–nominated actor, focuses on three fourth graders (including an aspiring performer) who turn out to be quite the trio. Surprise Day at school ends in disaster, and classmates go to the school’s creation station and learn about meditation and mindful journaling. Ages 6 to 10
TESTER NOTES: “My son loved this book. It seemed to make him happy. He came in and showed me the brain break and read it to me and said it helped him calm down,” said one parent. “I’m going to print out the brain break and hang it on his wall for him!”
Activity Books
Written by Danielle Kartes, illustrated by Annie Wilkinson
This book features 45 recipes, from Lemon Butter Bars to Cow Chip Cookies, that kids and adults can make together. Illustrations of animal families provide tips (such as using more flour instead if you don’t have cocoa powder) and cute commentary (“Veggies in cupcakes? That’s nuts!”) Ages 4 to 8
TESTER NOTES: “All the items we made came out great,” said Good Housekeeping Institute Nutrition Director Stefani Sassos, R.D.N., who tested the book with her 4-year-old daughter. “The graphics are so cute and fun and friendly, and the recipes were classic but also had some unique twists for kids!”
Illustrated by Sebastian Abboud
Steve, a cheeky yellow duck, claims he’s a whiz at hide-and-seek. This wacky book challenges kids to find him and his blue dinosaur buddy, Hank, in many images. It's not as straightforward as it seems! Five small ducks are packaged with the book for kids to hide anywhere. Ages 6 to 9
TESTER NOTES: “It's the best book ever,” said one of our junior reviewers, who only wished it had more pages. One mom noted, “It’s a very cute seek-and-find” and she thought the tiny toy ducks were a nice touch.
Written by Annie Atkins, illustrated by Taryn Knight
In this stunningly illustrated tale, five witches from around the world are preparing for a convention. Clever rhyming text explains requests from different groups of children for help in finding a lost teddy bear, removing a thorn from a puppy’s paw, and more. Ages 4 to 8
TESTER NOTES: “My 6-year-old daughter thought it was so cute and loved the interactivity of it,” said one parent. “She was excited to pull out the letters from the envelopes on every other page and discover new spells.”
Written by Tegen Evans, illustrated by Nina Chakrtabart
After kids read about magic spells and ancient animals, they can pop out the 100 labeled cardboard symbols from the back of the book to write their own ancient messages. A dictionary helps them decode the hieroglyphics. Ages 7 to 10
TESTER NOTES: Our junior reviewers couldn’t wait to get started. “After reading through the book, he was even more excited to write his own messages,” reported one mom. “He said, ‘It’s really cool because it’s like writing in a secret code, Mom, like I'm a spy or something.'"
Middle-Grade
Written by Lindsay Currie
An ice storm is brewing, and four best friends become trapped at a book-themed inn. When someone dies, the besties ban together to figure out who did it, even when the authorities don’t think a crime has been committed. This cozy read is action-packed and full of suspense. Ages 8 to 12
TESTER NOTES: Kids were enraptured by the story. “There are numerous characters that you’ll love and a plot twist you won’t see coming!” said an 11-year-old. A 9-year-old noted, “This book is fun and exciting, and you can’t put it down.”
Written by Erin Entrada Kelly
In a harsh imaginary future, Laiken’s dad brings home Snap, a robot without a working charger. Her friend reprograms the robot, and much to her surprise, she becomes friends with it. But will she be able to power down Snap before it runs out of charge? This dystopian novel tackles big issues, such as the loss of privacy and the use of AI, while its friendship tale will warm your heart. Ages 8 to 12
TESTER NOTES: Our reviewers especially enjoyed the heartwarming moments. “My favorite part was when Laiken fell and Snap picked her up and took her to the doctor,” said an 11-year-old reviewer. “This part shows Snap’s true intentions.”
Written by Ollie George Clark, illustrated by Tom Knight
Perfect for fans of How to Train Your Dragon and Harry Potter, this spellbinding novel features The Youngest, a boy who is distraught about what the Deciding said about his future. With his buddy Agnes and an adorable piglet, he sets off to prove the Deciding wrong and restore magic to his home. It turns out this is easier said than done. Ages 8 to 12
TESTER'S NOTE: Our reviewers loved the talking pig who walked on two legs. “It’s really funny and makes you want to keep reading,” said an 11-year-old Harry Potter fan.
By Diane Debrovner and Stacy Cervenka
An eye-opening portrayal of the world of a seventh-grader artist whose parents are blind like coauthor Cervenka, this book tackles tough issues authentically. Roxie hides the truth from her classmates until her world comes tumbling down, and she even grapples with what her vision might be like in the future. Ages 8 to 12
TESTER NOTES: “It’s a really sweet and sentimental book that leads you through a mystery, lies, and friendship,” said one 10-year-old reviewer. “It’s just an amazing book to read.” An 11-year-old said, “This book was so good. I love the whole story. My favorite part was when Roxie’s painting got chosen for the mural.”
Written by Beth Lincoln
The Swifts, a quirky family with special talents, are tasked with solving a murder in a family of florists at a greenhouse in New York City. After many twists and red herrings, the suspect list grows shorter. You'll never believe who did it. Ages 8 to 12
TESTER NOTES: “The setting of this story, in the middle of a snowstorm, really added to the tension and atmosphere,” said one reviewer. “I also loved all the eccentric characters.”
Written and illustrated b y Leia Ham
This series opener follows 12-year-old Sparrow, who goes to a magical school hoping to strengthen her powers. When a mysterious illness begins spreading through the academy, Sparrow and her friends race to find a cure. With themes of family betrayal and self-worth, this exciting fantasy confronts perfectionism. Ages 9 to 12
TESTER NOTES: Reviewers loved where the series was headed. “I really liked the world-building in it, and the concept of the magic they used,” said a 10-year-old reviewer. “At the end there’s a great twist. I like how they ended it but also set up for a good Book Two. I can’t wait until it comes out.”
Written by Struan Murray
This sequel is even more action-packed and surprising than the first installment. Demons are now invading, and the battles are epic. Changes in the relationships of Alex, who can shift from human to dragon, add to the drama. The ending, while sad, is satisfying. Ages 10+
TESTER NOTES: “This book is really fun and exciting,” said our reviewer, who indicated that she would absolutely recommend it to a friend.
Written by Carole Lindstrom
This inspiring novel set in the nineteenth century follows 12-year-old Rose, a spunky Indigenous girl you may remember from The Gift of The Great Buffalo, a Good Housekeeping Kids’ Book Award winner in 2025. Rose longs to go moose hunting with her father and uncle, and when she finally does, she realizes that bravery isn’t ultimately about physical strength. Ages 8 to 12
TESTER NOTES: Reviewers cheered for the protagonist. “It’s a good book because Rose cares about what she has in life," said a 10-year-old reviewer. “Rose likes to protect the land and her family. Rose is grateful, and it teaches you to be grateful for the things that your family provides for you.”
Written by Jennifer A. Nielsen
Brimming with tension and twists, this historical fiction novel takes place during the Great San Francisco Earthquake of 1906. Twelve-year-old Cora and her new friend Chi are caught in the rubble and eventually rescued by Oliver, who was Cora’s best pal until their families started feuding. Fast-paced chapters recount their attempts to reunite with their families while evading a gang of thieves. Discrimination against Chinese immigrants also is part of the story. Ages 10+
TESTER NOTES: Reviewers could sense the race against the clock. “It’s exciting and tense at the same time,” said a 10-year-old reviewer. An 11-year-old added, “Character introductions happen quickly and then you dive right into the story!”
Written by Philip Stead
Nothing is ordinary about this novel involving an attempt to rescue missing goats. The illustrated tale frequently breaks the fourth wall, is full of running gags, and even has all its chapters (each with its own moral) out of order! Ages 10+
TESTER NOTES: The jumbled narrative kept reviewers on their toes. Having the chapters out of order “is really smart of the author, because readers will slowly put the pieces of the story together to make them say, ‘Ohhhhh, I get it now!’” said an 11-year-old. Noted a 10-year-old, “My favorite part is when all the goats escape, leaving the king’s advisor very stressed!”
Audiobooks
Written by R.A. Montgomery, narrated by Sean Patrick Hopkins
For an interactive listening experience, try this four-book set from the Choose Your Own adventure series. Classic storylines include searching for the lost city of Atlantis in your own submarine and looking for jewels stolen from a museum in Paris. Ages 8+
TESTER NOTES: Our reviewers had a blast listening to this set in the car. “My 10-year-old chose the most high-risk choices and was laughing at the results,” said one parent. A 10-year-old noted, “It was very interesting and definitely pulled me in.”
Written by Jacqueline Woodson, narrated by a cast of actors
A new audiobook edition of a 2015 Newbery Honor winner is read by a team of actors (including Broadway actor Denée Benton) and contains music composed by Toshi Reagon. The result is a captivating four-hour performance of this novel in verse that shares what it was like to grow up African American in the 1960s and 1970s. Ages 10+
TESTER NOTES: “The writing has a rhythm that’s pleasing to listen to,” said our 10-year-old reviewer.
Written by Diane Zahler, narrated by Elena Rey
Blanca’s grandmother picks her to marry the king of France, and she embarks on a long, dangerous journey filled with excitement to get to the country. Popular voice actor Elena Rey helps bring the story to life. Ages 8 to 12
TESTER NOTES: Our reviewers found the story interesting and relatable. “The main character had so many emotions that were true to life,” said a 10-year-old. An 11-year-old noted, “I liked having the audiobook because I could listen to it while drawing.”
How We Tested
We sought input from experts.
Choosing the Kids' Book Award winners took seven months. We started by asking librarians and literacy experts who see books before they are published for recommendations on which of the thousands of books published in 2026 we should test with kids and teens. We also gave publishers and authors the opportunities to submit books for consideration. In all, we tested more than 225 books.
We assembled a crew of kid reviewers (and their families).
More than 125 kids and teens ages 0 to 14 read and reviewed books in the categories that corresponded best to their ages and interests. Kids who could read reviewed graphic novels more than any other category. Other options included picture books, nonfiction, audiobooks, activity books, and more. Babies and toddlers engaged with dozens of board books and had some strong reactions! Cutouts, buttons to push, and flaps helped hold their attention.
Beyond reviewing books at home, some testers were invited to an open house so we could see which books immediately grabbed their attention. They played with interactive books, listened to stories read aloud, and chose some favorites to take home to review in more detail.
Kids are the most honest testers.
Altogether, testers read tens of thousands of pages during their summer break, providing an overall rating as well as specifics on plot, illustrations, suspense level, and more. In some cases the reading fulfilled their summer reading requirement!
Adults also weighed in, reinforcing what their children liked about the books and giving their own feedback. The grown-ups also noted what they thought their children learned from the books. Occasionally kids and parents disagreed, often with parents liking a given book more than their children did.
After all the surveys were received, the Good Housekeeping team carefully read through each one, paying close attention to the ratings and the comments. We looked for innovative books and ones that sustained children’s interest over the long term.
In the end, 54 titles were selected as winners. These picks include a 10-book boxed set about friendship, a punny book about mac ’n’ cheese, and a cozy mystery at a book-filled inn. Whatever your kids’ passions are—from trucks to dinos, from cooking to robots—we’ve got a book for it!
Meet the Experts
Karen Cicero
Karen Cicero has managed Good Housekeeping’s Kids’ Book Awards for the past four years. Previously, she has organized book-testing events at libraries, served on book award committees, and written extensively about children’s literacy. In addition to distributing books for this program, she hosted an open house testing event. She lives in Bethlehem, PA, with her husband and her daughter, who is an avid reader.
Marisa Lascala
Marisa LaScala has covered all aspects of the world of parenting, from the postpartum years through the empty-nest ones, since 2015, and she has been with Good Housekeeping since 2018. She lives in New York City with her husband and their 10-year-old daughter, who loves to read funny books, fantasy books, memoirs in graphic form, and books about warrior clans of cats.
Lexie Sachs
Lexie Sachs is the executive director of the Good Housekeeping Institute, where she oversees GH award programs and is a reviewer of products in the children’s space. She’s also a mom of two kids, who especially enjoy reading graphic novels.
Betsy Bird
Betsy Bird is the collection development manager at the Evanston Public Library in Evanston, IL. She is a Kirkus Reviews reviewer and runs the children’s literature site A Fuse #8 Production on School Library Journal. Betsy is the author of numerous books for kids, including the new picture book Pop! Goes the Nursery Rhyme. She is cohost of the podcast Fuse 8 n’ Kate, on which she and her sister discuss which picture books deserve to be called “classics.”
Liv Hanson
Liv Hanson is a youth collection development librarian for ages 0 to 13 at the Chicago Public Library. Each year she chairs the Chicago Public Library’s Kids Best of the Best book committees to determine the best books for Chicago’s kids. In 2025, Liv chaired ALSC's (Association for Library Service to Children) Theodor Seuss Geisel Committee to select the most distinguished American book for beginning readers. Currently, she is a serving as an evaluator for the Rebecca Caudill Young Readers’ Book Award, an Illinois youth readers’ choice award for students in grades five through eight.
Libraries Across America
The Cooperative Children’s Book Center at the University of Wisconsin in Madison, Cincinnati & Hamilton County Public Library, and the Hoboken Public Library in New Jersey also made contributions to this program.
