As the year draws to a close, it's time to reflect on the beautiful journey we've had in the world of picture books. 2023 has been a year of creativity, innovation, and heartwarming stories that have captured the imaginations of children and adults alike.
A Picture-Perfect Year: A Look Back at 2023
This year, our picture book blog has seen some incredible growth. We've also enjoyed featuring the books of 100+ self-published authors and illustrators and reviewed over 208 picture books. This year's most popular post was the Top 5 Fantastic Picture Book Awards to Help Your Book Get Noticed, with over 450 visitors.
This year, we also introduced a comprehensive rating system that delves into the intricacies of picture books. We also added a resources section that included writing tips & insights for authors, reading guides & recommendations for readers.
Top Picks and Favorites: A Diverse Collection of Must-Read Picture Books
In children's literature, picture books hold a special place, captivating young minds with their vibrant illustrations and heartwarming stories. This year, we had the privilege of immersing ourselves in a treasure trove of 208 exquisite picture books, each a unique gem waiting to be discovered. However, suppose time is of the essence, and you're seeking a selection of genuinely exceptional reads. In that case, we've compiled a curated list of 14 picture books that garnered rave reviews, leaving us in awe of their creativity, ingenuity, and profound messages.
The Rabbit Listened by Cori Doerrfeld is a sincere exploration of empathy and the remarkable power of genuine listening.
When the Sky Glows by Alice Faye Duncan is a gorgeously illustrated book that captures the mystique of the Sky at various times of the day.
Maddie's Fridge by Lois Brandt is a poignant narrative that sensitively tackles the problem of childhood hunger.
Saturday at the Food Pantry, written by Leslie Kimmelman, offers a profound examination of communal help and compassion.
Oh No, George! by Chris Haughton is a charming and witty story about an adorable dog named George.
Watercress by Andrea Wang is a compelling tale that artfully intertwines cultural legacy and personal reminiscences.
Rosie Revere, Engineer by Andrea Beaty is a book that encourages creativity and resilience, inspiring young children.
What Happened to You? by James Catchpole and Karen George is a thoughtful exploration of diversity and understanding differences.
Someone Builds the Dream by Lisa Wheeler honors builders, visionaries, and the communities they foster.
I Absolutely, Positively Love My Spots by Leslie Staub is an endearing tale that embraces self-love and acceptance.
Beautiful Oops by Barney Saltzberg is an interactive and innovative exploration of converting mistakes into masterful creations.
Magic Ramen by Andrea Wang recounts the genuine tale of how instant ramen was invented and the immense impact of unwavering determination.
It Fell from the Sky, written by Terry Fan and Eric Fan, is an enchanting and enigmatic narrative centered on an unusual object descending from the heavens.
The Scarecrow, written by Beth Ferry and illustrated by The Fan Brothers, is a beautifully crafted tale exploring friendship and the ever-changing seasons.
Community Engagement
We could connect meaningfully with our readers through our comments section, social media, and email. We appreciate your feedback and suggestions, and we're always looking for ways to improve our blog. Thanks to our community, we've been featured in well-known industry resources such as Reedsy, Kindlepreneur, and Feedspot as the best blog for children's books. We are also listed as the top 100 reviewers on Goodreads.
Looking Ahead
As we move into 2024, we're excited to continue sharing the magic of picture books with our readers. We are committed to delivering more enriching content, insightful reviews, and valuable resources. We invite you to share your thoughts, suggestions, and ideas as we embark on the next chapter together. We do have some grand plans in store, including:
Author and illustrator interviews
Book giveaways
Guest posts
Collaborations
We will keep you posted on the updates through our monthly mailers. So, remember to sign up for our newsletter.
Thank You for being a part of our community!
We extend our deepest gratitude to all of you - our dedicated readers, authors, illustrators, publishers, agents, contributors, and supporters. Your engagement, feedback, and shared love for picture books have driven this incredible journey.
We hope you join us on this journey as we continue to explore the wonderful world of picture books.
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