Part of helping your child learn to read is introducing them to a variety of reading materials. This lets them discover topics, authors, and characters they enjoy, inspiring a growing love of reading.
As a parent or educator, staying up to date with the latest book releases can broaden the selections available to your young readers. Today, children’s book options are endless thanks to so many diverse titles and topics.
To learn some of the best children’s book releases this year, here’s our 2023-2024 reading list for kids. We hope you find your child’s next favorite book as they develop their reading skills.
Preschool Reading
Many preschool books involve enthusiastic storytelling, alphabet and number recognition, and shape/object counting. Reading aloud to preschoolers is a helpful way to model the joy of reading, which is why picture books, funny stories, and nursery rhymes are so common. For 2023-2024, here are a few new releases.
Hot Dog by Doug Salati (2023 Caldecott Medal)
Doug Salati’s Hot Dog recently won the Caldecott Medal for its charming story and joyful, fluid illustrations. The book follows an overheated wiener dog who longs to escape the summer heat of a bustling city. The dog and its owner head to the beach, met with adventure and the refreshing sights of the ocean.
Pages: 40
Age Range: 2-7 years
Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers
Ricky, the Rock that Just Couldn’t Rhyme by Mr. Jay (March 2023)
The latest book in the You Rock! series, Ricky, the Rock that Just Couldn’t Rhyme helps children read and rhyme. Ricky, an adventurous, animated rock, gets an assignment from his teacher to create a rhyming story. Ricky doesn’t know how to rhyme, but his friend, Tess, does, so she plans to help him. Your child will enjoy this book’s funny, verse-rhyming pages as the adventures of friendship unfold.
Pages: 32
Age Range: 3-11 years
Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers
Favorite Pre-K Books
Pre-Kindergarten is an important time for early reading. Children understand the concept of reading and the importance of stories. They’re beginning to recognize letters, practice rhyming, and play with language to express themselves. Here are several pre-k books from 2023 to enjoy with your child.
What’s Inside a Caterpillar Cocoon? by Rachel Ignotofsky (September 2023)
Rachel Ignotofsky’s What’s Inside a Caterpillar Cocoon? is a nonfiction children’s book that blends science with literacy. Kids learn the different developmental stages of moths and butterflies alongside nature-inspired illustrations. The book also introduces butterfly anatomy in an entertaining yet informative layout for early readers and their parents to admire.
Pages: 48
Age Range: 4-7 years
Publisher: Crown Books for Young Readers
Just Because by Matthew McConaughey (September 2023)
Actor and author Matthew McConaughey released a children’s book called Just Because which explores the reality of human contradictions in an easy-to-understand way. This picture book tells a fun, endearing story that all ages can relate to, whether 4 or 84 years old. The illustrations are entertaining for children and the message is sweet enough for the whole family.
Pages: 32
Age Range: 4+ years
Publisher: Viking Books for Young Readers
Who Do You Want to Be When You Grow Up? by Paula Faris (September 2023)
Who Do You Want to Be When You Grow Up? is a book that encourages kids to think about their character over their accomplishments. Lina, the main character, feels frustrated during Career Day at school. She can’t decide what she wants to do when she grows up— so her mother prompts her to envision who she wants to be instead. In the story, readers encounter a diverse group of characters with differing roles and personalities, observing the intrinsic value of humans in all their quirks.
Pages: 32
Age Range: 4-7 years
Publisher: WorthyKids
Kindergarten Reading Hits
For kindergarteners picking up early reading skills, here are the top new releases enjoyed by parents, teachers, and students.
I Want to Be Spaghetti! by Kiera Wright-Ruiz (July 2023)
I Want to Be Spaghetti! is an adorable children’s book about a little ramen packet who lives in a grocery aisle surrounded by spaghetti noodles. It’s a coming-of-age story about self-acceptance and finding the courage to be yourself that will make you laugh out loud! Food writer Kiera Wright-Ruiz offers a comical, celebratory tale that’s relatable and entertaining enough for all to enjoy.
Pages: 32
Age Range: 5-10 years
Publisher: Orchard Books
When Things Aren’t Going Right, Go Left by Marc Colagiovanni (March 2023)
Marc Coladiovanni’s debut children’s book, When Things Aren’t Going Right, Go Left is an optimistic story about overcoming adversity. The author’s whimsical writing offers clever wordplay and universal themes that help children think about important milestones they may face. Educators and students enjoy this book for its call to make responsible choices no matter what.
Pages: 32
Age Range: 5-10 years
Publisher: Orchard Books
The Fantastic Bureau of Imagination by Brad Montague (March 2023)
The Fantastic Bureau of Imagination is a bestselling book about a fantastical “FBI” that organizes the world’s dreams, stories, and imaginations. When the world’s Cave of Untold Stories explodes, Sparky— a special FBI agent— has to recruit more people to offer creative ideas. It’s an entertaining, detailed picture book that inspires readers to value the influential nature of creativity and innovation.
Pages: 40
Age Range: 4-10 years
Publisher: Dial Books
Children’s Books About Diverse Characters and Topics
Kids’ books that embody lessons of diversity and inclusion are becoming more widely available, thank goodness! When children see and hear stories of people who share similar experiences as they do, it’s empowering. Similarly, books that explore topics of diversity or express unfamiliar stories teach kids to be accepting of those who are different from themselves, encouraging an attitude of curiosity over prejudice. Here are some books that highlight that!
Little Daymond Learns to Earn by Daymond John (March 2023)
Written by famous investor and Shark Tank judge Daymond John, Little Daymond Learns to Earn introduces children to basic financial concepts in a fun, engaging way. The story follows young Daymond who starts making money with his friends to achieve a specific financial goal. The colorful illustrations showcase a diverse friend group and include opportunities for counting and math.
Pages: 40
Age Range: 5-10 years
Publisher: Random House Books for Young Readers
Remember by Joy Harjo (March 2023)
Remember is a stunning, poetic picture book written by U.S. Poet Laureate Joy Harjo. It inspires children to think about the values of heritage and human history. It pays respect Native American symbolism, addressing the connection between all living things. If your child loves animals, art, or nature, this is a must-have for their home library.
Pages: 40
Age Range: 5-8 years
Publisher: Random House Studio
The Skull: A Tyrolean Folktale by Jon Klassen (July 2023)
Jon Klassen, author and illustrator of beloved children’s books including This is Not My Hat, released a cute and kid-friendly take on the macabre folklore of Tyrol. The story follows Otilla, a girl who enters a mysterious forest while escaping danger. She finds an abandoned house where she befriends a skull who’s in search of safety as well. The Skull is a reflective story of two unlikely companions who help each other find courage.
Pages: 112
Age Range: 6-10
Publisher: Candlewick
Find the Best Children’s Books for 2023-2024
With so many anticipated titles for children’s books, you can find many more to add to your child’s reading list. Encouraging your child to choose books that capture their interest is one of the best ways to support their developing literacy.
To stay updated on the latest books and reading practices for kids, follow the Reading.com app. You can also download the app to access personalized reading practices to do with your child, including our fun and engaging stories they’ll love!