Our Favorite Kids Books of 2021

Jan 12

Jan 12 Our Favorite Kids Books of 2021

2021 brought us so many brilliant and beautiful children’s books. It’s always a task to choose favorites, but we’re up to the challenge! Read about our favorite kids books published this past year (picture books, middle grade and YA all represented) and why we loved them!

What Is Love? by Mac Barnett and Carson Ellis

Technically this came out in December, so it counts as a Best of 2021, even though it's my fave book of 2022. Warm, loving, funny, smart. I would follow these two off a bridge, no questions asked. - Emma

Hazardous Tales: Cold War Correspondent by Nathan Hale

I've learned so much from this series and this new installment is full of some amazing history. It follows the a female reporter on the scene in the Korean War. It's great fun. - Mike

Adventures of Team Pom: Squid Happens by Isabel Roxas

This made me laugh out loud! Villainous mice, an escaped giant squid, and a misfit band of synchronized swimmers out to save the day -- Squid Happens is brilliant, hilarious, and totally off the rails; what more could you ask for? - Isabel

Little Wooden Robot and Log Princess by Tom Gauld

“The witch was thanked, the month was declared a holiday for the whole kingdom, the beetles were each given a tiny gold medal, and they all lived happily ever after.”

I wish all stories could end so sweetly. This story about a family going to great lengths to reunite will tickle readers of all ages. A classic fairytale. The soft matte cover and the wonderful artwork makes this one a joy to read! - Aatia

How to Make Friends with a Ghost by Rebecca Green

Ghosts are very shy and sensitive beings! Read this handy guide to learn how to attract and befriend these spooky, but sweet pals. I just love the way this picture book tackles the relationship between two groups of people who at first seem very different from one another, but actually have the ability to build a great connection. And the illustrations are incredibly sweet and heartwarming! - Lindsay

Viking in Love by Doug Cenko

Couldn't resist throwing this December 2021 release into the mix - for anyone looking for a new bedtime story, look no further than this adorable tale about a kitten-loving Viking who must overcome his fear of the sea for the greatest adventure of all: LOVE. I've never blushed at a picture book before. Now I have! - Denise

Sunday Funday in Koreatown by Aram Kim

There were sooo many great books this past year. Oliver Jeffers, of course. I loved Saturday at the Food Pantry by Diane O'Neill and Illustrated by Brizida Magro, a beautiful story and a beautiful book. But Sunday Funday in Koreatown by Aram Kim has to be my favorite! Everytime I walk by this book I smile. It's a fun day for Yoomi as they take a trip with their dad to Koreatown! - Nick

Ferryman by Claire McFall

This is not only my favorite young adult book but my all-time favorite read of 2021, HANDS DOWN. It's an international bestseller with 3 million copies sold in China alone, crazy. A mix of Twilight and Outlander romance - a perfect steamy combination. What really grabbed me was the Harry Potter dementor-like creatures. There are so many layers to this story: romance, fantasy, horror - I encourage you to take a trip with the Ferryman. — Jacque

What If Pig? by Linzie Hunter

This is a great picture book that isn’t only silly and entertaining but it teaches a much needed lesson. Pig is very relatable, he has all types of worries that make him overthink. I recommend reading this book as a reminder that it’s normal to get anxious sometimes but everything will be okay in the end. - Kennedy

The Passing Playbook by Isaac Fitzsimons

This is the trans sports romance the world needs right now! I loved how warmth just emanated from this book, and I fell in love with Spencer, Justice, and the whole team as they fought for Spencer’s right to play. Truly such a thoughtful and fun read. - Julia

Toasty by Sarah Hwang

Toasty is a piece of toast who yearns to be a dog. All the running and playing and licking and sniffing – so fun! It’s as quirky and cute as it sounds. I love that Hwang came up with the idea from her own style of drawing dogs as a child that “looked like bread.” This adorable picture book about identity, and friendship, and finding where we fit made me smile from page one. - Colleen