The Best Children's Books of 2023
And one BIG lie.
A few years ago, I wrote on my Instagram that it was rare for me not to like a book—that I can always find something I like about a story. Immediately after posting it, I knew it wasn’t true. It was like I’d slapped myself in the face. Lies! I don’t like every book I read. But it wasn’t until I made such a proclamation that I realized it was bogus. Looking back, I think years of writing articles aimed at appealing to as many people as possible, had made me numb. I was blind to my own criticism. I tried to find the best in everything. Not a bad trait to have, but it wasn’t genuine. What good are my recommendations if I like everything? It was nonsense, and I was ashamed I even believed it for a second. Plus, if a book appeals to everyone, very rarely is it a great book.
Ever since this realization, I’ve turned hard in the opposite direction. I hold my praise close, only giving it to things that I believe are truly great. It’s a big reason I don’t do many reviews of new books on Moonbow. Not that there aren’t a lot of incredible children’s books being published now—there are—it’s that, usually, everyone is talking about them. I’m only going to take up more space if I have something different to say. And new books are expensive. My family doesn’t read a ton of brand-new books. Most of ours are used or from the library, which is why last year’s ‘Best Books’ article featured books from all different years. This year, though, I decided to stick to books published in 2023. But I made sure you could easily get them from the library. (If your local library doesn’t carry a book that you’re interested in, make a request. They love that!)
After reading the author Emma Straub’s book picks for the year, I realized I didn’t have to overthink this—a lot can be said in a simple sentence. Some of my recommendations are descriptive; some tell you almost nothing. It’s up to you to explore them in more detail. I hope you do. These books deserve it.
The Best Children’s Books of 2023
Dim Sum Palace by X. Fang — A dreamy, surreal, food-filled fantasy that pays tribute to Maurice Sendak’s classic In the Night Kitchen. To echo children’s book author-illustrator Shawn Harris’s comment on my Instagram, “This book rules!”
How Does Santa Go Down the Chimney?, written by Mac Barnett and illustrated by Jon Klassen — This generation’s The Night Before Christmas, but make it a joke book. Mac and Jon are the Abbott and Costello of children’s books (I said it last year, and I’m saying it again).
Dory Fantasmagory: Can’t Live Without You by Abby Hanlon — The funniest book about death ever written for children. I cried big ugly tears of laughter.
There Was a Party for Langston, written by Jason Reynolds and illustrated by Jarrett and Jerome Pumphrey — Reynolds is one of the most talented and thoughtful writers working in literature today. He’s written many best-selling books for children (Ghost, Stuntboy, Look Both Ways) —There Was a Party for Langston is his debut picture book and is another exquisite example of his deep respect for children. This book is not only about a literal party for the poet Langston Hughes but also a celebration of language, libraries, and black literary luminaries. Reynolds’s words are poetically playful; they shimmy alongside the Pumphrey brothers’ equally lively hand-stamped illustrations (the Pumphrey brothers are also two of the most talented and thoughtful artists working in literature today). The book was inspired by a 1991 photograph taken by Chester Higgins, Jr. of Maya Angelou and Amiri Baraka joyously dancing together at the grand opening of the Langston Hughes Auditorium at the New York Public Library’s Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture. The book beautifully captures this jubilant moment in time and then propels it in different dazzling directions, shining a light on the possibilities of a library. It asks: What if we thought of libraries as one big dance party—as playgrounds of the mind and body—where everyone can be physically, mentally, and emotionally free?
The Magicians by Blexbolex, translated from French by Karin Snelson — As I mentioned in a previous Moonbow article, People by Blexbolex fundamentally changed the way I think about children’s books, and his latest, The Magicians, is another example of the possibilities of the form. Somehow, it manages to be a comic book, graphic novel, picture book, and art book all in one, with suspenseful, magical, fantastical adventures throughout. Everything from the metallic endpapers to the poster-style page layouts to the propelling video-game-like structure adds to its dramatic effect. This is a very special book.
My Very Own Special Particular Private and Personal Cat, written by Sandol Stoddard Warburg and illustrated by Remy Charlip — Originally published in 1963 and beautifully reissued this year by Enchanted Lion Books, this picture book is about boundaries and respect. When a boy tries to control his cat, he finds out that his cat has its own particular, private, and personal feelings. It’s a funny, delightful story about loving someone for who they are, not who you want them to be. But the best thing about this book is the design and illustrations by one of the very best in children’s book history: Remy Charlip.
Mr. Fiorello’s Head by Cecilia Ruiz — Who knew a story about going bald could be so inspiring? A playful, philosophical, and laugh-out-loud picture book about losing your identity and trying to make the most of it.
The Puppets of Spelhorst, written by Kate DiCamillo and illustrated by Julie Morstad — An enchanting fairy tale novella that’s a pleasure to read aloud, created by two of the most talented artists working in children’s publishing today.
The Skull by Jon Klassen — My vote for the best book of 2023. Enough said. (Actually, I’ve said a lot already—which you can read here.)
Audiobooks
The Eyes and the Impossible, written by Dave Eggers and illustrated by Shawn Harris — This book is a swirling, whirling, fast-paced, exuberant experience. There’s nothing like it. First, read the book to see Harris’s breathtaking illustrations, then listen to the audiobook to hear Ethan Hawke perform Eggers’s exhilarating language.
The First Cat in Space and the Soup of Doom, written by Mac Barnett and illustrated by Shawn Harris — Shawn Harris has been mentioned three times already. Twice in audiobooks! He is, hands down, the most versatile artist working in children’s books. Nothing looks the same. All of it is incredible. (Mac’s writing is equally captivating.) So it would be silly not to encourage you to read a physical copy of this graphic novel. But listening to the audiobook is a riot. The jokes are so funny—even without the pictures. Be prepared for a wildly theatrical soundscape for your ears.
The Most Popular Moonbow Articles of 2023
Thanks for making this such a rewarding year for Moonbow. I’m thrilled the articles that resonated with you the most were also the articles I most enjoyed writing. Nothing better than that!
The Alchemy of Storytelling: A Mixture of the Deeply Familiar With the Totally Unexpected — Jon Klassen's The Skull + a dash of Calvino, a sprinkle of Scieszka, and a hint of Kafka.
The Sensual World of Tomi Ungerer — through a series of Merriam-Webster definitions.
Margaret Wise Brown and the Art of Paying Attention — A deep dive into the sound of Margaret Wise Brown’s books.
A Conversation With Jon Klassen — Wow! Jon Klassen’s been mentioned four times! Moonbow loves Jon Klassen—everyone loves Jon Klassen—which is why this is my most popular Moonbow article, not just this year but of all time.
I would love to know your favorite children’s book of 2023! Share it in the comments.
Taylor, I just read the latest Dory book to my daughter last night and laughed out loud at several points-- “let’s go around the circle and say if we believe in God” I almost cried😂😂😂. Also The Eyes and The Impossible was fantastic. Great list
As always, Taylor, your thoughtful take on children's books enriches my life (and not just my reading life, though it obviously impacts that, too). What I love the most is your taste, and how we enjoy such different books, and how I'm always learning from you -- okay, that's a lot of things to love "the most," but I can't limit myself to just one -- you're *that* good, and I'm so glad you started Moonbow and that I've gotten to go along for the ride this year 🩷 Here's to more great work to come!
(I haven't even begun to process my favorite books of the year and probably won't. I can't even remember what was published in 2023 or not.)