Best picture books of 2023
Every year our staff vote for their favourite books of the past 12 months. Here are the best picture books of the year, as voted by Readings' staff, and displayed in alphabetical order by author.
Pasta! by Felice Arena & Beatrice Cerocchi (illus.)
Who doesn’t love Pasta? Not only does it taste delicious, but pasta names are also fun to say. Felice Arena has created a rhyming feast with his new picture book, Pasta! Paired with bold and beautiful illustrations by Beatrice Cerocchi, it’s enough to make anyone hungry for PASTA!
This is the perfect picture book to pair with a craft activity or perhaps a yummy bowl of penne! For ages 2+.
We Know a Place by Maxine Beneba Clarke
A fun and vivid story of two children who find magic and wonder at their local bookshop each Saturday following a morning of chores. With beautiful, textured illustrations, We Know a Place is a love letter to bookshops and the magic they provide. For ages 2+.
The Gargoyle by Zana Fraillon & Ross Morgan (illus.)
One day a tired and broken gargoyle is forced from his rooftop home. With nowhere to go, he wanders the streets where, eventually, a child happens upon him on a crowded train. When the gargoyle is ordered off the train, he leaves behind his heavy suitcase that the child soon discovers is filled with memories of times past and of a tiny seed of hope for the future. This is a touching story about conservation, ageing, kindness and legacy. For ages 5+.
A Life Song by Jane Godwin & Anna Walker (illus.)
Award-winning duo Jane Godwin and Anna Walker have created a magical metaphor for living and growing up in A Life Song.
When we are born our song isn’t yet long, but it is completely our own. As we grow older and continue living, learning and growing – our life songs gain new voices and verses yet remain true to our unique selves. Each of our songs is part of the wonderfully diverse score of the world. For ages 5+.
The Concrete Garden by Bob Graham
At the end of winter the children come out to play. Last out is Amanda with a big box of chalk. She draws a big circle with squiggles; soon the other children join her and together they create a concrete work of art.
Set amidst a big block of flats, much-loved author-illustrator Bob Graham’s The Concrete Garden is a sweet story about finding joy and the power of community in the post-pandemic world. For ages 2+.
My Little Barlaangany (Sunshine) by Melissa Greenwood
From Gumbaynggirr artist Melissa Greenwood, this gentle yet powerful bedtime story takes the readers on a wonderous journey as mother and child travel into the Dreamtime. It is a day of exploration and discovery under a warm and inviting sun that showcases the strength of familial bonds and the power of storytelling. A lovely and lyrical story that is sure to soothe your little. For ages 2+.
The Storyteller's Handbook by Elise Hurst
Open the door to your creativity with this extraordinary collection of 52 illustrations that allow you the freedom to tap into your inner storyteller.
Roam in and out of these beautiful, whimsical and detailed wordless worlds as you connect with your imagination to invent stories from the characters and creatures on every page. This book will have the whole family enthralled from ages 5 to infinity.
Business Chickens by Jess McGeachin
It is a truth universally acknowledged that chickens have a natural affinity for business. It is in their nature to be fastidious, punctual, and diligent, that is except for Fran. She is none of these things, and in turn is not a good business chicken, she is a just a chicken finding her place in this crazy world, and what a ride it is. A funny picture book about staying true to yourself and chasing your dreams. For ages 3+.
Sunday Skating by Andrea Rowe & Hannah Sommerville (illus.)
It’s a beautiful Sunday and all the children have hit the streets to skate the day away. Except for Clancy, whose board stays tucked under his arm. He’s embarrassed that he’s just a beginner. But his friends won’t let him give up!
This is a beautiful story of overcoming your fears and the power of friendship. For ages 3+.
I Can Open That! by Shinsuke Yoshitake
When a little boy has trouble opening the covering of a snack, he begins to imagine a life where he can open anything he wants. Through this imaginative play, he realises how wonderful it is to be independent, and that it’s even better to help others master those tricky tasks.
A hilarious twist on the classic ‘I want to grow up’ story. For ages 3+.