STARRED REVIEW
December 2022

Best Picture Books of 2022

The year’s best picture books reveal the power of simplicity—the perfectly placed word, the stroke of a paintbrush at just the right spot—to capture the most complex of emotions and stories. In other words, they’re exquisite.
STARRED REVIEW
December 2022

Best Picture Books of 2022

The year’s best picture books reveal the power of simplicity—the perfectly placed word, the stroke of a paintbrush at just the right spot—to capture the most complex of emotions and stories. In other words, they’re exquisite.
December 2022

Best Picture Books of 2022

The year’s best picture books reveal the power of simplicity—the perfectly placed word, the stroke of a paintbrush at just the right spot—to capture the most complex of emotions and stories. In other words, they’re exquisite.
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Berry Song by Michaela Goade

In her debut as an author, Caldecott Medalist Goade imbues nature with an enchanting, otherworldly beauty.

Book jacket image for Berry Song by Michaela Goade

Emile and the Field by Kevin Young, illustrated by Chioma Ebinama

This impressionistic story highlights the importance of having a place to relax, roam and be yourself.

Emile and the Field by Kevin Young and Chioma Ebinama

Everywhere With You by Carlie Sorosiak, illustrated by Devon Holzwarth

Carlie Sorosiak and Devon Holzwarth’s flawless picture book rings with a tender truth: When you are with the ones you love, everywhere you go is home.

Everywhere With You by Carlie Sorosiak and Devon Holzwarth

Farmhouse by Sophie Blackall

Two-time Caldecott Medalist Blackall offers a sophisticated, openhearted ode to what truly makes a house a home.

Farmhouse by Sophie Blackall book cover

John’s Turn by Mac Barnett, illustrated by Kate Berube

This wise, warm picture book explores the abundant and everyday courage of children with a light touch.

John's Turn by Mac Barnett and Kate Berube

Knight Owl by Christopher Denise

In this tale of dreams, dragons and determination, a tiny owl becomes an unexpected hero.

Knight Owl by Christopher Denise

The Legend of Gravity by Charly Palmer

This riveting rocket of a tall tale makes readers feel like they have courtside seats to an epic basketball game.


Love in the Library by Maggie Tokuda-Hall, illustrated by Yas Imamura

Based on the life of the author’s grandparents, this exquisite piece of historical fiction is a love story for the ages.


Maya’s Song by Renée Watson, illustrated by Bryan Collier

Through lyrical poems and lavish artwork, Maya’s Song creates a moving biography of Maya Angelou.

Maya's Song by Renee Watson and Bryan Collier book cover

Monsters in the Fog by Ali Bahrampour

Understated humor has never been so laugh-out-loud funny as in this perfectly paced, playful picture book.

Monsters in the Fog by Ali Bahrampour

Discover more of BookPage’s Best Books of 2022.

Get the Books

Berry Song

Berry Song

illustrated by Michaela Goade
Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
ISBN 9780316494175
Emile and the Field

Emile and the Field

By Kevin Young, illustrated by Chioma Ebinama
Make Me a World
ISBN 9781984850423
Everywhere With You

Everywhere With You

By Carlie Sorosiak
Walker
ISBN 9781536214970
Farmhouse

Farmhouse

By Sophie Blackall
Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
ISBN 9780316528948
John’s Turn

John’s Turn

By Mac Barnett, illustrated by Kate Berube
Candlewick
ISBN 9781536203950
Knight Owl

Knight Owl

By Christopher Denise
Christy Ottaviano
ISBN 9780316310628
The Legend of Gravity

The Legend of Gravity

FSG
ISBN 9780374313289
Love in the Library

Love in the Library

By Maggie Tokuda-Hall, illustrated by Yas Imamura
Candlewick
ISBN 9781536204308
Maya’s Song

Maya’s Song

By Renée Watson, illustrated by Bryan Collier
HarperCollins
ISBN 9780062871589
Monsters in the Fog

Monsters in the Fog

illustrated by Ali Bahrampour
Abrams
ISBN 9781419752452

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