Book Lists

New Picture Books

Fall 2026

Storytimes, classroom libraries, and cozy corners rejoice! These new picture books hitting shelves everywhere this fall are full of gorgeous artwork, poignant prose, irresistible characters, laugh-out-loud fun, hilarious hijinks, and timeless themes.

Scroll down to peruse new picture books from the Random House Children’s Books Fall 2026 list and click “Learn More” to view more information and available resources to use in your classroom or library.

A Riddle of Eels

A Riddle of Eels

Nicholas Day

A sweeping, slippery ode to a mysterious creature that has baffled scientists and philosophers for centuries—the eel—from the author of the Sibert Medal winner The Mona Lisa Vanishes and the illustrator of the Caldecott Honor book Mel Fell.

A Spark of Greatness

A Spark of Greatness

Laila Ali

In this beautiful, inspiring picture book, Laila Ali tells the story of how she went from being the daughter of the beloved boxing champion Muhammad Ali to being an undefeated boxer herself, by nurturing the spark of something great inside her.

Always By Your Side

Always By Your Side

Jonny Lambert

A tender, life-affirming picture book for children ages 3-7 about a polar bear cub who finds courage through the steady love of her mother.

Antonia and Her Magic Wand

Antonia and Her Magic Wand

Elizabeth Duncan

Sure to inspire young music lovers to follow their dreams, here is a picture book biography about trailblazing Antonia Brico, the first female conductor of the New York Philharmonic Orchestra.

The Bakery Dragon and the Giant Cookie

The Bakery Dragon and the Giant Cookie

Devin Elle Kurtz

The bestselling Bakery Dragon is back, braving a snowstorm to deliver cookies and cheer, just in time for Christmas! And a friend in need requires the greatest cookie of all, one that can warm even the coldest heart.

Ballet Shoes

Ballet Shoes

Noel Streatfeild

Three orphan girls. A pair of pink slippers. A lifetime in the spotlight. Read the classic that has captivated generations!

Bear Wakes Up

Bear Wakes Up

Lisa Chow

In her hilarious author/illustrator debut, Lisa Chow introduces a charming bear who will delight children and adults alike as he experiences winter for the first time.

Bob Dylan: A Little Golden Book Biography

Bob Dylan: A Little Golden Book Biography

Marta Magellan

Introduce young readers to American folk legend and Nobel Prize-winning singer-songwriter Bob Dylan with this beautifully illustrated and collectible Little Golden Book!

The Buddy System

The Buddy System

Sam Wedelich

A funny picture book about two very opposite kids who get lost in a museum, and the Buddy System that brings them together in an unexpected twist.

Christmas is in the Little Things

Christmas is in the Little Things

Stella J. Jones

Join Big and Small as they discover that the best part of Christmas isn’t the gifts or the glitter, the sharing or the caring–it’s everything all at once! Featuring gender-neutral pronouns throughout, this sweet story for children ages 3-7 is a celebration of all the ways we show our love to the important people in our lives during the holiday season.

Dr. Seuss's How the Grinch Stole Christmas...According to Max!

Dr. Seuss's How the Grinch Stole Christmas...According to Max!

Alastair Heim

Everyone’s favorite sidekick, Max—aka the Grinch’s partner-in-crime—is BACK! And this time, he’s the hero of the story. Get Max’s point of view on what happened that fateful Christmas Eve in this heartwarming retelling of the classic How the Grinch Stole Christmas!

Dragon Dog

Dragon Dog

Suzanne Lang

From the #1 New York Times bestselling creators of Grumpy Monkey comes a new character—part dragon, part dog, ALL FIERCE—in this hilarious, fire-snorting fantasy that celebrates friendship, courage, and the many forms fierceness (and fluffiness) can take.

Duck the Halls

Duck the Halls

Laura Lavoie

It’s a snug and snowy holiday mission as Duck, Duck, and Goose rally the neighborhood to brighten Christmas and help a friend. This rhyming, rollicking follow-up to Duck Duck Taco Truck brims with festive fun, teamwork, and cozy cocoa vibes.

Elaine

Elaine

Anden Wilder

A quirky chicken named Elaine journeys through the big city in search of artistic inspiration in this funny picture book about self-discovery—a perfect story to inspire young readers to explore their own creative pursuits!

EXTRAordinary! A Little EXTRA to Reach BIG Dreams

EXTRAordinary! A Little EXTRA to Reach BIG Dreams

Caitlin Clark

In her uplifting debut picture book, WNBA superstar and record-setting basketball player Caitlin Clark shows how our family, friends, and teammates make us EXTRAordinary.

Frankenkitty

Frankenkitty

Maudie Powell-Tuck

This lively, laugh-out-loud gothic tale in picture book form is perfect for kids ages 3-7 who love their monsters cute and their bedtime stories dramatic. Features a freakishly fun art style and a neon green Pantone on the cover!

Gathering the Light

Gathering the Light

Joy Harjo

From the former U.S. Poet Laureate and author of the national bestseller Remember, this luminous and lyrical picture book reminds readers to cherish their place in the world and make a positive impact wherever they go.

Hank Goes Ho Ho Honk

Hank Goes Ho Ho Honk

Maudie Powell-Tuck

Lovable antihero Hank the goose is back in this hilarious Christmas picture book for kids ages 3-7, just right for fans of Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus.

Here a Creak, There a Shriek!

Here a Creak, There a Shriek!

Kelly Conroy

Creep your way through a spooky farm and meet cackling witches, howling beasts, and floating ghosts in this “Old MacDonald Had a Farm”-inspired rhyme, perfect for fans of Halloween ages 3-7! Includes a poster printed in Pantone on the inside of the jacket!

Hidden Heroes

Hidden Heroes

Amisha Padnani, New York Times

Adapted from the New York Times’ acclaimed “Overlooked” column, this collection of ten true stories about dreamers and doers, from scientists to stuntwomen, celebrates larger-than-life heroes who have gone unappreciated–until now!

The House That Love Built

The House That Love Built

Jessica Meserve

A stunningly illustrated picture book for children ages 3-7, inspired by the nursery rhyme “The House That Jack Built,” where a community of forest animals comes together to rebuild after a storm and, in doing so, discovers the magic of belonging, hope, and working together.

I Love You Millions

I Love You Millions

Laura Baker

A comforting and tender picture book starring an adorable mom and baby otter pair for children ages 3-7 to reassure them that they can always count on their parents’ love.

In Case of las Moscas

In Case of las Moscas

Jackie Morera

A tiny misunderstanding snowballs into a wild adventure in this playful picture book that pokes gentle fun at what’s lost in translation between Spanish and English.

The Inactivity Book

The Inactivity Book

Kyo Maclear

From the author of the Caldecott Honor-winning Noodles on a Bicycle comes a poetic celebration of doing… not much at all.

The Island

The Island

Gideon Sterer

A powerful and poetic picture book, featuring gorgeous watercolor art, about a child who learns to make peace with their overwhelming emotions.

It's Not Easy Being an Elf

It's Not Easy Being an Elf

Marilyn Sadler

Life isn’t always easy—even for Santa’s elves! In this sweet, funny picture book, a toy-making elf longs to try something new, only to discover a new way to do something he’s already very good at! A perfect for Christmas gift giving!

Jingle

Jingle

MacKenzie Cadenhead

Celebrate the magic of Christmas with the story of Jingle, the littlest reindeer who sets out to earn her place on Santa’s team, and shows what’s possible even when the odds (and antlers) are against you.

Love Is a Shape

Love Is a Shape

Kate Hoefler

Celebrate family and the many forms love can take in this timeless picture book—a perfect gift for any occasion.

Square is a dock.
Wavy is lake.
Love is the shape of the stories we make.

The Magical Orchestra

The Magical Orchestra

Lauren Crisp

Children ages 3-7 can explore the magic of the classical orchestra with this beautiful picture book, complete with 20 sound buttons throughout and an on/off switch to preserve battery life.

Maria Tallchief: A Little Golden Book Biography

Maria Tallchief: A Little Golden Book Biography

Patricia Morris Buckley

Leap into the remarkable life of Maria Tallchief—America’s first prima ballerina and a proud member of the Osage Nation—with this collectible Little Golden Book biography with gorgeous illustrations.

Mister in the Stars

Mister in the Stars

Devon Rohana

In this deeply moving picture book, a girl heals from the loss of a loved one by making up funny and creative names for everything in her life.

My Neighborhood

My Neighborhood

Delano Brown

A vibrant and lyrical picture book that follows two brothers on a journey through their inner-city neighborhood, showing off the beauty and life lessons to be found within.

Sabrina Carpenter: A Little Golden Book Biography

Sabrina Carpenter: A Little Golden Book Biography

Cat Reynolds

Read about the life and skyrocketing career of Sabrina Carpenter—singer, songwriter, actress, and fashion icon. This collectible Little Golden Book with dazzling illustrations is sure to “Please Please Please” fans of all ages!

Sea Babies

Sea Babies

Sylvia Earle

Meet the most adorable babies in the sea, from tiny seahorses to giant whale calves, in this stunning picture book from National Geographic Kids! Dive into Earth’s biggest nursery—the ocean!—where young creatures are born, cared for, and begin their incredible lives.

The Secret Dragon

The Secret Dragon

Briony May Smith

Can Prince Griff keep his pet dragon hidden before sparks fly…literally? From the popular creator of Margaret’s Unicorn comes this whimsical picture book that stars a young royal, an ever-growing dragon, and a very sneezy queen with an allergy to magical creatures.

Snow Geese Season

Snow Geese Season

Angela Burke Kunkel

A poignant picture book about a boy caught between two homes, who finds peace and belonging with his grandfather and the snow geese that return each year.

The Snow Loves

The Snow Loves

Kirsten Hall

A tender, poetic celebration of winter’s magic, this gorgeously illustrated picture book invites readers to step into a snowy forest and discover the quiet wonder, hidden life, and timeless beauty that snow brings to the natural world.

Spells to Cast on Your Parents

Spells to Cast on Your Parents

Pete Holmes

Comedian and actor Pete Holmes conjures up a tale where kids run the show in this hilarious interactive picture book. With a wisecracking dragon heckling from the sidelines, young readers will cast delightfully ridiculous spells that turn grown-ups into giggling, snoring, clucking bundles of chaos.

Steve Martin: A Little Golden Book Biography

Steve Martin: A Little Golden Book Biography

Andrea Posner-Sanchez

Get to know Steve Martin—award-winning comedian, banjo player, and star of Only Murders in the Building—with this illustrated, collectible Little Golden Book!

Stop That Cupid!

Stop That Cupid!

Alastair Heim

An exciting, humorous, and rhyming detective chase set on Valentine’s Day, perfect for children ages 3-7.

When a mysterious someone steals Detective Cluehound’s box of chocolates, he and Sergeant Squirrel are on the case! Will they be able to track down the thief?

Too Loose, Too Tight, Just Right (Berenstain Bears)

Too Loose, Too Tight, Just Right (Berenstain Bears)

Mike Berenstain, Stan Berenstain, Jan Berenstain

A never-before-seen Berenstain Bears picture book discovered in the archives! A small bear learns about opposites in this winter-themed storybook—perfect for Berenstain Bears fans of all ages!

Wake Up, Poppyville!

Wake Up, Poppyville!

Vikki Chu

Explore the irresistible town of Poppyville, where midnight is morning, and a cheerfully quirky cast of characters that will have you giggling to no end!

The Warm Fuzzies

The Warm Fuzzies

Darren Farrell

Discover the magic of getting cozy with fuzzy little puffs in this irresistible read aloud about a community brought together by cuteness.

What Does Santa Want for Christmas?

What Does Santa Want for Christmas?

Sahar Shams

A charming Christmas picture book that flips tradition on its head: instead of asking Santa for gifts, one little boy sets out to give Santa the perfect present. With its heartwarming message about the magic of giving back, this festive story makes a meaningful holiday gift and may even inspire new traditions…

Would You Still Love Me if I Was a Worm?

Would You Still Love Me if I Was a Worm?

Meghan Sullivan

Have you ever wondered if you’d still be loved if you were a worm? This quirky, rhyming picture book for children ages 3-7 celebrates the unconditional love between parent and child. Features fun, full-color illustrations!

Yum Yum Dim Sum

Yum Yum Dim Sum

Felicity Yeoh

A magical and inspiring celebration of Chinese culture, family, and finding your place, perfect for children ages 3-7, that takes readers on a fantastical journey during a dim sum lunch. Features breathtaking illustrations inspired by traditional Chinese painting (guóhuà).

Watch the RHCB Fall 2026 Preview

Watch a prerecorded conversation with picture book creators Nicholas Day (A Riddle of Eels), Julia Sarcone-Roach (The Island), and Suzanne and Max Lang (Dragon Dog & the Grumpy Monkey series). Together, they explore how picture books inspire imagination, foster literacy, and bring stories to life through vibrant visuals and creative storytelling.

After the panel, stick around for a full hour of sneak peeks at all the fresh, fantastic titles coming in Fall 2026, brought to you by the RHCB School & Library team.

Explore More Fall 2026 Titles

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Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Elementary and middle school students won’t be able to put down these engaging new early readers, chapter books, and middle grade titles. 

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Young Adult

Fantasy, romance, horror, and moreno matter what genre the teen readers in your life prefer, we’ve got you covered.

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Paperbacks

From fresh finds to familiar favorites, there’s something for every reader to enjoy on this collection of new paperbacks hitting shelves in fall 2026.

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Graphic Novels

From bold new worlds and unforgettable characters to fresh takes on fan-favorite stories, these new graphic novels offer plenty to get excited about.

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Discover Great Titles for Every Moment

Build your classroom library and seasonal programming with recommendations from our 2026–2027 School Year Planner! By clicking on titles featured in this interactive PDF, you can learn more about each book and download related resources.

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