The New York Times/New York Public Library Best Illustrated Children’s Books Award · 2018

The 2018 The New York Times/New York Public Library Best Illustrated Children’s Books Award

Dreamers, Florette, Ayobami and the Names of the Animals, The Forest, A House That Once Was, Our Car, She Made a Monster, The Funeral, Run Wild and The Visitor won the 2018 The New York Times/New York Public Library Best Illustrated Children’s Books Award.

2018 The New York Times/New York Public Library Best Illustrated Children’s Books Award Winner
Dreamers
Sale price
$1797
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2018

Dreamers

By Yuyi Morales

Two people cross a bridge and start a new life in a new land, where they find hope and become stories.

The New York Times/New York Public Library Best Illustrated Children’s Books Award (2018)Boston Globe–Horn Book Honor (2019)
40 pages· 222 words· Est. 2 min read-aloud
5.0/7 Bookroo·4.4/5 Goodreads · 7,139 ratings
$18.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Yuyi Morales embarks on a journey to the U.S. with her infant son, carrying only dreams and stories. In a foreign land, they find solace and hope in a library, unraveling a new language and life. 'Dreamers' celebrates the gifts migrants bring, weaving a tale of family, resilience, and the universal quest for belonging. As they navigate challenges, the story asks: What do we carry with us, and how do we make a home? This beautifully illustrated memoir is a timeless reminder of the strength within us all.
2018 The New York Times/New York Public Library Best Illustrated Children’s Books Award Winner
Florette
Sale price
$1697
Picture Book · Ages 4–7 · 2018

Florette

By Anna Walker

A young girl finds a way to bring nature into her new city home.

The New York Times/New York Public Library Best Illustrated Children’s Books Award (2018)
40 pages· 337 words· Est. 3 min read-aloud
5.3/7 Bookroo·4.0/5 Goodreads · 1,301 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: Mae's world turns upside down when her family moves to the city, leaving behind her cherished garden. As she navigates this new urban landscape, Mae wonders if she can recreate the magic of her old home. With no room for apple trees or daffodils, can Mae find a way to bring nature back into her life? This beautifully illustrated tale explores themes of friendship, resilience, and the wonders of the natural world, inviting young readers to discover how change can lead to unexpected growth and new beginnings.
2018 The New York Times/New York Public Library Best Illustrated Children’s Books Award Winner
Ayobami and the Names of the Animals
Sale price
$1597
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2018

Ayobami and the Names of the Animals

By Pilar Lopez Avila, Mar Azabal (Illustrator)

A girl braves the jungle to reach school and fulfill her dream of learning to read and write.

The New York Times/New York Public Library Best Illustrated Children’s Books Award (2018)
34 pages
4.0/5 Goodreads · 260 ratings
$16.95Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: Ayobami, a determined young girl, sets off alone through a perilous jungle to reach her school after the war ends. With only a paper and pencil, she faces wild animals and treacherous paths, driven by her unwavering desire to learn. Will her courage and determination be enough to overcome the dangers and achieve her dream of education? This journey highlights the power of perseverance and the lengths one will go to for the chance to read and write.
2018 The New York Times/New York Public Library Best Illustrated Children’s Books Award Winner
The Forest
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$2845
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2018

The Forest

By Riccardo Bozzi, Violeta Lopiz (Illustrator), Valerio Vidali (Illustrator)

Journey through life's stages, from innocence to end, in a visual adventure.

The New York Times/New York Public Library Best Illustrated Children’s Books Award (2018)
72 pages
4.2/5 Goodreads · 437 ratings
$29.95Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: Embark on a journey through life's stages, from childhood wonder to life's complexities. 'The Forest' invites you to explore a world where sensory experiences come alive through intricate paper art. As you navigate this visual masterpiece, questions about life's path and its ultimate destination arise. What will you discover in the depths of this enchanting forest?
2018 The New York Times/New York Public Library Best Illustrated Children’s Books Award Winner
A House That Once Was
Sale price
$1797
Picture Book · Ages 3–6 · 2018

A House That Once Was

By Julie Fogliano, Lane Smith (Illustrator)

Two children explore an abandoned house, uncovering its mysterious past.

The New York Times/New York Public Library Best Illustrated Children’s Books Award (2018)
40 pages· 542 words· Est. 5 min read-aloud
6.0/7 Bookroo·4.0/5 Goodreads · 1,509 ratings
$18.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: In a forgotten house deep in the woods, two curious children embark on a journey to uncover its secrets. As they sift through dusty books, forgotten photos, and discarded toys, they piece together the lives of those who once called it home. What stories do these remnants tell, and why was the house abandoned? Their imaginations weave a tapestry of mystery and wonder, inviting readers to ponder the lives of those who came before. Join this enchanting exploration of history and home, where every clue leads to new questions and endless possibilities.
2018 The New York Times/New York Public Library Best Illustrated Children’s Books Award Winner
Our Car
Sale price
$1597
Picture Book · Ages 2–6 · 2013

Our Car

By J.M. Brum, Jan Bajtlik (Illustrator)

A boy and his dad embark on a whimsical car adventure full of surprises.

The New York Times/New York Public Library Best Illustrated Children’s Books Award (2018)
32 pages
4.5/7 Bookroo·3.2/5 Goodreads · 162 ratings
$16.99Save 6%
Board book
Summary: Join a young boy and his dad on a delightful journey in their beloved car. From the carwash to a rainstorm, each drive is an adventure filled with laughter and unexpected moments. This vibrant tale captures the joy of family, imagination, and the simple pleasures of a ride with Dad. What surprises await on their next drive?
2018 The New York Times/New York Public Library Best Illustrated Children’s Books Award Winner
She Made a Monster
Sale price
$1697
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2018

She Made a Monster

By Lynn Fulton, Felicita Sala (Illustrator)

On a stormy night, a young writer dreams of a monster, birthing a legendary tale.

The New York Times/New York Public Library Best Illustrated Children’s Books Award (2018)
48 pages
4.1/5 Goodreads · 1,211 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: On a stormy night, young Mary Shelley faces a daunting challenge: create the ultimate ghost story by morning. Inspired by her mother's legacy and pressured by Lord Byron's deadline, she struggles with ideas. Exhausted, she dreams of a creature that defies humanity, sparking the birth of a legendary monster. Discover the origins of a timeless tale and the night that changed literary history forever.
2018 The New York Times/New York Public Library Best Illustrated Children’s Books Award Winner
The Funeral
Sale price
$1797
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2018

The Funeral

By Matt James

A funeral sparks unexpected questions about life and death.

The New York Times/New York Public Library Best Illustrated Children’s Books Award (2018)Ezra Jack Keats Honor (2019)
40 pages· 609 words· Est. 5 min read-aloud
3.5/5 Goodreads · 654 ratings
$18.95Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Norma attends her great-uncle Frank's funeral, expecting to play with her cousin Ray. Instead, she encounters unfamiliar rituals and questions about life and death. As the day unfolds, Norma discovers that while not all questions have answers, Uncle Frank would have enjoyed his own send-off. This touching tale invites young readers to explore their own thoughts on remembering those who have passed.
2018 The New York Times/New York Public Library Best Illustrated Children’s Books Award Winner
Run Wild
Sale price
$1697
Picture Book · Ages 3–5 · 2018

Run Wild

By David Covell

A boy leaves his device behind to explore the wonders of the natural world.

The New York Times/New York Public Library Best Illustrated Children’s Books Award (2018)
40 pages· 168 words· Est. 2 min read-aloud
3.8/5 Goodreads · 817 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: A girl’s call pulls a boy from his digital world into the vibrant outdoors. As he leaves his phone and shoes behind, he discovers the joy of sunshine, dewy grass, and warm sand. Will he embrace the beauty of life beyond screens? "Run Wild" invites young readers to rediscover the magic of nature and the simple pleasures of being alive.
2018 The New York Times/New York Public Library Best Illustrated Children’s Books Award Winner
The Visitor
Sale price
$1697
Picture Book · Ages 3–5 · 2015

The Visitor

By Antje Damm

A mysterious visitor challenges Elise's fears, transforming her world forever.

The New York Times/New York Public Library Best Illustrated Children’s Books Award (2018)
32 pages
4.2/5 Goodreads · 723 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: Elise lives in fear, avoiding the world outside her door. But when a peculiar object lands at her feet and a knock echoes through her home, everything changes. A young visitor arrives, bringing unexpected friendship and vibrant color into Elise's lonely life. As her world shifts, will Elise find the courage to step beyond her fears? Discover how a simple encounter can illuminate even the darkest corners of the heart in this enchanting tale of transformation and connection.
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