The best books of 2024

This list is part of the best books of 2024.

Join 1,593 readers and share your 3 favorite reads of the year.

My favorite read in 2024

Book cover of Dive, Dive into the Night Sea

Leslie Barnard Booth ❤️ loved this book because...

I like informational picture books that take me on a journey and teach me something new. This gorgeously illustrated lyrical picture book does just that, immersing the reader in a little-known world—the night sea. Atmospheric illustrations and a lift-the-flap format create an experience of mystery and discovery, inviting the reader to look closely and observe carefully. When we do, we are rewarded with a deep sense of awe. Each page reveals another creature and describes its nighttime activities, inviting us to appreciate the beauty and complexity of the ocean at night.

  • Loved Most

    🥇 Immersion 🥈 Originality
  • Writing style

    ❤️ Loved it
  • Pace

    🐇 I couldn't put it down

By Thea Lu,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Dive, Dive into the Night Sea as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 6, 7, 8, and 9.

What is this book about?

Follow award-winning illustrator Thea Lu on a stunning, dreamlike journey through the night sea.

Dive, dive!
Dive into the night sea.
I shine my light and wait
to see who will come to me.

Swooping manta rays. Vibrant coral reefs. Sleeping whales. And in the deepest darkness, a display of bioluminescence, swirling like a constellation of stars. These and other wonders await discovery in an arresting and atmospheric picture book, rendered in a poetic narrative and with artwork that makes striking use of muted color and light. Lift the flaps to uncover the secrets of the night sea, as well…


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My 2nd favorite read in 2024

Book cover of The Yellow Bus

Leslie Barnard Booth ❤️ loved this book because...

I don't want to spoil this beautiful book for you, so I won't say too much. But please, read it! This heartfelt story will move you. It might even make you cry happy, hopeful tears. The text is simple and accessible, but the themes that emerge are profound. How does the passage of time change our perspective? When something (say, an old school bus) is broken-down and abandoned, has its usefulness really come to an end? In this book, a yellow school bus lives many lives and serves many purposes. Seeing its role change over time, we also see what stays the same―the joy that comes from helping others.

  • Loved Most

    🥇 Emotions 🥈 Originality
  • Writing style

    ❤️ Loved it
  • Pace

    🐇 I couldn't put it down

By Loren Long,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Yellow Bus as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 3, 4, 5, and 6.

What is this book about?

There is a bright yellow bus who spends her days driving. She loves carrying children from one important place to another. Every morning they climb in... Pitter-patter, pitter-patter, giggle, giggle-patter. And they fill her with joy.

As time passes, things change. The Yellow Bus gets a new driver, a new route, and new passengers, young and old. Until one day the driving stops for good, and the Yellow Bus is left on her own. And yet, no matter where she is, the Yellow Bus still finds joy and discovery in the world around her.


My 3rd favorite read in 2024

Book cover of Ancestory

Leslie Barnard Booth ❤️ loved this book because...

This is a visually stunning nonfiction picture book that introduces young readers to ancient cave art, connecting etchings and cave paintings of the past to the ongoing human tradition of self-expression, discovery, and meaning-making through art. Lush illustrations give readers the sense of being there, in the firelight, as ancient art was created, while detailed backmatter provides additional information about important rock art sites around the world.

  • Loved Most

    🥇 Immersion 🥈 Teach
  • Writing style

    ❤️ Loved it
  • Pace

    🐇 I couldn't put it down

By Hannah Salyer,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Ancestory as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 4, 5, 6, and 7.

What is this book about?

"Vivid . . . mesmerizing . . . intriguing." -Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

"Breathtaking illustrations capture the beauty and power of prehistoric artwork with remarkable precision. -Booklist (starred review)

This striking nonfiction picture book investigates who created ancient wall art that's been discovered around the world, and why-the exact answers may be out-of-reach, but the investigation is half the fun. Complete with extensive backmatter, including a bonus double fold-out gatefold, Ancestory is perfect company for pictorial nonfiction by Jason Chin and Candace Fleming.

Around the world, our ancient ancestors' mysterious art is left behind on cave walls, in rain forests,…


Don‘t forget about my book 😀

Book cover of One Day This Tree Will Fall

What is my book about?

Discover how a tree’s wounds and decay bring new life to the forest ecosystem in this lyrical nonfiction picture book for fans of Because of an Acorn and A Stone Sat Still.

When a tree falls, is its story over?

There are many ways a tree’s story could end: Gobbled up by a bird as a tiny seed. Damaged by wind or ice or fire. Chopped down and hauled away. But some trees—this tree—survives. And grows old. Riddled with scars, cracks, and crevices, it becomes a place creatures large and small call home.

One day, after standing tall for centuries, this tree will fall. But even then, is its story over? Or will it continue to nurture the forest and its creatures for many years to come? Complete with additional information about the role trees play in a forest ecosystem, this sweeping story invites readers of all ages to celebrate the incredible life cycle and afterlife of trees.

Book cover of Dive, Dive into the Night Sea
Book cover of The Yellow Bus
Book cover of Ancestory

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