Goodreads' list of the best baby books of 2022 so far include a bagel-themed alphabet lesson

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"The Year I Learned to Fly" and "I Am You" book covers — From creative ways to learn the alphabet to stories that teach kids about their emotions, these are the best baby books released in 2022.
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Picture books can teach meaningful lessons or simply convey a fun story to a baby or young child.
We used Goodreads rankings and reviews to rank 21 of the best baby books of 2022.
For more great children's books, check out our list of picture books written by celebrities.

Picture books are a great way to instill a love of reading, teach challenging topics, or learn something new with babies and young children. Even if they don't have many words, picture books are filled with emotionally evocative illustrations that portray the lessons, messages, or history in memorable ways.

Goodreads is the world's largest platform for readers — including parents and teachers of young children — to rate and review their favorite children's books, so we turned to their recommendations for the titles on this list.

Whether you're looking for a great new picture book for your children, classroom, or niece's upcoming birthday, here are 21 of the best baby books of 2022 so far:

The 21 best baby books of 2022 so far:

"The Year We Learned to Fly" by Jacqueline Woodson, Illustrated by Rafel López

Book cover of "The Year we Learned to Fly" — Amazon

Available on Amazon and Bookshop, from $12.72

In this story, a brother and sister learn how to use their minds to combat boredom, overcome anger, and lift up others in the face of challenges. They follow their grandmother's advice, which was "use those beautiful and brilliant minds of yours. Lift your arms, close your eyes, take a deep breath, and believe in a thing."

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

The book cover for "Love in the Library" — Amazon

Available on Amazon and Bookshop, from $14.81

Based on the true story of the author's grandparents, this historical fiction children's book follows Tama as she's sent to live in a WWII internment camp along with countless other Japanese Americans on the West Coast. There, she works in the camp's library where she meets a friend named George who comes into the library every day.

"I Am You: A Book about Ubuntu" by Refiloe Moahloli, Illustrated by Zinelda McDonald

Available on Amazon and Bookshop, from $14.49

Ubuntu is the belief that all people are connected to each other. First published in South Africa, "I Am You" is a lyrical children's picture book that introduces young readers to ubuntu with a story about friendship, kindness, and the ways we are all connected.

"This Is (Not) Enough" by Anna Kang, Illustrated by Christopher Weyant

The book cover of "This is (Not) Enough" — Amazon

Available on Amazon and Bookshop, from $16.19

Though two friends are excited to get presents for each other, it seems every idea isn't quite "enough" for their friend. In this simple and sweet tale, the friends learn that giving and gifts are about far more than what you can fit in a box.

"My Grandma's Photos" by Özge Bahar Sunar, Illustrated by Senta Urgan

The book cover of "My Grandma's Photos" — Amazon

Available on Amazon and Bookshop, from $9.51

When Ali's mother pulls out a truck of his grandma's old photos, she's able to tell Ali wonderful stories and memories from her past, even though she usually struggles to remember most things. In this children's book, Ali relives his grandmother's life through pictures and learns the importance of making and sharing memories.

"I Am Able to Shine" by Korey Watari, Illustrated by Mike Wu

The book cover of "I Am Able to Shine" — Amazon

Available on Amazon and Bookshop, from $10.99

"I Am Able to Shine" is an empowering children's book about perseverance and confidence, inspired by the author's young life growing up Asian American. Keiko has big dreams to change the world but knows the world sees her differently so she works hard to stand strong, lift up others, and know that she can still shine.

"Opal Lee and What It Means to Be Free" by Alice Faye Duncan, Illustrated by Keturah A. Bobo

The book cover of "Opal Lee and What it Means to be Free" — Amazon

Available on Amazon and Bookshop, from $14.39

"Opal Lee and What It Means to Be Free" is a nonfiction historical picture book about Opal Lee, a young Black activist who wanted to bring about a national recognition of Juneteenth. Though her family and community always celebrated Juneteenth, Opal discovered many Americans hadn't heard of the holiday and sets out to honor the past, improve the future, and use her voice to make a difference.

'Born Hungry: Julia Child Becomes "the French Chef"' by Alex Prud'Homme, Illustrated by Sarah Green

The book cover of "Born Hungry" — Amazon

Available on Amazon and Bookshop, from $14.99

This nonfiction children's book tells the story of how Julia Child discovered her passion for cooking in France and went on to become one of America's most cherished chefs. "Born Hungry" follows Julia Child through recipe books, culinary school, successes, and failures in cheerful and bright illustrations.

"The Monster Parade" by Wendy O'Leary, Illustrated by Noémie Gionet Landry

The book cover of "The Monster Parade" — Amazon

Available on Amazon and Bookshop, from $16.49

With playful imagery, "The Monster Parade" teaches young readers how to work through different and changing emotions by imagining them as monsters marching in a parade. With anger, sadness, fear, and other emotions portrayed as colorful monsters, children can learn coping strategies and mindfulness in this helpful new read.

"Before the World Wakes" by Estelle Laure, Illustrated by Paola Zakimi

The book cover of "Before the World Wakes" — Amazon

Available on Amazon and Bookshop, from $16.19

In the early morning before the sunrise, a brother and sister venture outside to enjoy the world and their time together before everyone else is awake. "Before the World Wakes" is a calm and colorful story about the bond between siblings and the importance of small moments.

"Anansi and the Golden Pot" by Taiye Selasi, Illustrated by Tinuke Fagborun

The book cover of "Anansi and the Golden Pot" — Amazon

Available on Amazon and Bookshop, from $15.70

In West African folklore, Anansi is a much-loved trickster who often appears as a mischievous spider. In this picture book, Taiye Selasi reimagines the story with a young boy named Kweku, nicknamed Anansi after the spider. When Anansi the boy meets Anansi the spider, they discover a magical, golden pot that can be filled with anything they want as they learn an important lesson about greed, kindness, and giving.

"Playing with Lanterns" by Wang Yage, Illustrated by Chengliang Zhu

"Playing with Lanterns" book cover — Amazon

Available on Amazon and Bookshop, from $8.89

Every year, Zhao Di and her friends celebrate Chinese New Year with colorful, unique paper lanterns in the village. "Playing with Lanterns" explains the excitement and joy of this tradition and the holiday for young readers.

"Thursday" by Ann Bonwill, Illustrated by Kayla Harren

Available on Amazon and Bookshop, from $9.99

"Thursday" follows a little girl, who learns of her parent's divorce on a Thursday, effectively ruining her favorite day of the week. Turning to her stuffed unicorn for comfort, the little girl is able to find joy every day, even as her life changes, until Thursdays can be happy again.

"Pruett and Soo" by Nancy Viau, Illustrated by Jorge Lacera

The book cover of "Pruett and Soo" — Amazon

Available on Amazon and Bookshop, from $14.99

On Pruett's planet, Planet Monochrome, everything is black, white, or gray and very straightforward — until the day Soo arrives from Planet Prismatic, full of color and zig-zag lines. "Pruett and Soo" is a fun story about how friends can help us see the world differently and how who we are is truly defined by what's on the inside.

"Snuggle Time Easter Stories" by Glenys Nellist, Illustrated by Cee Biscoe

The book cover for "Snuggle Time Easter Stories" — Amazon

Available on Amazon and Bookshop, from $8.99

This cute and cozy new baby book is a collection of springtime and Easter stories for children ages 0-4. With biblical tales and colorful illustrations, this board book is a simple and adorable early read.

"Jake and the Biggest Yawn Ever!" by Chris Hardy, Illustrated by Wally LL

The book cover of "Jake and the Biggest Yawn Ever" — Amazon

Available on Amazon, from $9.99

When Jake lets out the biggest yawn ever, it makes its way through the neighborhood until everyone is yawning. This cute bedtime story follows the yawns through animals and friends to help young readers fall asleep.

"The Helping Rock" by Tanya Hoover, Illustrated by Shannon O'Toole

The book cover of "The Helping Rock" — Amazon

Available on Amazon, from $9.99

Lani is struggling to learn to ride a bike but doesn't want help until her mother teaches her about the "helping rock". This picture book is a great way to teach young readers about how much stronger, happier, and connected we can be when we work together and how it's okay to ask for help when we need it.

"Edward and Annie: A Penguin Adventure" by Carya Rivadeneira, Illustrated by Katy Tanis

The book cover of "Edward and Annie" — Amazon

Available on Amazon and Bookshop, from $14.79

Modeled after two viral penguins from the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago, "Edward and Annie" follows two penguin friends as they explore the aquarium when no one seems to be there to visit. The pair discovers the amazing world outside their habitat before returning home at the end of their exciting day.

"What Will I Do with My Love Today?" by Kristen Chenoweth, Illustrated by Maine Diaz

The book cover of "What Will I do with my Love Today" — Amazon

Available on Amazon and Bookshop, from $14.17

Written by actress Kristen Chenoweth, "What Will I Do with My Love Today?" is a meaningful story that follows Kristi through New York City as she shows love to others through acts of generosity and kindness. Young readers will learn about adoption, sharing, and random acts of kindness as Kristi encounters a church choir, a neighbor gardening, and an adorable puppy.

Grateful Jake by Chris Hardy, Illustrated by Wally LL

The book cover of "Grateful Jake" — Amazon

Available on Amazon, from $9.99

This new picture book follows Jake as he learns how grateful he is for his life when he gets out of the yard as a puppy and is lost in the streets until he's brought to the Humane Society and adopted into a wonderful family. This story uses other animals and situations to teach readers all the many things we can be grateful for.

"B is for Bagel" by Rachel Teichman

The book cover of "B is for Bagel" — Amazon

Available on Amazon and Bookshop, from $13.59

This bagel-themed ABC book uses bright photographs to walk through the alphabet with many different types of bagels, toppings, and flavors. "B is for Bagel" also includes two recipes for bagels, with one specially modified so that young children can help.

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