2022 Debut Picture Books
These are some of my most favorite posts! I love sharing brand-new books, especially from debut authors. Publishing a book is a HUGE accomplishment. And as a debut author and/or illustrator it can be hard to be heard through all the book news. In other words, there are thousands of books being published every year. And I love being able to use my platform to share all these new titles. If you’re looking for even more amazing titles to add to your TBR, check out last year’s lists too – middle grade, YA list one, YA list two, and YA list three. And don’t forget to check out Kidlit Caravan with great information about the 2022 creators and their works of art.
Picture Book Biographies
You may also be surprised to find that a number of these titles are picture book biographies rather than your typical fiction picture book. Picture book biographies are having their heyday in the kid lit world right now! You can learn about so many amazing people – many of whom were new to me before I read their story. If you’re looking for some other picture book biographies, you can see 2021 starred review picture book titles from Kirkus Reviews.
Publishing World
The hardest part about sharing upcoming titles is that the publishing world is very fluid. Things can fluctuate, publication dates can change, and sometimes it can be difficult to just find any information about new titles. I didn’t include publication dates for that very reason. And now, it’s even more difficult with supply chain issues due to COVID. With that being said, I also wasn’t able to find all the covers for the titles below. Similarly, I had difficulty finding links on Bookshop or Amazon to pre-order these books.
Certainly, if you’re a debut picture book author or illustrator, please share your book in the comments for other readers to find it as well! Finally, check back throughout the month for more great posts sharing middle grade and YA debut titles too.
Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.
2022 Debut Picture Books
American Desi by Jyoti Rajan Gopal, illustrated by Supriya Kelkar Bookshop | Amazon
A young girl longs to know where she fits in: Is she American? Or is she Indian? Does she have to pick or can she be both? With bright, joyful rhyme, and paired with an immersive art style using American and Indian fabrics, American Desi celebrates the experiences of young children growing up first and second generation Indian American: straddling the two cultural worlds they belong to, embracing all they love of both worlds and refusing to be limited by either.
This story is a powerful tribute to the joy of being South Asian and for every reader who aspires to bridge their worlds with grace, grit, and confidence.
Big Dreams, Small Fish by Paula Cohen Bookshop | Amazon
In the new country, Shirley and her family all have big dreams. Take the family store: Shirley has great ideas about how to make it more modern! Prettier! More profitable! She even thinks she can sell the one specialty no one seems to want to try: Mama’s homemade gefilte fish.
But her parents think she’s too young to help. And anyway they didn’t come to America for their little girl to work. “Go play with the cat!” they urge.
This doesn’t stop Shirley’s ideas, of course. And one day, when the rest of the family has to rush out leaving her in the store with sleepy Mrs. Gottlieb. Shirley seizes her chance!
Brainstorm! by Rebecca Gardyn Levington
Bus Stop by Angeal H. Dale
Counting to Bananas: A Mostly Rhyming Fruit Book by Carrie Tillotson, illustrated by Estrela Lourenço Bookshop | Amazon
When a narrator starts filling this story with fruit, Banana can’t wait to step into the spotlight. The book is called Counting to Bananas, after all. But as more and more fruits (and non-fruits) are added to the story, Banana objects. When will it be time for bananas?!
With laugh-out-loud text from debut author Carrie Tillotson and brought to life by illustrator Estrela Lourenço this is the story of a banana and narrator who have very strong opinions about what should (and should not!) be in this book.
Dolly!: The Story of Dolly Parton and Her Big Dream by Robyn McGrath, illustrated by Ellen Surrey Bookshop | Amazon
You’ve likely heard of the performer Dolly Parton. But do you know where this dazzling songwriter and musician draws her roots? As one of twelve children growing up in rural Tennessee, Dolly was determined to be seen and heard. From her front porch to her church choir, every stage was an opportunity to perform and share her many talents. While balancing farm chores with schoolwork, Dolly never lost sight of her dreams, composing her first song at age five and performing at the Grand Ole Opry at age thirteen.
With lilting language and vibrant artwork, this childhood story captures the unique gifts of Dolly Parton, while also honoring the measures of her success: resilience, confidence, family, and kindness.
Fridge-o-polis by Melissa Coffey
The Girl Who Loved Science: The Story of Rosalind Franklin by Lisa Gerin
The Leaping Laddoo by Harshita Jerath, illustrated by Kamala M Nair Bookshop | Amazon
Bhago, Bhago as fast as you can! Follow the leaping laddoo (luh-DOO), an Indian dessert, as it flees from the hands of its maker and eludes children, a tea seller, a groom on an elephant, and more. Can anyone end this crazy chase?
Featuring vibrant illustrations and sprinkled with Hindi words, this fun read-aloud also includes a laddoo recipe.
Mi Ciudad Sings by Cynthia Harmony, illustrated by Teresa Martinez Bookshop | Amazon
As a little girl and her dog embark on their daily walk through the city, they skip and spin to the familiar sounds of revving cars, clanking bikes, friendly barks, and whistling camote carts. But what they aren’t expecting to hear is the terrifying sound of a rumbling earthquake…and then…silence.
With captivating text and lively, beautiful illustrations, this heartwarming story leaves readers with the message that they can choose to be strong and brave even when they are scared, and can still find joy and hope in the midst of sadness.
Mister Rogers’ Gift of Music by Donna Cangelosi, illustrated by Amanda Calatzis Bookshop | Amazon
For a young Fred Rogers, music was a gift. It eased the pain of childhood illness and bullying and helped Fred express how he felt when words alone were difficult.
As an adult, he gifted his melodies to the world, showing children by example that they can express themselves, cope with negative feelings, and connect to each other through music.
This sensitive, life-affirming biography not only portrays the life of this beloved TV personality, but focuses on Fred’s most memorable songs and musical TV moments, and captures the enduring magic of his music in brilliantly colorful abstract illustration. Readers will not only learn about what music meant to Fred Rogers, but find the encouragement and inspiration to brighten their own lives with song.
Old Friends by Margaret Aitken, illustrated by Lenny Wen Bookshop | Amazon
Marjorie wants a friend who loves the same things she does: baking shows, knitting, and gardening. Someone like Granny. So with a sprinkle of flour in her hair and a spritz of lavender perfume, Marjorie goes undercover to the local Senior Citizens Group. It all goes well until the Cha-Cha-Cha starts and her cardigan camouflage goes sideways. By being true to herself, Marjorie learns that friends can be of any age if you look in the right places.
A Penny’s Worth by Kimberly Wilson, illustrated by Mark Hoffmann Bookshop | Amazon
Pennies, worthless? Non-cents!
Hot off the minting press, Penny feels like a million bucks. But as other coins and bills are spent while she sits forgotten, she begins to doubt her value. She is too small to slot-surf with Quarter. Even penny candy sells for a dime! Refusing to be short-changed, she sets out to find her purpose at any cost.
Readers will laugh at a wealth of money puns, learn a basic lesson on US currency, and discover that self-worth is truly priceless.
Set Sail for Pancakes! by Tim Kleyn Bookshop | Amazon
Margot and her grandpa have tummies grumbly for pancakes. Only there’s a problem . . . there’s no flour, milk, or eggs! But Grandpa has the perfect solution; they’ll get on his boat the Beluga Blue and go to Chicken Island, Cow Island, and Flour Mill Island to get the ingredients. Set sail for pancakes!
She Sang for India: How M.S. Subbulakshmi Used Her Voice for Change by Suma Subramaniam, illustrated by Shreya Gupta Bookshop
A picture book biography about M.S. Subbulakshmi, a powerful Indian singer who advocated for justice and peace through song.
Up and Adam by Debbie Zapata, illustrated by Yong Ling Kang Amazon
A winning, uplifting story about a boy with Down syndrome who helps his neighbors in the aftermath of a storm in a way only he can.
It’s the morning after the big storm. Adam and his dog, Up, are finishing breakfast when Adam sees the mayor on TV asking everyone to pitch in with the cleanup. She says, “Now, it’s time to get to work. Up and at ’em!” When Adam hears the mayor tell him and Up to get to work, he’s on it! “We can help!” he says. All day, the pair do what they can — clearing the sidewalk, fixing a birdhouse, passing out cookies. But it turns out, Adam’s most important contribution to his community is one he doesn’t even think about — his smile. Because when anyone sees Adam smile, they smile, too. And as Adam says, “A pair of smiles can make a difference.”
If you’re interested in purchasing any of the titles above from my 2022 debut picture book list, please use my affiliate links for Bookshop.com or Amazon. When you purchase from the links above, I will earn a commission as an affiliate.
