Best Children’s Books of 2015

As 2015 comes to an end, the children’s staff at DBRL has been reminiscing about the fabulous new books that arrived on our shelves this year. While it’s hard to pick a favorite, there were some books that stood apart from the rest. Here are our top 11 favorite picture books and chapter books published in 2015.

All My Stripes book coverAll My Stripes” by Shaina Rudolph
I really liked how this book talks about differences in a way children
understand, while still telling a story children will want to read. The
illustrations are also really well done. ~Katie L

Bunnies!!! book coverBunnies!!!” by Kevan Atteberry
“Bunnies!!!” is the perfect picture book to pull out for an impromptu story time! It’s an entertaining combination of a misunderstood monster, multicolored bunnies and a noisy, fast-paced game of hide-and-seek. ~Kristy
 

The Day the Crayons Came Home coverThe Day the Crayons Came Home” by Drew Daywalt
It’s unique, hilarious and relatable. I never realized the torture I put my poor crayons through when I was a kid until I read this book. I loved how much personality each crayon had. ~Josh

Echo book cover

Echo” by Pam Munoz Ryan.
“Echo” is a wonderful chapter book that weaves three stories together for a satisfying, heartfelt ending. ~Amy H

Last Stop on Market Street book coverLast Stop on Market Street” by Matt De La Pena
This book reminds us that perspective means everything when it comes to
finding happiness. It’s the story of a grandmother and her grandson, and
their relation to community and the magic found in everyday life. ~Otter

The Marvels book coverThe Marvels” by Brian Selznick
A beautiful book by Selznick with an unexpected twist. ~Aimee L

It's Only Stanley book coverIt’s Only Stanley” by Jon Agee
Weird with a twisted sense of humor.  Be sure to find the poor cat in the illustrations. ~Hilary

100 Things That Make Me Happy” by Amy Schwartz
Reading it made me smile. I’m looking forward to reading it to my grandson and talking about what makes him happy. ~Jerilyn
The Sleeper and the Spindle book coverThe Sleeper and the Spindle” by Neil Gaiman.
A lovely twist on both Snow White and Sleeping Beauty, it has incredible art and a message I really liked. ~Dana

The Story of Diva and Flea book coverThe Story of Diva and Flea” by Mo Willems
“The Story of Diva and Flea” by Mo Willems is a charming book about unlikely friends who find adventures in Paris. I love the adventures and the willingness of each character to try a new situation that is out of their comfort zone. ~Erin

Snoozefest book coverSnoozefest at the Nuzzledome” by Samantha Berger
I love naps and sloths, so this was a no brainer! This was a great read aloud with really fun illustrations and has a lot of references for music festival-loving grown-ups. This pairs well with PJs and some hot cocoa. ~Megan