One of my 2026 reading resolutions is to read 46 new to me picture books. I thought it would be fun to take one Friday a month and spotlight four picture books I have read recently. 

This month, January 2026, I decided to read four award winning picture books:

Big by Vashti Harrison – winner of the 2024 Caldecott Medal

“Traces a child’s journey to self-love and shows the power of words to both hurt and heal.” This is an absolutely stunning book both in illustrations and message. The author’s note deserves 5 gold stars, as well. I hugged it when I finished and then immediately read it again. 

While Everyone Is Sleeping by Sarah Mackenzie, Gabrielle Grimard (Illustrator) – 2024 Independent Publisher Book Award (IPPY) for Best Picture Book (All Ages) and the 2024 Benjamin Franklin Gold Award for Children’s Picture Book (4-7 Years).

Beautiful images and wonderful language, the story is comforting and delightful with a calming sense. It reminded me so much of Wait Till the Moon Is Full by Margaret Wise Brown, illustrated by Garth Williams – I remember being read that book over and over as a child, and I can see While Everyone Is Sleeping be on repeat at bedtime for readers today. 

Hamsters Make Terrible Roommates by Cheryl Klein, Abhi Alwar (Illustrator) – winner of the 2024-2025 Missouri Show-Me Readers Award

This was so funny and thoughtful and kind and real (despite it being about talking hamsters). Don’t we all say things that we later think about and realize maybe that wasn’t exactly what we were trying to say? And this shows how to fix that! And the art of compromise – no to talking while reading, yes to chatting while eating – sounds perfect to me. Love love love! 

I Eat Poop.: A Dung Beetle Story by Mark Pett – 2023-2024 Show Me Readers Award winner

“Dougie has a secret: he’s not a ground beetle. He’s a dung beetle, and he loves eating poop. Dougie knows he should be proud. Dung beetles help process waste and do other extraordinary things! But Dougie also knows that if anyone at school saw his lunch, he’d be an outcast.”

Oh my gosh, this would be such a fun readaloud. I ewwwed several times while I was also smiling. It’s so clever and would spark great discussions of being your true self and standing up for others. Really clever!