Predictions! New York Times Best Illustrated Children’s Books 2026

Perhaps my favorite “best of” book list is the New York Times/New York Public Library Best Illustrated Children’s Books. Every year I try to predict the winners, which is tough because any book published in English in the United States is eligible.

These are the 10 books I think will end up on the list. And, to paraphrase The Dude: These are just, like, my opinions, man.

Navigating Night by Julie Leung, illustrated by Angie Kang

While this list often favors non-American illustrators, there are always a couple that can’t be denied – I’m guessing Angie Kang is one of those illustrators this year, with a book that has already collected some awards.

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Kiki & Me by Leo Timmers

The Belgian author/illustrator is back with this book that is made for the best illustrated list. Featuring scratchy ink vignette’s interspersed with epic full-color painted vistas, this book is one of the most dynamic of the year.

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Mia’s Cheetah by Amelia Bothe

This fantastical roadtrip has the illustrations to match.

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The Night by Mariachiara Di Giorgio

The selection committee will have a conundrum on their hands, because Mariachiara Di Giorgio has two books this year that could make this list. While her book with Chris Priestley, Who Knows the Way to Mr. Grimly’s Classroom?, is one of my favorite picture books of the year, my bet would be on this eerily illustrated wordless fairy tale.

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Things I Learned From My Dog by Victor D. O. Santos, illustrated by Dena Seiferling

Seiferling appeared on this list in 2022 with Night Lunch (written by Eric Fan), and I’m guessing she’ll be back again with this ode to man’s best friend.

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Goodbye, Koi by Jack Wong

Betsy at A Fuse #8 Production has already lamented the fact that this book about endings and new beginnings can’t win Caldecott recognition, and I agree. But I do think it will make an appearance on this list.

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Her Muddy Majesty of Muck by Beatrice Alemagna

Here’s a tip for all the NYT Best Illustrated predictors: if Beatrice Alemagna has a new book, it goes on this list (and same with Sydney Smith). But it’s not just a rubber stamp – with this book about magic and big feelings, Alemagna once again shows she’s one of the best illustrators going.

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Ocean of Stars by Azita Ardakani, illustrated by Rebecca Rebouche

Not since Sophie Blackall’s Farmhouse has a NYT Best Illustrated nod gone to a book that pulls all its art from a single piece, but that’s what this book does.

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Hometown by Shaun Tan

Leave it to Shaun Tan to surprise us all with one of the most unique and beautifully illustrated picture books of the year.

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The Dream Keeper by Anna Walker

An Aussie import by an illustrator who’s been on the list before, this book about a dream-delivering turtle might just get her back.

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Which books do you predict will make the 2026 Best Illustrated list?

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