Hello! So far this week you’ve been treated to my favourite blog posts, MG books and YA books… today is no different, today is my favourite picture books of 2017. 

Now there are SO many books that could’ve been in with a shot, so many amazing books I read in 2017. I’ve tried to stick to books released this year – I hope none have slipped under the radar. 

I must point out now that The Building Boy by Ross Montgomery and David Litchfield would DEFINITELY be on this list, alas it was published in 2016. But go out and buy it, because it’s incredible. 

So anyway… let’s go!

Just as with the rest of my round ups, they aren’t in any real order, and I will share the links to my reviews (if they are yet to be reviewed, there is a review to come!)

Words and Your Heart – Kate Jane Neal
BOOKBLOG: Kate Jane Neal
I used this book in school to coincide with anti-bullying week and it’s all about the power that our words have. It’s one of those books that makes an impact on you STRAIGHT away. We used it in Reception, Year 2 and Year 6, with all children responding incredibly to it. 

Balthazar the Great – Kirsten Sims
(review to come)
There’s a reason I don’t have a review for this yet… because I can’t put into words how much I loved it. Balthazar is the most brilliant bear. I can’t wait to share my review with you all in the new year! It’s brilliant (the book that is, my review might not quite live up to that!).

Kevin – Rob Biddulph
(review to come)
Another one of those brilliant books. This is one of those books that all kids will love. Plus Kevin is the absolute cutest thing in the world. The gorgeous people at the publishers sent me this book and I was SO happy when it came in the post! Rob Biddulph is a complete winner for me every single time.

Here We Are – Oliver Jeffers
BOOKBLOG: Oliver Jeffers
There is no denying that Oliver Jeffers is the absolute king of picture books. I reckon I own ALL of his picture books, and for me there’s not enough. Here We Are is absolutely incredible: it’s powerful with a brilliant message to deliver too. I definitely did not (I did) cry when I read it. Please get this for your kids, or yourself – you deserve a treat.

Grandad’s Secret Giant – David Litchfield
BOOKBLOG: David Litchfield
David Litchfield is hands down my favourite illustrator (his collaborations with Ross Montgomery in particular are some of my favourites… see Christmas Dinner of Souls and The Building Boy) and this is his first of 2 mentions on my list. Grandad’s Secret Giant was an instant winner at school: the story is beautiful and poignant. I absolutely adored it.

Superbat – Matt Carr
BOOKBLOG: Matt Carr
My twiglets actually won this book in a competition and I read it to them one day when I was with them. Since then I have bought myself a copy! It’s just brilliant. My twiglets (who are both 6) loved this so much and there’s some amazing illustrations in the book! Poppy even made an amazing bat joke afterwards… check out the blog post to find out more!

Franklin’s Flying Bookshop – Jen Campbell
(review to come)
I only recently bought this (see: the end of November) and finally got round to reading it to myself the other day, but MAN what a book. I absolutely loved the story and the illustrations. I am still processing my thoughts, give me a week to pull myself together!

The Grotlyn – Benji Davies
(review to come)
The Grotlyn was one of those books that I had seen so many of my twitter friends talk about, so when I was offered the chance to receive this book from the publisher I jumped at the chance. Man, what a book. It’s brilliant. Benji Davies is a master at what he does. This book is just excellent. 

Look For Ladybird in Plant City – Katherina Manolessou
Look for Ladybird
Again, the lovely publishers over at Quarto Books sent me a copy of this and I gladly accepted. I read it to the kids at school and they loved it –  the fact it was a “search and find” book had them on side instantly. They loved looking for all of the bits and bobs and then the ladybird too. I then took it to my twiglets, who LOVED it. It kept them engaged while their mam and I had a cup of coffee, and that’s saying something! 

When I Grow Up – Tim Minchin and Steve Antony
When I Grow Up blog tour 
I was exceptionally lucky to be invited on to the blog tor for this book, where Steve Antony, he illustrator, shared some exclusive sneak into some of the original sketches. You all know how much I adore Matilda, so for me, this was an incredible opportunity. This is the book of one of the songs from Matilda the Musical. I recommend everyone, every single one of you, buys this book. It’s wonderful.

The Marvellous Moon Map – Teresa Heapy and David Litchfield 
(review to come)
This is one of the loveliest books I’ve read this year. It’s an adorable tale of going on an adventure, following your dreams! The illustrations (courtesy of David Litchfield) are just wonderful, adding an additional level to a brilliant story. 

You Choose In Space – Nick Sharratt and Pippa Goodhart
BOOKBLOG: Sharratt/Goodhart
This isn’t TECHNICALLY a picture book, I’m not quite sure what the You Choose books are classed as, but it is too good to miss out. These books always go down a storm and I was very lucky to get a copy! These books are brilliant for talk, but also incredible fun. I’ve known a group of adults crowd around these books and discuss the ins and outs of choices! 

And there you go… my favourite picture books of 2017. There are many, many others I could’ve included! 

Which books would you have on your list?
Have you read any of my choices?
Which is your favourite of my choices?

Talk to me! Tweet me! Email me! Send a pigeon! 

S x