Ladybug Longlist: Transportation

Big Boy 4014 and the Steam Team: The World's Largest Steam Engine Roars Back to Life! by Marsha Diane Arnold

"A wonderful non-fiction book with widespread appeal and captivating illustrations. Inspiring in the face of a difficult challenge." -- nominator

Good Luck, Ice Cream Truck! by Sorche Fairbank

"A top circulating book for our kids this year!" -- nominator

Old Blue is My Home by Lita Judge

"A gorgeous, respectful window into housing insecurity from a New Hampshire-based author-illustrator. The story is sure to raise many questions from readers, but, also, hopefully, a more nuanced worldview." -- nominator

This post is one of a series of 14 "bite-sized" pieces into which we have divided the 2026 Ladybug Picture Book Award Long List to help NH librarians consider all the potential nominees. Please review the full list (or wait until we have covered all the titles) before you cast your vote as you can only vote once.

Ladybug Longlist: Swimming Creatures

The Den That Octopus Built by Randi Sonenshine

"Beautifully illustrated circle story that encompasses the life cycle of an octopus. Lots of fun facts in the back including author's notes. " -- nominator 

Don't Trust Fish by Neil Sharpson

"Hilarious mildly informational book that presents facts in a fun way while jokingly telling you to be suspicious of fish. Tickles the funny bone. This book is a perfect blend of educational and humor. It's a great book to read aloud and the kids respond to it very well! I read this at story-time and my group was all giggles. It's the perfect book for making learning fun." -- nominators

A Friend for Eddy by Ann Kim Ha

"An unlikely friendship - does it spell danger? Attractive pictures showing an interesting perspective. And how first impressions are not always correct, but someone may also surprise you." -- nominator

Parrotfish Has a Superpower by Jill Esbaum

"A wildly enthusiastic presentation of a somewhat niche fact (that parrotfish generate much of the world's beach sand), followed by a fun true-false quiz to extend/reinforce the learning." -- nominator

The Search for Carmella by Chloe Savage

"Creative look at science and exploration - while also showing through illustrations that we sometimes miss things when we are focused on something else." -- nominator 

This post is one of a series of 14 "bite-sized" pieces into which we have divided the 2026 Ladybug Picture Book Award Long List to help NH librarians consider all the potential nominees. Please review the full list (or wait until we have covered all the titles) before you cast your vote as you can only vote once.

Ladybug Longlist: Nature

The Everything Trail by Meg Fleming

"Beautiful illustrations that are not traditional make you feel like you are in the redwood forest with the characters." -- nominator

How the Forest Feels by Wendi Silvano

"Get our kids outdoors - we have a nature play group that meets weekly in town - this is the perfect read aloud before they go walking down a trail!" -- nominator

I Hear the Snow, I Smell the Sea by Janice Milusich

"Creative textured illustrations help guide the text through the seasons in a very relatable way for children of NH." -- nominator

Mighty: The Story of an Oak Tree Ecosystem by Henry Cole

"Beautifully illustrated book that shows the growth of an oak tree over 100's of years. Stunning illustrations with descriptive words." -- nominator

Stalactite & Stalagmite: A Big Tale From a Little Cave by Drew Beckmeyer

"This book is educational as well as entertaining. It goes through the life of a stalactite and a stalagmite from the beginning of time through the future when they finally become a column. It brings in other creatures that have entered their cave; such as a trilobite, a dinosaur, a bat, and people." -- nominator

The Wild Robot on the Island by Peter Brown

"This is a sweet adaption of the novel that is especially beautifully illustrated." -- nominator

This post is one of a series of 14 "bite-sized" pieces into which we have divided the 2026 Ladybug Picture Book Award Long List to help NH librarians consider all the potential nominees. Please review the full list (or wait until we have covered all the titles) before you cast your vote as you can only vote once.

Ladybug Longlist: Imagination & Creativity

Built to Last by Minh Lê

"A story of helping and what to do when things fall apart. Is a friendship really worth saving?" -- nominator

How to Write a Poem by Kwame Alexander

"The simple, lyrical text is less of a "how-to" lesson and more an exploration of what moves us to read, write, and love poetry. Colorful, collage-style illustrations are an inspiration in themselves, with lots to look at on each page. " -- nominator

If I Built a Town by Chris Van Dusen

"Fabulous illustrations and rhyming text appeal to all ages." -- nominator

Look by Gabi Snyder

"Visually interesting book with creative illustrations. Patterns to be found on every page, therefore engaging." -- nominator

Nothing: John Cage and 4'33" by Nicholas Day

"Charming, funny, and full of heart, this is a great introduction to the ideas and experiences to be found in art that might seem weird or pointless at first glance. Raschka's quirky illustration style is the perfect match to this creatively-told story about musical innovation." -- nominator

A Pocket Full of Rocks by Kristin Mahoney

"I think children will see themselves in the protagonist's small adventures and creativity with the things they find throughout the year. Could be a great jumping-off point for nature crafts or talking about collections." -- nominator

This post is one of a series of 14 "bite-sized" pieces into which we have divided the 2026 Ladybug Picture Book Award Long List to help NH librarians consider all the potential nominees. Please review the full list (or wait until we have covered all the titles) before you cast your vote as you can only vote once. 

Ladybug Longlist: Grabbag

 

All at Once Upon a Time by Mara Rockliff

"Fracturing and reassembling fairy tales at a frantic pace, this frenetic re-mix of old favorites will have kids reacting on every spread as their expectations are teed up...and then diverted, tweaked, or downright smashed." -- nominator

Ellie Has a Secret by Amelia Bothe

"The illustrations in this cautionary tale are so evocative that it could almost work as a wordless story. The creature that emerges unbidden from the shell that the protagonist pilfers from the classroom is the perfect visual metaphor that expands exponentially until she finally atones for her 'crime'". -- nominator

Not Just the Driver! by Sara Holly Ackerman

"Great rhyming story that talks about the people that often get overlooked in making our world run." -- nominator

Pop! Goes the Nursery Rhyme by Betsy Bird

"Fun and interactive, this book melds traditional rhymes into the action of a silly character." -- nominator

This post is one of a series of 14 "bite-sized" pieces into which we have divided the 2026 Ladybug Picture Book Award Long List to help NH librarians consider all the potential nominees. Please review the full list (or wait until we have covered all the titles) before you cast your vote as you can only vote once. 

Ladybug Longlist: Friendship & Cooperation

Aggie and the Ghost by Matthew Forsythe

"Beautiful, subtle illustrations with creative storytelling about how we often have thoughts about what we want, and those ideas do not always mesh with those around us. Shows kids how things don't always work out how we thought." -- nominator

The Big Squeeze by Molly Harris

"A fun, but thoughtful story of resilience, friendship and self care with bright illustrations. " -- nominator

Toto by Hyewon Yum

"Touching story with simple but expressive illustrations that celebrates visual uniqueness. It also shows how sometimes it takes someone else to remind us how special we are." -- nominator

This post is one of a series of 14 "bite-sized" pieces into which we have divided the 2026 Ladybug Picture Book Award Long List to help NH librarians consider all the potential nominees. Please review the full list (or wait until we have covered all the titles) before you cast your vote as you can only vote once.

Ladybug Longlist: Flying Creatures

The Bakery Dragon and the Fairy Cake by Devin Elle Kurtz

"Beautiful illustrations. a great message.  Don't give up keep learning, if you want to try something new - come to the library where you might find a book to help you learn." -- nominator

The Blue Jays That Grew a Forest by Lynn Street

"Interesting science facts that describe how forests grow with the help of Blue Jays. Great illustrations too! " -- nominator

Cranky, Crabby Crow (Saves the World) by Corey R. Tabor

"What seems at first like a straightforward story about being nice to others if you want to keep your friends includes a plot twist that turns it into a story about persistence and taking care of others. It's humorous and includes a secret code to solve as well." -- nominator

Papilio by Ben Clanton, Andy Chou Musser, Corey R. Tabor

"Clever collaboration between three accomplished author/illustrators about the life cycle of a butterfly." -- nominator

The Red Jacket by Bob Holt

"Aside from the charming illustrations, this story of a lonely seagull who feels invisible, receives a wonderful gift (spoiler- it's a red jacket. With fries in the pocket!!!) that makes him feel like people finally notice him. When tragedy strikes, he realizes that the jacket wasn't what made him special, and that he's had friends all along. A nice little pay-it-forward ending as well. I've read it to preschool groups through high school, and it's a hit every time!" -- nominator

Rory the Remarkable Dragon by Kathryn Rammell

"Hilarious book with a case of mistaken identity. A fun twist on the "fish out of water" story that celebrates uniqueness." -- nominator

Seven Little Ducklings by Annette Leblanc Cate

"Super sweet story with beautiful pictures about a mother taking on all of the babies that need her, not just her own. A little silly, with lots of love and sweetness." -- nominator

To See an Owl by Matthew Cordell

"An exquisitely illustrated ode to patience, devotion -- and owls. A young girl (with support from both her mother and teacher) puts in the legwork that finally yields a sighting, like a more realistic, kid-driven version of 'Owl Moon'." -- nominator

This post is one of a series of 14 "bite-sized" pieces into which we have divided the 2026 Ladybug Picture Book Award Long List to help NH librarians consider all the potential nominees. Please review the full list (or wait until we have covered all the titles) before you cast your vote as you can only vote once.

Ladybug Longlist: Family

The Interpreter by Olivia Abtahi

"Cecilia struggles to balance her desire to be a kid and play soccer with her "job" as the interpreter for her parents, who speak Spanish. She learns that she can ask for help from others, who form an interpretation team that allows her more time to be a kid, while still helping her family. There are bits of humor throughout that make a big topic approachable to younger children. A kid just wanting to be a kid but having to also help her non-English speaking parents. Shows a perspective and helps to teach empathy about others." -- nominators

We Could Fly by Rhiannon Giddens

"This picture book version of Giddens' song celebrates bonds of family and ancestry, inspired by Virginia Hamilton's "The People Could Fly." The moving dialogue between mother and daughter is complimented by lovely, dreamlike illustrations. " -- nominator

This post is one of a series of 14 "bite-sized" pieces into which we have divided the 2026 Ladybug Picture Book Award Long List to help NH librarians consider all the potential nominees. Please review the full list (or wait until we have covered all the titles) before you cast your vote as you can only vote once.

Ladybug Longlist: Emotions & Feelings

Broken by X. Fang

"Beautiful story sprinkled with subtle humor and genuine emotion. Fang captures the fears and fun of childhood and the wisdom that comes with age in this gem of a book. Even though the title and cover illustration seem to tell the whole story, kids will be riveted by the characters' roles and reactions as the expected drama unfolds. This book is about empathy and owning up to your mistakes, but it comes with a healthy dose of X. Fang's humor, which delighted many of my students when we read "We Are Definitely Human" in 2025." -- nominators

Harold the Iceberg Melts Down by Lisa Wyzlic

"An adorable, vividly illustrated tale of worry and how friends can help calm anxious feelings with a little touch of concern about our planet thrown in. " -- nominator

The Humble Pie by Jory John

"This book is familiar to kids as it's a part of a "series", with digestible positive messages (being humble doesn't mean you can't shine!)  and adorable illustrations I truly believe all children would benefit from the read." -- nominator

This post is one of a series of 14 "bite-sized" pieces into which we have divided the 2026 Ladybug Picture Book Award Long List to help NH librarians consider all the potential nominees. Please review the full list (or wait until we have covered all the titles) before you cast your vote as you can only vote once.

Ladybug Longlist: Cats & Dogs

At the Rescue Cat Café by Anna Humphrey

"This enchanting story unfolds in a charming little café that serves as a haven for adorable kittens, helping them find their forever homes. The vibrant illustrations bring every page to life, capturing the playful antics of the cuddly cats. It's a delightful sight to see the children, wide-eyed and captivated, as they immerse themselves in the enchanting world of these lovable felines!"-- nominator

Cat Nap by Brian Lies

"This book works on multiple levels. Younger children will enjoy following the cat as it chases the mouse, while older children and those with a particular interest in art can delve more fully into the featured works of art. All can appreciate Brian Lies' efforts to reproduce the original works and understand they can create art, too. Creative way to tell a story through exposure to museum artwork. Interesting illustrations/artwork that help to lead the reader through the story. "-- nominators

Cats on Cats on Cats by Maddie Frost

"Silly story about how sometimes our best intentions go sideways, but honesty is always the best policy." -- nominator

If We Were Dogs by Sophie Blackall

"Beautiful illustrations and important message. This book presents the dynamic between a more assertive friend and a quieter one. The characters come to common ground in a respectful and kind manner, and the message that everyone deserves to have a voice is shared." -- nominator

Spooky by Sally Anne Garland

"Illustrations throughout cleverly include hints of an elusive cat who is squatting in a family's new home. In parallel, the family adjusts to their new home as the cat learns to trust the new family." -- nominator

This post is one of a series of 14 "bite-sized" pieces into which we have divided the 2026 Ladybug Picture Book Award Long List to help NH librarians consider all the potential nominees. Please review the full list (or wait until we have covered all the titles) before you cast your vote as you can only vote once.

Ladybug Longlist: Bravery & Perseverance

The Biggest, Highest Wave by Kerry McQuaide

"Visually appealing rhyming book about a natural phenomenon and not being afraid to try something hard." -- nominator

The Squish by Breanna Carzoo

"A story of resilience with wide age appeal. " -- nominator

A Universe Big & Small: A Story about Carl Sagan by James Yang

"A creative look at the ideas and life of Carl Sagan. Not biographical per se but gives insight into his life and contributions to science. Wonderful illustrations." -- nominator

This post is one of a series of 14 "bite-sized" pieces into which we have divided the 2026 Ladybug Picture Book Award Long List to help NH librarians consider all the potential nominees. Please review the full list (or wait until we have covered all the titles) before you cast your vote as you can only vote once.

Ladybug Longlist: Books & Reading

The Day the Books Disappeared by Joanna Ho

"Creative story about unexpected consequences. Super engaging illustrations." -- nominator 

The Dictionary Story by Oliver Jeffers

"I think this is the most unique picture book I've read in a while! There is a ton of information within the book about it's creation, and so many little details that readers would love! The story is tremendous, and the little bespoke definitions included on the end pages and periphery of the story proper are delightful." -- nominator

Never Give a Baby a Library Card by Erin Sandberg

"Everyone loves babies, and this is a funny, empowering approach to planting seeds for lifelong learning." -- nominator

The Pass by Sara Laux Akin

"A heartwarming, satisfyingly circular tale of young athletes who are also dedicated readers. In quick tableaus, the protagonist experiences a myriad of relatable real-kid feelings as a best friend moves away and a new baby joins the family. A hand-me-down book dulls the ache and opens the door to a new friendship." -- nominator

This post is one of a series of 14 "bite-sized" pieces into which we have divided the 2026 Ladybug Picture Book Award Long List to help NH librarians consider all the potential nominees. Please review the full list (or wait until we have covered all the titles) before you cast your vote as you can only vote once. 

Ladybug Longlist: Bears

Bear and the Three Goldilocks by Patrick Horne

"Delightful old school illustrations of a fractured fairytale. This spin on the classic does not end as expected!" -- nominator

Bear in a Bathrobe by Maddie Frost

"Fun illustrations and an appealing story of a bear overcoming anxiety to enjoy the outdoors with friends (and underwear!) " -- nominator

The Keeper of Stars by Jennifer Harris

"Visually appealing book that has a boy flying up to the sky every night to help "take care of" the stars. Creative and silly in parts, but heartwarming as well." -- nominator 

This post is one of a series of 14 "bite-sized" pieces into which we have divided the 2026 Ladybug Picture Book Award Long List to help NH librarians consider all the potential nominees. Please review the full list (or wait until we have covered all the titles) before you cast your vote as you can only vote once. 

Ladybug Longlist: Animals

Emmie Builds Something New by Marjorie Crosby-Fairall

"The illustrations are so wonderful and detailed - beautiful pencil sketches. And the Rube-Goldberg creations from this resourceful mouse are amazing -- my kiddo finds something new every time. Ending is very sweet as well." -- nominator

Molly, Olive, and Dexter: You Can't Catch Me! by Catherine Rayner

"Illustrations are beautiful and kids love to play tag, great way to discuss how everyone can "win", everyone has different abilities and friendship." -- nominator

The Man Who Didn't Like Animals by Deborah Underwood

"Wonderful, funny story about a man whose mind is changed about animals and how that change in perspective makes his life better!" -- nominator

The Trouble With Giraffes by Lisa Mantchev

"It is a story of friendship and respect. It also shows compromise in a relatable way." -- nominator

The True and Lucky Life of a Turtle by Sy Montgomery

"Wonderful information and illustrations. We have snapping turtles in NH and is relevant to NH kids. Some turtles get injured and need help." -- nominator

There's No Place Like Gnome's by Scott Magoon

"I love the artwork and the colors he uses to create a forest landscape. I also enjoy the message about why conservation matters." -- nominator

Who Ate Steve?  by Susannah Lloyd

"It's hysterical for all ages" -- nominator

Zebra and Yak: The Backwards Alphabet Book by Paul Friedrich

"An irreverent take on a traditional ABC book that trusts that readers understand how the alphabet is traditionally presented...and then surprises them with silly, gross, and surprising entries in reverse alpha order." -- nominator

Zip Zap Wickety Wack: A Story About Sharing by Matthew Diffee

"A great story about sharing and friendship and respecting one another." -- nominator

This post is one of a series of 14 "bite-sized" pieces into which we have divided the 2026 Ladybug Picture Book Award Long List to help NH librarians consider all the potential nominees. Please review the full list (or wait until we have covered all the titles) before you cast your vote as you can only vote once. 

Ladybug Picture Book Award 2026 Longlist

Since mid-December we have collected potential nominations from NH librarians for the 2026 Ladybug Picture Book Award and are now ready to gather votes from NH's librarians on which of the 64 titles suggested belong on the final list of nominees for this year's award. If you work in a public or school library in NH you are invited to vote on the nominees.

Before you vote, you will want to review the long list of suggested titles and decide on your selections. You can vote for up to 5 titles from the long list. There will be a second round of voting when this round closes. The top vote-getters from this survey will be put up to another vote by the NH library community to select the very best choices for our list.

Starting Monday, 1/19/26 and the next 13 weekdays after, we will be posting groups of the long list nominees for your consideration. These are sets of books grouped by theme to help you consider all the books in more manageable batches. The topics are, in many cases, only one aspect of what the book is "about" and many books could have gone into multiple topics, but we wanted to provide "bite-sized pieces" of the rather long long list and these themes let us group the titles so that no post has too many books in it.

Once you have reviewed the options and made your choices you will cast your vote online. 

You may vote between now and Sunday, February 22, 2026. 

We expect to announce the second round of nominee voting here on the blog in late February.

Ladybug Longlist: School

Mr. S: A First Day of School Book by Monica Arnaldo

"This book is hilarious.  My kiddos crack up when reading how the students in the story think that the sandwich on their teacher's desk is their new teacher while readers can see all the crazy things happening in the parking lot with their actual teacher.  The ending had a funny twist that is sure to stay with readers for a long time." -- nominator

Rick the Rock of Room 214 by Julie Falatko

"Rick the Rock dreams of adventure away from the Nature Finds shelf of Room 214. He makes his dreams come true, but then realizes things aren't always greener on the other side. Told with humor and a dash of geology, I know I was rooting for Rick to find his way back home. " -- nominator

The Yellow Bus by Loren Long

"I loved the way the bus was "filled with joy" whether it carried people "from one important place to another" or not. Also, the impact of the color yellow from the bus on the black and white drawings was stunning. The simple text and detailed illustrations tells the story of the life of a school bus and the many ways it serves the community." -- nominator

This post is one of a series of 15 "bite-sized" pieces into which we have divided the 2025 Ladybug Picture Book Award Long List to help NH librarians consider all the potential nominees. Please review the full list (or wait until we have covered all the titles) before you cast your vote as you can only vote once.

Ladybug Longlist: Nature

The Girl Who Built an Ocean: An Artist, an Argonaut, and the True Story of the World's First Aquarium by Jess Keating

"This book exposes children to narrative nonfiction and tells a really interesting story about the woman who created the first aquarium.  Shark Lady is a very popular book in our school, and this book will surely have the same impact on students.  These stories show children that every day normal people that work hard to follow their dreams can do amazing things and change the world for the better." -- nominator

Mermaids' Song to the Sea by Dianna Hutts Aston

"Gorgeous rhyming picture book with colorful, and magical, illustrations." -- nominator

Millie Fleur's Poison Garden by Christy Mandin

"This book is about a weird little girl and her weird garden which eventually wins over the hearts of the townspeople who wanted to ban it. The unique plants and illustrations in this story are sure to be a hit and the sepia tones are appealing to readers who enjoy their calming nature." -- nominator

One Day This Tree Will Fall by Leslie Barnard Booth

"Vibrant and moving illustrations." -- nominator

This is Not My Lunchbox by Jennifer Dupuis

"Can you guess what animal eats from each lunchbox?  This nonfiction book features gorgeous illustrations of woodland animals, birds and insects and the foods they eat.  A feast for the eyes!" -- nominator

Trunk Goes Thunk!: A Woodland Tale of Opposites by Heather C. Morris

"Charming characters, carefully chosen color pallet that elevates a book about opposites." -- nominator

When You Find the Right Rock by Mary Lyn Ray

"Relatable for every child who can't resist picking up the perfect rock to take home." -- nominator

This post is one of a series of 15 "bite-sized" pieces into which we have divided the 2025 Ladybug Picture Book Award Long List to help NH librarians consider all the potential nominees. Please review the full list (or wait until we have covered all the titles) before you cast your vote as you can only vote once.

Ladybug Longlist: Imagination & Creativity

Ahoy! by Sophie Blackall

"Wonderfully fun illustrations that are appropriate for such a fun imaginative book. A joyous tale that brings out the creative juices and inspires children to use their imagination." -- nominator

The Curious Why by Angela DiTerlizzi

"Beautiful illustrations with an amazing message to always stay curious will help set up children to be the life-long learners we hope they will be." -- nominator

The Fantastic Bureau of Imagination by Brad Montague

"This book encourages children to use their imagination and share their amazing ideas with others.  The story is written in a unique way that stands out from other children's books and has illustrations that are appealing to children." -- nominator

Gifts from the Garbage Truck: A True Story About the Things We (Don't) Throw Away by Andrew Larsen

"This story is based on a real person with a gift for finding purpose in items others find value-less. It also recognizes a person's success and influence out of the limelight." -- nominator

Treehouse Town by Gideon Sterer

"What a fun book! Imagination at its best. How cool would it be to be a kid in a treehouse with tons of friends and animals! You can get lost in the illustrations and have such a fun time reading to children with all the funny antics the illustrator creates on the pages." -- nominator

The Truth About the Couch by Adam Rubin

"Great illustrations, ridiculously funny with sound effects (bleep machine), creative ending." -- nominator

This post is one of a series of 15 "bite-sized" pieces into which we have divided the 2025 Ladybug Picture Book Award Long List to help NH librarians consider all the potential nominees. Please review the full list (or wait until we have covered all the titles) before you cast your vote as you can only vote once.

Ladybug Longlist: Identity & Self Acceptance

Buffalo Fluffalo by Bess Kalb

"Great illustrations and a story with a wonderful voice. It's adorable, and hysterical, and obnoxiously rhyming, and talks about handling big feelings ." -- nominator

Home in a Lunchbox by Cherry Mo

"The artwork is delicious! In fact, the illustrations tell almost the entire story of a young girl's adjustment to school in America. The endpapers offer a prologue and epilogue; a peek underneath the dust jacket reveals a clever connection to the story. This one will tug at your heartstrings and cause your belly to rumble. Thankfully, the back matter will answer most of your students' language and menu questions." -- nominator

Masterpiece by Alexandra Hoffman

"This beautiful story encourages empathy and inclusion as well as sharing that everyone is beautiful in their differences.  Not many children's stories can depict autism in such an accurate way to ensure readers understand that others may think and feel in ways differently than they do or allow autistic readers to feel seen." -- nominator

Ready to Soar by Cori Doerrfeld

"What a great book for children and their self esteem. We often listen too much as to what others think of us and the ending of this story just makes you want to hug the characters." - nominator

Rory the Remarkable Dragon by Kathryn Rammell

"Delightful tale of a chicken that everyone thinks is a remarkable dragon. So warm and adorable and about seeing the best in people. " -- nominator

Scorch, Hedgehog of Doom by Cate Berry

"Funny and clever with adorable illustrations. You can’t help but love Scorch as you ride her ups, downs, and throughs in the quest for authentic self.  -- nominator

The Teeny-Weeny Unicorn by Shawn Harris

"Every kid will relate to Teeny-Weeny Unicorn, as he figures out how to live in a world not made for his stature." -- nominator

Wallflowers by Mackenzie Joy

"To all the introverted kids this story speaks to them!" -- nominator

This post is one of a series of 15 "bite-sized" pieces into which we have divided the 2025 Ladybug Picture Book Award Long List to help NH librarians consider all the potential nominees. Please review the full list (or wait until we have covered all the titles) before you cast your vote as you can only vote once.

Ladybug Longlist: Grab bag

This collection of books are ones that didn't fit into any other category -- but sometimes the outliers are the ones worth watching!

Are You Big? by Mo Willems

"The bold bright illustrations appeal to students and the text is easy to follow. Love the idea that students are taken on a tour of the universe in terms that they can relate to." -- nominator

Lefty: A Story That Is Not All Right by Mo Willems

"Perfect pairing of author/illustrator! A very funny book with some history about left-handed discrimination." -- nominator

One Chicken Nugget by Tadgh Bentley

"This story teaches a great lesson of being careful what you wish for with vibrant pictures and intriguing characters. My students who have read it love it!" -- nominator

When You Have to Wait by Melanie Conklin

"I have recommended this book to so many families that have a loved one traveling and the child is struggling with waiting. Waiting is very hard for children and this is such a simple story to spark conversations with families." -- nominator

The Wrong Book by Drew Daywalt

"This silly book breaks the fourth wall and the kids love it.  A bookmark is the narrator, which is perfect for reading at the beginning of the school year." -- nominator

This post is one of a series of 15 "bite-sized" pieces into which we have divided the 2025 Ladybug Picture Book Award Long List to help NH librarians consider all the potential nominees. Please review the full list (or wait until we have covered all the titles) before you cast your vote as you can only vote once.