One of the simplest joys of parenting is curling up with a picture book at the end of the day. The hush of turning pages, the closeness of sharing a story, and the way children’s eyes widen at a funny rhyme or surprising picture — these are moments we tuck into memory.

But books aren’t just entertainment. They’re tools for growing empathy, sparking conversations, and helping children make sense of their world. And because the world keeps shifting, new stories keep blooming — stories that reflect the issues kids face today: belonging, resilience, inclusion, emotions, and imagination.

In this post, we’ve gathered six of the best new picture books (released in the past 12 months) for ages 3–8. They’re fun, they’re thoughtful, and they just might become family favourites.

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1. A Totally Big Umbrella — Sarah Crossan & Rebecca Cobb

Tallulah adores her things, but she hates when rain ruins them. When she discovers (or dreams about) an umbrella so big it can shield everything, she faces a conundrum: the umbrella protects, but it also limits.

This clever, whimsical story uses a simple metaphor to explore the balance between feeling safe and feeling free. For children who are anxious, cautious, or prone to wanting everything “just so,” it opens a gentle conversation about what protection means and how sometimes, stepping out into the rain can be worth it.

Try asking while reading:

• “What’s something that makes you feel safe?”
• “Have you ever wanted to hide away? How did it feel when you came out?”

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2. My Sister Is a Treasure — Tracy Darnton & Yasmeen Ismail

This joyful book celebrates how families express love through the names and nicknames we give. Everyone in the family has a different affectionate way of describing the baby sister — sometimes silly, sometimes serious, always loving.

It’s a celebration of identity, sibling bonds, and the richness of language. Children will giggle at the funny names while also absorbing the deeper message: that words matter, and that love can be shown in many ways.

Why it matters: For children adjusting to new siblings, this book helps normalise the swirl of emotions and highlights the joy of belonging to a family unit.

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3. Where to Hide a Star — Oliver Jeffers

From the beloved author of How to Catch a Star, this new adventure follows a protagonist in search of a missing star. The quest leads to the North Pole and, along the way, a surprising new friend.

Oliver Jeffers’s trademark illustrations and tender humour make this book a delight, but it also offers space to talk about loneliness, friendship, and hope. Children see that even when something precious feels lost, new connections can appear in unexpected places.

Prompt while reading: “What would you do if you found a star? Where would you hide it?”

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4. What We Wear When We Take Care — Sarah Finan

This picture book highlights the uniforms and protective gear worn by people in caring roles: doctors, firefighters, builders, scientists, and more.

It’s a celebration of community helpers and an accessible way to show children the tools that keep us safe. For kids who are fascinated by “big jobs,” this book fuels curiosity. For children who feel nervous about hospitals or emergency workers, it helps normalise and demystify the gear that can otherwise feel intimidating.

Try pairing with play: After reading, invite your child to play dress-up — even if it’s just using a tea towel as a cape — and pretend to be helpers in your own “community.”

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5. Mama Car — Lucy Catchpole

This important story gives representation to disabled parents, showing how a child experiences life with a mother who uses a wheelchair.

Written with warmth and honesty, Mama Car helps children see that families look many different ways — and that mobility aids like wheelchairs are not barriers but tools that empower independence.

Why it matters: Representation in books matters deeply. For children with disabled family members, this book is affirming. For others, it broadens empathy and normalises inclusion.

Discussion prompt: “What’s something your family does that makes you unique?”

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6. There’s a Tiger on the Train — Mariesa Dulak & Rebecca Cobb

Silly, surprising, and full of imagination — this is the kind of book that delights kids instantly. A tiger on a train? Why not!

This playful story invites children to imagine unlikely scenarios and see the ordinary (like a train ride) through extraordinary eyes. Bright illustrations and lively writing make it especially fun for read-alouds.

Why it matters: It shows children that the world is full of possibilities. It nurtures imagination, flexibility, and humour — qualities that make life a little lighter.

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Reading as a Conversation

One of the wonderful things about picture books is that they open doors. With each of these titles, you can ask small, open-ended questions:

• “How would you feel if that happened to you?”
• “What do you think will happen next?”
• “Why do you think they made that choice?”

You don’t need to turn story time into a lesson. Let the conversation stay playful and curious. Children absorb values and insights best when they come wrapped in wonder.

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Why New Books Matter

It can be tempting to reach for old favourites again and again (and we absolutely do, too). But introducing new books helps children:

• See diverse families, bodies, and experiences reflected.
• Keep growing vocabulary and imagination.
• Learn to connect stories to the world they live in right now.

A balanced bookshelf has room for both the timeless classics and the fresh stories of today.

Final Thought

The last 12 months have given us a stack of brilliant picture books — playful, thoughtful, and bursting with meaning. From umbrellas that protect and restrict, to sisters celebrated as treasures, to tigers on trains, each one is a seed for conversation and connection.

So next time you curl up for bedtime stories, slip in something new. You never know which book will become the one your child remembers years from now — the one that taught them how to imagine, how to feel, or how to see themselves in the world.

With fairy-tale whispers and a torch under the blanket,

Lily Luz
Spoon & Sky