This one is bold, expressive, and actually reminds me a lot of Maurice Sendak, in books like Mommy? and We’re All in the Dumps with Jack and Guy. McClintock is such a master I feel like any time she has a new book out it should be considered for this list. Allen Say took his artwork to new places for this bio of artist James Castle. I will not call this book a lock, I will not call this book a lock, I will not call this book a lock. The best illustrated list will occasionally recognize a nonfiction book, and there is no more impressively illustrated nonfiction in 2016 than Jason Chin’s latest. Unique techniques tend to stand out, and I’m thinking these cut paper and three dimensional illustrations will impress the committee. Smith has won two Best Illustrated awards and this book is maybe his most beautiful yet (and that’s saying something).

Town is by the Sea by Joanne Schwartz, illustrated by Sydney Smith

There’s usually a book or two on the list from small publishers that aren’t widely known – this is my pick. The bright colors and distinctive style are as eye-catching as they come.Ĭrown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut by Derrick Barnes, illustrated by Gordon C. This almost never happens, but the moment I saw the cover of this book I thought “Best Illustrated”.

Let me know what I missed in the comments. Who Has Published the Most NYT Best Illustrated Books in the Last Decade?īreakdown: The NYT Best Illustrated/Caldecott Overlap I’m back with a vengeance to (most likely incorrectly) name the books I think will appear on what never fails to be the most interesting picture book list of the year. Zero! But did that knock me out of the Best Illustrated predictin’ game? NO.

Best books to read 2017 nytimes