You probably know the name Bill Martin, Jr. from his beloved titles Chicka-Chicka-Boom-Boom and Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? You may not know that Bill Martin, Jr. has Kansas ties, and Emporia State University sponsors the Bill Martin, Jr. Picture Book Award. Each year, a selection committee takes suggested titles from librarians, teachers, and Kansas parents and narrows them down to the best ten picture books. The selection committee looks for books that will “promote an appreciation of quality literature in young children across Kansas” (Bill Martin, Jr Picture Book Award). Then, Kansas residents vote on the winner. 

To celebrate the release of the new 2026 nominees, check out these titles that we have at our library. And next February, register and vote on your favorites! (You must be a Kansas resident to register and vote.) All of these titles can be found on display in the Youth Services department, or place them on hold today!

2025 Bill Martin, Jr Picture Book Award Winner

Buffalo Fluffalo written by Bess Kalb and illustrated by Erin Kraan

When a buffalo comes in with an attitude that’s a little too big for his fluff, friends like the ram and the crow comfort him when he is cut down to size. An endearing tale about knowing how great you are, regardless of your size, Buffalo Fluffalo is a delight for all ages. 

And the 2026 Nominees Are…

Creep, Leap, Crunch!: A Food Chain Story written by Jody Jensen Shaffer; art by Christopher Silas Neal

In Creep, Leep, Crunch! we get a book that is part Dr. Suess, part Eric Carle, with beautiful and unique artwork. Readers go on a journey through the circle of life, with a safely vague understanding of how the food chain works in the wild. We start with the sun and plants, move on to insects and smaller animals, and then move to the predators. But don’t worry, grown-ups, the text supports the idea of the food chain, but no animals are harmed in the production of this book. Featuring a glossary in the back, this introduction to natural science is enjoyable and informative. 

Wind is a Dance written by Debra Kempf Shumaker; illustrated by Josée Bisaillon

This title is self-explanatory. Readers experience different types of wind through metaphors such as a fluttering butterfly, a supportive teammate, a spinning top, or “a feather–barely tickling your skin as it passes by.” While the story describes wind in simple but powerful poetic language, the author also includes information about wind in offset bubbles. The end note gives other facts about wind. Wind is a Dance is a whimsical exploration of our natural world. 

Ursula Upside Down by Corey R. Tabor. 

Adorable and simple, Ursula Upside Down teaches readers about a species of catfish in Africa and a little about perspective. Is it Ursula who’s upside down? When confronted with this fact, our title character learns to trust herself and makes a new friend in the process. The book’s interactive “flipped picture book format” and the lovable Ursula will help young ones find their own individuality. 

Gravity Is Bringing Me Down by Wendelin Van Draanen; illustrated by Cornelia Li

Leda and Gravity are not getting along. From the moment that Leda wakes up, it seems that Gravity is picking on her. She falls out of bed, fumbles and drops things, makes messes at breakfast, and trips everywhere she goes. But after a science lesson at school and a trip to the local space museum, Leda and Gravity seem to make up, ending the day with a full tummy–instead of food on the floor–and landing Leda safely in bed. Many young readers may relate to Leda’s struggle with gravity, but every child will find delight in the artwork and characters. Gravity Is Bringing Me Down is another great book about our natural world. 

The Bakery Dragon by Devin Elle Kurtz

“There’s nothing a dragon loves more than gold,” and we learn that Ember, the tiny dragon in this title, is not an exception. So Ember’s friend Blaze teaches him how to get all the gold he wants, the only problem is Ember is too small to scare it out of humans or carry something back to their dragon lair. But when he befriends the village baker, Ember learns that sharing gold is way better than taking it. The Bakery Dragon isn’t your classic dragon tale, but that’s what makes this story so unique and endearing. 

The Color of Love written by Poppy Harlow and Laura Jarrett; illustrated by Elisa Chavarri

When Grace’s teacher, Ms. Clementine, assigns the class to choose which color love is, Grace is stuck. Listening to her classmates gives her so many ideas that it’s hard to narrow down one color that means love to her. Inclusive and uplifting, The Color of Love will help all readers think about what is lovely in their own lives. 

The Curious Why written by Angela DiTerlizzi; illustrated by Lorena Alvarez

From the author of The Magical Yet, this new title in the series inspires little readers to get out and ask questions! “How does this glow? And what makes this grow? And where in the world did the dinosaurs go?” are all questions that the main character asks, once they are willing to listen to that tiny, curious voice just waiting at their side. Rhyming text is supported by colorful and sweeping illustrations. This is a great title to inspire little minds to get curious about the world around them and tackle boredom. 

Cape written by Kevin Johnson; illustrated by Kitt Thomas

Cape is a touching story about grief and dealing with the big emotions that come after losing a loved one. The main character, a child, uses their cape to help block out the memories that make dealing with death so hard. The simple text is relatable, and the resolution inspires hope that along with sadness comes the joy of memories. Beautiful artwork reinforces that hope, helping young readers process one of the most difficult parts of life. 

I’m Sorry You Got Mad written by Kyle Lukoff; illustrated by Julie Kwon

Saying sorry is hard. Especially when you don’t think you’re the one who did anything wrong. But in I’m Sorry You Got Mad, Jack learns from Ms. Rice that a good apology goes a long way. And that it might take a few tries to get to that apology when our own feelings get in the way. Young readers get a peek at Jack’s letters that attempt to apologize to classmate Zoe, guiding them through a good way to mend relationships when hurt feelings happen. It’s a good reminder for the grown-ups, too. 

After a While, Crocodile by Brad Sneed

Get ready for school with a little girl and her mother as they rhyme their way through the animal kingdom. This lift-flap book appeals to those little readers who enjoy interactive stories, animals, and a little boost to get going when they need it. It also features snippets of information about all of the animals in the back of the book. After a While, Crocodile is a fun and friendly way to help grown-ups get a routine going and practice the early literacy skills with rhyming.