My littles love it when I read books that break the fourth wall. My son has a special love for The Monster at the End of This Book. I am quite partial to Press Here, Is Everyone Ready for Fun?, or Abner & Ian Get Right-Side Up. Well, luckily for all of us there are so many fun new picture books that break the fourth wall that have come out recently. Here are some of my new favorites. Enjoy!
Written by Maudie Powell-Tuck
Illustrated by Duncan Beedie
New York: Tiger Tales, 2026. Picture Book.
This is a silly book about a hamster that can’t control what he does. Of course the hamster wants to do all the things they shouldn’t (like pushing buttons) and the readers will enjoy telling Doug that they shouldn’t do things. So fun!
Written by Mac Barnett
Illustrated by Shawn Harris
New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 2026. Picture Book.
In this story the narrator talks to the reader…but the narrator is from the future. And the narrator wants to tell the reader all about what the future is like. This book will make readers laugh out loud at how silly the future may be—and will enjoy how the narrator breaks the fourth wall to let the reader know all about everything.
Written by Brooke Hartman
Illustrated by Anna Sussbauer
Salem, MA: Page Street Kids, 2025. Picture Book.
In this book readers help a narrator locate a missing hamster. Each page turn reveals a different aspect of the hamster—only to realize that it really isn’t the hamster. Such a clever book that helps readers practice their prediction skills.
By Sandra Boynton
New York: Little, Brown and Company, 2026. Picture Book.
This is a darling book that will make all the readers who have to go through separation cry. An adorable iguana tells the reader that they will miss them. They know the reader needs to go, but “Iguana miss you!” As soon as I saw this I totally had to read it out loud to someone on staff who is moving on to another job. And there were tears. Because it is such good emotions and feelings all directed at the reader who has to go away for a bit.
By Jashar Awan
New York: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2026. Picture Book.
This is a delightful book about a young child who is trying to learn how to tie their shoes. The best part is that there is a lot of fantastic positive self-talk about how to feel if you can’t do things on the first try. Plus the small little twist at the end made me smile.
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