The list in my order
This Is New York by Miroslav Sasek
This is my favorite book about NYC, bar none. Originally published in 1960, the classic picture book is a time capsule of mid-century Manhattan with whimsical illustrations and fun facts. Though some details are outdated (phone booths!), it captures the timeless beauty of the skyline, the liveliness of city streets, and the diversity that still defines New York today.
Why I love it It has a retro charm adults enjoy just as much as kids, making it a great read-aloud for parents who love NYC history.
A Walk in New York by Salvatore Rubbino
Follow a boy and his dad as they walk through the city, from the Flatiron Building to Times Square. The illustrations are warm and detailed, packed with sights like food vendors, pigeons, and subway entrances. It’s both a story and an informal guide to the city’s major landmarks.
Why I love it It mirrors what real kids experience—walking, looking up, asking questions, and absorbing the everyday wonder of New York.
Sunshine by Ludwig Bemelmans
In this charming and lesser-known picture book by the creator of Madeline, a quiet little girl named Sunshine lives in a New York hotel for animals. When the building faces a crisis, Sunshine’s calm bravery and clever thinking save the day. The story is whimsical and warm, with elegant illustrations that capture a quirky, old-fashioned slice of city life.
Why I love it It’s vintage Bemelmans, with all the rhythm and charm of his more famous works, and it captures a whimsical version of NYC life that still feels true.
Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile by Bernard Waber
This book was one of my husband’s favorites growing up, but it wasn’t until we read it to Caroline that we realized the children’s book takes place in New York City! Lyle the crocodile lives in a townhouse on East 88th Street and wins over his initially skeptical neighbors with charm, courage, and bath-time acrobatics. This classic story is full of humor and heart, set in a very recognizable New York neighborhood.
Why I love it It’s a true NYC tale of acceptance and community—plus, who doesn’t love a crocodile in the city?
Eloise by Kay Thompson
Eloise is the quintessential New York City kid —bold, mischievous, and living her best life at The Plaza Hotel. With iconic illustrations and Eloise’s irreverent charm, it’s a hilarious peek into high society through a six-year-old’s lens. A love letter to Manhattan and its most fabulous (and chaotic) resident.
Why I love it:
Larry Gets Lost in New York City
When Larry the dog gets separated from his family during a trip to New York City. As Larry searches for them, he explores iconic landmarks across all five boroughs, including Times Square, Central Park, and Coney Island. Playful and sweet, the book offers young readers a unique dog’s-eye view of the city!
Why I love it It’s silly, colorful, and great for younger kids who enjoy funny animal characters.
Subway by Christoph Niemann
This board book is perfect for babies and toddlers obsessed with trains. It’s rhythmic and simple, with bold, graphic illustrations and minimal text. The story follows a father and his two children as they spend a rainy day exploring the New York City subway system. With rhythmic, minimal text and stylized illustrations, it captures the thrill of the subway for kids while offering subtle nods to city life that parents will appreciate too.
Why I love it The visuals are striking, and the sing-song rhythm is perfect for bedtime.
New York, Baby! by Ward Jenkins
New York, Baby! by Ward Jenkins is a charming introduction to iconic NYC sights through the eyes of a baby—think taxis, hot dog stands, pretzels, and playgrounds, all in bright, happy colors. With minimal words and maximum charm, it captures the hustle of the city from a stroller’s point of view. It’s like a baby’s first tour of the Big Apple—no MetroCard required.
Why I love it It’s compact, durable, and perfect for the stroller bag. Bonus points if your baby has actually tried a pretzel in Central Park.
You Can’t Take a Balloon into the Metropolitan Museum
This wordless picture book is a joy for anyone that loves charming illustrations. A girl leaves her balloon outside the Met before going in, and we follow its journey as it floats all over NYC. The illustrations are incredibly detailed, with nods to NYC life on every page.
Why I love it It encourages storytelling and observation skills.
The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats
Created by a Brooklyn-born author, this book is not exclusively about NYC, but the timeless classic evokes the feeling of a snowy city neighborhood beautifully. Peter’s quiet adventure through snow-covered streets and parks feels so familiar to anyone who’s ever experienced the first snowfall through a child’s eyes. Even without New York being the main character, this book is a must for kids (my daughter loves it!).
Why I love it It’s warm, gentle, and captures the wonder of childhood—urban or otherwise.
The Curious Garden by Peter Brown
Inspired by the High Line, this beautifully illustrated story tells the tale of a young boy who nurtures a forgotten patch of city garden into a lush green space. It’s not explicitly about New York, but the inspiration is clear, and city kids will recognize the urban backdrop.
Why I love it It quietly introduces environmental themes and shows how even one person (or one child!) can make the city better.
I hope these books are a good starting point for your family’s collection!
Antonina
