Whale Harbor by Mary Beth Keane (Scribner) has been selected as the 2026 Barnes & Noble Book of the Year. In addition, B&N selected Is This a Plum? by Dan and Finn Ojari (Random House Children's Books) as Children's Gift Book of the Year; The Unlikely Tale of Chase and Finnegan by Jasmine Warga (Balzer + Bray) as Children's Book of the Year; and This Vast Enterprise by Craig Fehrman (Avid Reader Press) as Nonfiction Book of the Year.
Lexie Smyth, campaign manager of fiction at B&N, said, "I fell in love with the Joyce clan and the seaside village of Connemara from the very first pages of Whale Harbor. The excitement for a new Mary Beth Keane novel, especially after the success of Ask Again, Yes was apparent in the fantastic early reads, and that enthusiasm continued to build among our booksellers as early copies were passed from hand to hand. This novel is for everyone--it feels like an instant classic. Our booksellers will find joy in recommending it throughout the holiday season and beyond."
Stephanie Pinheiro, campaign manager of children's books at B&N, commented: "Sweet illustrations coupled with clever wordplay and a gorgeous package make Is This a Plum? the perfect interactive book for families to read together over and over (and over) again this holiday season. Prepare for plenty of giggles as surprises are unveiled on each page, demonstrating that things are not always as they first appear."
Bridgett Strawbrich, children's buyer at B&N, said, "Chase and Finnegan will warm your heart and remind you that in challenging times, the way through is connection and friendship. You will root for this troubled cheetah and pup as they deal with difficult pasts but find their way together to their happily-ever-after. This amazing story is based on true accounts from zoos; it is perfect for readers who love animals and are fans of A Wolf Called Wander and The One and Only Ivan."
Jess Lane, campaign manager of narrative nonfiction at B&N, called This Vast Enterprise "nonfiction at its finest. Craig Fehrman has given a voice to the voiceless, bringing forgotten figures to the forefront and spotlighting their integral contributions to the evolution of our fledgling nation. I flew through this book and truly believe it's a must-read for anyone who thinks they know the story of Lewis and Clark."
B&N CEO James Daunt commented: "2026 has been a wonderful year of publishing. Our stores have enjoyed a level of excitement with new publishing, month in, month out, that brings back misty-eyed memories of bookselling life before Amazon. With so many stand-out successes, our booksellers naturally look to the gems as yet unrecognized. Whale Harbor is an outstanding novel and, to pick just one of the others, Is This a Plum? a joyous picture book of which our youngest customers will demand endless rereading."