This is a list of books introducing by now popular and established picture book characters of the 21st century. We are typically looking for characters who have inspired a series of books for children, excluding comic books. Note: When you add a new character to the list, please add the first book in the corresponding series only.

The list is originally based on suggestions from the monthly picture book club of The Children's Books Group

Note to self promoting authors: Please read the list description carefully. Even if your book contains a fictional character in some capacity that doesn't necessarily make it a good fit for this list. In particular, if your book has less than 50 "real" ratings on Goodreads, your character most likely has not achieved the status of popular-and-established, even if you are planning to write another book about the character.