Picture yourself immersed in a world of picture books! We take a look at ten of the best picture books for kids.
Regardless of whether there are any children in your life, picture books are a great way to get in touch with your own inner child. While it might not seem “cool” to read a picture book on your own, I can assure you that it is a deeply rewarding and comforting experience.
Because the world of children’s picture books is constantly evolving with new releases, it can be hard to keep up. Which books are the right choice for the little one in your life, and which books might even be compelling reads for you?
To help you navigate the vast sea of picture books, we’ve compiled this list of our ten favorite children’s picture books to read today. Combining both new releases and time-tested classics, this list will certainly have something for everyone.
Let’s take a look at the ten best picture books.
10. The Missing Piece by Shel Silverstein
This classic children’s picture book is the first entry in a two-part series that features beautiful black-and-white illustrations by creative mind Shel Silverstein.
It tells the tale of a nameless protagonist, a circle-shaped creature who is, quite literally, missing a wedge-shaped piece from its form. The protagonist ventures from place to place, seeking out its missing piece, and learns a lot about itself along the way.
The second book in the series is:
- The Missing Piece Meets The Big O
Why we recommend it: I like this picture book’s profound meditations on relationships and belonging.
9. The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg
Adapted into a successful film with voice acting by the likes of Tom Hanks, this classic children’s book tells the story of a young boy who is whisked away on the Polar Express one night to meet Santa.
The next morning he wakes up and is left to wonder: was it all a dream, or does Christmas magic really exist?
Why we recommend it: I love the sense of wonder and mystery in this book. It’s the perfect bedtime story.
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8. Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! by Mo Willems
This delightful children’s book tells the story of a pigeon who swoops in during a bus driver’s break to take over the bus route. Contrary to expectations, Pigeon is a success, making the day of everyone he meets.
There are a whopping eleven books in this charming series:
- Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!
- The Pigeon Finds a Hot Dog!
- Don’t Let the Pigeon Stay Up Late!
- The Pigeon Wants a Puppy!
- The Pigeon Has Feelings, Too!
- The Pigeon Loves Things That Go!
- The Duckling Gets a Cookie!?
- The Pigeon Needs a Bath!
- The Pigeon HAS to Go to School!
- Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! The Musical!
- The Pigeon Will Ride the Roller Coaster!
- Don’t Let the Pigeon Finish This Activity Book!
Why we recommend it: I love the whimsy of this book, Willem’s debut. (His prolific output is also admirable, with his latest book just out in June!)
7. The Cat in the Hat by Dr. Seuss
This classic picture book tells the story of a mischievous cat who brings a bit of joy and fun to a rainy day.
There are more than twenty books in this series, all of which can be found here.
Dr. Seuss’s stories are classics, with a new comic book Grinch story out in September.
Why we recommend it: I love the rhymes and silliness in this book.
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6. Where The Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak
Max has trouble obeying. Like all of us, he’s not perfect. When he falls asleep, he’s taken away to a dreamland where wild creatures are king.
This children’s picture book has stood the test of time, making it a modern classic.
Why we recommend it: I love this picture book’s encouragement of difference.
5. Into the Goblin Market by Vikki VanSickle and Jensine Eckwall
This picture book is a celebration of a classic poem about two sisters by writer Christina Rosetti.
Millie and Mina live an uneventful life on a small farm. Their routine is consistent, that is until the Goblin Market arrives in town. The sisters have been warned for ages to avoid the market at all costs. Mina, however, doesn’t heed the warning.
When she goes missing, her sister Millie must summon her bravery to bring Mina back…if she can.
Why we recommend it: I love the illustrations in this book, as well as its treatment of sisterhood.
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4. I Want My Hat Back by Jon Klassen
The bear has lost his hat, and he’s not happy about it. As he asks the other animals where his hat could be, he finds himself on a weird and dark adventure.
The other books in this series are:
- This Is Not My Hat
- We Found A Hat
Why we recommend it: I love the dark humor in this book, making it a great choice for kids and adults alike.
3. Madeline by Ludwig Bemelmans
Madeline lives a charmed life in her Paris boarding school. That is until she gets sick. Madeline must rely on her own courage and the kindness of others to make it through.
This classic picture book is part of an original series which also includes:
- Madeline’s Rescue
- Madeline and the Bad Hat
- Madeline and the Gypsies
- Madeline in London
- Madeline’s Christmas
Why we recommend it: I love the rhymes and atmosphere in this picture book.
2. The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle
The very hungry caterpillar is, well, hungry. He eats his way through increasingly impressive foods, fueling his journey to a beautiful butterfly.
Why we recommend it: I adore the wild and colorful illustrations in this delightful picture book.
1. A Different Pond by Bao Phi and Thi Bui
Winner of a 2018 Caldecott Honor, this picture book tells the story of a young boy who goes fishing with his father. As they strive to earn their daily meals, the father tells his son about fishing in a different pond in Vietnam in his youth.
Why we recommend it: I was blown away by the beautiful color illustrations in this picture book, as well as the profound narrative.
Whether you have children or are looking to connect with your own inner child, these ten children’s picture books are the perfect choice for your next sleepy evening.
