What are the best picture books for kids? The list is somewhat objective, of course, but here are my top 111 – the ones I hope every kid is exposed to. For the sake of brevity, I am only looking at picture books – illustrated chapter books are not included (although this is fuzzy, so… grains of salt).
For
Younger Children and Classics
A
Bear Called Paddington
– Michael Bond & Peggy Fortnum
Illustrations:
3/5. Story: 5/5. Lesson: 3/5.
The
abridged picture-book version of the Paddington story covers his arrival and
settling-in with his adoptive family. The little bear’s curiosity (sometimes
leading to trouble) and friendliness make for a pleasant, but still relatable,
role-model for children.
A
Sick Day for Amos McGee
– Philip C. Stead & Erin E. Stead
Illustrations:
4/5. Story: 3/5. Lesson: 5/5.
A great
introduction to friendship, this award-winning work tells of how friends look
after one another, even if those friends are zoo animals. Very sweet, at times
it allows the images to do the storytelling – always a plus.
Bears – Ruth Krauss & Phyllis
Rowland
Illustrations:
4/5. Story: 5/5. Lesson: 1/5.
This
work is hilarious. The demented illustrations and bizarre concepts pair
perfectly in a short surreal masterpiece. A later version, illustrated by
rockstar Maurice Sendak, has far less charm.
Caps
for Sale – Esphyr
Slobodkina
Illustrations:
4/5. Story: 4/5. Lesson: 2/5.
A
charming little tale about a man who sells caps, and the cheeky monkeys who
steal them. The well-done but child-like illustrations illuminate a pleasant
little world, and the clever way the man gets his caps back will stick with
children.
Corduroy – Don Freeman
Illustrations:
4/5. Story: 5/5. Lesson: 3/5.
There
are two delightful takeaways from this story: the first, is the inquisitive
teddy bear’s approach to his department store world. The second is the little
girl’s persistence in making a new friend. Nearly as excellent is the
follow-up: A Pocket for Corduroy.
Don’t
Let Pigeon Drive the Bus
– Mo Willems
Illustrations:
5/5. Story: 2/5. Lesson: 5/5.
In this
short work a pigeon sounds an awful lot like a young child, and rattles off all
the common excuses and attempts to get their way. The fabulously simple
pictures convey the pigeon’s emotions well.
Each
Peach Pear Plum – Janet
& Allan Ahlberg
Illustrations:
4/10. Story: 3/10. Lesson: 1/10.
This
simple rhyming book lets children into a storybook world, where the three bears
meet Cinderella, and the Wicked Witch lives near Jack & Jill. The premise
is revisited, in a great picture book for older readers: Jeremiah in the
Dark Woods, by the same authors.
Go
Dog, Go – P.D.
Eastman
Illustrations:
3/5. Story: 3/5. Lesson: 1/5.
A
simple little collection of stories and phrases, Eastman’s classic is still fun
to read. Still a great choice for basic words and phrases, with some solid
humor thrown in via the illustrations and the hat story.
Good
Dog, Carl –
Alexandra Day
Illustrations:
4/5. Story: 2/5. Lesson: 2/5.
With no
words beyond the last page, we join a good dog, Carl, who takes care of a
little baby. A nice example of a wordless book, this is a great choice for
parents who want to make up a story and talk through what is happening on the
page.
Goodnight
Moon – Margaret
Wise Brown & Clement Hurd
Illustrations:
5/5. Story: 5/5. Lesson: 3/5.
One of
the most-beloved kids’ books of all-time, and the de facto going to bed story.
The end of the book gets weirdly… poignant? Hurd’s classic illustrations create
a delightful world.
Hippos
Go Berserk –
Sandra Boynton
Illustrations:
3/5. Story: 4/5. Lesson: 3/5.
Boynton’s
familiar style is on display in this fun counting book. The lesson is also
worthwhile: too many hippos (or party guests of any kind) makes for a big
problem.
I
Can Fly – Ruth
Krauss & Mary Blair
Illustrations:
5/5. Story: 3/5. Lesson: 2/5.
One of
the best in the Little Golden Book series, this book for young children
portrays ways you can use your imagination. Later editions pare down the
original, which is a shame, since legendary illustrator and animator Mary
Blair’s art is a decided plus.
If
You Give a Mouse a Cookie
– Laura Joffe Numeroff & Felicia Bond
Illustrations:
4/5. Story: 4/5. Lesson: 5/5.
Another
great animal stand-in for a young child, the hyper little mouse gives a boy an
exhausting run for his money as he bounces from activity to activity. A
wonderful way to help children develop empathy for parents.
In
the Night Kitchen
– Maurice Sendak
Illustrations:
5/5. Story: 3/5. Lesson: 2/5.
This
bizarre story follows a beautiful dream logic into the land of the Night
Kitchen, where buildings are pantry items and the cooks all look like Oliver
Hardy, for some reason… Amusing and weird fun.
It’s
Halloween – Jack
Prelutsky & Marylin Hafner
Illustrations:
4/5. Story: 4/5. Lesson: 3/5.
Prelutsky’s
simple, but excellent, rhymes give a nice, not-too-spooky introduction to
Halloween for children. There are ghosts and goblins, but they are relatively
benign, teaching kids that it’s okay for things to be just a little spooky.
Johnny
Crow’s Garden –
Leslie Brooks
Illustrations:
5/5. Story: 4/5. Lesson: 2/5.
A
delightful old book, the expressive illustrations really sell the story. As the
crow hosts a garden party there are also lessons to be learned about good party
etiquette – again, vividly and amusingly illustrated.
King
Baby – Kate Beaton
Illustrations:
5/5. Story: 4/5. Lesson: 3/5.
Another
great book about empathy for parents! Beaton’s drawings are often
laugh-out-loud funny, as is her storytelling: both due to her successful
background in humor comics. Fun for children as well as grownups.
The
Little Engine That Could
– Watty Piper
Illustrations:
3/5. Story: 2/5. Lesson: 4/5.
Admittedly,
this book is not aging super well. The story is relatively long, and the
repetition a bit grating. For now, though, the classic lesson of perseverance
retains its spot, but newer works with the same message (and fun rhymes and
noises) like Little Blue Truck are great alternatives.
The
Little Red Hen –
Paul Galdone
Illustrations:
4/5. Story: 2/5. Lesson: 5/5.
This
funny telling of the popular morality lesson is enhanced by Galdone’s delightful
pictures, which capture perfectly the emotions from the three layabouts. A
great edition of the story to have on hand.
The
Mitten – Jan Brett
Illustrations:
5/5. Story: 3/5. Lesson: 3/5.
A
winter or Christmas classic. A young boy asks for a pair of white mittens, is
told that’s a bad idea, loses one, and brings it back, ruined from forest
animals trying to squeeze inside. Nice example of the ‘straw that broke the
camel’s back’ as a lesson.
The
Monster at the End of This Book
– Jon Stone & Michael Smollin
Illustrations:
5/5. Story: 5/5. Lesson: 1/5.
A
standout in the Little Golden Book series. Grover pleads, page after page, for
you to stop turning the pages. Weird and wonderful, and genuinely funny, it’s a
blast to read as the Sesame Street character gets increasingly unhinged.
Owl
Babies – Martin
Waddell & Patrick Benson
Illustrations:
3/5. Story: 5/5. Lesson: 5/5.
Sweet
and amusing, this story does a great job handling a child’s natural fears about
parents leaving and coming back. An improved take on Are You My Mother?
with better humor and messaging.
Pat
the Bunny –
Dorothy Kundhart
Illustrations:
4/5. Story: 1/5. Lesson: 1/5.
It’s
hard to rate board books for the very small – often perfectly nice books are
just pages of pictures with the word underneath. Because of Pat the Bunny’s famed
textures and interactive pages, though, it can get a special place on the list,
doubling as an increasingly peculiar curiosity of an earlier age of children’s
books.
Richard
Scarry’s Best Storybook Ever
– Richard Scarry
Illustrations:
5/5. Story: 5/5. Lesson: 3/5.
This
classic combines scores of stories, from gentle alphabet pages to funny mystery
stories. All are illustrated in Scarry’s trademark drawing style or his lush
painting style. A wonderful world of content, to be soaked up for hours.
Ride
a Purple Pelican –
Jack Prelutsky & Garth Williams
Illustrations:
5/5. Story: 4/5. Lesson: 2/5.
A
series of delightful, often geographic, poems that will stick with you for
years after. Williams’ acclaimed illustrations lend a memorable vividness to
the nonsense verses.
Rosebud
– Ludwig Bemelmans
Illustrations:
2/5. Story: 3/5. Lesson: 3/5.
Rosebud,
a rabbit, is incensed with the portrayal of his kind in the world and seeks to
rectify it. His clever little plan is amusing, and Bemelmans’ illustrations are
very funny. The lesson of brains over brawn is always welcome.
The
Runaway Bunny –
Margaret Wise Brown & Clement Hurd
Illustrations:
5/5. Story: 5/5. Lesson: 5/5.
The
dream-team managed to outdo themselves on this gorgeous, moving masterpiece of
children’s literature. The theme, of a parent’s unwavering love for their
child, is conveyed with warmth and feeling.
The
Sleepy Little Lion
– Margaret Wise Brown & Ylla
Illustrations:
4/5. Story: 4/5. Lesson: 2/5.
File
this one under ‘weird and wonderful.’ It is also quite charming – a sleepy lion
cub wants to see the world, but is just too sleepy. Full of odd twists and
turns, it makes for a precious bedtime story.
The
Snowy Day – Jack
Keats
Illustrations:
4/5. Story: 3/5. Lesson: 2/5.
A nice
introductory book on snow and snow days. The modernist illustrations are
captivating, and there is a sweet little story of a boy’s exploring his snowy
world.
Stella
and Roy – Ashley
Wolff
Illustrations:
3/5. Story: 5/5. Lesson: 5/5.
This
presents a nice take on the tortoise and the hare, and is benefitted by
relatable child characters and some genuinely funny storytelling and dialogue.
The gentle ending teaches a good lesson about sportsmanship.
The
Very Hungry Caterpillar
– Eric Carle
Illustrations:
4/5. Story: 2/5. Lesson: 2/5.
Carle
made a cottage industry of his finger-paint-style illustrations, but this
simple counting book remains the favorite, thanks to its fun flaps and holes.
Those seeking a more robust story will enjoy The Very Quiet Cricket.
What
Was That? – Geda
Bradley Matthews & Normand Chartier
Illustrations:
3/5. Story: 3/5. Lesson: 4/5.
How do
we explain the sounds in the night that keep us up? This book dispels those
normal fears for children, and has a bonus second lesson at the end regarding
the perils of jumping into bed with mom and dad.
Where’s
Spot? – Eric Hill
Illustrations:
3/5. Story: 1/5. Lesson: 1/5.
The
popular lift-the-flap series can provide lasting entertainment for young
children. Spot provides a recognizable child (in dog form) that kids can
connect to. There are many more books in the series, if your child enjoys the
flaps.
Where
the Wild Things Are
– Maurice Sendak
Illustrations:
4/5. Story: 4/5. Lesson: 4/5.
This
popular story tells of Max, who is a typical childish troublemaker, wanting to
be a ‘wild thing’ on a monsters’ island. The lesson comes that perhaps he doesn’t
want to be a real monster after all.
Captivating
Illustrations
An
Alphabet of Old Friends and the Absurd ABC – Walter Crane
Illustrations:
5/5. Story: 3/5. Lesson: 2/5.
Gorgeous
pictures from the late 19th century Golden Age of children’s
illustration. The alphabet focuses mostly on Mother Goose characters. That
said, these are dated rhymes and sometimes odd for modern readers.
Animalia – Graeme Base
Illustrations:
5/5. Story: 4/5. Lesson: 1/5.
This
alliterative alphabet book presents extraordinarily lush imagery to each page,
bursting with things that start with that page’s letter. Engrossing in detail,
this is a work that can provide hours of entertainment and build vocabulary.
The
Butterfly Ball and the Grasshopper’s Feast – Alan Aldridge & William Plomer
Illustrations:
5/5. Story: 5/5. Lesson: 2/5.
The
psychedelic artist, Aldridge, hits a highwater mark in striking imagery with
this, his most accessible children’s book. The rhyming poems present a host of
intriguing characters all on their way to the festivities.
Dragon
Feathers – Andrej
Dugin and Olga Dugina
Illustrations:
5/5. Story: 5/5. Lesson: 3/5.
A
splendid, surreal, take on traditional European medieval imagery: a cross
between a book of hours and a Dali painting. The classic quest narrative is
well-told, and there are even some morals to be gleaned from the trials.
The
Fox Went Out on a Chilly Night
– Peter Spier
Illustrations:
5/5. Story: 4/5. Lesson: 1/5.
Spier’s
illustrations conjure up an intricate, real world. His other children’s books
won awards – such as his pleasant telling of Noah’s Ark – but this one
has the best story, which is a fun, catchy song.
How
Dog Began –
Pauline Baynes
Illustrations:
5/5. Story: 4/5. Lesson: 3/5.
This
beautiful book invokes cave paintings, but with far more finesse to create a
memorable series of images. The story, of the first wolf pup to be raised as a
dog, is endearing, and a nice little lesson on prehistory.
King
Bidgood’s in the Bathtub and He Won’t Get Out – Audrey & Don Wood
Illustrations:
5/5. Story: 3/5. Lesson: 2/5.
If not
for the brilliant pictures, this repetitive little tale would be fairly stale –
a nice concept, but not much else. Luckily, the artwork does mor than elevate,
creating a classic addition to a child’s bookshelf.
Mel
Fell – Corey R.
Tabor
Illustrations:
5/5. Story: 3/5. Lesson: 2/5.
With a
simple conceit – to turn the book on its side – Mel Fell engages in
novel storytelling, tracing the seemingly ill-fated descent of a baby bird who
plummets from their nest (not to worry – this is a children’s book, and in the
end, all is well).
Mermaid
Tales from Around the World
– Mary Pope Osborne & Troy Howell
Illustrations:
5/5. Story: 5/5. Lesson: 4/5.
A
collection of global mermaid stories which are each illustrated – gorgeously –
in the style and era of the story. An excellent gathering of lore, this is a
rich book, to be cherished and poured over.
Night
of the Gargoyles –
Eve Bunting & David Wiesner
Illustrations:
5/5. Story: 4/5. Lesson: 2/5.
How do
gargoyles view the world, and what would they talk about if they could
congregate in the shadowy night? Sumptuous language tells the tale, buoyed by
Weisner’s expressive illustrations of stony resentment.
The
Polar Express – Chris
Van Allsburg
Illustrations:
5/5. Story: 4/5. Lesson: 3/5.
One of
the most beloved Christmas classics, Van Allsburg’s illustrations are in their
best form in this tale of a magic train to the North Pole. Fans of the style
should check his other well-known works: Jumanji or The Mysteries of
Harris Burdick.
The
Porcelain Cat – Michael
Patrick Hearn & Leo & Diane Dillon
Illustrations:
5/5. Story: 4/5. Lesson: 4/5.
For all
the Art Nouveau fans out there, here is a lovely rendition of the classic
sorcerer’s apprentice tale, coupled with a series of trials. Leo and Diane
Dillon have won many an award, but this is a unique style for the pair.
Rules
of Summer – Shaun
Tan
Illustrations:
5/5. Story: 5/5. Lesson: 4/5.
Tan’s
surreal artwork hits its apex in this vaguely ominous summer world inhabited by
two brothers and a host of strangeness. Yet the enduring – if sometimes fraught
– relationship is the centerpiece, and provides a subtle, wonderful lesson.
Scary,
Scary Halloween –
Eve Bunting & Jan Brett
Illustrations:
5/5. Story: 3/5. Lesson: 3/5.
An
excellent combination: Bunting’s storytelling is just the right amount of
spooky for little kids, and Brett’s clever illustrations elevate the story,
providing a mini-mystery that children will have fun revisiting.
The
Skylighters –
Graeme Garden & Neil Canning
Illustrations:
5/5. Story: 3/5. Lesson: 5/5.
This is
the story of the funny little people who paint the sky – in stunning painted
illustrations. A nice set of explanations and rich vocabulary make for an
excellent meditation on the cloudy world.
Topsy
Turvy – Monika
Beisner
Illustrations:
5/5. Story: 3/5. Lesson: 3/5.
Pure
and simple nonsense – usually told through simple juxtapositions: the dog walks
the little girl, the clouds and sheep switch places, the fish goes fishing,
etc. Yet it’s the unnerving illustrations that sell the concept, and makes them
hit home.
Tuesday
– David Weisner
Illustrations:
5/5. Story: 5/5. Lesson: 1/5.
The
nearly wordless story of frogs inexplicably getting to spend a night flying is
tremendous fun. Weisner has fun with their quirky choices and expressive faces.
Fans of his style can check out The Three Pigs, Flotsam, and June
29, 1999.
Where’s
Waldo? – Martin
Handford
Illustrations:
5/5. Story: 2/5. Lesson: 2/5.
If the
definition of good illustration can be to create a world you get lost in, then
the Waldo books, with their simple, immersive premise, are top-notch. Full of
amusing hidden images and sometimes simple stories, Waldo provides hours of
entertainment for kids.
Zoom – Istvan Banyai
Illustrations:
5/5. Story: 5/5. Lesson: 3/5.
Another
simple premise told through wonderful, wordless images. As we zoom out our
perspective on the world shifts page after page, leading to a nicely poignant
finale.
Great
Stories and Laughs
Angelina
Ballerina –
Katharine Holabird & Helen Craig
Illustrations:
4/5. Story: 5/5. Lesson: 4/5.
What to
do with a child who is passionate to the point of obsession? In this story,
Angelina simply can’t stop dancing, in ways that are problematic for her home.
Gentle, but not saccharine, the lesson of how to nurture young people is
well-told.
Cloudy
with a Chance of Meatballs
– Judi & Ron Barrett
Illustrations:
5/5. Story: 5/5. Lesson: 3/5.
A good,
ripping yarn about a town where the sky provides their food – and all of the
consequences of living in such a land. The illustrations are marvelous, making
the work a well-known classic.
The
Church Cat Abroad
– Graham Oakley
Illustrations:
5/5. Story: 5/5. Lesson: 3/5.
Hilarious
illustrations enhance a rich, fun, and funny story of a church cat (with his
mice pals) getting stuck in the South Seas. Both the droll text and the
laugh-out-loud pictures make for a wonderful read.
The
Discovery of Dragons
– Graeme Base
Illustrations:
5/5. Story: 5/5. Lesson: 2/5.
Base’s
paintings are always a treat, but this book, chronicling European, Asian, and
tropical dragons is a standout for older children. The main stories and frame
narrative are amusing, as are the comic-style recaps on every page.
Don’t
Spill It Again, James
– Rosemary Wells
Illustrations:
2/5. Story: 5/5. Lesson: 4/5.
An
older and younger sibling deal with a sometimes-fraught relationship through
catchy little poems. In one story, the younger child spills the groceries, in
another they take a train ride together – helping children navigate the very
real emotions of exasperation.
The
Eleventh Hour –
Graeme Base
Illustrations:
5/5. Story: 5/5. Lesson: 4/5.
Another
superb offering for older kids – a whodunnit rich with puzzles, clues, and
deduction. Very advanced, this can be fun for adults of a similar knack as well,
and can entertain for ages.
Eloise
– Kay Thompson
& Hilary Knight
Illustrations:
5/5. Story: 5/5. Lesson: 2/5.
Eloise
is the definition of willful and spoiled – unapologetically. Her madcap life in
the Plaza Hotel in New York City is a child’s fantasy: from cahoots with the
bellhops to a pet turtle who eats raisins.
Fables – Arnold Lobel
Illustrations:
4/5. Story: 5/5. Lesson: 4/5.
This
collection features very amusing, slightly warped, modern-day fables featuring
Aesopian animals. A few miss the mark, but overall it’s a delightful series,
with award-winning illustrations from Lobel, of Frog and Toad fame.
Five
Minutes’ Peace –
Jill Murphy
Illustrations:
4/5. Story: 5/5. Lesson: 5/5.
Another
tremendous book for building up that all-important understanding that your
parents are people too. The funny tale tells of a mother elephant who just
wants five minutes to herself, and how hard that is to achieve with three
youngsters.
Goldilocks
and the Three Bears
– James Marshall
Illustrations:
4/5. Story: 5/5. Lesson: 2/5.
A wryly
funny take on the old classic, which injects much-needed humor into a tale that
is otherwise bland. Marshall, known for the hippos George and Martha and the
Stupid family, also provides fun illustrations.
The
Happy Hocky Family
– Lane Smith
Illustrations:
5/5. Story: 5/5. Lesson: 5/5.
An
essential book, full of wonderful weirdness, laugh-out-loud drawings and
stories, and comical lessons. Smith is one of the funniest children’s authors
out there, and this is arguably his finest work.
How
to Make Friends with a Ghost
– Rebecca Green
Illustrations:
4/5. Story: 5/5. Lesson: 3/5.
Warm
and charming, and full of puns and humor, this presents a how-to guide on
befriending ghosts. Not remotely scary, it has a strong message,
unsurprisingly, about navigating friendship.
I
Want My Hat Back –
Jon Klassen
Illustrations:
5/5. Story: 5/5. Lesson: 3/5.
This
hilarious book takes an amazing left turn at the end, and features great
deadpan humor. Seemingly a repetitive classic of encountering different
animals, Klassen inverts the trope in a delicious way.
In a
Dark, Dark Room –
Alvin Schwartz & Dirk Zimmer
Illustrations:
4/5. Story: 5/5. Lesson: 2/5.
The
girl with the green ribbon is a cultural touchstone, and the many fun, short,
stories can invoke the willies for young readers – a fine example of how it can
be nice to feel scared.
The Island
of the Skog – Steven
Kellogg
Illustration:
5/5. Story: 5/5. Lesson: 3/5
Brimming
with humor and a superlative example of Kellogg’s well-known illustration
style, a group of mice head to the South Seas only to find it seemingly
inhabited by a monster.
The
Jolly Postman – Janet
& Allan Ahlberg
Illustrations:
5/5. Story: 5/5. Lesson: 1/5.
Engrossing
entertainment for hours is provided by this novel picture book that consists of
opening letters and reading them, and even has a mini-book inside. The sequels
in the series are just about as delightful as the original.
Little
Monster’s Mother Goose
– Mercer Mayer
Illustrations:
5/5. Story: 5/5. Lesson: 3/5.
Mayer’s
early works are far bolder – and funnier – as seen in this haywire production
of Mother Goose rhymes. Beyond the amusing pictures the rhymes themselves do
dole out some useful wisdom (e.g. “One thing at a time, and that done well, is
a very good thing as many can tell.”)
Madeliene – Ludwig Bemelmans
Illustrations:
4/5. Story: 5/5. Lesson: 3/5.
It’s
hard to say just why this book is so renowned – the sum is clearly more that
its parts. On the surface it’s a simple story of a young girl who gets her
appendix out, but somehow manages to be so much more.
Make
Way for Ducklings
– Robert McCloskey
Illustrations:
3/5. Story: 5/5. Lesson: 4/5.
The
beloved, award-winning classic tells of a mother duck who must navigate her
ducklings through Boston. The really charming part is the consideration shown
by the humans who make way for her.
Patrick’s
Dinosaurs – Carol
& Donald Carrick
Illustrations:
5/5. Story: 5/5. Lesson: 4/5.
Dinosaurs
would have been, in reality, absolutely terrifying – unlike their cuddly
depictions in so much children’s lit. This memorable book rectifies that, as a
younger brother daydreams just how unsettling the prospect of dinosaurs
juxtaposed with modern times would be.
The
Salamander Room –
Anne Mazer & Steve Johnson & Lou Fancher
Illustrations:
5/5. Story: 5/5. Lesson: 2/5.
A
beautiful example of a young child’s imaginative mind. After finding a
salamander, a boy dreams up how he will transform his room into a perfect home
for it.
Stellaluna – Janell Cannon
Illustrations:
5/5. Story: 5/5. Lesson: 4/5.
Equal
parts heart and humor, this is a nice take on the ugly duckling – only with
bats and birds instead of ducks and swans. The expressive faces of the
creatures makes it a cut above other retellings.
The
Stinky Cheese Man
– Jon Scieszka & Lane Smith
Illustrations:
5/5. Story: 5/5. Lesson: 1/5.
In the
world of American children’s lit, this postmodern warped takes on fairytales is
a landmark – it changed the books that came after. Riotously funny and bizarre,
kids will like the numbskullery, and parents the playful meta commentary on
kids’ books.
The
Talking Eggs –
Robert D. San Souci & Jerry Pinkney
Illustrations:
5/5. Story: 5/5. Lesson: 2/5.
Good
fairy tales have weird, nonsensical elements that bring home the wonder of the
fantastical world. The Talking Eggs does this masterfully, aided by
renowned illustrator Pinkney’s depictions of the peculiar sights encountered by
a sweet girl, rewarded for her kindness.
The
True Story of the Three Little Pigs
– Jon Scieszka & Lane Smith
Illustrations:
4/5. Story: 5/5. Lesson: 2/5.
If Stinky
Cheese Man is just too much, try this retelling from the Big Bad Wolf’s
perspective. Milder, but still a bit edgy, it is a good example of the dream
team’s collaboration.
One
Monster After Another
– Mercer Mayer
Illustrations:
5/5. Story: 5/5. Lesson: 1/5.
Full of
strange creatures, this is a very fun example of an escalating problem (think,
the old woman who swallowed a fly), rife with unexpected twists and turns to
keep it engaging.
The
Vanishing Pumpkin
– Tony Johnston & Tomie de Paola
Illustrations:
3/5. Story: 5/5. Lesson: 2/5.
If,
like me, you find de Paola’s Strega Nona’s ending to be off-putting, try
this fun Halloween tale with a happier ending. The repetition is actually fun –
which is rare for a kids’ book.
What
Do You Do with a Kangaroo
– Mercer Mayer
Illustrations:
4/5. Story: 5/5. Lesson: 4/5.
Another
amusing Mayer story, a little girl finds her day is beset with wild beasts
making ludicrous – and very funny – demands. A nice example of a piling-on
story for kids.
Why
Mosquitos Buzz in People’s Ears
– Verna Aardema & Leo & Diane Dillon
Illustrations:
5/5. Story: 5/5. Lesson: 3/5.
The
award-winning cumulative tale from West Africa is a good introduction to
folktales of the ‘just-so story’ variety. The Dillons’ illustrations are vivid
and captivating, and supremely illustrate the story’s message.
Important
Lessons and Learning
Aesop’s
Fables – Charles
Santore
Illustrations:
5/5. Story: 4/5. Lesson: 5/5.
Lush
paintings for each tale raise this retelling of Aesop’s tales to a new level.
It’s good for kids to know the basic fables, just for cultural literacy, but
the lessons are still useful, too.
Anansi
and the Moss-Covered Rock
– Eric A. Kimmel & Janet Stevens
Illustrations:
4/5. Story: 3/5. Lesson: 5/5.
Anansi
is a popular trickster from West Africa, and here is a nice introduction to
him, and to that fable trope. Even better, there’s a good lesson on how the
trickster spider gets his comeuppance.
Animalia
– Barbara Berger
Illustrations:
5/5. Story: 3/5. Lesson: 5/5.
This
collection of tales from around the world is a great source of powerful
meditation and wisdom, drawing from sources as widespread as Daoism,
Christianity, and European fairy tales.
The
Berenstain Bears Get the Gimmies
– Jan and Stan Berenstain
Illustrations:
2/5. Story: 3/5. Lesson: 5/5.
This
popular series of morality books delas with the everyday problems in childhood:
boys bullying girls, too much screen time, lying to coverup a bad mistake. This
one, on tantrums, is a great introduction, and a real highlight of the classic
1980s set.
The
Boy, the Mole, the Fox & the Horse
– Charlie Macksey
Illustrations:
4/5. Story: 4/5. Lesson: 5/5.
An
instant classic. As the boy encounters the titular creatures, each imparts
different wisdom – and the interactions between each creates new lessons and
understandings. The ink drawings and calligraphy also create a unique visual
language for the story-telling.
Cat
and Rat – Ed Young
Illustrations:
3/5. Story: 3/5. Lesson: 5/5.
A nice
introduction to the Chinese zodiac, with young’s painted illustrations at their
most freeform. Also a good little fable on why cats and rats are now enemies.
Chickens
Aren’t the Only Ones
– Ruth Heller
Illustrations:
4/5. Story: 2/5. Lesson: 5/5.
One of
a set of four educational books: egg-laying and live-birth animals, and plants
with and without seeds. Heller introduces scientific terms in pleasant rhymes,
and also did a series on animal camouflage called How to Hide a… that is
a great next stop for fans.
The
Great Kapok Tree –
Lynne Cherry
Illustrations:
3/5. Story: 2/5. Lesson: 5/5.
A
moving introduction to the importance of the rainforest, and conservation
generally. As a logger sleeps he is visited by all the species that depend on
the tree he is about to cut down.
Hershel
and the Hanukkah Goblins
– Eric Kimmel & Trina Schart Hyman
Illustrations:
5/5. Story: 5/5. Lesson: 5/5.
Two
rockstars joined forces to create a classic. Hyman’s gorgeous illustrations
capture the range of amusing to terrifying for the goblins, and Kimmel’s
captivating story makes for an outstanding introduction to Hanukkah traditions,
and Jewish culture generally.
Horton
Hears a Who! – Dr.
Seuss
Illustrations:
3/5. Story: 3/5. Lesson: 5/5.
“A
person’s a person, no matter how small” has become one of the most famous lines
from any Dr. Seuss book. Horton, a real mensch (even as an elephant) stands up
to bullies to defend the personhood of the unseen. Still a good lesson for
today’s times.
How
Much is a Million?
– David M. Schwartz & Steven Kellogg
Illustrations:
4/5. Story: 2/5. Lesson: 5/5.
A
wizard shows kids how much is a million, a billion, and a trillion. Kellogg’s
illustrations help to visualize, as much as possible, the enormity of these
vast, difficult to conceive-of, numbers.
How
the Grinch Stole Christmas!
– Dr. Seuss
Illustrations:
4/5. Story: 5/5. Lesson: 5/5.
This
Christmas classic is beloved for good reason: the central moral that Christmas
(and life) is about more than presents (and material objects, generally). With
a compelling main character and story, it is one of Seuss’ finest.
How
to Get Rid of Bad Dreams
– Nancy Hazbry & Roy Condy
Illustrations:
4/5. Story: 5/5. Lesson: 5/5.
Told
through a variety of nightmares, this helps children come to understand the
concept of lucid dreaming – where you can take control of the situation and
turn the tables on the ghosts, trolls, and so forth.
The Icky
Bug Alphabet Book
– Jerry Pallotta & Ralph Masiello
Illustrations:
5/5. Story: 2/5. Lesson: 5/5.
Scientific-quality
illustrations of insects (and arachnids) accompany the fun facts about the
creepy crawlies, all in the context of an ABC book. Even better, there is some
good, sly, humor thrown in.
The
Keeping Quilt –
Patricia Polacco
Illustrations:
1/5. Story: 3/5. Lesson: 5/5.
A nice
story about keeping traditions alive in a Jewish family as they pass a quilt
down through the generations. Good for exposing kids to Jewish culture, and
concepts of heritage.
The
King’s Equal –
Katherine Patterson & Vladimir Vagin
Illustrations:
4/5. Story: 5/5. Lesson: 5/5.
Patterson
is best known as a children’s novelist (Bridge to Terabithia) and this
work slightly challenges the “no chapter book” rule. But the story is so
well-told, and the lesson so important, I found myself rereading it frequently
as a child. Another preference: Vagin’s illustrations are far more captivating
than later editions done by Curtis Woodbridge – which are fairly bland.
Ladder
to the Sky –
Barbara Juster Esbensen & Helen K. Davie
Illustrations:
4/5. Story: 4/5. Lesson: 5/5.
This
presents an Ojibway story, and a good introduction to the vast world of
Indigenous American stories in general. The story is compelling, and explains
the importance of living in balance with nature, as well as dealing with the
difficult topic of death.
Last
Stop on Market Street
– Matt de la Pena & Christian Robinson
Illustrations:
5/5. Story: 5/5. Lesson: 5/5.
Few
books are as award-winning, and with good reason. The story’s focuses on
kindness and charity, and the importance of gratitude and imagination all
mingle together so deftly. A must-own work for any family.
The
Lorax – Dr. Seuss
Illustrations:
5/5. Story: 5/5. Lesson: 5/5.
The
great book on conservation, ecology, and the uselessness of buying thneeds.
Powerful, and accompanied by some of Seuss’ best illustrations, The Lorax
remains haunting with each read.
The Magic
School Bus Inside the Body
– Joanna Cole & Bruce Degen
Illustrations:
4/5. Story: 4/5. Lesson: 5/5.
A tour
of the insides of our bodies, bursting with facts, is a great introduction to
both basic physiology for kids and the Magic School Bus series of
educational fieldtrips led by the indomitable Ms. Frizzle.
Miss
Rumphius –
Barabara Cooney
Illustrations:
5/5. Story: 4/5. Lesson: 5/5.
Cooney’s
story of a young girl trying to live up to her dreams is marvelous, and moving.
Most important, of course, is her goal to make the world a more beautiful place
– and how she accomplishes it.
Oh,
the Places You’ll Go!
– Dr. Seuss
Illustrations:
4/5. Story: 4/5. Lesson: 5/5.
Since
becoming a graduation staple, the oomph behind the message has been diluted
somewhat – which is a shame, because if you take the time to read it, it still
can be moving, and the lesson of perseverance is as powerful as ever.
The
Seven Silly Eaters
– Mary Ann Hoberman & Marla Frazee
Illustrations:
3/5. Story: 2/5. Lesson: 5/5.
Parents
are people too! From the prolific Hoberman, a tale of seven children who all
demand to eat only one thing – wearing out their poor mom. Of course it all
works out in the end, but a decent cautionary tale about pickiness.
The
Sneetches – Dr.
Seuss
Illustrations:
5/5. Story: 4/5. Lesson: 5/5.
The
title story deals with racism and tolerance, and is followed by good lessons
about stubbornness and overcoming fears… And one really random story about too
many kids named Dave.
The
Story of Ferdinand
– Munro Leaf
Illustrations:
5/5. Story: 5/5. Lesson: 5/5.
A
must-own tale of a bull who grows up and, unlike the other little bulls,
doesn’t want to fight. Good for both kids who see themselves in Ferdinand, and
those who need to learn that those other bulls are nice.
The
Tale of Peter Rabbit
– Beatrix Potter
Illustrations:
5/5. Story: 3/5. Lesson: 5/5.
Good,
old-fashioned, ‘don’t disobey your parents or else’ advice shown through the
famous rabbit that sneaks into Mr. McGregor’s garden. For fans, other great
Tales include Squirrel Nutkin and Tom Kitten, and many more
besides.
What
Do You Do, Dear / What Do You Say, Dear – Maurice Sendak
Illustrations:
4/5. Story: 3/5. Lesson: 5/5.
In
these companion texts, overly polite manners are displayed in ridiculous
situations. The contrast of the deadpan responses and actions with settings
provides plenty of amusement. Note that some of the scenarios (such as sharing
a peace pipe) are dated.
Yertle
the Turtle – Dr.
Seuss
Illustrations:
3/5. Story: 3/5. Lesson: 5/5.
This
trio of stories really rests on the anti-monarchical/dictatorial tale of
Yertle, which is tremendous. The other two offerings, about the foolishness of
envy and boasting, are fine, but not as memorable.
Zen
Shorts – Jon J.
Muth
Illustrations:
4/5. Story: 5/5. Lesson: 5/5.
A giant
panda moves in next door and three children each learn some wisdom from him,
shared in pleasant, easy-to-relate-to stories. A nice introduction to some
Asian philosophical concepts.
