Picture books are the eye candy of the book world. When you find a book where the story and illustrations are perfectly matched and equal in excellence, you know you have a keeper. With so many tantalizing choices, it is difficult to select just a few, but the following titles are exceptional – the kind of books that children will ask you to read over and over again:
All the World, by Liz Garton Scanlon; illustrated by Marla Frazee
A gentle rhyme celebrates the basic, everyday pleasures that exist in our world. This is a perfect picture book that seamlessly combines lovely illustrations with a timeless message, resonating with readers, young and old.
A Book of Sleep, by Il Sung Na
Explore the different ways that animals sleep with the help of a wakeful owl. This very brief bedtime book, featuring charming, textured illustrations in bright yellows and sleepy blue-greens, is just right for very young children.
Call Me Gorgeous!, by Giles and Alexandra Milton
What could this reindeer antlered, crocodile toothed, toucan beaked creature be? Larger-than-life illustrations of the various animal parts that make up a mysterious beast will enchant young guessers.
Creature ABC, by Andrew Zuckerman
Here is the ultimate animal alphabet, featuring intriguing photographs of creatures A through Z. An entire two page spread is dedicated to each letter/animal. This up-close-and-personal zoo of a book will appeal to all ages.
The Curious Garden, by Peter Brown
This delightful eco-conscious tale of a gardener who brings life to a concrete city will appeal to even the most inexperienced green thumbs.
Epossumondas Plays Possum, by Coleen Salley; illustrated by Janet Stevens
The beloved Epossumondas has returned for one last escapade. After Mama warns him not to go into the Louisiana swamp, Epossumondas spends a night playing possum to elude the terrible loup-garou.
Ladybug Girl and Bumblebee Boy, by David Soman and Jacky Davis
Ladybug Girl is back for another enchanting story of imaginative play. This time around, Ladybug Girl meets a boy at the neighborhood playground, introduces him to her imaginary world and transforms him into Bumblebee Boy!
Lost and Found: Three Dog Stories, by Jim LaMarche
This trio of short stories explores the bond between children and dogs. LaMarche’s heartwarming illustrations beautifully convey the comfort and security children find in their furry companions.
Pouch! , by David Ezra Stein
Baby Joey has decided that he is ready to leave the pouch and explore. When he takes his first hops and encounters unexpected creatures, he realizes that he might want to take on the world one small jump at a time.
Trouble Gum, by Matthew Cordell
A boring afternoon becomes an adventure when Grandmother offers Ruben and his little brother some gum. Mom does not allow gum, which makes playing with it all the more fun… until Mom comes home.
Waiting for Winter, by Sebastian Meschenmoser
Squirrel usually sleeps through winter. This year, he has decided to stay awake and see snow, but waiting for snow is boring and staying awake is more challenging than Squirrel expected, even with some help from Bear and Porcupine.
Wombat Walkabout, by Carol Diggory Shields; illustrated by Sophie Blackall
Who could resist a counting book featuring six adorable, wily, woolly wombats that are being stalked by a hungry dingo in the Australian outback? This book will become an immediate family favorite!
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