Finding the best picture books can be time consuming! To help save time and energy, here is a complete collection of picture book favorites (old and new). Whether shopping to build your home library, or checkout from the public library, you want great books. But what makes a picture book great? They are enjoyed by kids and adults alike! Interesting pictures, descriptive words, engaging story all make a book enjoyable. To find quality children’s books, remember the quote by C. S. Lewis: “A children’s story that can only be enjoyed by children is not a good children’s story in the slightest.” Here are the 50 best picture books we have read for a complete and well-rounded home library.
“A children’s story that can only be enjoyed by children is not a good children’s story in the slightest.”
C.S. Lewis
- “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” by Eric Carle: This classic picture book teaches about the life cycle of a caterpillar through beautiful illustrations and simple text.
- “Make Way for Ducklings” by Robert McCloskey: This heartwarming story follows a family of ducks as they make their way through the busy streets of Boston, emphasizing themes of family and perseverance.
- “Madeline” by Ludwig Bemelmans: Join Madeline and her friends on their adventures in Paris in this delightful book that introduces children to French culture and language.
- “The Snowy Day” by Ezra Jack Keats: Follow Peter as he explores his neighborhood on a snowy day, capturing the joy and wonder of a winter adventure.
- “The Story of Ferdinand” by Munro Leaf: This gentle story follows Ferdinand, a bull who prefers peace and quiet over bullfighting, promoting individuality and embracing one’s true nature.
- “Stellaluna” by Janell Cannon: Join Stellaluna, a baby bat, as she navigates the challenges of being raised by a family of birds, emphasizing acceptance and friendship.
- “The Lorax” by Dr. Seuss: Dr. Seuss’s environmental tale sheds light on the importance of preserving nature and taking responsibility for our actions.
- “The Little House” by Virginia Lee Burton: This timeless book tells the story of a little house that stands firm amid the bustling changes of a growing city.
- “Ox-Cart Man” by Donald Hall (illustrated by Barbara Cooney): This Caldecott Medal-winning book follows the journey of a New England farmer as he travels to market, providing a glimpse into early American rural life.
- “The Giving Tree” by Shel Silverstein: This poignant tale explores the selfless love between a tree and a boy throughout their lives, teaching important lessons about kindness and sacrifice.
- “The Rainbow Fish” by Marcus Pfister: Join the Rainbow Fish as he learns the value of sharing and friendship, accompanied by shimmering illustrations that captivate young readers.
- “Chicka Chicka Boom Boom” by Bill Martin Jr. and John Archambault (illustrated by Lois Ehlert): This rhythmic alphabet book takes children on an exciting journey as letters race each other up a coconut tree, making learning the alphabet fun and engaging.
- “Caps for Sale” by Esphyr Slobodkina: This humorous story follows a peddler whose caps are stolen by mischievous monkeys, encouraging problem-solving and creative thinking.
- “The Snowman” by Raymond Briggs: Experience a magical winter adventure as a young boy builds a snowman that comes to life, taking readers on a wordless journey filled with wonder and imagination.
- “The Tale of Peter Rabbit” by Beatrix Potter: Join Peter Rabbit on his mischievous escapades in Mr. McGregor’s garden in this timeless classic that teaches valuable lessons about curiosity and consequences.
- “The True Story of the Three Little Pigs” by Jon Scieszka (illustrated by Lane Smith): This humorous retelling of the classic fairy tale offers a unique perspective from the wolf’s point of view, challenging readers to think critically about different perspectives and assumptions.
- “The Paper Bag Princess“ by Robert Munsch (illustrated by Michael Martchenko): Follow Princess Elizabeth as she uses her wit and resourcefulness to outsmart a dragon and save the prince in this empowering story that defies traditional gender roles.
- “Frederick” by Leo Lionni: This beautiful fable tells the story of a little field mouse named Frederick who gathers colors and words during the summer to share with his friends during the long winter, highlighting the importance of creativity and imagination.
- “Swimmy” by Leo Lionni: Join Swimmy, a little fish with a big heart, as he helps his fellow fish overcome their fear of the ocean’s dangers through teamwork and unity.
- “The Little Prince“ by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry: Although written for older readers, this philosophical tale of a young prince who explores the universe provides valuable lessons on friendship, love, and the importance of seeing beyond appearances.
- “Curious George” by H.A. Rey: Follow the adventures of the mischievous monkey named George as he explores the world and learns valuable lessons along the way.
- “Corduroy” by Don Freeman: This heartwarming story follows Corduroy, a teddy bear in a department store, on his quest to find a loving home, teaching children about acceptance and friendship.
- “The Story of Ruby Bridges” by Robert Coles (illustrated by George Ford): Based on the true story of Ruby Bridges, this book tells the inspiring tale of a young African American girl who faced adversity with courage as she integrated an all-white school.
- “The Little Red Hen” by Paul Galdone: This classic folktale teaches children the value of hard work and cooperation as the Little Red Hen seeks help from her friends to complete tasks.
- “Blueberries for Sal” by Robert McCloskey: Join Sal and her mother as they go blueberry picking and encounter a bear and her cub in this delightful story that explores nature and the circle of life.
- “The Mitten” by Jan Brett: Set in a snowy forest, this Ukrainian folktale follows a boy named Nicki as he loses his white mitten, which becomes a cozy shelter for various woodland animals.
- “The Day the Crayons Quit” by Drew Daywalt (illustrated by Oliver Jeffers): In this humorous book, Duncan receives letters from his crayons expressing their grievances, offering a unique perspective on colors and creativity.
- “The Sneetches and Other Stories” by Dr. Seuss: This collection of stories, including “The Sneetches,” teaches children about acceptance, tolerance, and the dangers of discrimination.
- “The Velveteen Rabbit” by Margery Williams (illustrated by William Nicholson): This timeless tale explores the power of love and the transformative magic of becoming real, as experienced by a beloved stuffed rabbit.
- “The Lion and the Mouse” by Jerry Pinkney: In this wordless picture book, a mouse’s act of kindness toward a lion leads to an unexpected and heartwarming friendship, emphasizing the importance of compassion.
- “The Tale of Peter and the Wolf” by Sergei Prokofiev (illustrated by Janet Schulman): This picture book adaptation of the classic musical composition introduces children to the story of Peter and the different instruments that represent the characters.
- “The Story of Babar” by Jean de Brunhoff: Follow the adventures of Babar, a young elephant who becomes king, in this timeless and charming tale.
- “The Little Engine That Could” by Watty Piper (illustrated by Loren Long): This inspirational story follows a determined little engine as it overcomes obstacles with perseverance and a positive attitude.
- “The Tale of Benjamin Bunny” by Beatrix Potter: Join Benjamin Bunny as he embarks on a daring adventure to rescue his cousin Peter from Mr. McGregor’s garden in this beloved Beatrix Potter tale.
- “Journey” by Aaron Becker: In this wordless picture book, a young girl embarks on a magical adventure through a hidden door, showcasing the power of imagination and the beauty of friendship.
- “The Princess and the Pea” by Hans Christian Andersen (illustrated by Edmund Dulac): This classic fairy tale tells the story of a prince in search of a true princess, testing her sensitivity with a tiny pea hidden under a stack of mattresses.
- “Miss Rumphius“ by Barbara Cooney: Join Miss Rumphius, known as the Lupine Lady, as she embarks on a journey to make the world more beautiful, teaching the importance of following dreams and making a positive impact.
- “The Story of Ping” by Marjorie Flack and Kurt Wiese: Follow Ping, a little duck, as he learns important lessons about courage, responsibility, and the value of family in this heartwarming tale set in ancient China.
- “The Dot” by Peter H. Reynolds: This inspiring story encourages children to embrace their creativity and believe in their own artistic abilities, reminding them that a single dot can lead to endless possibilities.
- “Flotsam” byDavid Wiesner: This wordless picture book follows the journey of a camera that washes up on a beach, revealing a captivating and imaginative story of the wonders of the ocean.
- “Did I Ever Tell You How Lucky You Are?” by Dr. Seuss (Theodor Seuss Geisel): Dr. Seuss shares a humorous tale that reminds readers to appreciate the positives in life and recognize that things could always be worse.
- “Brambly Hedge” by Jill Barklem: Set in a charming English countryside, this illustrated book introduces readers to a community of anthropomorphic mice as they embark on delightful adventures in Brambly Hedge.
- “Not a Box” by Antoinette Portis: Through simple illustrations and minimal text, this book sparks creativity and imagination as it explores the transformative power of a box and a child’s ability to see beyond its ordinary appearance.
- “Little Blue Truck” by Alice Schertle (Author) and Jill McElmurry (Illustrator): Join Little Blue Truck on his journey through the countryside as he encounters various animal friends and learns the importance of kindness, teamwork, and friendship.
- “Mighty Dads” by Joan Holub (Author) and James Dean (Illustrator): This heartwarming story celebrates the special bond between fathers and their children, showcasing the mighty capabilities of different construction vehicles as they work together to complete important tasks.
Did we miss any of your favorites? Leave a comment and share your family thinks are the best picture books below!
When you do find a new family favorite, check out books by the same author or illustrator.
Wondering how to build your home library without breaking the bank? Check out this Comprehensive List of Where to Find Used Books and Curriculum.
Having trouble finding great books for your advanced reader? Check out this post plus bonus Book List for tween Girls (ages 10-12). Compiled by a tween who loves to read!
