All Time Best Picture Books for Children

Kelly R. said:  One of the best picture books of all time, this quintessential bedtime story by Margaret Wise Brown is a must for every young child's library. The combination of the peaceful rhythm of the words and restful illustrations signal the end of the day like no other.

Kelly R. said:  Youngsters are hooked by the symphony of the truck's beeps and the animals' sounds in this story about a truck and his barnyard friends, and wind up with a lesson about kindness and helping others. One of my favorite picture books to read aloud!

Katie G. said:  Young children love the repetitiveness of this book which teaches children about colors and animals. You can often find kids sitting on the floor "singing" the text of this book by themselves.

Kelly R. said:  This is the original page-turner for little ones, and a story they are eager to help tell. Something about the way the momentum builds, and the interactive way the pages are designed, makes them eager to partake in the ravenous caterpillar's adventure. This is a good one to add to your collection of favorite board books, so the sturdy pages can stand up to little hands!

Vanessa M. said:  The Monster at the End of This Book (starring lovable, furry Grover) is a classic, funny book that will have your kids giggling and asking to read again. Grover learns that there is a monster at the end of the book, and is so afraid he begs readers NOT TO TURN THE PAGE! Of course, kids love defying Grover's instructions and the silly, surprise ending never gets old.

Kelly R. said:  The letters of the alphabet climb up a coconut tree, but will they all fit? Even the youngest kids are captivated by the bold illustrations, the playful rhymes, and the silly story. Plus, reading this one over and over again gives kids a jump start on learning the ABCs.

Kelly R. said:  Elephant & Piggie have a cult following in my house. We mourned the end of this beloved series, when we wouldn't again be able to race to the familiar shelf in the library and discover their newest antics for the first time. The whole series of books by Mo Willems about these unlikely friends is fabulous - expressive language, funny stories, and gentle messages that will entertain kids (and adults) of all ages.

Tim Ponisciak said:  This is a great book for kindergarteners or older kids who are setting off on a new adventure! This Dr. Seuss classic is a favorite of many and is a somewhat easier, quicker read than some other Seuss books. The illustrations are beautiful as they show the journey of a young boy as he tries to figure out his particular path.

Kelly R. said:  Mo Willems has a way of packing a lot of meaning, expression, and heart into seemingly simple stories and illustrations, and it all began with a pigeon. When pigeon doesn't get his way, he has a temper tantrum that would put even the spunkiest preschooler to shame.

Erin P. said:  This fun lift-the-flap interactive book by Rod Campbell has been a favorite of both our first and second children so far. It's a cute little story about looking for the perfect pet. Our kiddos get a kick out of some of the outrageous pet suggestions along the way!

Katie G. said:  This is a classic tale of a baby needing the comfort of his mama. This is the first book in the rhyming series by Anna Dewdney which follows the adventures and challenges of baby llama and his mama.

Kelly R. said:  Your mischief-making little one might just see something of himself in free-spirited Max (and get lost in the beautiful and imaginative illustrations) as he embarks upon an adventure filled with wild rumpus and meets some unforgettable creatures.

Kelly R. said:  Kids love this story by Laura Numeroff about the iconic mouse who was given and inch and took a mile. Filled with silliness, fun illustrations, and a little learning about cause and effect.

This book by Nancy Tillman is such a sweet celebration of the day your child was born, when the world was introduced to "the one and only ever you." My daughters have enjoyed reading this book many times and love for us to also retell the story of the day they were born!

Erynn said:  This gorgeously illustrated book is a must-have for every child who loves their Tonka toys and is obsessed with machines of any sort! An ideal going-to-bed book, because the machines are settling down for the night too.

Kelly R. said:  Shel Silverstein crafts a simple story, simply illustrated, with a whole lot of meaning. No matter how you choose to interpret the tale of the boy who keeps taking and the tree who selflessly provides, I bet most parents can appreciate the messages of generosity and self-sacrifice.

Kelly R. said:  Start at the beginning with the original adventures that brought everyone's favorite mischievous monkey to life, and enjoy the ride.

Kelly R. said:  This book by Robert Munsch was new to me as an adult, and I remember the first time I read it to my son - I was ugly-crying before I reached the final page. The story of a mother's love for her son throughout the years is beautiful, sentimental, and timeless.

Tim Ponisciak said:  This is a New York Times bestseller by Adam Rubin, and is an entertaining read for both kids and adults! The story is pretty funny and the illustrations are also very well done. The story is not a deep one and doesn't necessarily have a lesson to teach like many children's books do, but it is just a simple, funny story that your kids will enjoy many times over.

A New York Times Bestseller, The Day the Crayons Quit by Drew Daywalt is a popular read over and over choice in our house! The book tells the story about the day Duncan opens his crayon box to color and instead finds a series of humorous letters from his crayons about why they are unhappy and quit. Duncan is challenged to find a creative solution to make his crayons happy.

Dawn R said:  Babies and toddlers love to watch all of the zoo animals get up and follow the zookeeper back to his house for bed. Spot the balloons, bananas and other hidden treasures throughout this charming story by Peggy Rathmann.

Kelly R. said:  Dr. Seuss wrote this classic when he was bet that he couldn't pen a book with 50 or fewer unique words, and it went on to become his most successful.

Kelly R. said:  The story of the dapper cat who turned a brother and sister's rainy afternoon into a zany adventure. Dr. Seuss wrote this one for kids learning to read as an entertaining alternative to the boring reading primers that children were using (sorry, Dick and Jane).

Kelly R. said:  This book's sleepy and melodic rhythm, paired with its silly story and adorable animal illustrations, make it one of the best choices for bedtime. It's my favorite of Sandra Boynton's wonderful stories.

Kristy Pepping said:  This is a Little Golden Book classic that really stands the test of time. Kids today will enjoy this just as much as in 1946 when it was first written. It's about a puppy and the adventures he goes on. The Poky Little Puppy is a great book to read to little ones or a perfect beginner book for early readers. There are plenty of photos and large words making it a great first book.

Nancy L. said:  Tomie dePaola's classic tale of Strega Nona, Big Anthony, and the magic pasta pot is filled with humor and warmth.

Stephanie W. said:  The Pout-Pout Fish is an adorable story about a grumpy fish in need of the right friend to turn his frown upside down. By far the best thing about this book is the amount of times you'll have an excuse to SMOOOOCH your little one!

Kelly R. said:  This series by Ludwig Bemelmans chronicles the adventures of Madeline, the smallest and bravest of twelve girls at a Parisian boarding school. The rhyming verse and the beautiful illustrations are engaging and approachable for children, yet slightly sophisticated - how very French!

Kelly R. said:  This tale by Margery Williams about a stuffed bunny who becomes real is one of those timeless children's books that is wonderful to revisit again in adulthood, when the message of the power of love becomes much more poignant.

Beth Wood said:  This interactive book by Herve Tullet is a great read for all ages! Embark on a fun and magical journey when you press the yellow dot on the cover and continue to follow the instructions within. Each page gives instructions to press the dots, shake the pages, tilt the book and more and along the way you watch colorful dots multiply, change direction and size.

Yoli B said:  Harold and the Purple Crayon by Crockett Johnson has been in print for over 60 years and is still one of my favorites. Harold gazes at the moon and decides to take a walk at night with his large purple crayon. Harold draws himself a landscape, travels through woods, across seas and has several adventures before returning to bed, safe and sound. The book definitely has a retro look, but in a time where kids play with electronics all day I appreciate the simplicity and the imagination of Harold!

Vanessa M. said:  Kids get a real kick out of following Harry the Dirty Dog through all of his dirt-filled adventures. He gets dirty, dirtier, and dirtiest of all! Harry the Dirty Dog by Gene Zion has been a family classic since it was originally published in 1956. This adorable and fun story is a must have for every child's bookshelf.

Vanessa M. said:  This picture book is well-loved by my children, and by thousands of children around the world. How Do Dinosaurs Say Good Night? by Jane Yolen & Mark Teague is a brilliantly illustrated bedtime book that shows that good little dinosaurs go right to bed. Your little dinosaurs may also like other books in this series!

Juan L. said:  Before the movie ever came along, Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs by Judi Barrett was one of my all-time favorite picture books. The story follows a town that has no weather, just food that comes from the sky! The imagination and unique storyline are sure to catch your child's attention. But it's really the intricate illustrations that will capture their heart and have them coming back time and time again, just as I did. They may think it's too old school at first glance, but there's no doubt your little one will fall in love with this story.

Vanessa M. said:  Margaret Wise Brown, author of the beloved Goodnight Moon, has another book just as loved for parents to read to their young children. In The Runaway Bunny, the little bunny threatens to run away from home, while the mother bunny lets it be known that no matter the circumstances, she will always, always find her child. "If you become a bird and fly away from me," said his mother, "I will be a tree that you come home to." The sweet illustrations and charming prose assure children that wherever they go and no matter how they feel, their Mama will always come after them.

Katie G. said:  The series of bear books by Karma Wilson begins with Bear Snores On, about a lonely bear who crawls into a cave to curl up for a cold winter nap. One-by-one, different animals and birds discover his cave and wander in to escape the cold. While the animals have a party, the bear snores on.

Kelly R. said:  A classic Christmas book for kids, this story of a boy who journeys to the North Pole to meet the big man himself is a memorable tale about being young at heart. Beautiful illustrations by Chris Van Allsburg bring the story to life.

Kelly R. said:  This beloved "touch and feel" book for babies and toddlers by Dorothy Kunhardt has been entertaining little ones since 1940 - and helping them to explore their senses. My kids loved this one until it was literally in pieces.

Sue Krawitz Tandoc said:  Rhyming Dust Bunnies by Jan Thomas mixes rhyming, humor and fun into a short story of four dust bunnies who like to rhyme, except for one. When a "big, scary monster" comes in to clean with a broom and vacuum, can the dust bunnies make an escape? Preschoolers love this tale and parents will appreciate Thomas' use of adult humor. Prepare to read this one again and again!

Nancy L. said:  Tap the Magic Tree by Christie Matheson invites kids to participate in the changing of the seasons. Tap the tree, blow it kisses, shake it, and brush away the leaves are just some of the directives that keep kids engaged as the months unfold, the weather changes, and spring begins again.

Katie G. said:  Olivia is a story about a young pig who likes to cause trouble and wear everyone out. This book by Ian Falconer showcases the adventures of Olivia from trying on many different clothes, going to the beach, heading to the museum and sitting in time out. There are several different Olivia books so be sure to check them all out!

Kristy Pepping said:  The David Series of books by David Shannon follows the main character, David as he gets into constant trouble. However, kids will be entertained by his adventures and messes he leaves behind. The books themselves are filled with colorful illustrations and simple sentences. So whether you are reading these as bedtime stories or you have young reader learning to read, these are great books.

Tim Ponisciak said:  Whatever you do, don't push the button! Your kids will squeal with this book. It is simple, but very colorful and will make your kids think about what boundaries are out there, and what might happen if they step over them!

This story by Drew Daywalt is one of humor, triumph, and fun. Rock goes around looking for a true challenger to his mighty strength, and ends up finding worthy adversaries with scissors and paper along the way, but not after defeating a few less worthy foes.

This book is hilarious, engaging, and a quick read.

Kelly R. said:  Kay Thompson's Eloise is an inspiration for independent and spirited girls of all ages who march to the beat of their own drum. Even kids who don't skibble about The Plaza Hotel can enjoy the lighthearted tale of her (sometimes misguided) adventures, with its approachable style and iconic illustrations that perfectly capture the personality of the six-year-old heroine.

Sue Krawitz Tandoc said:  A Bad Case of Stripes by David Shannon is a true gem. Camilla Cream wants to fit in with her peers so she doesn't dare admit to the one food she loves, lima beans. Because she isn't true to herself, she develops a bad case of stripes. To be cured, she has to accept herself for who she is.

This book sends an excellent message of being your own person, not caring what other people think of you and not hiding your personality for fear you won't be liked by others. It is about accepting yourself and being proud of who you are.

Sharon Hagenmueller D... said:  Down the Road by Alice Schertle is a story about a young girl’s first steps toward her independence and how her family supports her.

Shila said:  This award winning book was one of the first picture books to star & portray a black child in an urban setting. Kids are especially captivated by the simple artwork as he follows his crunchy footprints in the snow-- something all kids can relate to on a snowy day!

Carly Follett said:  This story is an oldie but a goodie! It's based off of the traditional song, about an old lady who swallows a series of things starting with a fly. The story shows everything the old lady eats and repeats them as you read through. It's a fun story to read and full of silly rhymes and your child will love reading it right along with you!

Joni Monacell said:  This beautifully written poem captures the relationship between a parent and child in a very authentic way. It is sure to bring a tear to any parent's eye, and will quickly become a favorite in your house.