All Time Best Picture Books for Children
These truly special picture books for children stand the test of time, even with thousands of new kids books published each year.
They're the read alouds you can recite without looking at the words. The ones you read to your babies that you will save for your grandkids. The bedtime stories for kids that have settled yours down for sleep on many nights. And the ones you still hold in your heart after reading them as a child yourself.
Vote for the best picture books of all time, according to your family!
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Goodnight Moon
Kelly R: 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.
Little Blue Truck
Kelly R: 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!
Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?
Katie G.: 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.
The Very Hungry Caterpillar
Kelly R: 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!
The Monster at the End of This Book
Age 3-7
Vanessa M.: 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.
Elephant & Piggie Series
Kelly R: 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.
Oh, the Places You'll Go!
Tim Ponisciak: 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.
Chicka Chicka Boom Boom
Kelly R: 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.
Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!
Kelly R: 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.
Dear Zoo
Erin P.: 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!
Llama Llama Red Pajama
Katie G.: 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.
Where the Wild Things Are
Kelly R: 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.
On the Night You Were Born
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!
If You Give a Mouse a Cookie
Kelly R: 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.
The Giving Tree
Kelly R: 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.
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