All Time Best Picture Books for Children

Alexandra F. said:  All four of my kids have adored this book, and it's one we've always enjoyed reading with them, too. I've always liked the simple illustrations and folk tale feel of the story, and without fail, each of my kids have loved to point out and count all the caps that are perfectly balanced on the peddler's head. Of course, the silly monkeys are a crowd favorite, and my 2-year-old always bursts out laughing when the peddler tries to get them to return his caps!

Alexandra F. said:  The First Discovery Books series by Scholastic are some of my toddler's absolute favorite picture books. I am always amazed by how captivated he is looking at the pictures of everyday objects - vegetables, bugs, vehicles - and learning about them in simple language he can understand and explain back to me. The sturdy pages have also held up remarkably well over more than 12 years and four kids.

This Vegetables book is a favorite, but we are also big fans of Fruit, Ladybug and Construction.

This is the story of dust bunnies who speak in rhyme, and the odd-man-out who goes against the grain when trying to warn them of a disastrous fate. Jan Thomas has a knack for writing funny books for kids that are engaging, simple and hilarious, so check out her entire collection. Make sure to read them with your A-game silly voice, because it makes all the difference.

Sue Krawitz Tandoc said:  We love this book! Love all Jan Thomas' books but this is our favorite. I introduced it a few years ago to my son's preschool class and after hearing it the first time, they demanded the teacher read it two more times. A true winner!

Mo Willems' Elephant & Piggie stories transition really well from bedtime read-alouds to beginning reader books that kids can read cooperatively with a parent or entirely on their own. The simple and witty text in these books is dialogue-based, which is great for helping young readers learn how to read with expression. Many of the best Elephant and Piggie books explore themes such as friendship, problem-solving, and sharing in a relatable way for young readers.

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.

Katie G. said:  One of the best bedtime stories for babies! All three of my kids loved this book from Margaret Wise Brown when they were babies and toddlers. I used to read it to them every single night. Fast forward several years later and I can still recite the book from memory. Babies will love the repetitive poetic words and following the cute, little bunny as he/she says "good night" to all the things in the room. The board book size is perfect for little hands to hold and help turn the pages. Pick this one up and add it to your bedtime routine to help you little one fall fast asleep.

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.

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

This wordless bedtime story tells the tale through delightful illustrations of a gorilla who follows the zookeeper home -- and takes the whole zoo with him! You can "read" this with your babies for the pictures at first, but it turns into a great chance for an older child to explain what's going on without the use of text.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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!

A young llama experiences separation anxiety at bedtime, leading to a dramatic outburst until his mother reassures him. It's a rhyming tale that addresses common childhood fears about being alone at night.

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.