All Time Best Picture Books for Children

Josephine Moreno said:  A classic tale since 1930, The Little Engine That Could inspires readers to help others and to never give up no matter how hard it may take - keep chugging!

Nancy L. said:  Your kids will dig this book! Join Maisy, Cyril, Eddie, and the gang as they take on a project—creating a lovely pond for all to enjoy. Toddlers will love the step-by-step rhythm of Maisy's Digger along with the entire Maisy series by Lucy Cousins. The simple stories, colorful imagery, and consistent group of friends will appeal to boys and girls.

Sue Krawitz Tandoc said:  The Incredible Book Eating Boy by Oliver Jeffers is about Henry, a boy who chooses to eat books and grows smarter as the information is absorbed in his system, until one day, all that good information gets jumbled up. After some time passes, Henry opts to read the books instead and realizes he can be smart by taking in the information that way. One of our favorite parts is at the end when Henry reverts to his old ways and the book proves it!

This is one super cute picture book that all children will enjoy and want to read again and again.

This charming story by Andrea Beaty follows little Ignacious Peck, a natural-born architect, as he grows from a baby to a second grader and all the buildings he constructs in between. He then faces a teacher who does not allow talk of buildings until a bridge collapse makes his architectural skills necessary to save the day.

Amy S. said:  This is a new book, but it’s just about perfect and has become an instant classic in our family. Owl dreams of becoming a knight—of being brave, being clever, and having many friends—and one day he gets his chance. Although he struggles with some elements of knight school (lifting a sword, staying awake during the day), he excels at “knight night watch” and has the opportunity to prove himself when he encounters a fearsome dragon. Sweet, simple, and beautifully animated, this is a story about believing in yourself and finding creative solutions. And if you love both owls and knights (as we all do in this house), you can’t miss with this one.

Vanessa M. said:  The beautiful, empowering poetry for children and eye-catching illustrations of I Am Enough by Grace Byers encourage young readers to be kind to themselves and inclusive of others. "I know that we don't look the same - our skin, our eyes, our hair, our frame. But that does not dictate our worth; we both have places here on earth." The gentle message about acceptance of self and others is a great conversation starter for families or school groups.

Nancy L. said:  Pandora's mom tells her not to touch the box but her curiosity gets the best of her. Find out what happens when Pandora doesn't listen and how her mom firmly and lovingly reacts. There are a lot of images and very little text in this book, allowing parents to discuss the concepts of patience and obedience with their child. But even if you don't add a word, toddlers understand the message. This is part of the Mini Myths series by Joan Holub offering life lessons rather than myths.

Athena Graeme said:  Tea for Ruby by Sarah Ferguson is a fun, up beat guide to manners, written by the former Duchess of York. Ruby is the quintessential spunky young girl who plays soccer in a tutu and does ballet in her cleats! She gets an invitation to have tea with the queen and wants to tell everyone along the way, each person reminding her of another manner she must remember. It's so fun to read because of the energy of the book, definitely one that makes you draw out words and say things in silly ways.

Kristy Pepping said:  The Bad Seed Series by Jory John and Pete Oswald is about teaching kids to love themselves for who they are. There are three books in this series about an egg, a seed and a bean. Each time they go on an adventure and learn about themselves in the process. The books are filled with interesting illustrations and short sentences making them easy to digest for early readers.

Alexandra F. said:  This award-winning picture book by Yu Li-Qiong and Zhu Cheng-Liang introduces children to the celebrations and traditions surrounding the Chinese New Year through the eyes of little Maomao, whose father is a migrant worker who travels throughout China for his work. Maomao is excited to see her father, who will be coming home for the holiday. It is a poignant, beautifully illustrated book with a powerful and moving story about family and cultural traditions.

Vanessa M. said:  The beautiful, peaceful illustrations combine with the calming, lullaby-like prose to make "Hush, Little Horsie" a sweet bedtime classic. Sung to the tune of "Hush, Little Baby", this book follows Mommy and baby horse pairs, assuring young foals that "Mama is near and will keep you from harm. She'll watch when you run, and she'll watch when you leap, and when you are tired, she'll watch as you sleep."

This charming tale about an egotistical King who learns a valuable lesson will have your child giggling and asking for it to be read again and again. King Hugo bores his countrymen with his constant proclamations of his own grandeur, only to offend a sorceress who takes it upon herself to teach him a lesson. It ends with a surprising twist, a big dose of humility, and a happy ending for all.

Beth Wood said:  A funny read aloud book from The Tonight Show host, Jimmy Fallon, who was determined his daughter's first word would be DADA!

Nicolette Young said:  Pinkalicious is able to create fantastic adventures with her imagination and learn how to navigate day-to-day issues through this. Such a positive book!