When it comes to children’s books, we can’t get enough! Picture books were a big part of our family’s daily routine when the kids were younger and we still have shelves of them prominently displayed in the living room. I just can't bear to part with them. Below, we’re sharing some of our absolute favorites. Some are classics, some are newer, but all of them hold a special place in our hearts.
Here’s a look at a few books that we love—and why we think they deserve a spot on your shelf too!
This delightful story teaches a beautiful lesson about inclusivity and caring for others, which is something our family values. The rhyming and illustrations are also top-notch, making it a joy to read aloud again and again.
This one has been a bedtime favorite for years! We read this to Oliver "a bazillion times" when he was little, and it never got old. It’s perfect for winding down after a busy day, and the illustrations of the construction site at rest are captivating.
William, the international cat of mystery, is called to a case in Paris, to help solve the case of the missing art masterpiece, the "Mona Cheesa." (Mona Lisa ... Mona Cheesa ...get it?!) It’s a fun and imaginative read with beautiful illustrations.
This clever take on Aesop’s Fables is packed with quirky stories and moral lessons. One of our favorites, "Straw and Matches," is a super clever take on the old lesson "don't play with matches". (Spoiler alert ... matches isn't really what (or who!) you think.) The humor and wit in this book make it a standout, though it can be a bit tricky to find!
We love Mo Willems’ books, and this one is no exception. The rhyming is playful, the illustrations are fun, and it’s a perfect story about a little girl and her love for freshly baked baguettes. As some who loves food books generally - and freshly baked French breads, specifically - I can totally relate! It’s one of Alice’s birthday gifts, and it’s been a staple ever since.
There’s something so endearing about this story of a little bear who just wants a pocket. It’s one of those sweet, timeless stories that kids (and parents) love revisiting.
Olivia’s frustration with everyone wanting to be a princess is so relatable! She’s a fierce, independent pig who doesn’t want to follow the crowd—and we love her for it. Her realization that she wants to be a queen instead of a princess is both funny and empowering.
Part of a fantastic series by Andrea Beaty and David Roberts, this book is one of many we adore. Along with Rosie Revere, Engineer, Ada Twist, Scientist, Iggy Peck, Architect, and Sophia Valdez, Future Prez this series celebrates kids finding their unique talents and learning to believe in themselves. The clever text, illustrations, and themes of self-discovery are always a hit in our house. (Personal Note: Aaron Slater has added themes about learning differences, including dyslexia, and is written in a specific font.)
This beautifully illustrated book - created using woodcuttings - is all about the (sometimes impatient) transition from spring to summer. It’s a wonderful way to explore the changing seasons through a child’s eyes.
This was a favorite of mine growing up, and Alice has loved it too. The imagination in this book—from visiting the White House to counting penguins—is captivating, and the illustrations are dreamy and full of adventure.
If you’ve ever known a child who loves to accessorize, this book will hit home. Fancy Nancy’s adventures and her creative flair for fashion always make for a fun read.
This story is incredibly special to our family. Barbara Cooney’s Miss Rumphius is about a woman who - after traveling the world and coming home to live by the sea - struggles to figure out how she can make the world a more beautiful place. As someone who grew up in Maine, and loved sitting in my grandmother's flower garden, this book speaks to me.
Books that celebrate the love of reading are always a win in our house. This whimsical tale about a young man who cares for magical books is a beautiful story of adventure, imagination, and the joy of sharing stories - everyone's stories - with others.
This is a lovely story about friendship and finding courage even when you think you have none. I read this story over and over (and over and over) again the year we lived in Tanzania when Eleanor was 1 - the message was more important for me to hear then it was Eleanor! The collage illustrations are also a favorite of mine.
Last but not least, I have to mention one of my childhood favorites, Richard Scarry. I loved the detailed illustrations of everyday animals doing everyday things. And of course, looking for Lowly Worm!
There you have it ... a list of 15 of (some of!) our family’s most beloved picture books.
But we’d love to hear from you! What books do your kids love to read? What do you love reading to them? Share your recommendations in the comments below—we’re always on the lookout for new favorites (and ones we can give as gifts)!
