20 Picture Books You Don't Want To Miss

Picture Books for Literacy Lessons | One Book at a Time

I have a passion for picture books.  I love them.  I read them.  I find new ones all the time. I have favorite authors and I read them... one by one and more than once.  I spend lots of money on children's books and I spend lots of hours in the library when I run out of money.  I am choosy and my special talent is choosing the books that children will love, listen to, and want to read again.  Here is a very short list of 20 picture books that will engage the young reader. 

If you are looking for:

• picture books that engage children in the reading experience
• teaching literacy and life lessons
• books that have captivating illustrations
• books that children want to read over and over

then choose one from this list.  Comment below so others can read about your reading adventure and certainly suggest your favorite picture books, too.  

I am sure every child will enjoy these stories and engage in reading.  It all starts with a good book
choice.  and a good role model, you!

1. Bear Snores On by Karma Wilson – Bear is a likable bear and he has many friends. This book brings joy to reading rhymes and the illustrations are beautiful.   If you like this one, you can find another as it is a series.  Bear Stays Up for Christmas is another you might like at Christmas time; or anytime for that matter! 
2. Big Al by Andrew Clements - Everyone loves the story!  Big Al teaches us kindness and to accept differences and do not make judgements on appearances. 
3. Bread and Jam for Frances   by Russell Hoban - Adults and children love Frances.  Be sure to sing when she sings... and be sure to read all the Frances books. 
4.  Chrysanthemum  by Keven Henkes   She loves her name until she arrives at school and somebody thinks it's okay to tease others.  Life Lesson one:  some are not kind, but you can turn that around.  
5. Click, Clack, Moo: Cows That Type by Doreen Cronin –  These farm animals are making mischief and they go on strike! and they even type!  Fun and thought provoking for young readers.   And I always find that one book leads to another... Giggle, Giggle, Quack.
6. Each Kindness by Jaqueline Woodson  Be ready to cry.  When I read this to my class, I forewarn them that I will probably cry.  They inch their chairs closer to mine to listen and wait for the part that they might see their teacher cry. 
7. Enemy Pie by Derek Munson  This book tells how your worst enemy can become your best friend.  Now who wouldn't want a recipe for that!
8. Frog and Toad by Arnold Lobel -  Choose any from the series!  Everyone loves Frog and Toad because their adventures are hilarious and the friendship is precious.  So many life lessons!
9.  Giraffes Can't Dance - or can they?  Embracing Individuality 
10.  The Hat and The Mitten  Jan Brett's books are beautiful!  and you will want to read them  more than once.  Each book entertains and informs. 
11. My Garden by Kevin Henkes  Another picture book that shows imagination and a beautiful place to imagine ... in my garden!  What does your imaginary garden look like? 
12. Only One You by Linda Kranz - you could spend days just on the end pages.  Entertains with bright, bold illustrations and many good words to live by! 
    
    
13.  Perfect Square  Michael Hall   Brilliant!  Encourages   creativity!  always a great idea.
14.  Petunia by Roger Duvoisin  This silly goose entertains you with many good ideas and lessons.  It's simply fun to read and enjoyable to listen to. 
15. The Pout-Pout Fish  What will make this fish smile?  Read to find out.
16. Read-Aloud Rhymes for the Very Young compiled by Jack Prelutsky –  All the rhymes for reading fun.  Illustrations are whimsical and entertaining. 
17. Stick and Stone by Beth Ferry and Tom Lichtenheld  Finding friends can be adventurous and true friends are lifelong.  Read about how Stick sticks up for Stone because being a good friend rocks! 
18. Sunflower House by Eve Bunting – Planting sunflower sees and watching them grow. and collecting seeds to repeat.  This is a great story!  
19. The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle – Learn about how a caterpillar turns into a butterfly.  Science for the youngest reader.  
20. Tops and Bottoms by Janet Stevens  This one is a MUST read!  Illustrations jump off the page and bring you into the story of a very lazy bear! But he looks so lovable and how he learns that hard work pays off... a valuable lesson for anyone! 

So there you have a picture book list and it certainly grows with each reading day... What is your favorite picture book?  Share below...