Spot Those Turns!: 50+ Great Picture Books

Are You My Mother? by P.D. Eastman (1960) When a mother bird’s egg starts to jump, she hurries off to make sure she has something for her little one to eat. But as soon as she’s gone, out pops the baby bird. He immediately sets off to find his mother, but not knowing what she looks like makes it a challenge.
Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day - The perennially popular tale of Alexander’s worst day is a storybook that belongs on every child’s bookshelf. . . . . even in Australia!
Bear Snores On – Babies love the rhythm of this book, and it stands the test of time as they grow into toddlers and preschoolers.
Before I Leave – When your little one has to say goodbye to someone important like a friend who’s moving away or even just at the end of a visit from the grandparents, this is the perfect book.
Blueberries for Sal by Robert McClosky is an utterly charming story that features a little girl, Sal, and her mother as they go and pick blueberries for winter—and a bear cub and his mother as they go and eat berries for winter from the other side of the same hill. Set in a small town in Maine this beautiful picture book uses a single dark blue color and block printing for the illustrations. Sal and Sal's mother are modeled after McCloskey's daughter, Sally, and wife Peggy. It was awarded the Caldecott Honor in 1949.
Bringing the Rain to Kapiti Plain: A Nandi Tale is an African Folktale that describes the importance of water to the land, animals, and humans. The story has a similar rhyming pattern as the nursery rhyme "The House That Jack Built." The main character, Ki-pat is a herdsman who saves the Kapiti Plain from the awful drought. 1992
The Carrot Seed – This book shows kids the power of a fierce belief in yourself even when everyone else thinks you can’t do it.
Charlotte and the Quiet Place – Charlotte is a little girl who likes quiet, but everywhere she goes, she’s overwhelmed with noise. The book steps through what Charlotte does to find a quiet space and how to practice mindful breathing. We breathe along with Charlotte, and little ones can’t help but calm down as a result.
Click, Clack, Moo – This is a silly story that everyone loves, and who knows – it may even help prepare kids for the day they need to ask for a raise.
The Clown of God - by Tomie DePaola. In this retelling of the old French legend, a juggler offers to the Christ Child the only Christmas gift he has. It brings me to tears every time I read it to my kids, class, or family.
Corduroy - Don Freeman's 1968 classic book features the lovable character, Corduroy. This story of a small teddy bear waiting on a department store shelf for a child’s friendship has appealed to young readers generation after generation.
The Dancing Man - a wise, eloquent story with the timeless resonance of a folk tale. The story is simple and unforgettable. It is about an orphan boy named Joseph who receives a pair of silver shoes and with them the power to dance joy and hope into the lives of others. Joseph dances his way through the world until it is time to pass the shoes-and the dancing man's destiny-to another boy.
Dragon Was Terrible – This is one of the best stories I’ve seen that helps kids assign positive intent to someone they’re not getting along with. Plus, it’s hilarious.
Duck for President – The humor in this book crosses party lines, and kids learn a valuable lesson about seeking fame.
Ducks Don’t Wear Socks – This is out of print, but it’s well worth getting a gently used copy on Amazon. Perfect for kids who could stand to loosen up and get in touch with their silly side.
Elephant and Piggie – You can’t go wrong with this series. Technically, they’re easy readers not picture books, but even babies love these stories.
George and Martha – Kids may not pick up on the dry humor at first, but parents definitely will.
Giraffes Can't Dance - This is a touching tale of Gerald the giraffe, who wants nothing more than to dance. With crooked knees and thin legs, it's harder for a giraffe than you would think. Gerald is finally able to dance to his own tune when he gets some encouraging words from an unlikely friend.
Good Night, Gorilla – Forget Curious George. If you’re looking for a mischievous primate, this gorilla’s got your back.
Hey, Al - by Arthur Yorinks & illustrated by Richard Egielski. This book written in 1986, teaches the important lesson that "things aren't always greener on the other side." Caldecott 1987
Horrible Bear – This picture book does an excellent job of teaching kids how to assume the best in others while also making you giggle.
How to Put Your Parents to Bed – In this book, the child is the one putting the parents to bed.
I Am a Bunny – This simple, soothing text moves through each of the seasons until the end, where the bunny cuddles up for a long winter sleep, looking forward to spring. Perfect for calming kids down before sleep!
Jabberwocky – was written by by Lewis Carroll in 1871. The illustrations by Graeme Base make this 1987 version of Jabberwocky AMAZING! This illustrator interprets the famed poem with bold, slightly funny, and imaginative illustrations. There are thirty-two marvelously detailed illustrations.
Joseph had a Little Overcoat - by Simms Taback 1999 As children turn the pages of this book, they can use the die-cut holes to guess what Joseph will be making next from his amazing overcoat, while they laugh at the bold, cheerful artwork and learn that you can always make something, even out of nothing. Caldecott 2000
Leonardo, the Terrible Monster – Mo Willems at his best. This picture book shows kids the power of empathy.
Library Lion – This is one of the sweetest stories you’ll ever read. The illustrations are full of beautiful nuances, too!
The Lion Inside – This picture book shows your kids that brave comes in all shapes in sizes.
Love You Forever is a Canadian picture book written by Robert Munsch and published in 1986. It tells the story of the evolving relationship between a boy and his mother. There is definitely a bit of a silliness factor that is needed because the whole of the story will leave any parent with even half a heart weepy. My Mom asked me to read this to her when she was dying of cancer. Such bittersweet memories. Such a sweet story.
Madeline by Ludwig Bemelmans (1939) Nothing frightens Madeline—not tigers, not even mice. With its endearing, courageous heroine, cheerful humor, and wonderful, whimsical drawings of Paris, the Madeline stories are true classics that continue to charm readers, even after 75 years!
Make Way for Ducklings by Robert McCloskey (1941) CLASSIC! The synopsis from the publisher reads, “The busy Boston streets are too dangerous for eight little ducklings! But with a little help from a friendly policeman Mrs. Mallard and her family arrive safely at their new home. The public garden was no place for ducklings when they were first born, but now they are old enough to brave the raucous crowds and swim with the giant swan boats.” Caldecott 1942
The Miracle of St. Nicholas is a wonderful story, so well told that children are entranced and grownups cry. The author, Gloria Whelan, does a masterful job of weaving the village’s history into the story. And the illustrations, which Judith Brown created using egg tempera, are soft and lovely, with just a hint of Russian iconography about them. There are a few flaws in the orthodoxy of the tale but if noticed, could easily be explained by simply saying, "The author did not include every little detail in the story. She left some of those things up to us to discuss."
Morning, Noon, and Night written in 1963 by Dorothy Wilson and illustrated by W. K. Plummer, this set of three small books is the quintessential trio of books for every little girl. To this day, reading it takes me back to the innocence, wonder, and joy of my childhood.
Mrs. Biddlebox – Kelly Sikkema says, "This is possibly my favorite picture book of all time, and I don’t say that lightly. Unfortunately, it’s out of print. The good news is you can get a used copy in good condition on Amazon. Mrs. Biddlebox wakes up in a bad mood, but instead of sitting around like a grouch, she tackles that bad mood and turns it around in time for sleep."
My Rhinoceros – This story makes no logical sense at first, but the absurdity is what makes it awesome. Your kids will giggle, and so will you.
Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed – Plant the seed with your kids before they’re teenagers that fitting in isn’t the goal in life.
Not a Box – This is a great little book about the power of your imagination.
The Old Woman Who Named Things – This beautifully told story will warm the hearts of all ages.
Our Tree Named Steve – I know this is just a book about a tree, but I cry every time and then end up with a big watery smile at the end. If you’ve ever felt The Giving Tree is depressing and/or creepy, you need this book instead.
The Paper Bag Princess – This should be required reading for every girl before she starts dating.
Peek-a-Who? – This is a simple story that babies love, but because it has 10 words total, my older kids love “reading” it to the youngest even if they can’t read yet.
Plant a Kiss – This is one of those stories that you will end up memorizing! It promotes the powerful message of putting out kindness into the world and expecting nothing in return. The world lost an amazing gift when Amy Krouse Rosenthal left us.
Poor Little Guy – This is a simple and funny story about standing up to bullies.
Princess in Training – Of all the alternative princess picture books out there, this is a true gem!
Put Me in the Zoo (1960) Readers will be delighted by Robert Lopshire’s lively tale that proves there is a special spot for everyone. This was one of my favorites as a child!
Rosie Revere, Engineer – The perfect rhythm of this picture book puts my little ones to sleep every night. These are great, too: Ada Twist, Scientist, and Iggy Peck, Architect.
A Sick Day for Amos McGee – 2010 Being a friend means showing up, and no other picture book demonstrates that as beautifully as this story does. Caldecott 2011
St. George and the Dragon 1984 retold by Margaret Hodges and illustrated by Trina Schart Hyman. This story is based on the legend of Saint George and the Dragon. It is full of bravery, selfless acts, determination, and triumph. Caldecott 1985
Stand Tall, Molly Lou Melon – This is perfect for preparing kids how to handle themselves when another kid picks on them. Poor Ronald Durkin.
Stick and Stone – This is a cute story about the power of friendship, and adults love the puns.
The Stray Dog – Kids never seem to get tired of this award-winning picture book, which isn’t always a given with the award winners. And it’s such a perfectly sweet story that you’ll love it, too.
Strictly No Elephants – This cute book helps kids think about the ramifications of excluding others and how that makes others feel.
Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak (1963)
Wolfie the Bunny – If you’re expecting another child, this is the best picture book about becoming a big sibling that I’ve ever come across. Kids and adults will giggle at this one!