Tried-and-True Tales to Celebrate National Picture Book Month
Fifteen titles for little readers and why I love them
I love this crisp and quiet month for lots of reasons, but one of the best is that November is National Picture Book Month. I don’t know about you, but some of my fondest memories as a library user were making sky-high stacks of illustrated books to take home. Now, as a mom, it’s a nightly ritual and my mission to find books my daughter will absolutely love.
Picture books are a wonderful medium for bringing together visual and textual elements to tell deeply meaningful stories, introduce academic concepts, or make you giggle in a fit of laughter from rollicking romps. I love how the connection between the printed word and visual symbols helps reinforce language and demonstrate new concepts for young readers while allowing them to reflect on their own experiences or understand someone else’s. As an adult reading these texts for my professional work and at home, I am particularly grateful how each book’s simple message can be a lesson or much-needed reminder.
In celebration of National Picture Book Month, I’ve rounded up fifteen titles of truly spectacular picture books for readers of all ages. Whether part of my storytime rotation, a book I remember vividly from childhood and still recommend, or ones I’ve incorporated into the fabric of my family’s reading life, there is a little bit of everything for everyone here.
Pictures Books for Little Readers
Bear Snores on by Karma Wilson - “In a cave in the woods in his deep dark lair…” begins this cozy and comforting tale of a bear in hibernation while his friends look for a place to rest from the cold winds. It’s there in Bear’s cave that his friends have an impromptu party and things get a little out of hand. Bright and warm illustrations paired with easy and melodic rhyming text help build foundational language skills while charming readers. If you love this one, there’s an entire series of Bear books to explore.
Hello, Lighthouse by Sophie Blackall - Sophie Blackall is a superb artist and illustrator and a fantastic children’s author to boot. A historical picture book, this tall, slim tome echoes the stature of the book’s subject matter, telling the story of one family’s daily life in a lighthouse before their automation began in the 1960s. Blackwell paints a comprehensive picture while keeping it engaging for kids and weaving in emotional resonance that will speak to anyone looking for books that talk about change and moving.
Where is Bina Bear? by Mike Curato - Bina Bear really wants to go to their friend rabbit’s party, but there will be a lot of people they don’t know. What’s a bear to do other than avoid conversation and camouflage as a coffee table, a lamp, and other silly household items? Beneath the humor is a primer for understanding social anxiety and what we can do to be a supportive friend.
Fred Gets Dressed by Peter Brown - Fred loves to be naked. That is until he finds his way into his parent’s closet and feels inspired to play dress up with their clothes, especially his mom’s dress and jewelry. When he’s discovered by his parents, they join in on the fun and dress up together. A welcoming book about allowing kids to be kids and explore how they express themselves.
Chrysanthemum by Kevin Henkes - Chrysanthemum loves her name, that is until she goes to school and her classmates make fun of it for be long and the name of a flower. Buoyed by her parents’ love and a sympathetic and understanding teacher, Chrysanthemum works to overcome the hurtful teasing of her classmates. I come back for Chrysanthemum’s style choices, though the heartening message of self-esteem and acceptance is an added bonus.
Mushroom Rain by Laura Zimmerman - Beautifully illustrated, Mushroom Rain is a delightful work of nonfiction all about the world of mycelium. Basic biology concepts covered are very simple for the youngest of learners to grasp. It is a great introductory text for anyone looking for something that will pique a young learner’s interest. Use this book as a discovery tool before or after a mushroom walk!
Bathe the Cat by Alice B. McGinty - Grandma is coming over, and the house needs to get cleaned. There’s so much to do, including bathing the cat. Written as an assignment on the fridge door in magnetic letters, the family cat scrambles the instructions in every way possible to side-splitting effects. A fun story to read out loud.
Knight Owl by Christopher Denise - This delightfully heartwarming story about bravery is a book that’s hard not to love. Owl has always dreamed of becoming a knight. While he might not be the biggest or strongest, there are other skills that prove helpful when a nighttime intruder attempts to invade the castle and Owl saves the day, thanks to his good ideas (and being nocturnal).
My Must Have Mom by Maudie Smith - Jake’s mom is wildly creative and loves to upcycle materials, but after a while, Jake begins to worry if his mom wants to change him. What would she fix? A beautiful representation of a parent dealing with disability, My Must Have Mom is a much-needed reminder that we are perfect just the way we are, no fixes needed.
Luli and the Language of Tea by Andrea Wang - Luli and her classmates are quiet in their classroom as none of them speak the same language, but Lulu has an idea. With her teapot, a thermos, and teacups from her bag, the classroom sets up a tea party for the group and each student is able to share what tea is called in their home country. After that, the playroom isn’t so quiet as Luli and others have found they have new friends. A story about how sometimes the easiest way to communicate is through what we have in common.
Wonder Walkers by Micha Archer - This beautifully illustrated book done in collage is a wonderful leapad for asking creative questions about our world. Two inquisitive kids, with plenty of curiosity, set out for a walk and pose questions such as: “Is dirt the world's skin?” or “Are rivers the earth's veins?” A whimsical tale that helps spark imagination and appreciation for our planet.
Cows Go Boo By Steven Webb - Farmer John has a problem and it’s that his cows do not go, “MOOOO.” In this riotously funny book, cows do their darndest to scare Farmer John, and they succeed. But will Farmer John be able to harness the power of the cows that go boo? I guess you’ll have to read to find out.
Up in the Garden and Down in the Dirt by Kate Messner - Another easy nonfiction title that helps explain the yearly lifecycle of gardening and plant growth. Messner’s book gives readers an above-ground and below-ground view of this cycle and focuses on both plant life and the creatures who make plant growth possible (thanks, worms and pollinators!) If you love this one, Kate Messner has more Over and Under companion books for curious readers to enjoy.
We All Play by Julie Flett - I love books that help introduce a new language to kids, and this gently narrated book that connects children’s play to the natural world intertwines the Cree words for all the animals illustrated in the book. The story ends with the animals and children falling asleep after their day of play, which makes this book a solid bedtime read.
Very Good Hats by Emma Straub - Every time I read this book, I think about how I want to have a hat party because this work is truly a celebration! Playful, quirky, and full of creativity, Very Good Hats gives much-deserved attention to one of the best, most sensible, and most revealing parts of any person’s wardrobe. I hope Straub plans on writing more picture books. If she does, I will be championing them all.
I hope that if you check out some of the books on this list you’ll come back and tell me which ones you are enjoying. Have one you really love and want to share? Leave a comment letting us know all about it. There’s always more time for good picture books to read.
So many of my favorites here and a few titles I need to add to my next library order ~ thanks Katie!
I love all of these so much. What a fantastic list you’ve put together!