All Time Best Picture Books for Children

Kelly R. said:  Shel Silverstein crafts a simple story, simply illustrated, with a whole lot of meaning. No matter how you choose to interpret the tale of the boy who keeps taking and the tree who selflessly provides, I bet most parents can appreciate the messages of generosity and self-sacrifice.

Kelly R. said:  Start at the beginning with the original adventures that brought everyone's favorite mischievous monkey to life, and enjoy the ride.

Kelly R. said:  This book by Robert Munsch was new to me as an adult, and I remember the first time I read it to my son - I was ugly-crying before I reached the final page. The story of a mother's love for her son throughout the years is beautiful, sentimental, and timeless.

Tim Ponisciak said:  This is a New York Times bestseller by Adam Rubin, and is an entertaining read for both kids and adults! The story is pretty funny and the illustrations are also very well done. The story is not a deep one and doesn't necessarily have a lesson to teach like many children's books do, but it is just a simple, funny story that your kids will enjoy many times over.

A New York Times Bestseller, The Day the Crayons Quit by Drew Daywalt is a popular read over and over choice in our house! The book tells the story about the day Duncan opens his crayon box to color and instead finds a series of humorous letters from his crayons about why they are unhappy and quit. Duncan is challenged to find a creative solution to make his crayons happy.

Dawn R said:  Babies and toddlers love to watch all of the zoo animals get up and follow the zookeeper back to his house for bed. Spot the balloons, bananas and other hidden treasures throughout this charming story by Peggy Rathmann.

Kelly R. said:  Dr. Seuss wrote this classic when he was bet that he couldn't pen a book with 50 or fewer unique words, and it went on to become his most successful.

Kelly R. said:  The story of the dapper cat who turned a brother and sister's rainy afternoon into a zany adventure. Dr. Seuss wrote this one for kids learning to read as an entertaining alternative to the boring reading primers that children were using (sorry, Dick and Jane).

Kelly R. said:  This book's sleepy and melodic rhythm, paired with its silly story and adorable animal illustrations, make it one of the best choices for bedtime. It's my favorite of Sandra Boynton's wonderful stories.

Kristy Pepping said:  This is a Little Golden Book classic that really stands the test of time. Kids today will enjoy this just as much as in 1946 when it was first written. It's about a puppy and the adventures he goes on. The Poky Little Puppy is a great book to read to little ones or a perfect beginner book for early readers. There are plenty of photos and large words making it a great first book.

Nancy L. said:  Tomie dePaola's classic tale of Strega Nona, Big Anthony, and the magic pasta pot is filled with humor and warmth.

Stephanie W. said:  The Pout-Pout Fish is an adorable story about a grumpy fish in need of the right friend to turn his frown upside down. By far the best thing about this book is the amount of times you'll have an excuse to SMOOOOCH your little one!

Kelly R. said:  This series by Ludwig Bemelmans chronicles the adventures of Madeline, the smallest and bravest of twelve girls at a Parisian boarding school. The rhyming verse and the beautiful illustrations are engaging and approachable for children, yet slightly sophisticated - how very French!

Kelly R. said:  This tale by Margery Williams about a stuffed bunny who becomes real is one of those timeless children's books that is wonderful to revisit again in adulthood, when the message of the power of love becomes much more poignant.

Beth Wood said:  This interactive book by Herve Tullet is a great read for all ages! Embark on a fun and magical journey when you press the yellow dot on the cover and continue to follow the instructions within. Each page gives instructions to press the dots, shake the pages, tilt the book and more and along the way you watch colorful dots multiply, change direction and size.