All Time Best Picture Books for Children

Yoli B said:  Harold and the Purple Crayon by Crockett Johnson has been in print for over 60 years and is still one of my favorites. Harold gazes at the moon and decides to take a walk at night with his large purple crayon. Harold draws himself a landscape, travels through woods, across seas and has several adventures before returning to bed, safe and sound. The book definitely has a retro look, but in a time where kids play with electronics all day I appreciate the simplicity and the imagination of Harold!

Vanessa M. said:  Kids get a real kick out of following Harry the Dirty Dog through all of his dirt-filled adventures. He gets dirty, dirtier, and dirtiest of all! Harry the Dirty Dog by Gene Zion has been a family classic since it was originally published in 1956. This adorable and fun story is a must have for every child's bookshelf.

Vanessa M. said:  This picture book is well-loved by my children, and by thousands of children around the world. How Do Dinosaurs Say Good Night? by Jane Yolen & Mark Teague is a brilliantly illustrated bedtime book that shows that good little dinosaurs go right to bed. Your little dinosaurs may also like other books in this series!

Juan L. said:  Before the movie ever came along, Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs by Judi Barrett was one of my all-time favorite picture books. The story follows a town that has no weather, just food that comes from the sky! The imagination and unique storyline are sure to catch your child's attention. But it's really the intricate illustrations that will capture their heart and have them coming back time and time again, just as I did. They may think it's too old school at first glance, but there's no doubt your little one will fall in love with this story.

Vanessa M. said:  Margaret Wise Brown, author of the beloved Goodnight Moon, has another book just as loved for parents to read to their young children. In The Runaway Bunny, the little bunny threatens to run away from home, while the mother bunny lets it be known that no matter the circumstances, she will always, always find her child. "If you become a bird and fly away from me," said his mother, "I will be a tree that you come home to." The sweet illustrations and charming prose assure children that wherever they go and no matter how they feel, their Mama will always come after them.

Katie G. said:  The series of bear books by Karma Wilson begins with Bear Snores On, about a lonely bear who crawls into a cave to curl up for a cold winter nap. One-by-one, different animals and birds discover his cave and wander in to escape the cold. While the animals have a party, the bear snores on.

Kelly R. said:  A classic Christmas book for kids, this story of a boy who journeys to the North Pole to meet the big man himself is a memorable tale about being young at heart. Beautiful illustrations by Chris Van Allsburg bring the story to life.

Kelly R. said:  This beloved "touch and feel" book for babies and toddlers by Dorothy Kunhardt has been entertaining little ones since 1940 - and helping them to explore their senses. My kids loved this one until it was literally in pieces.

Sue Krawitz Tandoc said:  Rhyming Dust Bunnies by Jan Thomas mixes rhyming, humor and fun into a short story of four dust bunnies who like to rhyme, except for one. When a "big, scary monster" comes in to clean with a broom and vacuum, can the dust bunnies make an escape? Preschoolers love this tale and parents will appreciate Thomas' use of adult humor. Prepare to read this one again and again!

Nancy L. said:  Tap the Magic Tree by Christie Matheson invites kids to participate in the changing of the seasons. Tap the tree, blow it kisses, shake it, and brush away the leaves are just some of the directives that keep kids engaged as the months unfold, the weather changes, and spring begins again.

Katie G. said:  Olivia is a story about a young pig who likes to cause trouble and wear everyone out. This book by Ian Falconer showcases the adventures of Olivia from trying on many different clothes, going to the beach, heading to the museum and sitting in time out. There are several different Olivia books so be sure to check them all out!

Tim Ponisciak said:  Whatever you do, don't push the button! Your kids will squeal with this book. It is simple, but very colorful and will make your kids think about what boundaries are out there, and what might happen if they step over them!

This story by Drew Daywalt is one of humor, triumph, and fun. Rock goes around looking for a true challenger to his mighty strength, and ends up finding worthy adversaries with scissors and paper along the way, but not after defeating a few less worthy foes.

This book is hilarious, engaging, and a quick read.

Kelly R. said:  Kay Thompson's Eloise is an inspiration for independent and spirited girls of all ages who march to the beat of their own drum. Even kids who don't skibble about The Plaza Hotel can enjoy the lighthearted tale of her (sometimes misguided) adventures, with its approachable style and iconic illustrations that perfectly capture the personality of the six-year-old heroine.

Sue Krawitz Tandoc said:  A Bad Case of Stripes by David Shannon is a true gem. Camilla Cream wants to fit in with her peers so she doesn't dare admit to the one food she loves, lima beans. Because she isn't true to herself, she develops a bad case of stripes. To be cured, she has to accept herself for who she is.

This book sends an excellent message of being your own person, not caring what other people think of you and not hiding your personality for fear you won't be liked by others. It is about accepting yourself and being proud of who you are.