Children’s Day is coming!
What’s better than a day when we celebrate not only the children in our lives, but the children inside us? There are many of us readers, who not only buy children’s books for the little ones, but enjoy reading them as well. There’s no shame in anyone’s reading preferences, and I truly believe that we can all gain something by reading a children’s book from time to time. Whether we’re reading it at bedtime or just to reconnect with our own inner children, we gain something either way.
Not only that, the novels we’ve selected for this auspicious occasion are beautifully illustrated picture books. I personally believe that art and words go perfectly together, and some of these illustrators have shown that in their work. Some are funny, unusual, or diverse, but all of them are wonderfully cute and adorable. Perfect for the little ones, inside and out.
So let’s go to a simpler time and check out some amazing picture books!
Here are our top choices for your little ones and for you.
The Barnabus Project by The Fan Brothers
Reading age : 6 – 8 years
In a world of “perfect” creatures, Barnabus is a failed project. He’s hidden deep inside a secret lab and about to be recycled into something kids will want. However, Barnabus gains the courage to go out into the scary world with his friends and find a place where they belong. A truly magical tale with detailed illustrations and surreal elements.
I Don’t Care by Julie Fogliano, Illustrated by Molly Idle & Juana Martinez-Neal
Reading age : 3 – 6 years
Two best friends who can’t be any more different also find things that bring them together. A beautiful story about self worth and the acceptance of others. The illustrations are big, bold, and beautiful. This is a great lesson for young children.
The New Rooster by Rilla Alexander
Reading age : 4 – 8 years
Rooster has a new job. He’s gone to a new country, and he’s incredibly excited, but also nervous. He can cock-a-doodle-doo like the best of them, but in the new place, hardly anything works as expected and communication is just not happening. A really sweet read about finding common ground among different people, told in bold and funny illustrations.
Yellow Dog Blues by Alice Faye Duncan, Illustrated by Chris Raschka
Reading age : 4 – 8 years
Where is the yellow dog? Bo Willie finds the dog house empty and the gate open. He jumps in his aunt’s car and they search for it everywhere. It’s a road trip told in free verse and stunning hand-stitched art. If you want something more original, try this book.
A Child of Books by Sam Winston & Oliver Jeffers
Reading age : 3 – 8 years
A girl sales away on a sea made up of words. On the way, she’s joined by a boy. They travel on the sea of words, which is the most magical journey. I love the illustrations made up of letters and words. It’s such an unique way to portray the magic of books.
Monster! Hungry! Phone! by Sean Taylor, Illustrated by Fred Benaglia
Reading age : Baby – 5 years
Monster wants pizza, and he has a phone. Now comes the wild story of Monster’s misadventures. It’s perfect for anyone who’s ever wanted pizza badly. It’s filled with funny big and bold illustrations.
Telling Stories Wrong by Gianni Rodari, Illustrated by Beatrice Alemagna
Reading age : Baby – 8 years
Grandpa is telling the tale of Little Red Riding Hood, but he gets it all wrong! This is a hilarious book about the imagination and how stories are not just to be told. They are to be shared with the people you love. Such a lovely message and so funny.
The Mermaid and the Shoe by K. G. Campbell
Reading age : 4 – 7 years
Minnow is a very curious mermaid. One day, out of nowhere, a shoe floats on the sea towards her, and she has to find out what it means. She embrarks on a journey to find answers to her questions. Such a whimsical, fairytale-like, meaningful story about the value of being yourself and persevering in finding the purpose of your life. Great for curious little ones.
Kafka and the Doll by Larissa Theule, Illustrated by Rebecca Green
Reading age : 4 – 8 years
Based on a true story, the author Franz Kafka was walking in a park in 1923, when he came across a little girl in tears after losing her doll. He told her the doll wasn’t lost but was on a grand world adventure. Kafka wrote a number of letters from the doll to the girl, in an act of kindness which revealed that a man synonymous with dark, surreal stories also had a whimsical heart.
Outside In by Deborah Underwood, Illustrated by Cindy Derby
Reading age : 4 – 7 years
The outside is waiting. It’s our friend. It’s an inventor. It touches our lives every day, even if we’re stuck inside. It’s such a powerful and appropriate message for the current generation of children. The beautiful illustrations and wonderful text show the reader how everything is connected.
Did you like these books? Make sure you check out all of our book recommendations. We select amazing books for every holiday, as well as choices for each genre. Something for everyone!
As always, thank you for being here and happy reading!
