Off the Shelf: Eight Irresistible Children’s Picture Books Your Kids Will Beg You to Read Again and Again!
Posted April 9, 2024
By Emily Pykare
Library Associate in Technical Services
Reading knows no age limits—whether infants or adults, everyone benefits from reading. Reading to your kids is more than just flipping through pages. It’s a timeless bonding experience with lifelong benefits and a chance to make cherished memories.
Here are some easy tips to enhance the experience:
- Make it interactive
- Read with animated voices
- Ask questions about the characters
- Point out images in the scenes
- Let your child turn the pages
Explore this handpicked collection of titles guaranteed to become family favorites. May your children find as much joy in them as mine have over the years. Happy reading!
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Muncha! Muncha! Muncha! by Candace Fleming; illustrated by G. Brian Karas
Follow along as three clever bunnies outsmart Mr. McGreely and sneak into his beautiful garden in this delightful tale. Filled with funny illustrations and clever sound effects, will your kids cheer for the bunnies or for Mr. McGreely? |
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Little Blue Truck by Alice Schertle; illustrated by Jill McElmurry
Beep beep! When Blue gets stuck in the mud helping a fellow vehicle, he’s lucky to have friends who will get him back on track. Kids can join in the fun with truck and animal noises in this colorful adventure. Plus, there are multiple titles in this series to enjoy later. |
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The Book with No Pictures by B.J. Novak
There really are no pictures in this unique title—but don’t let that fool you because this book is still as silly as they come. Prepare for your children’s laughter as you dive into this hilarious read-aloud experience with goofy words that will make you laugh too. |
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Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus by Mo Willems
The first of many titles, everybody loves Pigeon and his mischievous antics, but when the bus driver has to leave for a little bit, Pigeon happily volunteers to help. However, readers are under strict orders to not let him drive the bus and children will delight in getting to tell him no! |
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The Wonky Donkey by Craig Smith; illustrated by Katz Cowley
An older title but viral sensation that promises laughter for both kids and adults alike with its catchy rhymes. Donkey is quite the character who only gets more and more interesting and endearing with each turn of the page. Children can even meet Donkey’s family in other titles. |
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Sulwe by Lupita Nyong’o; illustrated by Vashti Harrison
My personal favorite! Sulwe’s skin is the color of midnight but she wants to be light and bright. Experience the beauty of this heartwarming story accompanied by breathtaking artwork as Nyong’o weaves a whimsical story of two sisters and self-love. |
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Little Excavator by Anna Dewdney
From the author of the acclaimed Llama, Llama series comes Little E. He’s a tiny excavator who wants to help the bigger construction machines transform an empty lot into a park, but he’s just too little. Between the repetition, coupled with the rhyme and rhythm, kids will fall in love with Little E. |
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The Hips on the Drag Queen Go Swish, Swish, Swish by Lil Miss Hot Mess; illustrated by Olga de Dios
Following the classic nursery song “The Wheels on the Bus,” this playful and quirky twist on the rhyme is beautifully illustrated. Kids will be swishing and shimmying along as the book follows a drag queen who parades through town bringing color and smiles to everyone. |
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Want to read more?
Use the library’s Novelist Plus online research resource and type in a keyword. It will offer up a list of similar books about your topic.