It’s no secret I love picture books. Reading to my kids transports me back to life seasons of hope, play, and innocence. It lets me be silly and imagine. It allows my mind to wander. Kids’ books are the best!
And so, last week, when I had the chance to read to some flocks of BlueJays, I jumped! My boys are starting to outgrow some of my favorites, but twice in one week, I got to choose the children’s books I love most and read them to fresh ears.
These are five children’s books that both kids and grown-ups can love.
Little Blue Truck
These books are great for preschool children, but despite my age, I love them too! Little Blue Truck is a friend to everyone! I love the simplicity, rhymes, stories, and pictures in these books. I also love the lessons and themes, which encourage helping one another and being a good friend. You’ll find books in this series about Halloween, Christmas, springtime, and more! Every time we read these books, I’m having fun too. I’m a big fan of Little Blue Truck!
Too Many Cats
Another cute book for preschoolers, I can’t help but love this simple picture book. Our family first came across it at a bookstore, and I found the title irresistible. After all, I often joke about our family having “too many cats.” This book is fun for introducting cats of all kinds and being silly. My favorite part is singing with my kids like a cacophony of cats. If your home is a cat house, you’ll want this book!
The Day the Crayons Quit
I love stories like this one that reimagine familiar objects and experiences. Can you imagine if your crayons quit? Now, you don’t have to! Duncan’s crayons have all written him letters of grievance, complaining about being used too much, too little, or even having its paper wrapper torn off and feeling naked in the crayon box. But I especially love what Duncan does with all this feedback. He doesn’t get discouraged or stop coloring. Rather, he reimagines how he uses his crayons and creates a beautiful and colorful work of art! This book is sure to inspire creative thinking in you and your kids!
The Legend of Rock Paper Scissors
Apparently, I like Drew Daywalt. I didn’t realize it until I pulled my favorite picture books and saw his name all over the covers of “The Day the Crayons Quit” AND “The Legend of Rock Paper Scissors“. Mind. Blown!
We all know the game Rock Paper Scissors. But do you know how the story came about? This tale, another re-imagining I love, shares how the epic battle came to be. As you follow along with Rock, Paper, and Scissors, you’ll discover the discouragement these objects faced as they tirelessly fought and defeated random and bizarre household objects, from an apricot in the backyard to the dino-shaped chicken nuggets in the family freezer, before finally meeting one another and starting the ongoing battling we all know and love so well. This book is just fun!
After the Fall
Another re-imagining! Well, it seems I’m consistent!
We all know the story of poor Humpty Dumpty. But do you know what happened after the fall? Humpty Dumpty was scared. He learned that accidents happen. He didn’t want to try climbing the wall again, but he knew he had to overcome his fear of heights by taking one small step and a time. And you know what happened? Humpty Dumpty became who he was supposed to be all along. This inspirational story is great for kids and adults and a beautiful reminder of what we’re all capable of when we get out of our way and do that thing anyway.
Bonus: What Do You Do With an Idea?
I honestly would have read this group to the best second-grade class in the world, but alas, I pulled this book aside when I decided I loved it and could not find it when I read to the BlueJay flock. It was tucked away on my bookshelf among all my grown-up books! Oops.
“What Do You Do With an Idea?” tells the story of a small child with an idea. But what does he do with it? He thinks about it. He plays with it. Sometimes, he sets it aside because he’s worried about what other people will think. But eventually, he leans into his idea. He lets it grow. And then, wonderful things happen! This book inspires me to stop being scared and let my ideas grow. Every. Time. I just love it.
What are your favorite children’s picture books?
P.S. My first book, “I’m Getting New Glasses!” is a 2023 Selah Award finalist! Do you know a child who is getting new glasses? Maybe this will become one of their favorites!
As an Amazon Associate and affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no cost to you. Thank you for supporting me through the purchases you make through this site!
