Great Picture Books

12/12/2025

“A great picture book is great for any age.”¹

I agree.

Picture books ignite imagination, creativity, and adventure.

A great one also builds character.

Courage, hard work, determination, wonder, perseverance, sacrifice, discipline, self-control, consideration, and creativity.

These are some of the character traits you’ll find in today’s recommendations.

A continuation of our book series, these are excellent picture books…

Great Picture Book Authors:

Robert McCloskey – Don’t let your children grow up without his books! Author, illustrator, two-time Caldecott medal winner, and an additional two-time honoree. His works are filled with wonder, imagination, adventure, courage, and humor. Don’t miss: Make Way for Ducklings, Blueberries for Sal, One Morning in Maine, and Time of Wonder, as well as his other works. Excellent for the very young and old alike.

Patricia Polacco – Author and illustrator of 60+ books, her stories range from light and adventurous, like in The Bee Tree, to learning the hard way, like in Bun Bun Button, to more difficult themes, like in Pink and Say (true Civil War story) or Thank You, Mr. Falker (true story of a teacher who helped the author overcome dyslexia). Also enjoy Aunt Chip and the Great Triple Creek Dam Affair, a fun story about the value of books. Because of the wide range of themes, I’d recommend reviewing before reading to the very young.

Great Picture Books:

A Warrior Prince for God and Princess with a Purpose, both by Kelly Chapman – These books introduce your child to what it means to be a child of God. In fun story format, Warrior Prince for God takes your boy on a wonderful adventure, addressing fear, courage, and reliance on God. Designed for the very young to young.

Through castles, mean girls, and tea parties, Princess with a Purpose teaches your daughter that when she becomes a daughter of the King, she is a real princess. Designed for the very young to young. Both books include a prayer to receive Jesus as Savior and Lord.

Dangerous Journey: The Story of Pilgrim’s Progress, published by William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company – This adaptation of Pilgrim’s Progress for children uses John Bunyan’s original words, selected by Oliver Hunkin. Journey with Christian, from his home in the City of Destruction to the Gates of Heaven, and all those he meets along the way. Because the illustrations can be graphic and intense (appropriately so), I’d recommend this for older children, probably age 8 and up.

Miss Fannie’s Hat, by Jan Karon – From my favorite author comes a lovely picture book. It begins, “Miss Fannie has lots of hats. And each one is her favorite.” When her pastor asks her to donate one of her beloved hats to an auction for the church, Miss Fannie has a decision to make. Which will she choose? A story of prayer, courage, sacrifice, and surprise. You’ll be as delighted as Miss Fannie in the end. All ages.

Crow Boy, by Taro Yashima – Go with your child to Japan, and visit Chibi. A strange child without friends. Other children call him names and make fun of him. Yet Chibi is faithful, and diligent. A teacher takes interest in Chibi, talks with him, learns his gifts, and brings him honor. A story of pain, growth, perseverance, kindness, and hope. Also a Caldecott Honor Book. Great for any child experiencing bullying. A look at how each of us is unique and special. All ages.

Library Lion, by Michelle Knudsen – “One day, a lion came to the library.” Because he didn’t break any rules, he was allowed to stay, said Miss Merriweather, the head librarian. The lion becomes a great help to the library…until he breaks the rules. Will he be allowed to return? Are there ever reasons to break the rules? Fun, whimsical, endearing. All ages.

Miss Rumphius, by Barbara Cooney – Alice was a little girl who lived by the sea. She helped Grandfather in his shop and listened to his stories at night. He tells her she must do something to make the world more beautiful. Will she? Journey will Alice through her life, and contemplate your own gift to the world. A book you will return to again and again. All ages.

Roxaboxen, by Alice McLerran – “It was just like any rocky hill – sand and rocks and some old wooden boxes. But we called it Roxaboxen and it was a town all our own.” A true story experienced by the author’s mother. Enjoy the beauty of the American Southwest. Become captivated by the imagination, creativity, ingenuity, fun, and enterprise of children, as you become a child again yourself. I wish I would’ve discovered this book sooner. All ages.

King Thrushbeard by Kurt Werth – A classic tale. A beautiful princess with horrible character. She is rude and arrogant. Who will win her hand? Who will want it? The king, disgraced by his daughter, tells her he will marry her to the first vagabond who comes to the door. This funny, entertaining story of riches, to rags, to riches again, will keep you intrigued to the last page. And remind you that beauty is an overflow of the heart. Ages 5+. Out of print. Check out your library, or inter-library loan. Some used copies available.

Great Picture Books

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