One of the best things about working in a library has been rediscovering the joys of picture books as an adult. While they are written for young children, the best picture books are works of art that combine beautiful illustrations with skilled storytelling and sophisticated themes. They are not just pictures with words next to them, but a unique form of storytelling that combines the two. They can be laugh-out-loud funny, heartwarming, and thought-provoking for both kids and their caregivers. Here are a few of my personal favourites from the library collection. The target audience for these books is preschool to early school-age unless otherwise noted.
Don’t Eat Bees (Life Lessons from Chip the Dog) by Dev Petty
Chip is a smart dog. He knows what to eat and what not to eat and he will share with you what he knows. Chip’s culinary misadventures are filled with slapstick comedy and Mike Boldt’s exaggerated art style really plays up the silliness of the situations he manages to get himself into. Don’t Eat Bees is great for a laugh or two, especially if you’ve ever known a dog like Chip.
Bear and the Whisper of the Wind by Marianne Dubuc
Bear has a good life. Then something imperceptibly changes, telling him it’s time to move on. He packs up his most treasured possessions and leaves on a journey, the end of which he cannot see. Marianne Dubuc’s soft illustrations and spare writing style give Bear and the Whisper of the Wind the feel of a traditional fairy tale. This is an ambiguous story that can spark discussions about its themes of loss, growth, and change but does not try to provide easy answers to the questions that it raises.
City Under the City by Dan Yaccarino
We’re all familiar by now with the YA dystopia, but a picture book dystopia? That’s exactly what Dan Yaccarino gives us in The City Under the City. Bix lives in a futuristic city where the Eyes observe everyone and control everything, until she discovers an underground city where she is free to read, learn, and do things for herself. A great story with a positive message about the power of reading and independent thought aimed at early school-age children.
The Glorious Forest that Fire Built by Ginny Neil
This is the story of a forest that is consumed by fire and of the regeneration that follows. Written in simple rhyming couplets, this book provides a scientifically accurate account of what happens after a forest burns. The Glorious Forest is a simple primer on the role of fire in forest ecology but can also be read as a story book. It also features some of the most beautiful illustrations I’ve seen.
How This Book Got Red by Margaret Chiu Greanias
Red is excited to read a book all about pandas, but this soon turns to outrage as she realizes the book is only about giant pandas. In fact, every book on pandas is about giant pandas. Red sets out to write her own book, but does anybody even want to read about red pandas? How This Book Got Red is a charming story about creativity and friendship that also provides a child-friendly explanation of why media representation matters.
What if I’m Not a Cat? by Kari-Lynn Winters
Donkey knows that he’s a cat. That is, until an offhand comment from the farmer makes him start to doubt. Donkey runs away from home because he doesn’t think he fits in, but when a fox threatens the other cats on the farm, he realizes that the things that make him different are exactly what he needs to save the day. Donkey’s journey is one of self-discovery and self-acceptance, ending with a decision to embrace his own unique identity. What if I’m Not a Cat? is heartwarming and good for a chuckle but can also be used to start a conversation on individual differences.
Picture books are for kids, but they don’t have to be just for kids. A good picture book should be as enjoyable to the adult reading it as to the child listening, if not always in the same way. Looking for more picture book recommendations? Check out our Early Literacy Info Guide and Booklists page or ask for suggestions at your local library branch.
-Chris
Readers' Salon 