Sophie Blackall Shares 20 Favorite Picture Books
“One of my greatest joys of parenthood was curling up to read before bed,” says Sophie Blackall, the Caldecott-winning illustrator and author of more than 50 picture books, “Your kids are fresh out of the bath and in their pajamas, clean-smelling and damp and sleepy. I get very wistful when I see the young children in our building.”
Sophie has written my own children’s most requested read-alouds, including Hello Lighthouse and If We Were Dogs. Her picture book, If You Come to Earth, is a tender introduction to living on this planet, and her illustrated collection of small joys, Things to Look Forward To, is my go-to gift for friends going through a hard time.
“Picture books are for everyone,” agrees Sophie. Here, the author shares 20 favorites, including one she’s given as a gift dozens of times…
Classic: Tell Me A Mitzi by Lore Segal and illustrated by Harriet Pincus
“I read this over and over to my two kids. Lore Segal really understood children. That comes through in her funny, inventive, child-centric stories, and the drawings of a city girl’s big adventures are weird and wonderful.”
New release: Bored by Felicita Sala
“The story of a kid who is more bored than anyone has ever been in the history of the world. The pictures are drawn with such joy and depict the physical embodiment of tedium. And it’s brilliant because it’s about boredom but inspires action.”
Great gift: Mousestache Moosestache by Rowboat Watkins
“This goofy romp of a book builds to a delightful surprise ending. I think kids will go nuts and want to read it a million times. It might drive parents crazy…”
Powerful message: We Are Definitely Human by X. Fang
“Three endearing visitors from outer space arrive on Earth, claiming to be human. They behave very oddly, but the welcome they receive from a rural community is enough to make me cry.”
All about community: Thank You, Omu! by Oge Mora
“A cook makes a thick red stew that’s so delicious it attracts half the neighborhood to her door. Omu gives her dinner away and is left with an empty pot, but the neighbors return with offerings of their own.”
Tender-hearted tale: Anything by Rebecca Stead and illustrated by Gracey Zhang
“When a girl and her father move to a new apartment, they must accept that nothing will be the same. It’s a story about change but also about the power of making wishes.”
Fun challenge: The Lighthouse Keeper by Eugenio Fernández Vázquez, illustrated by Mariana Villanueva Segovia, and translated by Kit Maude
“It’s important for children to read books that stretch them. The Lighthouse Keeper has spare text and conceptual illustrations, which allow children to make their own sense of what is happening.”
Sweetest character: Little Shrew by Akiko Miyakoshi
“I love anything by Akiko Miyakoshi, but you just want to pick up Little Shrew and keep him in your pocket. This book is a quiet ode to small pleasures and a lovely antidote to wearying screens and technology.”
Book to make you cry: The Mother Tree by Sybil Rosen and illustrated by Nancy Carpenter
“A mother and child try to save a tree from being cut down. Never preachy, this beautiful and moving story invites you to notice all that trees do.”
Book to make you laugh: 17 Things I’m Not Allowed to Do Anymore by Jenny Offill and illustrated by Nancy Carpenter
“‘I had an idea to staple my brother’s hair to the pillow…’ begins this funny book by novelist Jenny Offill. Engaging with a naughty character does not necessarily mean that young readers will be naughty. Most children are smarter than we give them credit for — they can live vicariously, just as we can!”
Ahead of its time: The Country Bunny and the Little Gold Shoes by DuBose Heyward and illustrated by Marjorie Flack
“Written in 1939, this early feminist story stars a mother rabbit who becomes the fifth Easter bunny. Reading it as a child, I was introduced to some of my most important beliefs: Women can do anything, being an artist is a real job that is as valuable as any other job in society, and that truly intelligent people are also kind, generous, and welcoming. I took this book to a meeting at the United Nations; that’s how much I love it.”
Wise words about loss: Duck, Death and the Tulip by Wolf Erlbruch
“This is the only book humanity needs about death, as far as I’m concerned. It is matter of fact and, at the same time, so tender. It resonates in a way that no other book has done for me on the topic.”
Gorgeous artwork: The Boy Who Became a Parrot by Wolverton Hill and illustrated by Laura Carlin
“Laura Carlin’s spectacular artwork in this Edward Lear biography fills me with a mix of admiration and envy — which, to an artist, is the best feeling.”
Playful series for early readers: Dory Fantasmagory by Abby Hanlon
“This series is pure gold for kids. It’s such a thrill to see young readers live in the world that Abby Hanlon has created. I truly believe that books should be fun for kids to read.”
All about friendship: Frog and Toad Are Friends by Arnold Lobel
“Frog and Toad are beloved for a reason. Arnold Lobel is clear-eyed and unsentimental about the misunderstandings that can arise in relationships. These timeless stories demonstrate how to be a friend — you can come back to them your whole life.”
Unforgettable tale: Roxaboxen by Alice McLerran and illustrated by Barbara Cooney
“This story is about kids building a town in the desert. They start off with a few boxes and rocks and then begin to elaborate, eventually constructing streets with shops and making laws. Then the children all grow up and leave but they never forget it. It just undoes me.”
Genius trilogy: We Found A Hat by Jon Klassen
“Jon Klassen doesn’t need anyone to tell the world how fantastic his books are because we all know! But the third one in his hat trilogy is a work of genius. The wonderful story shows how to be a person in the world.”
Thoughtful lesson: Mr. Fiorello’s Head by Cecilia Ruiz
“This charming story follows Mr. Fiorello and the three problematic remaining hairs on his head. Full of humor and empathy, this story is about reinventing yourself in changing circumstances. The pastel illustrations look like risograph prints.”
Summertime tale: Fireworks by Matthew Burgess and illustrated by Cátia Chien
“Fireworks is such a palpable experience of childhood and summertime. A Caldecott winner for a reason.”
Picture book for adults: The Principles of Uncertainty by Maira Kalman
“I’ve given copies to dozens of friends. It makes you want to get out in the world and notice things and talk to people — it makes you want to be alive. I keep a stash of copies so I can press them into the hands of anyone who hasn’t heard of this book.”
Sophie Blackall has written and illustrated more than 50 books. Story Rug, a collaboration with illustrator Phoebe Wahl, is due out this summer. She’s currently at work on The Sea: A Love Story, a picture book for grown-ups based on her experiences sailing from San Francisco to Sydney while using a cyanometer to measure the sea’s changing colors, as well as House on Wheels, which she is illustrating with paint made from dirt collected on a cross-country road trip. She directs Milkwood Farm, a creative retreat center for authors and illustrators.
Now it’s your turn: What picture books do you love? My kids and I are always looking for new books to read and would be so happy to hear your favorites.
P.S. What children’s books do YOU like and 25 children’s books featuring characters of color.
Comments
122 commentsChildren’s books are my kryptonite. My kids now know that if I go silent while reading, it is probably because I’m stifling a sob. Nothing cuts to the heart more than a good picture book. “In Every Life” by Marla Frazee has been a recent favorite!
The Other Side of Town Jon Agee
The Giant Jam Sandwich!
Thank you for this, I made a wishlist for family based on it! I haven’t commented in almost a decade of reading Cup of Jo, but I feel like I have something to offer which I don’t see represented, which is Spanish/dual-language books. We love Arthur Dorros, especially “Abuela,” “Abuelo,” “La Isla” and “Radio Man/Don Radio.” “My Papi Has a Motorcycle” by Isabel Quintero is a favorite. My mom brought us back a beautiful book from Spain called “Un Buen Día.” And the Spanish version of “All Are Welcome Here,” “Todo el Mundo Cabe Aquí,” is another good one.
I love this Diana and am going to look for these books for my kids! :) xx
My Papi has a Motorcycle has been a constant fave in our house too. SUCH a beautiful tribute to her father but also her city.
I am still a lover of old family favourites including Dogger by Shirley Hughes, The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle, The Jolly Postman by the Ahlbergs, and so many more. I am expecting my first grandchild this summer have just brought all the old books down from the loft, pure joy.
I love seeing all the other grown ups obsessed with picture books! If you’re interested, Mac Barnett and Jon Klassen have an absolutely fantastic substack where they deep dive into classic picture books, recommend older and lesser known picture books, and talk about the craft of writing and illustrating children’s books. It’s called Looking at Picture Books. Enjoy!
Absolutely LOVE Sophie Blackall. I have one of her original prints in my house, gifted by a friend. If you are looking for picture book recs, I’m a children’s author with my own chapter book series debuting this Winter. BUT! I also review kids books because I love them. Currently obsessed with “Daisy Rewilds” By Margaret McNamara and Illustrated by Kerascoët and “Cats on Cats on Cats” Written and Illustrated by Maddie Frost Here’s the link to my book reviews or you can sign up for my biweekly newsletter where I recommend the latest children’s literature. https://www.elspethlorraine.com/book-reviews
Just when I was saying to my toddler we are in need of a good library book refresh — put all these on hold and can’t wait to dive in. We are Definitely Humans is a household favorite — such a beautiful message in a much needed time
Loved seeing Country Bunny! I put that in my sons Easter basket this year-one if my faves growing up. Another favorite for me is Miss Rumphius, I would like to be her when I grow up, traveling the world and making it more beautiful by planting lupines and then returning to a home by the sea. I love all the themes, and if I’m ever going to get a tattoo I’m getting lupine…
I just read Miss Rumphius today to my fourth grade class for Earth Day!
Fangirling hard for Sophie Blackall! My oldest was born in 2018 a bit after Hello Lighthouse was published. I read it to him over and over, through a pandemic and out the other side. I couldn’t imagine him growing bigger like the kid in the story but here he is today, red headed and long legged and ready for adventure. Thank you for the gift of your art and stories, Sophie! 💓
The book gifts for my wedding’s flower girls (which was at CofJ fav Frankie’s!): – Spoon series (3 in total, Spoon, Chopsticks, and Straw) by Amy Krouse Rosenthal – Bunny Cakes by Rosemary Wells
Here are some sleeper favs that my kids and I both love. Excellent illustrations: Du Iz Tak? (Bugs in their world written all in a pretend language) Our Animal Friends at Maple Hill Farm (hilariously written and illustrated by an older couple living on a farm in upstate New York, super sweet and quirky)
All the world by Liz Garton Scanlon, Illustrations by Marla Frazee is my go to new baby gift. Gregory the terrible Eater by Michelle Sharmat…and oldie but goody Stella Luna anything by Mo Willems anything by Anne Mortimer….the illustrations are incredible. I had the pleasure of meeting Ms. Blacknall at Texas Book Festival back in November…such a lovely and gracious woman. And very passionate about the terrible book bans that a going on now. Her books are a delight.
I work for Bookworm Gardens, a non-profit botanic garden inspired by children’s literature in Sheboygan, WI (bookwormgardens.org). “Hello Lighthouse” is one of the books in our collection! I LOVE this list from Sophie!!
How cool! I’m picture book obsessed, so am fully smitten with this post of one of my faves featuring so many beloved books. But then just started planning a WI trip this summer, and remember seeing Bookworm Gardens on the map on our last trip and feeling sad a visit didn’t work with our itinerary. We will have to make it a planned stop this time! Any other bookish recommendations, whether there, in the area, or up toward Door County, our destination to visit family? Thanks!
Findlay, Ohio, has a museum dedicated to children’s book illustrations – the Mazza Gallery. My Mom volunteered there as I was growing up. A beautiful place to visit.
I’ve never bookmarked a post faster. Terrific recs! I can’t wait to sort through the comments.
I have 2 wild boys (3 and 5) that are voracious readers. When they love a book, we read it to pieces and even act it out in many cases. Thank you for this post! I cannot wait to read these to them. Here are some of our favorites: – Pokko and the Drum by Matthew Forsythe – The Little House by Virginia Lee Burton (though I cry every time) – Harold Snipperpot’s Best Disaster Ever by Beatrice Alemagna – Where the Sidewalk Ends by Shel Silverstein – Captain Raptor Series by Kevin O’Malley (Also, we heartily second The Night Gardner, Creepy Underpants, Stellaluna, Sam and Dave Dig a Hole, and the Wild Robot books)
The way just seeing the cover of Hello, Lighthousr makes me well up with tears. What a special, perfect book.
Never underestimate the power of a beautiful picture book. A few years ago I came across the “Little Old Man Who Could Not Read” at my mom’s house and realized how much in influenced my design sense as an adult. Dory Fantasmagory was essential for my very dyslexic daughter in her reading journey.
I have a two year old son, so we are DEEP in the picture books! Every 3 weeks, I request a new batch of 10 from our local library and we read them during meals, and before bed. When something really hits – we buy a copy to keep. Some of our favorites are already on this list – ‘We Found A Hat’ and ‘Little Shew’ are both so wonderful. Go to authors for us are Mac Barnett, Jon Klaussen, Mo Williams, Oliver Jeffers, Akiko Miyakoshi, Yuki Ainoya and Jon Agee. Some other current favorites are: ‘Oh No George!’ and ‘We Have a Plan’ by Chris Haughton – both hilarious and beautifully illustrated ‘Sato the Rabbit’ by Yuki Ainoya – imaginative, soothing and etherial. There are four and we love them all ‘It’s Only Stanley’ by Jon Agee – so funny and clever and a lovely rhyme scheme that is very satisfying to read aloud. ‘Extra Yarn’ and ‘Places to Be’ by Mac Barnett – all of his books are wildly engaging for adults as well as the littles. ‘You Belong Here’ by MH Clark – this is a book I have given as a gift to new parents, and was especially meaningful to me after going through IVF ‘I am a Bunny’ by Richard Scarry – classic for a reason – so charming! ‘Everywhere Babies’ by Susan Myers – our son reaches for this one all the time ‘Harry the Dirty Dog’ by Gene Zion – love the vintage illustrations ‘The Tiger Who Came to Tea’ by Judith Kerr – very quirky and British ‘Trashy Town’ by by Andrea Zimmerman and David Clemesha, illustrated by Dan Yaccarino – our boy is in his trash truck era so this is a constant And I know this is already the ‘War and Peace’ of comments – but if you live in Los Angeles, the public library offers a service where you can tell them your child’s age and a topic they are interested in, and the librarians will curate a ‘book bundle’ for them. Such a great resource – our recent prompts have been dinosaurs, farm animals, trucks and trains. https://www.lapl.org/kids/book-bundles
We love Jon Agee too!
Great list! Also – Brian Floca books – Locomotive and Moonshot are two of our favorites. The text of Locomotive ebbs and flows in such a satisfying train-like cadence and the pictures beautifully convey the different landscapes and moments in the train ride. While it was too long to read every night, the familiar rhythm of this book was a dependable way to settle my son (and myself) into bedtime.
Can we PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE have a beauty uniform for Sophie Blackall? Please!
So many open tabs – thank you! I was delighted by the post title alone but every more thrilled to realize the list was curated by Sophie. “If you come to earth” is one of our favorite books to read with our 3.5 year old!!
EEEEE! We Are Definitely Human is such a beautiful book! We saw X. Fang do a reading of it and she drew a portrait of our son as an alien. We framed it and it’s in our living room and we’ll love it forever. She’s the BEST!
Amazing!!! All her books are ones I can’t recommend enough.
This is an amazing list, but I have to know…is Sophie wearing an apron with a dressage horse on it?! If so, I’d love to know where it is from!
M.H. Clark writes some of the most beautiful books I have ever read in my life. They’re about kindness, acceptance, a sense of belonging, grief…The illustrations are just as beautiful.
I’m convinced by body is comprised of a few bones, Diet Coke, and my love of children’s books. I get emotional just thinking about the end of bedtime stories and my children are already 11 and 8. I’ll just have to start going door to door around 7pm pulling behind me a wagon of children’s books asking if anyone will take me in. Patricia Polacco will always be my family’s gold standard. Meteor! Aunt Chip And The Great Triple Creek Dam Affair, Babushka Baba Yaga, and Mrs. Katz and Tush are some standouts Possum Magic by Mem Fox Stellaluna by Janell Canon Toot and Puddle Series by Holly Hobbie Miss Rumphius by Barbara Cooney Steganona by Tomie dePaola LOVE THEM ALL
This is a stellar list.
Thank you, sincerely!
Keep reading to them! There are so many great middle grade novels and you don’t even have to stop there. I remember my mom reading Jane Eyre to me when I was in high school.
We love many classic picture books, but contemporary favorites include the Creepy Carrots / Underwear/ Crayons trilogy, and Chester Van Chime Forgot How to Rhyme. I was surprised to not see Mo Willems’s name more in the comments, but of course we love the pigeon books too!
Nannette’s Baguette! Our Mo Willems fav. We “discovered” it during the pandemic and went on a bakery quest to find a good baguette. I love how the mom is unpredictable. So fun but also a chance to talk about a reset.
My daughter is now 13 and does not enjoy reading although when she was younger we definitely read a lot! Some of our favourites were; The Book with No Pictures (absolutely fantastic!!) The Jolly Postman or Other Peoples Letters The Gruffalo, Snail on the Whale, The Smartest Giant in Town and a Squish and a Squeeze (All Julia Donaldson Books) The Dinosaur who pooped series (yes they are disgusting but all kids love poop!) I am sure there were many more but these were the ones that we definitely read over and over again!
I love the Jolly Postman! The Christmas one is great, too.
Everything by Briony May Smith https://www.instagram.com/brionymaysmith/ Her books are really very special, I think.
To this fantastic list I would add The Queen in the Cave and The Witch in the Tower by Julia Sarda Portabella, the Skunk and Badger series, the First Cat in Space series, Pepper and Me by Beatrice Alemagna, and Words With Wings and Magic Things by Matthew Burgess and Doug Salati.
My kids and 9 and 11 and I often see them leafing through their children’s books. Shouldn’t we all reread them from time to time? So many good ones already mentioned, but I just wanted to shout out the Mo Willems book. Our kids loved having the Knuffle Bunny series read to them when they were little, and the reading the Elephant & Piggy books out loud to us (there is usually just one word or at most one sentence per page). We all get fully into character when reading these, so with some (like ‘I broke my Trunk’ or ‘Can I Play Too?’) the giggles start almost on the first page.
I’m a huge Sophie fan, and would recommend this podcast of how she created Farmhouse to anyone who knows/loves the book (or just loves picture books, or Sophie, or all of the above!): https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/168-sophie-blackall-farmhouse-unraveled/id1028877816?i=1000570384475 She wrote it IN HER HEAD, LINE BY LINE while stuck driving a car that couldn’t be stopped without breaking down for a necessary 8 hour road trip. For picture book authors, this is as close to the movie Speed as you can get (and with such a beautiful outcome!!) Incidentally, tomorrow is the release date of my very first picture book (the publisher moved it around a little, and it landed on my birthday too!). Did you know new books all get released on Tuesdays? It’s called Tidy Ted Meets Jess the Mess and it’s about making friends in kindergarten. It’s sweet and funny and I’m so excited for it to be out in the world, making its own friends! Please check it out! https://www.simonandschuster.ca/books/Tidy-Ted-Meets-Jess-the-Mess/Joanna-McIntyre/9798890631817#
Congratulations, Joanna!! What an exciting new chapter for you. Thank you for sharing your new book witih us!
Congratulations Joanna!
Thanks Analise and Amanda!!
Her popular book, Farmhouse, feels like it was written about my house! We are raising our family in my great grandparents house that was built in 1890. We still have the wood burning stove in the kitchen. She did such a good job with that book, I love to read it to my kids. It looks just like our house.
The Lighthouse is one of my kids very favorite books and mine too. I can’t get through the page where the baby comes without crying which also delights my child.
I love reading picture books to my boys. Some of our favorites are: A Whistle for Willie by Ezra Jack Keats The Circus Ship by Chris Van Dusen Milo’s Hat Trick by Jon Agee One Morning in Maine by Robert McCloseky When I Was Young in the Mountains by Cynthia Rylant (I’m sentimental about this one, as my mom read it me when I was little.)
I was so excited to see Sophie and picture books in general featured on the blog today! I have been working towards becoming a picture book author/illustrator and love the world of picture books! Some favorites that haven’t been mentioned yet: Tumblebaby – Adam Rex/Audrey Helen Weber Spider in the Well – Jess Hannigan When Rubin Plays – Gracey Zhang The Wooden Robot and the Log Princess – Tom Gayle Mina – Matthew Forsythe Ooko by Esme Shapiro Little Witch Hazel – Phoebe Wahl And I have to plug my friend’s book that is coming out in English in May – https://www.transitchildrenseditions.org/books/thefountain It is just an absolute delight. Funny and magical with gorgeous illustrations!
I love Little Witch Hazel! I ask my daughter if we can read it more than she asks me. LOL
I love this post. I also love Sophie’s work. Growing Up had a great collection of picture books as my mom is an artist and while they may not have been the most diverse, many had beautiful illustrations. I grew up with Eloise and Brave Irene, but one of my favorites is “Need a house?Call Ms. mouse!” By George Mendoza. I’m am early childhood educator, and I always read “The country bunny and a little golden shoes” to my class every year. Fantastic and tear jerking.
We love Sophie Blackall books! We are currently visiting the beach with a bonafide lighthouse and my 3 year old keeps asking about the “man inside.” She also loves Farmhouse! Other recent favorites: Saturday is Swimming Day Every Monday Mabel Mercy Watson PS Sophie, please open your Etsy shop so i can order prints from your books! xoxo
I love children’s books so much, I know we have shelves of them in our house long after our kids are older. I don’t know that it’s my favorite, but one that we checked out from the library recently that has stayed with me is about a girl and her invisible friend. At first you think it’s written from the perspective of the girl, who wakes up one morning and finds her invisible friend is missing. But as you read on you discover that it’s the invisible friend who is narrating, who misses his child friend who is now too old to believe anymore. It made me cry and I am still thinking about it…..
Ah, this reminds me of the movie IF, which made me cry too!
Owl Babies Are You My Mother? Runaway Bunny and have to add- The Book With No Pictures! It’s hilarious
You and I have the same bookshelf! I love all of these, and Runaway Bunny makes me tear up, even after 14 years of reading it to various kids.
I loved Runaway Bunny when I was growing up and now I’m reading it to my new baby girl and loving it in a whole new light.
A few people have mentioned Sophie’s book Farmhouse, and I’d like to recommend it as well! I cried the first time I read it :) A few chapter books for younger readers I’ve enjoyed recently are Bad Badger by MaryRose Wood, The Adventures of Miss Petitfour by Anne Michaels, and The Wild Robot books by Peter Brown.
I LOVE Sophie Blackall. People who write childrens books are the best people. Our absolute favourite childrens book (which can be hard to find), is Toot and Puddle which is about two wonderful friends, one who loves to explore the world, and another who loves the pleasures at home. Find it if you can!
Alison Lester anything! She’s an Australian writer/illustrator and her book, Magic Beach was just voted Australia’s best children’s book. Could not recommend more!
Yes….We did not vote for it ( We voted for Where is the Green Sheep?) but her books are beautiful
I’m Australian. I am not sure if anybody has mentioned the books by Alison Lester. Magic Beach, Kissed by the Moon, and Imagine are favourites in our household. They are magical and beautiful and so lovely to read right before eyes slowly shut.
Or by Mem Fox – Koala Lou …
I have a milestone birthday coming up this summer and one of the treats I promised myself was a new book at the local bookstore. After reading this post and the comments, it might need to be a picture book.
Sophie Blackall visited our local library right before Covid shut everything down. She was beautiful, wise, genius, generous. AND! She gave my daughter a very much beloved copy of Principles of Uncertainty by Maira Kalman. It is one of my very favorite books and we were honored to receive our copy from Sophie.
Robert Munsch! He’s Canadian (like me) and I find Americans sometimes know his sweetest/saddest book (Love You Forever) but often don’t know his funny stuff! If you only read one it should be The Paper Bag Princess, but we also loved Stephanie’s Ponytail, Mud Puddle, Thomas’ Snowsuit… He’s written a lot of more recent stuff that I should really check out too!
My son’s beloved preschool teacher was OBSESSED with Robert Munsch. We love so many of his books! My son’s favorite at 4yo was Makeup Mess. We also loved Mortimer, Mud Puddle, and I have to go! So many classics.
YES! Everything Munsch!!!!
My favourite Munsch book is Jonathan Cleaned Up…and Then He Heard a Sound
Oh I love the paper Bag Princess!
Love, love Jon Klassen books. Extra Yarn by Mac Barnett is one of my very most favorites…”things began to change in that little town.” and we recently picked up his book “What is love?” the ending will make you weep. We bought “Have You Ever Seen a Flower?” by Shawn Harris on a trip to Portland when we visited Powell’s. It’s beautiful and has a beautiful message. When I was pregnant with our oldest daughter a few years ago, a friend gave us “Someday” by Alison McGhee and I still give it to every expecting parent I know. My husband and I wept the first time we read it.
What is Love? is an all-time favourite of mine! I cannot read that book without crying 😭 in a similar vein, The Immortal Jellyfish by Sang Miao is fantastic. Heads up, it does deal with the death of a grandfather.
Thank you for this gem in her bio: “She’s currently at work on The Sea: A Love Story, a picture book for grown-ups based on her experiences sailing from San Francisco to Sydney while using a cyanometer to measure the sea’s changing colors.” I’ve been working on a little personal project painting how the colors of Lake Michigan change each day and had no idea that cyanometers were a thing! What MAGIC.
Maryn, my dear friend has a long-running What Color Is the Lake Today project where she gives a hyper-intimate description of Lake Michigan! What magic you all are!
Okay, did you see the lake today?!! That blue was incredible
Ahh! A kindred spirit! Is her project on the interwebs? I’d love to see it, but was unsuccessful in my googling. Magic all around ✨
Mia — I sadly missed it yesterday (wasn’t feeling well and didn’t make it out), but there have been some amazing blues lately!!!
It was on her blog ages and ages ago, but I think now it’s just in her heart and journals!
Spring Is Here, by Taro Gomi! Delightful picture book for babies crawling into their first Springl
I am sooo nostalgic for picture books now my kids are teens! It’s always curious to me how, apart from the classics, like Frog and Toad and Goodnight Moon, kids even a few years apart will know and love completely different books… My daughter and I loved A House in the Woods by Inga Moore, it is just the cosiest… but I don’t know if you can still get hold of it!
One of my absolute favorites – that moose – those beavers working for peanut butter sandwiches! Love, love love that book.
Inga Moore’s illustrations are exquisite. One of the most treasured books in our house is her illustrated version of Kenneth Grahame’s The Wind in the Willows. It’s one of my go-to gift books because of how much it made my own kids giggle and what a delight it was to me to read it aloud.
Favorite picture books? Where do I start?? – Du Iz Tak, by the amazing Carson Ellis – The Wolf, The Duck, and the Mouse by Mac Barnett and Jon Klassen – Basically anything by Bob Shea (if you are a fan of VEEP and 30 Rock, you will love his sense of humor) – Boats for Papa, by Jessixa Bagley – Love books from the Finnish author/illustrator Marika Maijala; check out the imprint Elsewhere Editions, which publishes wonderful translations of her work and SO many other books that are too daring/artsy for the American market – Sophie’s own FARMHOUSE, of course (the back matter alone makes it worth a purchase…) – X. Fang’s works (BROKEN, her latest, is always LOL good) I could go on for at least three more scrolls. If anyone is looking for more recs or wants to read ravings from a picture book nut, I write a (free!) Substack all about picture books at https://thepageturn.substack.com
Agree with the X. Fang recommendation! Her book Dim Sum Palace is so charming. My three-year-old has it memorized.
I (and my kids) love Du Iz Tak so so much.
So wonderful to read about all these books. I miss storytime too! If only I fully understood it would end one day and that last time was the last time. Sob.
I am an Australian, which means I am totally claiming Lynley Dodd for our own – she’s from New Zealand! Her books about the adventures of Hairy McClary and his friends (all dogs) are amazing, as well as Scareface Claw (cat), the roughest and toughest, the meanest of cats, or Slinky Malinki, the sweetest and cheekiest. We also adored Tabby McTat by Julia Donaldson – I used to read it to the pace of a beat poem. I am a children’s librarian so I am looking forward to checking in that we have some of these in our collection.
Agree! Schnitzel Von Crumb with the very low Tum! We often say too, is it comfy and cosy…no not a bit… when getting something new. You just want your old lovely worn out thing.
Our kids loved all of Julia Donaldson’s books! They all read like a beat poem – which is so fun!!
What a treat to learn about all of these amazing books by such a celebrated author whose own books I’ve loved reading with my kids. My 11 year old and 13 year old will, from time to time, still ask to read beloved picture books for comfort and it’s a lovely ritual I hope never ends! Our favorites right now are: The World Belonged to Us by Jacqueline Woodson The Rabbit Listened by Cori Doerrfeld I Want My Hat Back by Jon Klassen And Tango Makes Three by Justin Richardson and Peter Parnell
The book I give out to everyone and that had long been a favorite of our family is “Today” By Julie Morstad. It’s a book with lovely illustrations and the reader gets to make choices as the move through the book — like what they want to wear, where they want to go, even what kind of ice cream they want they day. Highly recommend!
I LOVE Julie Morstad’s illustrations! Have you seen This Is Sadie, written by Sara O’Leary, illustrated by Julie? It’s a favorite of my kids and mine.
love sophie blackall and love talking picture books!
I love Sophie Blackall books! I am an elementary school Teacher Librarian, and just this morning I read “Finding Winnie,” written by Lindsay Mattick and illustrated by Sophie (we’re on a first name basis, right?). This afternoon I am reading “Farmhouse,” written and illustrated by Sophie. Both of these books are part of a several-week lesson I’m doing with grades 4 and 5 students on how picture books can be touching, funny, smart, and wonderful no matter what grade we’re in or how old we are. I am also obsessed with Milkwood, the retreat space in the beautifully restored and renovated dairy barn depicted in “Farmhouse,” and someday will go to a peer retreat and hang out with my bff Sophie and other educators, librarians, and artists. Can’t. Wait. Anyway it was very fun to see this post today and I agree with Sophie’s book recommendations; so many good ones!
The Brambly Hedge books (spring story, summer story, fall story, etc.) by Jill Barklem (quite old) have such detailed beautiful illustrations. Could remember some of the details decades later :) when I got to reread them and gift newer editions. The picture books by Torben Kuhlmann (“Lindbergh – The tale of a flying mouse”, “Armstrong”, etc.) are beautifully illustrated. So many details in each page to pour over along with the story.
Sam and Dave Dig A Hole – nothing has made my kids laugh more. The Koala That Could – I wish I could live by the lessons in this book. I reread it regularly to help remember not to be afraid of change. The Crayons series by Oliver Jeffers – just so clever and funny And the Night Gardener is possibly the most beautiful picture book I’ve ever read about spreading joy.
Any of the Chirri and Chirra books by Kaya Doi. The illustrations are so charming and lovely. I want to live in these books! Who Wet My Pants? By Bob Shea. Really funny and great for discussing compassion. The Day Jimmy’s Boa Ate the Wash. This was a favorite of mine as a kid, and I still like reading it to my own kids and students. There is so much to discover in the funny, detailed illustrations.
We just discovered Chirri and Chirra at our local library and I fully agree – we were completely charmed by the illustrations that somehow manage to feel like a 1960s picture book, but also from the future? My kids are captivated! We also need to plug Sophie’s book “Hello Lighthouse” which is beyond stunning and the perennial favorite that I give to all new mom friends: All the World.
I love reading aloud to my children, especially during bedtime. Currently we’re working our way through the Wild Robot trilogy. Some pictures books we’ve enjoyed are from the above list (Fireworks, Anything,Frog and Toad, Jon Klassen books). We are also loving Bad Kitty The Jasper Rabbit books by Aaron Reynolds Towed by Toad by Jashar Awan Bathe the Cat- Alice McGinty The Knuffle Bunny series 100 Mighty Dragons All Named Broccoli Eli and the Uncles- Jehan Madhani
After years of rejections, my very first picture book was finally published last year! It’s called BUNNY MADE TEA and tells the story of an introverted bunny who wants a quiet cup of tea, only to be interrupted by a family of opossums. I hope you’ll check it out! (I also heartily recommend the picture book HOT DOG, by Doug Salati)
Congratulations!!! Your book sounds brilliant.
Congratulations on your book! I read it and really enjoyed both the story and the lovely illustrations :)
Amanda! That’s so exciting! I have a few picture books in the hopper myself and am at a loss for what comes next. But I love to support new authors – post a link where we can find your wonderful book so we can support you!
Congratulations!!!
Thank you all for the kind support! Here is a link where you can buy Bunny (it’s also available from wherever you buy books!): https://bookshop.org/p/books/bunny-made-tea-amanda-baehr-fuller/887e51f4ef353f37?ean=9781771476812&next=t
Hi Amanda! I am a speech-language pathologist working in the schools, and I LOVE using your beautiful book in the spring! My students and I love acting out the story with bunny stuffed animals and a pretend play tea set. Wish I could include a picture to show you how much joy your sweet story has brought to my literacy and language groups! Thank you!
Oh my gosh Carolyn! That is so amazing to hear!! Wow…thank you so much, truly!
Oh I just adore Jon Klassen. My son has been totally obsessed with The Skull since he was 2 years old. Stone cold weirdo.
I love when kids choose a quirky book as their favourite! The Skull is a strange and intriguing story!
Your son has very good taste, and I think you have a lot of adventures ahead of you! That book is great.
So many great ones!! We just read our first Rowboat Watkins book and my daughter is obsessed. She brought it to school to show her classmates. And I love your books Sophie
So many new to me books and I LOVE picture books. The Questioneer series is really special, favorites being Sophia Valdez Future Prez and Aaron Slater Illustrator. Took me many times through before I stopped getting choked up during Ada Twist Scientist.
Ahh, I love reading these aloud to my kids because the rhyming and the cadence is so fun! Sophia Valdez and also Lila Greer, Teacher of the Year, make me tear up, too.
I am new to sailing and so very excited for Sophie’s new book, The Sea – A Love Story! Would Sophie be willing to tell us a little bit about her sail? Most curious to know what type of sailboat and how long the trip took? Is she an avid sailor? My husband wants to work our way up to long overnight voyages, but I am terrified! The idea of using the trip to write and illustrate a love letter to the ocean brings me great comfort. I’m so happy to learn about Sophie, thank you Kaitlyn and CoJ! As for fave children’s books: Each Peach Pear Plum Good Night Gorilla A Bad Case of Stripes
A Sick Day for Amos McGee – Philip C. Stead and Erin E. Stead Zen Shorts – Jon J. Muth
Love a sick day for Amos!!
HIGE fans of Sophie Blackallin this house. My 3 year old loved Hello Lighthouse so much that when we had to return it to the library, I bought a copy. I also want to recommend the Sato the Rabbit series by Yuki Ainoya. They are so wonderfully dreamy and imaginative!
Yay! Came here to recommend Sato books also, they are so whimsical and filled with wonder. I love reading them ❤️
We have Hello Lighthouse home from the library at the moment and I’m seriously contemplating buying a copy too!
My favorite book of all time is One Fish Two Fish by Dr. Seuss. I recently gave my friend’s kids The Wonky Donkey and my friend tells me they ask for it every night.