These are my favorite picture books to read with my nanny kids. Kids delight in all of them and honestly I do, too.
A sweet, sweet story with beautiful illustrations. I love a wordless book for reluctant readers!
Wolf in the Snow: (Caldecott Medal Winner)
Spunky and sweet. Just as fun for grown-ups as kids.
Sheila Rae, the Brave
My nanny kids asked to read this one again and again.
Evergreen
It’s about grief.
Bear Island
Can you tell I have excellent taste in picture books yet? This one is a classic from my early childhood in Portland.
Chrysanthemum: A First Day of School Book for Kids
Another Kevin Hankes mouse. Probably useful for most kids today 🤍
Wemberly Worried
I've been dying to dress up as Lily for Halloween for two years and counting.
Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse
A beautiful, weird classic with a natural rhythm that’s good for pre-reading.
In the Night Kitchen: A Caldecott Honor Award Winner
More mice! I love them.
A Weekend with Wendell
I love this one for kids who want to have a lot of control over play with others.
Chester's Way
This one is just so silly. I remember relishing in the idea of teaching my baby sister the wrong alphabet, inspired by this story!
Julius, the Baby of the World
Another weird one. Kids love weird!
The Skull: A Tyrolean Folktale (A Macabre Story About Courage and Friendship - Chapter Book for Early Readers Ages 4-9 in Grades 1-4)
Awesome awesome retelling
The Three Billy Goats Gruff
One of the absolute best
Sam and Dave Dig a Hole
Just the most beautiful
Extra Yarn: A Caldecott Honor Award Winner
This whole series is just magical
Chirri & Chirra
Simple and fun.
Not a Box
Feels nostalgic and sweet.
When Lightning Comes in a Jar
Perfect for Naptime
Quiet
Kids find this hilarious and it should be good for social learning.
What If Everybody Did That?
a hilarious feminist classic
The Paper Bag Princess 40th Anniversary Edition
An obvious classic. High recommend Mac Barnett and Jon Klassen's free Substack article on Frog and Toad if you're a picture book nerd like me ;)
Frog and Toad Storybook Favorites: All 4 Books From the Classic Animal Friendship and Adventure Series in Hardcover, Great for Growing Reading Skills and Early Literacy Development for Kids [ages 4-8]; Value Price
There is something really magical for kids about all the interactive elements of this book.
Stir Crack Whisk Bake: A Little Book about Little Cakes
