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Many parents are surprised to discover wordless picture books. After all, aren’t the words the point? And, indeed, it is important to expose your child to plenty of words and letters (including using books to draw kids’ attention to print).

But pictures-only storybooks also have their own unique benefits, from sparking imagination and encouraging interaction to allowing near-readers to focus on a story without worrying about text. They give early or struggling readers the opportunity to enjoy books independently without the pressure of decoding. Including them as a part of your collection lets your child luxuriate in the joy of story.

Plus, imagining a story together from pictures also naturally promotes an interactive story time, which is tremendously beneficial for kids (and, incidentally, for parents). For best effect, alternate narrating wordless books to your child and inviting them to tell their own versions. Want some help getting started? This guided reading activity demonstrates how to use wordless picture books with your child.

The Lion and the Mouse

by Jerry Pinkney

Pinkney won the Caldecott Medal and for his presentation of this Aesop fable, which was named a Boston Globe-Horn Honor Book. As a teacher, I most often use Jerry Pinkney’s wordless books. He takes well-known fables and removes the text, letting his rich illustrations tell the story on their own. The Lion and the Mouse is my personal favorite, because of the wonderful emotions played out on the faces of the characters. (For more on the work of Jerry Pinkney, check out our blog post on 13 favorite Jerry Pinkey books.)
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Bear and Wolf

by Dan Salmieri

Step into a beautiful winter wonderland and the beginning of a silent and simple friendship. This story is by Dan Salmieri, the illustrator of the beloved book Dragons Love Tacos, but it’s a departure from the bright and silly illustrations that made the artist famous. In this picture book, a friendship blossoms one winter day between, you guessed it, a bear and a wolf. And in a sweet ending, the friendship returns with the beginning of spring.
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Flotsam

by David Wiesner

Well known for his wordless picture books, David Weisner does not disappoint with this Caldecott-winning beach-day story. It portrays a young boy at the beach who stumbles across a roll of film. Once developed, it turns the day into an exploration of history, magical underwater life, and excitement. Your child will love the lush illustrations and sense of wonder they’ll find within the pages. (Though you may have to explain what a roll of film is.)
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Wallpaper

by Thao Lam

This volume is an enchanting wonder. In it, a shy young girl discovers a world within the layers of wallpaper in her bedroom. She romps through jungles, ponds, cloudscapes, and a flock of sheep! While on her wallpaper adventure, she learns how to make friends by simply taking the brave step of saying “hello” to someone new. This book is imaginative, colorful, and filled with social-emotional learning skills.
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Another

by Christian Robinson

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to meet an alternative-universe version of yourself? Or of your pet? Well, that’s just what happens in Another. A little girl explores another world, where she meets different versions of her cat and of herself. In addition to the great, colorful cues throughout the pages, the illustrations encourage readers to turn and flip them, making the book an interactive delight.
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Flora and the Flamingo

by Molly Idle

Flora loves flamingos. She likes their pink feathers, their elegant moves, and their big webbed feet. So she decides to dress in swim gear to look like one—and then follow a real flamingo around to imitate its motions. Originally annoyed, the flamingo eventually joins Flora and shares the fun with a fabulous flamingo ballet. Pretty and pink, this book is a likely bet for any little animal lovers or dance lovers in your life.

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The Red Book

by Barbara Lehman

Have you ever loved a book so much that you wanted to dive right into its pages? Well, in the story of The Red Book, that dream comes true. Two children on opposite sides of the world are connected by a single book (red, of course). Their ability to see one another in the book’s pages leads one child from the wintery streets of a big city to the warm beaches of an island, through a most unusual means of travel.

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Chalk

by Bill Thomson

Do you have a kiddo that loves to draw? If so, this picture book is one to check out. Three friends take their sidewalk chalk out one rainy day to create pictures on the playground tarmac. Imagine their surprise when they discover that everything they draw comes to life. Enjoy the imaginative illustrations and the pure glee of the story’s chalk magic—but remember to be careful what you draw!
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Pool

by JiHyeon Lee

Going for a swim has never been this fun. Two children show up at the pool, ready for a delightful dip, only to find it overcrowded with other people and their floats. But, then, the two of them dive underneath the crowd … and discover a beautiful sea all their own. They explore a world of coral, fish, whales, and other creatures of the deep. Perhaps it’s only their imagination, but perhaps it’s something even more. A lovely volume to spark creativity and conversation.
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Imagine!

by Raúl Colón

What is it like to experience art for the first time? Illustrator Raúl Colón channels his first experiences visiting an art museum into this captivating wordless picture book. A boy visits the Museum of Modern Art and, to his delight, paintings by Picasso, Rousseau, and Matisse come alive. For one whimsical day, the boy and the paintings adventure throughout New York City, riding roller coasters, dancing, and enjoying hot dogs in the park. This experience then inspires the boy to create art of his own. Perhaps it will inspire you and your child too!
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Truck

by Donald Crews

While not completely wordless, Truck is a book without the text of a story or dialogue. Instead, it focuses on functional literacy, which means learning how to read common words found in everyday life. In the case of this Caldecott-winner, it’s street signs! As they follow a large semi-truck driving through the city, your child will encounter stop signs, street signs, directions, and other examples of everyday literacy embedded in the illustrations. It’s also available in board-book form, making it a winner for kids of all ages.
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The Arrival

by Shaun Tan

A hauntingly beautiful story told through black-and-white illustrations, The Arrival is a tale about what it means to leave your home and immigrate to somewhere new. Australian filmmaker Shaun Tan explores loss, isolation, hope, adventure, and memory in this touching book. It really lets kids create a complex story examining separation from family—a theme children often think about when adults in their lives move, go on trips without them, or even just go to work for the day. Plus, there’s a touch of imagination and magic in this book, and what kid doesn’t love that?
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Chrysta Naron (she/her) is an early childhood educator, curriculum specialist, and the founder of the education nonprofit Read the Room. She believes everything is better with glitter! Follow her on Instagram.

As Beyoncé put it, “Who run the world? Girls!” From art to science to running a country, women and girls have so many wonderful things to contribute. And positive role models help kids realize just what they and their peers can accomplish. If you’re looking to inspire your children and build out your girl power picture book library, introduce them to these 11 amazing women authors and their lovely children’s books.

Juana Martinez-Neal

Peruvian author and illustrator Juana Martinez-Neal earned a Caldecott Honor for her book Alma and How She Got Her Name. (Check out our post Name Graphs Teach Reading for a great activity you can do along with the book!) Her stories are filled with love, strong female characters of color, familial bonds, and South American cultural themes. Her books often have English and Spanish versions, too. Check her latest book, Zonia’s Rain Forest, about an Asháninka girl and her life in the Amazon.
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Yuyi Morales

Yuyi Morales is a Mexican author and illustrator currently living in California. Her books are vibrant, touching, and often very funny. Just a Minute: A Trickster Tale and Counting Book is a perennial favorite of my students. Her books include biographies (Viva Frida), whimsical tales of children’s imagination (Niño Wrestles the World), and explorations of immigrant experience in the U.S. (Dreamers). Her books are often bilingual in Spanish and English.
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Carmen Tafolla

I cannot praise Carmen Tafolla enough. This former State Poet Laureate of Texas is a gift to children’s books. Her stories feature Latinx characters with joy and delight. My personal favorite, What Can You Do With a Paleta?, is a colorful bilingual romp that begs to be read and reread by children. As a fun follow-up, I often teach kids how to make paletas after finishing the book. I also highly recommend What Can You Do With a Rebozo? and That’s Not Fair!: Emma Tenayuca’s Struggle for Justice / ¡No es Justo!: La Lucha de Emma Tenayuca por la Justicia.

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Traci Sorell

Traci Sorell is a Cherokee author who writes books for middle schoolers, elementary age students, and preschoolers. Her books focus on the lives of Native American people. She celebrates the resilience of Indigenous Americans in every book. My personal favorites are We Are Still Here! Native American Truths Everyone Should Know and Powwow Day.

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Julie Flett

Julie Flett is an incredible Cree-Métis author and illustrator. Her books are often bilingual in Cree and English, and many come in board-book form, perfect for your youngest book lover. Her simple art heavily features native flora and fauna of Canada and is so simple and emotional, you’ll find yourself smiling at every page. Be sure to check out Black Bear Red Fox, We All Count, and We All Play. (You can read more about Julie Flett, Traci Sorell and others in our post on the value of reading Indigenous authors).
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Grace Lin

What can’t Grace Lin do? Adventure chapter books with incredible Chinese heroines and dragons? Check! Early readers for your five- to seven-year-olds? Check! Picture books about Chinese holidays, traditions, and love of family? Check! Adorable board books? Check! Grace Lin is one of the best authors/illustrators in the game, and everything she writes is magic. She’s on my bookshelf all year round, no matter what my students are learning about. I love A Big Bed for Little Snow, The Ugly Vegetables, and Ling and Ting: Not Exactly The Same. She even has a podcast for kids called Kids Ask Authors! Check out our red envelope story time activity featuring one of Lin’s books.
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Kat Zhang

In addition to “young adult” and middle-school-focused books, Kat Zhang is the author of the delightful Amy Wu picture book series. This collection of books features a small girl learning about her Chinese culture the way kids learn best—hands-on! At the end of each book is a recipe or activity that your family can learn, just like Amy.
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bell hooks

bell hooks was an author, speaker, professor, and social activist. She is generally best known for her essays and writing aimed at adults, but she also produced children’s books as well. Her books (usually written in verse) are a terrific introduction for children to understanding race, gender, and class. They’re written from a child’s perspective and even get my students up and moving! Dive into her works with Be Boy Buzz, Skin Again, and Happy to Be Nappy.
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Nadia L. Hohn

Nadia L. Hohn is a Canadian author and the daughter of Jamaican immigrants. Also an elementary teacher, she really understands how to write for children. Try her sweet Malaika stories. They focus on a young Jamaican girl and her relationship with her family, as well as her experiences immigrating from Jamaica to Canada. They are filled with so much love, color, and happiness. Hohn’s books are a treat for readers of every age!
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Oge Mora

Oge Mora’s books are, simply put, incredible. As an author and illustrator, she uses collage techniques to create the eye-catching artwork that makes her books so distinct. Her works have won numerous awards. Thank You, Omu! is a particularly touching book that exemplifies generosity and community. Mora is a relatively new author, and I eagerly await to see what her future holds.
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Vashti Harrison

In addition to being a stellar illustrator (Hair Love, Sulwe, and Cece Loves Science) Vashti Harrison is the genius behind the Little Leaders series. These books share the biographies of influential people of color throughout history. They are thoughtfully written, serenely illustrated, and a gem for every household. As a bonus, Harrison even has board books in the Little Leader series!

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Next time you’re on a trip to your local library or hunting for a new bedtime story to snuggle with, remember to check out these fabulous female authors. You never know who they might inspire your children to be!

Who are your favorite female children’s authors? Have a suggestion to include in our list? Let us know!

Chrysta Naron (she/her) is an early childhood educator, curriculum specialist, and the founder of the education nonprofit Read the Room. She believes everything is better with glitter! Follow her on Instagram.

Teaching kids how to feed themselves and how to live in a community responsibly is the center of an education.

Alice Waters

As we stumble out from the gray skies of winter into the bluer skies of spring, there seems to be a collective moment to pause and notice the awakening of the world around us. Leaves and buds begin to appear on trees, birds build nests, shoots push their way up through soil and between sidewalk cracks. When we take time to notice life waking up to say “hello,” it’s a great opportunity to introduce the idea of growth to our children.

Research shows that children who spend more time positively interacting with nature end up valuing nature more as adults. This may lead them to make stronger choices about recycling, taking alternative modes of transportation, and becoming active in other conservation efforts.

And if you’re looking for a fun way to encourage outdoor time and mindfulness to the miracle of life all around us, picture books about gardening are a fantastic place to start. They teach children about plants and why they grow, and show kids that they can be a part of growing, cultivating, and eating flourishing gardens! Get ready to be inspired (and maybe just a little hungry) after reading these lovely kids’ books about gardening.

The Ugly Vegetables

Written and illustrated by Grace Lin

This is one of my favorite children’s books of all time. Springtime has arrived, and every house in the neighborhood has a garden going. But while most are filled with beautiful flowers, our young narrator is disappointed that her family’s garden is just full of ugly vegetables! As the gardens continue to grow, we see the main character struggle with her mother’s traditional Chinese garden and her own desire to be like other families. But when it comes time to harvest the vegetables, everyone in the neighborhood wants in on the delicious soup they make!

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Up in the Garden and Down in the Dirt

by Kate Messner, Illustrated by Christopher Silas Neal

In this sweet book, author Kate Messner explores the cycle of the seasons and the life of plants through the family of a young girl and her Nana. The protagonist learns about the planting and cultivation of fruit and vegetables, as well as the joy of eating the food they’ve grown. We see how ladybugs, bees, and butterflies also help the garden grow. Simultaneously, we get to explore the world of the garden below the dirt. The reader learns how worms, dead leaves, and pill bugs also contribute to the plant cycle. It’s heartwarming and informative, not to mention dynamically illustrated.

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Summer Supper

by Rubin Pfeffer, Illustrated by Mike Austin

The only thing this book highlights more than gardening is the letter S! Each page is filled with gardening and cooking words, each beginning with this swirly letter. With few words and lots of alliteration, it’s a great volume to help kids learn about letter sounds and make the connection between print and speech that will lead to successful reading, writing, and spelling. It also contains a lot of onomatopoeias, which makes it a noisy and fun read-aloud book. So dive into the world of summer gardening and the silly sounds of S. (Related: See our posts about drawing kids’ attention to print and teaching children the alphabet.)
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Growing Vegetable Soup

written and illustrated by Lois Ehlert

Renowned author/illustrator Lois Ehlert is no stranger to creating children’s books about nature. With simple sentences and bright, bold illustrations, this volume is engaging for the youngest gardeners. You can even get it in board book form. Growing Vegetable Soup is true to its title, following the plot from planting vegetable seeds, through using tools to harvest them, and finally throwing them together in a pot to make the most delicious soup ever! For a complete story time activity, follow up your reading by making vegetable soup together with your child.
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Harlem Grown: How One Big Idea Transformed a Neighborhood

by Tony Hillery,  illustrated by Jessie Hartland

This nonfiction kids’ gardening book is by Tony Hillery, the founder of an urban-farming nonprofit organization called Harlem Grown. In 2011, Hillery discovered an empty, ignored lot in the Harlem neighborhood of New York. And with a lot of love, and even more hard work, he transformed it into a garden where children could learn about food and try fresh produce. This book follows his story, demonstrating how gardening can truly change people’s lives.
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If You Plant a Seed

written and illustrated by Kadir Nelson

In this lovely book, author/illustrator Kadir Nelson has created a masterpiece of metaphor to inspire little listeners. A rabbit and a mouse plant a seed and are excited to reap the rewards of their hard work—but, when their food is ready, some other animals have other plans. Nelson’s gorgeous illustrations show how a garden grows, while his poetic language illustrates that, just as we plant a seed that grows into a full garden, we can plant seeds of kindness that will grow into more and more kindness and a full life.
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Where in the Garden Series

by JaNay Brown-Wood, Illustrated by Samara Hardy

Where in the Garden is an adorable series of four picture books about different children and their different types of gardens. It includes: Amara’s Farm about all the produce a girl’s family farm produces each fall; Miguel’s Community Garden about healthy food grown in urban surroundings, Logan’s Greenhouse about a family’s greenhouse and the search for wonderful winter vegetables, and Linh’s Rooftop Garden, due out in 2023. Each book explores different produce and flowers, as well as sending kids on a seek-and-find search for specific plants as they read. This series is interactive and shows that you can grow a garden anywhere you live!
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One Little Lot: The 1-2-3s of an Urban Garden

by Diane C. Mullen,  illustrated by Oriol Vidal

Kids love a good counting book, and this one is one of my favorites! Beyond simply counting items in a garden, One Little Lot uses numbers and counting to tell the story of a community working together to transform an abandoned city lot into a thriving garden. What starts off as one lonely lot ends with ten newfound friends enjoying the fruits of their labor together. A sweet lesson, and a fun way to practice numbers as you read aloud to your little ones.
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Yasmin the Gardener

by Saadia Faruqi, Illustrated by Hatem Aly

Ideal for early readers, this book recounts the story of Yasmin, a young Pakistani-American girl with ambition and a fabulous imagination. Yasmin the Gardener is part of a whole series about Yasmin by Saadia Faruqi. In each book, the girl takes on a new and exciting challenge for her career goal of the day. In this edition, Yasmin longs to be (you guessed it) a gardener! Her father explains the importance of caring for plants like you would any other living thing, and Yasmin takes the responsibility seriously. At the end of the book is an Urdu-English glossary, plus a cool gardening craft to do with your child.
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My First Book of Growing Food 

by Duopress Labs,, illustrated by Åsa Gilland

If you’re looking for a way to introduce your baby or toddler to gardening and the concept of growing food, try this board book. My First Book of Growing Food gets into the growing conditions that various vegetables and fruits need to flourish, talks about their different flavors, and suggests ways you can prepare them, as well. The charming  illustrations by Asa Gilland demonstrate that we can raise food in many different places—from a garden to inside a house or even the windowsill of an apartment.

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DIY Book Craft: Book Planter Kelsey Nickerson | June 15 , 2020
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This Bird-Watching Activity for Preschoolers is Perfect for Spring Contributor | March 18 , 2024
Does Being in Nature Make Kids Smarter? (And How to Help Your Child) Penny Leigh Sebring | April 11 , 2024

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Chrysta Naron (she/her) is an early childhood educator, curriculum specialist, and the founder of the education nonprofit Read the Room. She believes everything is better with glitter! Follow her on Instagram.

We’ve all heard the phrase “Silence is golden.” Well if that’s true, then the most golden letter of them all has to be silent E!

We often see E at the end of the word, but we don’t pronounce it. That’s silent E. But silent E does more than sit around the ends of words like a bump on a log. It changes whatever vowel comes earlier in the word. The preceding vowel changes from a “short” vowel sound to a “long” vowel sound (meaning the vowel is pronounced as its own name). Here are examples of silent E changing short vowel sounds into the long sounds:

  • Hop ⇨ hope
  • Kit ⇨ kite
  • Can ⇨ cane
  • Cod ⇨ code

We grownups read these words without thinking about it. But for kids, this change can really trip them up. So, how to teach silent E? I often describe it to my students with a cute story, like this. “Vowels like to be the most important letter in the word. When silent E shows up, the first vowel wants to let E know that they’re the boss, so they shout their name.” We practice shouting the long vowel sounds together. (Kids love a good excuse to yell.) And then we practice with a few sample silent E words. I stick to words they know the meaning of, like rope, cake, and made.

After that, it’s just a question of practice. But before you pull out the worksheets and flashcards, consider snuggling up on the couch with your child and some good books instead. Below are some awesome picture books that help parents teach silent E and kids practice reading it. Snag some of these, or keep an eye out during story time for silent E words to point out in the books you already have. (Bonus: Print and make our easy Cake in a Cup Read with Me Recipe for more practice with silent E.)

The Mighty Silent E

by Kimberlee Gard, Illustrated by Sandie Sonke

This book is THE book to help your child learn about silent E. It focuses on little E, a letter in elementary school who is waiting for his day to shine. None of the other letters take much notice of him, until the day he doesn’t show up to school and suddenly there are so many words that can’t be spelled! The story allows your child to read incomplete words and decipher what they would be with a silent E added. It’s funny, informative, and a great way to practice this vital reading skill.
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Stick and Stone

by Beth Ferry, Illustrated by Tom Lichtenheld

I adore this book for helping kids practice reading silent E. It’s so perfect for this—without even trying to be. It’s easy to read, with short sentences and vocabulary that children know or can quickly grasp. There are lots of silent E words throughout the book, including, stone, alone, and cone. Plus, the story about the friendship blossoming between a stick and a stone is adorable and shows kids how to stand up for those you love.
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This Is the Rope: A Story From the Great Migration

By Jacqueline Woodson, Illustrated by James Ransome

Award-winning author Jacqueline Woodson tells the story of a piece of rope and how it’s used for three generations in one family. The word rope appears on every page, allowing children to practice repeatedly reading silent E without the use of flashcards or drills. Exposing a child to a word multiple times helps them to engage with the phonetic concept more fully and commit it to memory. This is the Rope is a great place to start.
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Homemade Love

By bell hooks, Illustrated by Shane W. Evans

In this book, your child will find silent E all over the place. There is at least one word containing a silent E on almost every single page. (There are even a couple of sneaky compound words, like “homemade.”) Your child will be able to practice reading a variety of words, while being swept up in a relatable story about a little girl who loves her family and learns that everyone makes mistakes. The pictures are bright, the story is sweet, and the silent Es are plentiful!
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Rude Cakes

by Rowboat Watkins

Cake has got to be the best silent E word in the world. Well, unless it’s this cake, that is. The very rude cake that stars in this funny picture book is not so great at all. However, the opportunity for your child to practice reading silent E words over and over again—while learning manners, too, and giggling over silly illustrations—means that this book is still a sweet treat. (Kid loves laughs? Check out these 10 funny books for kids, then read about why funny books for kids make smart choices.)
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Hurry Kate, or You’ll Be Late!

by Janice N. Harrington, Illustrated by Tiffany Rose

Due for release in April of 2023, this book has enough silent Es to make me want to click “preorder!” Here are the outlines of this upcoming release: Kate is on her way to her first day of preschool and she’s running late. But it’s not her fault. It’s surely not because of her strict wishes for styling her afro puffs, or how many cars and trucks she stops and waves to on the way, or how many neighbors she says hello to. Surely she’s running late because of the very long hug her daddy gave her. Your child will get to practice reading silent E as they relate to Kate’s tale, and maybe then they’ll even recognize it in their name or that of someone they know!
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Dem Bones

written and illustrated by Bob Barner

Dem Bones is such a great choice for learning about silent E because it has so many things going for it! For starters, the word bone is used repeatedly, giving your child the chance to commit it to memory and practice the letter pattern. Secondly, the book’s main text is the lyrics to the song “Dem Bones.” Adding music and rhythm to lessons allows children to absorb and remember things more quickly. Lastly, each page has a box discussing a different bone and how it works in human anatomy. So much good stuff in such a small book!
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Tree of Cranes

written and illustrated by Allen Say

This is the beautiful story of a young boy in Japan learning about Christmas from his mother, who grew up in California. Lacking traditional Western Christmas ornaments, they decorate their tree with paper cranes. While most of the books on this list are relatively short with simple sentences that allow young readers to practice somewhat independently, Tree of Cranes differs in that it’s a slightly longer tale with more complex sentences. This offers a great opportunity for you to read to your child, allowing them to relax into story time while you still help them learn silent E. When you run across one of the many silent E words as you read, pause and point to it. Invite your child to read that word aloud. Your child will feel included without it feeling laborious.

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Do you have any favorite books that are great for practicing silent E? Connect on social and let us know!

Chrysta Naron (she/her) is an early childhood educator, curriculum specialist, and the founder of the education nonprofit Read the Room. She believes everything is better with glitter! Follow her on Instagram.

As an early childhood educator, I love to use cooking with kids to teach. I use it to teach math, culture, and reading. And you can do the same at home—use our Read-with-Me Recipes to help your child practice reading skills in a fun way in the kitchen. And you can pair your cooking activities with a great book (or several) to build on the learning and enjoyment. Use this curated list of 11 picture books for kids who love cooking to whip up some great cooking-themed story times. Your child will learn about different cultures and find recipes in each one to boot!

MayaSmart.com has also produced a collection of Read with Me Recipes that are designed to help kids practice reading skills while preparing simple snacks and meals. They’re gathered together in a free printable PDF, along with specific teaching tips for each recipe.

Cora Cooks Pancit

by Dorina K. Lazo Gilmore, Illustrated by Kristi Valiant

Cora Cooks Pancit is a darling story about Cora, a young Filipina girl, and her mother. Being the youngest sibling means that Cora never gets to help in the kitchen like her siblings. Today, however, it’s finally Cora’s turn! Enjoy this cooking adventure as Cora learns independence and the family learns to appreciate how much she’s grown. (Recipe included: Pancit)
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The Ugly Vegetables

written and illustrated by Grace Lin

This is one of my favorite children’s books of all time. Springtime has arrived, and every house in the neighborhood has a garden going. But while most are filled with beautiful flowers, our young narrator is disappointed by her family’s garden. It’s just full of ugly vegetables! As the gardens continue to grow, we see the main character struggle with her mother’s traditional Chinese garden and her own desire to be like other families. But when it comes time to harvest the vegetables, everyone in the neighborhood wants in on the delicious soup they make! (Recipe included: ugly vegetable soup)
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Fry Bread: A Native American Family Story

by Kevin Noble Maillard, Illustrated by Juana Martinez-Neal

This book won the 2020 Robert F. Sibert Medal for the most distinguished informational book for children and was named a 2020 American Indian Youth Literature Honor book. And it’s not hard to see why! This warm story shows children helping an elder to make a traditional Native American dish, fry bread. In the tale, the fry bread is lovingly prepared while given cultural context. Your heart and stomach will be full after this book. (Recipe included: fry bread)
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Sweet Potato Pie

by Kathleen D. Lindsey, Illustrated by Charlotte Riley-Webb

This tale recounts the experience of a black family in the 1900s, close to losing their farm after a terrible drought. How will they ever earn the money to pay the bank when all they’ve grown is sweet potatoes? Never fear, Mama has it under control! With a little help from the whole family, Mama’s mouth-watering sweet potato pies will save the day. (Recipe included: Sweet potato pie)
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Bilal Cooks Daal

by Aisha Saeed, Illustrated by Anoosha Syed

Yum—daal! Bilal loves to cook with his father, especially the South Asian dish of daal. But today, Bilal won’t just be cooking with Abu, he’s going to show all of his friends how to make daal, too. This book is a wonderful way to introduce cooking as a community activity to your child. What’s more, this father-son cooking story offers much-needed representation, since many cooking books focus on mothers and daughters.(Recipe included: Chana Daal)
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Every Night is Pizza Night

by J. Kenji López-Alt, Illustrated by Gianna Ruggiero

Chef, restaurateur, author, and dad J. Kenji López-Alt has written a book about Pipo, a kid who is determined to prove to her whole family that pizza is, in fact, the best food in the world. Her family dreams of trying other cuisine, but it looks like it might be an uphill battle! In the name of science, Pipo visits her neighbors and tries their favorite foods in a bid to demonstrate that pizza is #1. This is a great book for your selective eaters and illustrates that being open to new things doesn’t have to mean giving up the things you already love. (Recipe included: Pipo’s pizza).
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Freedom Soup

by Tami Charles, Illustrated by Jacqueline Alcántara

This book packs a punch! It’s a story within a story. A Haitian grandmother tells her granddaughter the story of Haiti’s revolution as they cook together, the family recipe for Freedom Soup. The story ends with the glow of hope and, luckily for us, the recipe for this fabulous dish. (Recipe included: Freedom soup)
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Bee-bim Bop!

by Linda Sue Park, Illustrated by Ho Baek Lee

Told in rhyme, this adorable story is narrated through the eyes of a young Korean girl. We see her family go through every step of the process to make delicious bee-bim bop. From the grocery store to the family table, your child will see the joy of making this meal and how each person can customize it to their unique tastes. Be careful though, after reading this book, I immediately have a craving for bee-bim bop! (Recipe included: bee-bim bop)
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How to Make an Apple Pie and See the World

written and illustrated by Marjorie Priceman

You’ve probably heard the expression “as American as apple pie.” Well, in this book, you and your child will go on adventures all over the world to make this classic dessert. From Italy to England to Jamaica and beyond, you’ll get to see just where all of the ingredients come from to make the perfect apple pie. It’s a lovely way of intertwining imagination and cooking together. (Recipe included: apple pie)

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Our Little Kitchen

written and illustrated by Jillian Tamaki

This one is a book for the senses. Filled with wonderful illustrations to gaze upon, onomatopoeias galore, and recipes in the back, you and your little chef will be entranced by this volume. What’s wonderful about Our Little Kitchen is that it is so much more than a book about any one specific dish. It’s a book about community and about food as a way to bring people together and to help others. It teaches about using food that we might otherwise waste and being grateful for all we can do for one another. (Recipe included: apple crumble)
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A Very Asian Guide to Korean Food

by Michelle Li, Illustrated by Sunnu Rebecca Choi

Journalist Michelle Li has created a feast for the stomach and eyes with her book on Korean cuisine. After facing public vitriol from people after she described what foods are eaten for Korean New Year Celebration, Michelle started the Very Asian Foundation. This book furthers the mission by introducing dishes and explaining their flavors, their history, and their pronunciation, plus fun facts. After reading it, I immediately headed out to stock up on all these yummy delights! (Recipe included: Mandu)
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Chrysta Naron (she/her) is an early childhood educator, curriculum specialist, and the founder of the education nonprofit Read the Room. She believes everything is better with glitter! Follow her on Instagram.

Lights! Camera! Reading Action! A huge part of helping children learn to love books is getting them engaged and keeping it that way. By showing children how wonderful a book can be, they’ll want to dive in even more. Why not use every tool in your toolbox? Sharing books by people they recognize or admire is one more way to get them invested in the books they have in front of them. Additionally, introducing children to people they may one day encounter on television, in film, or on the news from a diverse range of backgrounds and careers allows them to envision their own future lives and potential.

C is for Country

by Lil Nas X, Illustrated by Theodore Taylor III

Have a little cowpoke in your family? Then saddle up with this book from beloved singer/rapper Lil Nas X (whose song “Old Town Road” was an instant new classic with kids and grownups). It’s a charming alphabet book that’s set on a farm! It’s particularly adorable because we see the alphabet used with Lil Nas X’s well known sense of style and originality. Why should F stand for farm when it can stand for fringe and feathers instead?!
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Change Sings: A Children’s Anthem

by Amanda Gorman, Illustrated by Loren Long

First U.S. National Youth Poet Laureate Amanda Gorman took the country by storm with her poem, “The Hill We Climb” at the 2021 Presidential Inauguration, which brought her immense talent to the spotlight. Her children’s book, Change Sings, teaches kids about tolerance, building equality, and making a difference. After all, the power to change the world does not just lie with adults, but also with children.
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Sulwe

by Lupita Nyong’o, Illustrated by Vashti Harrison

Black Panther actress and Academy Award-winner Lupita Nyong’o has written a beautiful story about a little girl named Sulwe. Sulwe discusses colorism, self-esteem, and learning to love the skin you’re in. With illustrations by Vashti Harrison, the story is lush and moving in both words and pictures.
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The Bench

by Meghan, The Duchess of Sussex, Illustrated by Christian Robinson

Have you or your little one ever wanted to read a book written by royalty? Here’s your chance! This beautiful poem written by the Duchess of Sussex, aka Meghan Markle, is a gentle and loving ode to her husband and son. Like Love You Forever or Goodnight Moon, it’s destined to become a bedtime classic. And its authorship will instantly engage any little princess and prince fans, as well as offering an opening for meaningful conversations.
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I Promise

by LeBron James, Illustrated by Nina Mata

Legendary basketball star LeBron James has written a children’s book that’s not simply a book—it’s a mantra. Wonderfully and vibrantly illustrated by the very talented Nina Mata, I Promise delivers a list of promises for a child (or even an adult) to make to themselves each day. These vows focus on helping others, taking care of and believing in oneself, and finding ways to make the world a better place. It’s a book of positivity, joy, and encouragement that can help anyone find their greatness within.
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Welcome to the Party

by Gabrielle Union, Illustrated by Ashley Evans

There are hundreds of books about welcoming a new baby to the world. Most of them are filled with soft water colors and poems that tug at a new parent’s heartstrings. What sets this volume from actress Gabrielle Union (who kids may remember from Cheaper by the Dozen or as the voice of Nala in The Lion Guard TV Series) apart is the vibrancy and celebration surrounding the new baby. There are crowns to be worn, red carpets to strut, and dancing to be done.
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My Mom is a Foreigner, But Not To Me

by Julianne Moore, Illustrated by Meilo So

Would your child recognize actress Julianne Moore’s voice as Cora Prescott from Spirit Untamed? Tell them Lucky and Julian’s bossy Aunt Cora is played by a real person who’s an author, too! You may already have seen Moore’s bestselling children’s book series, Freckleface Strawberry. However, I love this book so much more. In it, we see children who are growing up with immigrant mothers. They love and celebrate the uniqueness of their families and getting to be part of multiple cultures. It’s a joyful look at how many American families live their daily lives from this well-known actress.
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Malala's Magic Pencil

by Malala Yousafzai, Illustrated by Kerascoët

This memoir by Nobel Prize-winner Malala Yousafzai, is a touching look at her story of witnessing the injustices of the world around her, especially towards young girls, and becoming a child activist. Wishing she had a magic pencil that could draw the world the way she thought it should be, Malala learned that her voice is even more powerful, especially when joined by the voices of others.

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The Book With No Pictures

by B.J. Novak

THIS. BOOK. IS. GENIUS. True to the title, the book has no pictures. However, it explains to children that the adult reading must say whatever words are printed on the page. It’s simple, smart, and incredibly funny. Everytime we pull out this book, I end up reading it at least three times in a row. You and your kids will be in stitches with this masterpiece by The Office writer/actor B.J. Novak.

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Your Baby's First Word Will Be DADA

by Jimmy Fallon, Illustrated by Miguel Ordóñez

A book full of giggles and smiles? Would you expect anything less from the hilarious late-night host and SNL alum, Jimmy Fallon? I think not. A book that features animal dads trying to get their animal children to say “Dada” will be relatable for all fathers and make every parent and child giggle with glee.
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I Am Perfectly Designed

by Karamo Brown with Jason “Rachel” Brown, Illustrated by Anoosha Syed

Queer Eye actor Karamo Brown has teamed up with his son Jason to write this heartwarming story reflecting their strong bond. The love between a father and his child fills every page, along with the timeless message to children that, no matter what happens, no matter who they are, they are perfectly designed, just as they are.
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Dancing in the Wings

by Debbie Allen, Illustrated by Kadir Nelson

Debbie Allen—dancer, actress, choreographer, and star of Dance Dreams: Hot Chocolate Nutcracker, which many kids may have seen on Netflix—shares the story of how she got started in dance as a child through this picture-book memoir. It’s a beautiful book with illustrations by the unparalleled Kadir Nelson. Debbie’s story will make readers old and young want to push harder against naysayers and injustice, as well as to put on music and dance around the living room.
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The One and Only Sparkella

by Channing Tatum, Illustrated by Kim Barnes

Does your child love to stand out? Do they simply have to shine wherever they go? Then this is the book for you! Actor Channing Tatum has written a book inspired by his own sparkle-loving daughter. It sends a powerful message that, regardless of what anyone says or thinks, you always have the right to be yourself and sparkle all the time.
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Firebird

by Misty Copeland, Illustrated by Christopher Myers

Misty Copeland, the first African American female principal ballet dancer in American Ballet Theatre, has written an award-winning picture book recounting the story of her struggles and perseverance to become a professional ballerina. Eventually she landed the role of the Firebird in one of the world’s most famous ballets, at one of the world’s most prestigious ballet companies. Cherish this book with any dancers in your family.
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Where Do Balloons Go? An Uplifting Mystery

by Jamie Lee Curtis, Illustrated by Laura Cornell

Actress Jamie Lee Curtis can make her audiences laugh, scream—and, now, process big emotions. Jamie has a long list of children’s books to her name, all about adoption, self-esteem, and discrimination. This one is my favorite. In Where Do Balloons Go? she teaches children about death and grief through the metaphor of letting go of a balloon. It’s relatable, sensitive, and sweet. A great go-to if your family needs help discussing loss.
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Peanut Goes for the Gold

by Jonathan Van Ness, Illustrated by Gillian Reid

Peanut is a unique little guinea pig. In this story by reality TV star Jonathan Van Ness, children learn about staying true to themselves with joy and self-acceptance. They’ll also see a nonbinary character being normalized as the lead character of the story!

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Sebi and the Land of Cha Cha Cha

by Roselyn Sánchez and Eric Winter, Illustrated by Nivea Ortiz

Wife and husband acting duo Roselyn Sánchez and Eric Winter wrote this book for their daughter, Sebi. After seeing that most books about dance were focused on ballet, they decided to create something that focused on the kind of dance their family enjoys, the cha-cha! It’s a great book to get your toes tapping.
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Twintuition (the series)

by Tia and Tamera Mowry

These twin sisters and actresses, originally of Sister, Sister fame and who kids these days may recognize from the Disney Twitches movies, have joined forces again to bring out a delightful early chapter book series. Geared toward children from ages 8 to 12, these books are about twin sisters who discover they have the ability to see the future. But what will they do when they see something not so nice headed their way? Try to change the future and save their friends, of course!

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What celebrity books sparked your imagination? Do you have a suggestion to include in our list? Let us know!

Chrysta Naron (she/her) is an early childhood educator, curriculum specialist, and the founder of the education nonprofit Read the Room. She believes everything is better with glitter! Follow her on Instagram.

Laughter is universal. Just think: we laugh before we can speak. It contributes to our well-being and growth, and its powers are wide-ranging—it’s shown to benefit our bodies and minds, as well as being a catalyst for learning and social connection. 

Whatever stage a child’s sense of humor is at—and this evolves rapidly in the first years of life—most parents would agree that if you can make them laugh, they’ll come back for more. And that’s just one reason why funny books for kids make smart choices for reading together. 

So if your child loves funny reads, or if you think funny children’s books might help spark their love of reading, why not give more weight to light-hearted and humorous titles? For starters, try these 9 funny picture books for kids. Then enjoy the benefits, and especially the laughs together.  

Please, Baby, Please

by Spike Lee & Tonya Lewis Lee, Illustrated by Kadir Nelson

Toddlers and parents will see themselves in the hilariously familiar scenarios portrayed in this book, while older readers might also delight in recognizing younger siblings or a younger version of themselves. A mom pleads with her young daughter to behave throughout the day—over everything from not drawing on the walls to sharing her toys, leaving the playground and eating her peas—only to be met with a charmingly cheeky smile in response. The repetitive, lilting text works with beautifully amusing illustrations to create a winsome combination.     

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Poo Bum

written & illustrated by Stephanie Blake

Guaranteed to get little readers giggling with glee, this book serves up a healthy dose of irreverence and turns the classic moralistic children’s story on its head. It’s also a wry observation on the gulf between what parents often wish their children to be and the reality. 

Little rabbit Simon only says one thing—no prizes for guessing what that is—until one day, after a perilous encounter with a hungry wolf, he seems cured of his potty mouth. Or at least we think he is … Subversive, anarchic and bold, the story brings together simple illustration and text to impish—and refreshing—effect.   
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Never Show a T-Rex a Book

by Rashmi Sirdeshpande

A joyful romp of a read that also celebrates the power of books and imagination: win-win! A little girl imagines what would happen if she showed a book to a T-Rex. The dinosaur’s gargantuan appetite for books leads her to learn how to read, then quickly snowballs into ever-crazier consequences. 

The T-Rex graduates from an insatiable bookworm into exploring different careers before eventually becoming her country’s political leader and precipitating a dinosaur takeover of the world. The colorful, lively illustrations work brilliantly with the mounting chaos of the storyline to provoke laughter that will have little readers coming back for more.       

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Sam and Dave Dig a Hole

by Mac Barnett, Illustrated by Jon Klassen

The laughs in this book come from how the illustrations are gloriously at odds with the text. Sam and Dave dig a hole, looking for “something spectacular.” They dig deeper and deeper, hilariously unaware of the ever-larger gemstones they bypass, until eventually they end up falling through the earth—thanks to the persistent digging efforts of their doggy companion—and seem to land right back where they started. Something spectacular indeed. A gem of a choice for children able to grasp more sophisticated, subtle humor.     
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Peeny Butter Fudge

by Toni Morrison & Slade Morrison, Illustrated by Joe Cepeda

An ode to the joys of play between grandparents and grandchildren, this heartwarming story is also very funny. Three kids spend the day with their fun-loving Nana, who ignores the strictly sensible child-care schedule in favor of silliness and spontaneity. The kids have a riot of a time, ending by turning the kitchen upside down in the process of making peanut butter fudge. But what will Mom think when she gets home? The rhyming, rhythmic text will get readers of all ages wanting to join in and support the rule-bending shenanigans depicted.  

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The Book With No Pictures

by B.J. Novak

This riotously laugh-out-loud book hangs on a radically simple conceit. Instead of the usual picture book format they’ll be used to, kids get text in different fonts, colors, sizes and layouts. How utterly boring. Except… the text makes the grown-up reading it do silly voices and say ridiculous things. And what could possibly be funnier than seeing an adult forced to be silly? 

If you can tempt your child to break the rules and try a “picture” book without pictures (and this may take some persuasion), the rewards should be hysterical laughter and a uniquely dramatic and dynamic shared reading experience, with little ones gleefully chiming in at every opportunity. A surefire read-aloud hit. (It’s also fabulous for making kids aware of print—learn more in our post about books for building print awareness.)
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Finders Keepers

written & illustrated by Keiko Kasza

In this amusing, circular story, cute woodland creatures meet silly scenarios—all topped by a witty twist at the end. Squirrel uses a little red hat to mark the place where he’s buried his acorn. But when the wind blows the hat away, the other animals all want a piece of it, using it as everything from a nest, to a boat, to a clown nose. A great choice for younger readers, who will be tickled by the hat’s adventures and its temporary keepers alike, and will laugh along with the comedic suspense and repeated refrain.
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The Day the Crayons Quit

by Drew Daywalt, Illustrated by Oliver Jeffers

A vivid and playful exploration of color, creativity, and challenging expectations, this book cleverly flips typical picture book perspectives and storytelling conventions with highly amusing results. Duncan just wants to draw. But what he finds, instead of his crayons, are messages—each one written by a different color, complaining of the hardships, slights, and rivalries upsetting them. 

Red is overworked, beige is woefully underused, and black only ever gets chosen to be the outline of things. Yellow and orange both believe they are the true color of the sun. How will Duncan resolve his crayons’ unhappiness? A longer read with lots to linger over in both text and illustration, this satisfyingly comical story is likely to appeal to younger and older readers time and again.    

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Rocket Says Look Up!

by Nathan Bryon, llustrated by Dapo Adeola

This inspiring and highly entertaining story for all kids, while not purely humorous, owes a lot to its hilarious and spunky central character Rocket, and her big brother Jamal. Chatterbox Rocket loves science and space and can’t wait to watch a predicted meteor shower alongside as many people as she can gather to join her. Readers will love following her efforts, sprinkled with many laugh-out-loud moments, from jokes at the expense of Jamal—who’s too busy staring at his phone to look up at the stars or his surroundings—to Rocket’s infectious dance moves. 

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What children’s books sparked your imagination? Let us Which funny kids’ books spark laughs in your family? Have a suggestion to include in our list? Let us know!

Andrea Hunt is a writer, editor, and storytimer who shares and reviews picture books in the margins of work and family life (@hellobookcub on Instagram).

Bodies come in all kinds of shapes, sizes, and capacities. Would you like your child to learn to love their own body and accept others the way they are? Picture books are a wonderful tool to foster body positivity and tolerance, as well as to spark valuable conversations with your little one. (Plus, reading stories can actually lower levels of stress and pain and build emotional intelligence, setting children up to better navigate whatever life sends their way.) 

Children begin to develop self-esteem as early as age five, and positive representation is tied to higher self-esteem. That’s why we’ve put together a list of empowering stories that feature kids who look or feel different. Check out these beautiful picture books that encourage self-love and acceptance.

Jacob’s Eye Patch

by Beth Kobliner Shaw & Jacob Shaw, Illustrated by Jules Feiffer

This story follows Jacob, a young boy who wears an eye patch, as he hurries to visit a science shop and purchase the last light-up globe. Along the way, Jacob meets lots of people who are interested in his eye patch. While Jacob doesn’t usually mind explaining, today he is afraid that if he spends time talking with people, someone else will get the globe first. When he finally reaches the store and finds the globe, Jacob is more than happy to tell everyone about his eye patch!

In addition to providing great representation, Jacob’s Eye Patch is a wonderful tool to show children that sometimes people get frustrated because of outside reasons—not because they’re upset with the person they’re speaking to. It also teaches kids that it’s okay to set boundaries with curious strangers, a valuable but often overlooked lesson.
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Sweety

by Andrea Zuill

As a child, it’s easy to feel like the odd one out. Peer pressure can cause kids to feel self-conscious about the very things that make them special. In this book, we meet Sweety, an awkward mole rat who struggles to identify social cues, has hobbies that other kids find odd, and always seems to stick out. Sweety considers changing her hobbies and appearance so she can fit in, but when she visits her Aunt Ruth, who enjoys her hobbies, she realizes that being herself isn’t so bad—it’s actually great! If you’re looking for a book that teaches kids to unapologetically embrace their quirks, Sweety is a great role mole-del!
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Just Ask! Be Different, Be Brave, Be You

By Sonia Sotomayor, Illustrated by Rafael López

When you’re self-conscious, it often seems like everyone else fits in and you’re the one who doesn’t, when in fact others may be feeling exactly the same way. Kids, in particular, often don’t realize that everyone else has their own uncertainties and struggles. In this title by the Supreme Court Justice, a character named Sonia and her friends build a garden.

Each friend explains their differences—Anthony can’t walk, so he uses a wheelchair; Anh has a stutter and struggles to talk to people—and each page encourages children to think about their own experiences and emotions. With so many positive portrayals of different experiences, the book supports children to feel confident about their own and to consider how other kids might struggle.
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It’s Okay to Be Different

by Todd Parr

Todd Parr’s beloved classic It’s Okay to Be Different sets babies and toddlers on the road to self-love, body positivity, and acceptance. This colorful book for very young children explains potential differences in simple terms, assuring little readers that it’s okay to “come from a different place,” “be a different color,” “wear glasses,” “have wheels” (i.e., use a wheelchair), be a variety of sizes, and so much more. It’s a beautiful way to teach kids early to accept others and themselves.
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Not Quite Snow White

by Ashley Franklin, Illustrated by Ebony Glenn

Sometimes, insecurities come from teasing or gossip. Bullying and mean comments can strip away a child’s confidence, but that doesn’t mean that they’re true! In Not Quite Snow White, we follow a little girl named Tameika who loves to dance and sing. When Tameika’s school hosts auditions for the school play, she’s excited to try out for Snow White. But the other kids soon begin to gossip that she’s too tall, too chubby, and too brown to be the princess.

Fortunately, Tameika realizes that she’s just tall enough, just chubby enough, and just brown enough to be a princess—and to be herself! Not Quite Snow White offers a powerful lesson in embracing what makes us special rather than trying to fit into a cookie-cutter mold.
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Juan has the Jitters

by Aneta Cruz, Illustrated by Miki Yamamoto

 

Sometimes, kids may feel insecure about their bodies; other times, they may feel insecure about what they do with their bodies. In Juan has the Jitters, Juan is dreading his school’s sports day, so he claps anxiously and organizes his room to attempt to cope with the stress.

When the big day rolls around, he’s excited to see that all of the events are well-suited to his skills. He still continues to clap to comfort himself, but that’s okay—everyone manages nervousness a little differently! Juan has the Jitters is an excellent book for children who might feel anxious about future events or worry about how their quirks could become embarrassing. Juan does not have to stop clapping to have a good day—he can be happy while embracing his individuality!
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Her Body Can and His Body Can

by Katie Crenshaw & Ady Meschke, Illustrated by Li Liu

In Her Body Can, Katie Crenshaw and Ady Meschke describe all the wonderful things that a girl can do—run, play, sing, smile, and so much more! This sweet rhyming story for young kids encourages readers to focus on what their bodies can do, rather than on what they’re not. It also teaches them to ignore unkind words and never let others’ opinions stop them from doing what they love. If you like Her Body Can, the duo recently released a follow-up book called His Body Can that celebrates what boys can do.
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Skin Again

by bell hooks, Illustrated by Chris Raschka

Skin Again is an abstract and poetic little tome that promotes the lesson that, while skin tells part of a person’s story, you have to look inside the person to really find out about them. It also reminds kids that some of our stories are real, while others are made up, but that’s okay—we all create a little bit of our personality.

Be aware that Skin Again may be a tougher read for some younger listeners to comprehend without help from you, but it offers a powerful springboard to talk with kids about the concept of self and others. It’s a lovely opportunity to chat about the fact that everyone has complicated stories that aren’t visible on the outside but are worth celebrating.
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Sulwe

by Lupita Nyong’o, Illustrated by Vashti Harrison

In the modern classic Sulwe, a little girl is bullied because of her dark skin. Her family all has lighter skin, leading her to feel that she can’t even relate to them. Instead, she tries to lighten her skin tone. One night, a shooting star visits Sulwe and tells her about two sisters, Night and Day, who were treated very differently. People always complained about Night, so she ran away, but then everyone soon realized that Night and Day had to balance each other. Both were needed, both were equally important.

From that night on, Sulwe realized that she too was very beautiful. In Sulwe, Kenyan-Mexican actress Lupita Nyong’o has created a lovely tool that can teach children not only to love and value all skin tones, but also that it’s okay to not always relate to their family—and that their family will ultimately support them.
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Hello, Goodbye Dog

by Maria Gianferrari, Illustrated by Patrice Barton

Hello, Goodbye Dog follows a young girl in a wheelchair, named Zara, and her dog Moose, both of whom love each other very dearly. Moose always gets upset when he has to say goodbye to Zara (and frequently causes mischief while trying to reunite with her). So Zara thinks of a plan to keep them from having to part: Moose goes to therapy dog school and is registered as a therapy dog!

Hello, Goodbye Dog is a wonderful book that encourages finding the unconventional upsides to difficult situations. It’s also a great way to introduce children without therapy dogs—especially those who are afraid of dogs—to the concept.
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Looking for more recommendations? Check out our Bookshop.org page for curated reading lists!

Demetra Nikolakakis is an avid reader, writer, and coffee drinker based in Toronto, Canada.

“Imagination is more important than knowledge,” Albert Einstein once told an interviewer. “Knowledge is limited. Imagination encircles the world.”  

Stretching a child’s imagination through reading does so much more than entertain them. It engages them, inspires them, and prepares them for life. Imagination is the foundation of creativity, innovation, and problem-solving. It also supports personal growth and social-emotional development. If we can’t envision success, it becomes infinitely more difficult to maintain the motivation needed to reach a long-term goal. Meanwhile, the ability to imagine how another person feels is what makes us compassionate and empathetic. (And reading fiction directly builds empathy, too.)

The fast pace of modern life doesn’t always leave much time or energy for creative play, however. Kids can be too overscheduled, overwhelmed, or exhausted to stretch their imaginations when they get home. But you can spur your child’s imagination (and help them soar away from everyday routine or troubles) simply by reading picture books to them. Reading to children triggers higher activity in the area of the brain responsible for cultivating mental images, among other things. And, really, what’s more absorbing than getting drawn into a magical, fantastical, or wonderfully wacky story? 

To help, we’ve curated a selection of twelve diverse, modern fairy tales and whimsical picture books that foster imagination and encourage kids to expand their point of view.

More Than a Princess

by Delanda and Terrence Coleman

This fanciful tale inspires young readers to imagine their possibilities. When a princess named Kiana muses about how boring her life is in her castle, a fairy godmother appears to give her a chance to explore career paths beyond the castle walls. Together, they explore Kiana’s ideas for her future, including being an astronaut, a doctor, an engineer, and an artist. Before Kiana goes to bed, her godmother reminds her that with vision and dedication she can become anything. The bright, cheery illustrations are well-suited to the rhyming content and uplifting message.
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Dave and the Tooth Fairy

by Verna Allette Wilkins

This delightful and lesser-known picture book by Verna Allette Wilkins tells the story of a young boy named Dave whose loose tooth goes missing when he sneezes at breakfast. Worried that he won’t be able to get a kite he wants without the money from his missing tooth, Dave comes up with an imaginative solution, one that confuses the tooth fairy when she comes to collect the tooth. Fortunately, with a little help from Grandpa, the story has a happy ending for everyone, including the tooth fairy! Warm, realistic illustrations bring both Dave’s and the tooth fairy’s homes to life, making it easy to envision how each character feels.
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A River

by Marc Martin

Martin’s A River is a beautifully told story that starts with a young girl watching the river outside of her window. She imagines what it would be like to follow the river and see where it goes. In her mind, the river flows past her street, then into the city, farms, jungles, and finally out to the sea, as she follows along. The bright, active illustrations and buoyant message bring young readers along for the journey as the quickly flowing river carries them through various landscapes.
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Tallulah the Tooth Fairy CEO

by Dr. Tamara Pizzoli

Pizzoli shares with us the story of Tallulah, the CEO of Teeth Titans Incorporated, one of the largest tooth collection companies in fairyland. Tallulah, like many executives, has a very full schedule. She makes time each week for pilates, yoga, and mental health, as well as training new tooth fairies and giving talks about what it’s like to be a tooth fairy. When she encounters a problem that doesn’t have an answer in the Teeth Titans Incorporated employee manual, she sets up a meeting with the board of directors. This book, illustrated in bold, bright patterns, allows your child’s imagination to soar to hilarious heights.
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Imagination Like Mine

by LaTashia M. Perry

Part of Perry’s Like Mine children’s picture book series, Imagination Like Mine depicts the magic and power of imagination both through enticing rhymes describing a little girl’s rich inner life and the vibrant images that illustrate them. Like the other books in the series, this volume has a strong message about self-appreciation, reminding young readers that they’re each unique and valuable.
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Sleeping Cutie

by Andrea Davis Pinkney

The title character Cutie is normally an exceptionally well-behaved and pleasant child—except at bedtime. (Sound familiar, anyone?) Cutie doesn’t like going to bed; there’s too much to do! But at last, Cutie’s mom and dad find the solution in a stuffed owl that shows Cutie imaginary nighttime adventures that make her eager for bed each night. Parents of active children will relate to the exhaustion when a child that seems to need less sleep than they do, and the joy of finding a solution. Kids will delight in the engaging storytelling and colorful illustrations. After reading it to your child, prime their imagination by asking where their favorite stuffed animal might take them for an adventure.

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Sam and Eva

by Debbie Ridpath Ohi

This charming tale is reminiscent of Harold’s Purple Crayon, but with a twist. When Eva happens upon Sam drawing a velociraptor on the wall, she tries to join in, but Sam resists. She continues drawing on a different section of the wall, but eventually, the drawings crowd one another. Will Sam continue working stubbornly alone, or will he see the value in collaboration? This book not only sparks children’s imagination but also fosters communication by reminding them that imaginations can work together to create even more!
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The Whisper

by Pamela Zagarenski

This nuanced and magical story highlights the creativity of the reader as they explore a new book. A little girl is elated when her teacher offers to share one of her favorite picture books, one given to her as a child. When the girl gets home and finds that the book has no words, she is dismayed and disappointed—until she hears a whisper in her mind. The whisper urges her to look again at the pictures, to use her imagination and create her own stories. This picture book is filled with charming, soft-edged images, giving it a dreamlike quality that makes it easy to imagine new and delightful stories for each page.
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Wallpaper

by Thao Lam

Wallpaper, like the book described in The Whisper, is a wordless picture book, perfect for igniting the imagination. Thao Lam’s colorful cutout illustrations are rich and layered, providing plenty of creative storytelling opportunities. Try looking through the book and discussing what you see before asking your child to invent a story, but don’t stifle them if ideas for a story arise. When reading a wordless book with your child, remember there’s no right or wrong way to tell the story. Encourage your child to add extra details to their telling, though, by bringing their attention to background elements or asking “W” questions: Who? What? Where? When? Why?
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Off to See the Sea

by Nikki Grimes

This bubbly story places an imaginative toddler and his family at the center of bright, whimsical backgrounds during bath time. Over the course of the amusing and relatable tale, the toddler’s imagination takes him to distant shores and the bottom of the sea, with his mother joyfully playing along as she gets him cleaned up and ready for bed. Read this story to your child before bathtime, then encourage them to come up with their own ideas about what’s under the waves.
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Books for Advanced or Older Readers:

Aziza’s Secret Fairy Door

by Lola Morayo

Aziza’s Secret Fairy Door is ideal for imaginative first-grade and second-grade readers. Aziza receives a mysterious gift on her birthday—a door with a jeweled knob that gives her access to a magical world of fairies, unicorns, and princesses. When someone takes the doorknob, however, Aziza becomes trapped in the fantasy world and has to find her way home with the help of two new friends.
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Dragons in a Bag

by Zetta Elliott

The first in a series of fantasy books that take place in an urban setting, pitched for kids in third grade and up, this tome introduces readers to nine-year-old Jaxon. Jaxon’s mother drops him off at the house of a woman he’s never met before—one that his mother calls “Ma.” Eventually, Jax discovers she’s not his grandmother at all, but a witch. A witch who needs help transporting baby dragons to a magical land … This fantastical tale will transport elementary readers into a world of imagination and fun.
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What children’s books sparked your imagination? Let us know!

Penny Leigh Sebring is an experienced freelance writer, neophyte speculative fiction author, and a gatherer of information and imaginary friends.

I want kids to understand that making pictures is similar to making music; there are so many instruments and so many tunes that the possibilities for how you play are truly limitless.

Jerry Pinkney (1939-2021)

Jerry Pinkney is a children’s literature icon. Even if you’ve never heard his name, chances are you and your child have read at least one of the many books he illustrated or authored. His career spanned six decades and 97 children’s picture books, not to mention a handful of illustrated novels. Pinkey’s books have won multiple Coretta Scott King Awards, an Orbis Pictus Award, and even a Caldecott Medal. His illustrations are lively, expressive, and invite the reader to delve in further, beyond the words.

We’ve curated a list of Jerry Pinkney’s books that showcase his dedication to the art of storytelling. All are picture books unless otherwise noted. And all should be available at a local library, in independent bookstores, and from Bookshop.org. Enjoy!

Jerry Pinkney’s Fables and Folktales

Adaptations of fables, folktales, and fairytales make up the largest portion of Jerry Pinkney’s body of work. He worked with authors to bring African and African American folktales to prominence. Additionally, he modernized European classics for today’s audiences with black characters in the lead roles. By breathing new life into tales that are hundreds (sometimes thousands) of years old, Jerry Pinkney has kept these stories alive and relevant for future generations. Some to try:

John Henry

by Julius Lester, illustrated by Jerry Pinkney

John Henry, written by Julius Lester and illustrated by Jerry Pinkney (1994), retells a popular African-American folktale. It won the Boston Globe-Horn Book Award and is a Caldecott Honor Book.
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The Talking Eggs: A Folktale from the American South

by Robert D. San Souci, illustrated by Jerry Pinkney

The Talking Eggs: A Folktale from the American South, written by Robert D. San Souci and illustrated by Jerry Pinkney (1989), is an adaptation of a Creole folktale with currents of humor, magic, and kindness. It’s a Caldecott Honor Book and Coretta Scott King Honor Book.
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Mirandy and Brother Wind

by Patricia C. McKissak, illustrated by Jerry Pinkney

Mirandy and Brother Wind, written by Patricia C. McKissak and illustrated by Jerry Pinkney (1988), recounts the story of Mirandy, who wants to capture Brother Wind to be her date for the local cakewalk. It won the Coretta Scott King Book Award and is Caldecott Honor Book.
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Little Red Riding Hood

adapted by Jerry Pinkney

Little Red Riding Hood, adapted by Jerry Pinkney (2007)
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Tonweya and the Eagles, and other Lakota Tales

by Rosebud Yellow Robe, illustrated by Jerry Pinkney

Tonweya and the Eagles, and other Lakota Tales, written by Rosebud Yellow Robe and illustrated by Jerry Pinkney (1979), shares the stories of native Lakota Americans as recorded by a Native American storyteller.
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The Little Mermaid

adapted by Jerry Pinkney

The Little Mermaid, adapted by Jerry Pinkney (2021)
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The Little Red Hen

by Jerry Pinkney

The Little Red Hen, by Jerry Pinkney (2006), won the New York Times/New York Public Library Best Illustrated Children’s Books Award.
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The Tales of Uncle Remus: The Adventures of Brer Rabbit

by Julius Lester, illustrated by Jerry Pinkney

The Tales of Uncle Remus: The Adventures of Brer Rabbit as told by Julius Lester, illustrated by Jerry Pinkney (1987)
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Inspiring Nonfiction Illustrated by Jerry Pinkney

In addition to his many works of fiction, Pinkney also illustrated some wonderful nonfiction books during his career. In these volumes, he helped showcase the lives of black Americans throughout American history. Some to try:

Black Cowboy, Wild Horses: A True Story

by Julius Lester, illustrated by Jerry Pinkney

Black Cowboy, Wild Horses: A True Story, written by Julius Lester and illustrated by Jerry Pinkney (1998), tells the true story of Bob Lemmons, a formerly enslaved man who became one of the greatest mustang cowboys in Texas.
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A Place to Land: Martin Luther King Jr and the Speech That Inspired a Nation

by Barry Wittenstein, illustrated by Jerry Pinkney

A Place to Land: Martin Luther King Jr and the Speech That Inspired a Nation, written by Barry Wittenstein and illustrated by Jerry Pinkney (2019), won the Orbis Pictus Award.
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Childtimes: A Three-Generation Memoir

by Eloise Greenfield and Lessie Jones Little, illustrated by Jerry Pinkney

Childtimes: A Three-Generation Memoir, written by Eloise Greenfield and Lessie Jones Little, illustrated by Jerry Pinkney (1980), is a Boston Globe-Horn Honor Book for middle grades.
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Jerry Pinkney’s Wordless Picture Books

As a teacher, I probably most often use Jerry Pinkney’s wordless books. He takes well known fables and removes the text, letting his rich illustrations tell the story on their own. It’s a brilliant way to share these tales with kids and to encourage pre-readers to narrate the stories themselves. (Get tips in our post on wordless picture books.) Some to try:

The Tortoise and the Hare

illustrated by Jerry Pinkney

The Tortoise and the Hare, illustrated by Jerry Pinkney (2018)
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The Lion and the Mouse

The Lion and the Mouse, illustrated by Jerry Pinkney (2009), won the Caldecott Medal and is a Boston Globe-Horn Honor Book
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These are just some of the incredible books by Jerry Pinkney that you can find in your local bookstore or library. Whether you’re revisiting a classic or introducing your child to a story you never knew, these Jerry Pinkney books will encourage a love of reading in your home.

Share these gorgeous books by Jerry Pinkney.

Chrysta Naron (she/her) is an early childhood educator, curriculum specialist, and the founder of the education nonprofit Read the Room. She believes everything is better with glitter! Follow her on Instagram.