The Irresponsible Reader’s Guide to Picture Books

This is a work in progress, for sure. I’ve spent the last two or three years fully intending on coming up with a post to Picture Books (or similar books), and it’s always seemed like a thing to do in December. And then things get away from me, and doing it in January or February seems out of place. I’m not sure why. At least for next year, I’ll have something to start from, and should be able to get this up earlier in December (and maybe a bit more robust).

It’s too late for this to be of any use for gift-giving (unless you’re into e-books, and I’ve read almost all of these that way) this holiday season, if you’re that kind of person—but any day is a good excuse to give a kid a book to read, right? Here’s a few to start with, my favorite picture books from the last few years.

Snobbity Snowman

by Maria Bardyukova, Quiet Riley, Jr.

Fun art work. Some fantastic use of language (especially when read aloud). A nice little story with a good moral. Ticks off every box.

My full post about the book.

Baby Dragon’s Big Sneeze

by Sheryl Bass, Remesh Ram (Illustrator)

A cute dragon, solid rhymes, and a sweet story.

My full post about the book.

Bearded

by Jeremy Billups

I love the artwork, these characters became favorites at first site.

My full post about the book.

Bearded Too

by Jeremy Billups

See what I said above.

My full post about the book.

Sea This and Sea That

by Jeremy Billups

The art clearly shares DNA with his other work, but it couldn’t be more different. Good jokes. A visual feast.

My full post about the book.

Mike Nero and the Superhero School

by Natasha Carlow, Kyle Stephen (Illustrator)

A little heavy on the moral, but it’s one to get heavy with.

My full post about the book.

The Day That A Ran Away

by B.C.R. Fegan, Lenny Wen (Illustrator)

Fegan and Wen are a dynamic duo—I’d read (and re-read) their books for fun.

My full post about the book.

Don’t Ever Look Behind Door 32

by B.C.R. Fegan, Lenny Wen (Illustrator)

See above.

My full post about the book.

Henry and the Hidden Treasure

by B.C.R. Fegan, Lenny Wen (Illustrator)

See above.

My full post about the book.

The World’s Greatest Mousetrap

by B.C.R. Fegan, Fanny Liem (Illustrator)

A Rube Goldberg mousetrap. A frustrated would-be reader. A cute mouse. A great combo.

My full post about the book.

Kitties Are Not Good To Eat

by Cassandra Gelvin

Cute cat photos and handy advice.

My full post about the book.

Noodle and the No Bones Day

by Jonathan Graziano, Dan Tavis (Illustrator)

The origin story of the late, great Noodle.

My full post about the book.

A Tale of Wonderful Whiffs

by Sophie Loosveldt, Isabella Croker (Illustrator)

A nice premise, some distinctive art, and a cute pug.

My full post about the book.

1 2 3 Count with Me on Granddad’s Farm

by Valerie Johnson, Cee Biscoe (Illustrator)

Okay story, cute pics, great fodder for discussion.

My full post about the book.

The Day My Fart Followed Me To Hockey

by Sam Lawrence & Ben Jackson, Danko Herrera (Illustrator)

Stupid, childish humor—perfect for the audience (and close enough for those older who read it). Adorable art. Charming book.

My full post about the book.

Noam’s Monsters

by Shai Levinger, Kaustuv Brahmachari (Illustrator), Ephrat Abisror (Translator)

A great way to talk about anxieties and fears with your little ones.

My full post about the book.

The Legend of the Christmas Witch

by Dan Murphy & Aubrey Plaza, Julia Iredale (Illustrator)

An alternate take on Santa’s origin—and his twin sister.

My full post about the book.

Bear with Bear

by Hagit R. Oron, Galia Armeland (Illustrator)

A great e-book (I don’t know how/if the hyperlinked material would translate into hard copy). There’s a good twist to this story that makes it especially appealing.

My full post about the book.

Bravo and Elphie

by Hagit R. Oron, Or Oron (Illustrator)

The collaborations between Hagit and Or Oron about cute, little Elphie and her friends and family are as charming as you want.

My full post about the book.

Elphie and Dad go on an Epic Adventure

by Hagit R. Oron, Or Oron (Illustrator)

See above.

My full post about the book.

Elphie Goes Trick or Treating

by Hagit R. Oron, Or Oron (Illustrator)

See above.

My full post about the book.

Leo & The Lightning Dragons

by Gill White, Gilli B (Illustrator)

The rhymes are cute, the story is very positive, great illustrations, and the imagery of the Lightning Dragon fighting inside Leo is a great way to get the idea of epilepsy across to a picture book reader.

My full post about the book.