I’m starting a new series, folks! And boy, is it taking me down memory lane. I’ve decided to do a summer of picture books, month by month, day by day. One of the most frequent questions I receive from new moms is, “what books should I buy?” When building a home library full of high-quality, beautiful books, it’s hard to know who to trust. Gone are the days when we can just let our children peruse the library shelves; I’ve learned that the hard way. Hidden messages, rude attitudes to parents, inappropriate language and sub-par moral lessons line the shelves of the children’s section. But– there is still GOLD on those shelves, too. I’m providing a rich list so that you can simply head into your local library, pull up this list, and request books from your library or loan system. The librarians are usually so thrilled to see a parent so invested in the quality of their children’s reading life- most of them love being asked for help! Also, a lot of libraries have apps now where you can just search for books in your county and put them on hold that way. I’ve also made each book “click-able,” taking you directly to my Amazon Store. If you purchase through my link, it gives me a little kick back of income, which I very much appreciate and usually goes to buying…more books!
My prayer is that this resource this will make your library days so much simpler, and your bedtime stories so much richer. This comprehensive list by no means suggests that you must read a new picture book every single day. I simply included a book per day to give you much variety as you build your home library. Some are classics, some are modern. Some are of high literary quality. Some are just silly. Every single one, though, has been read and vetted by our family. This has been a labor of love, to say the least- but as I look over each one of these sweet books, I can’t wipe the smile off my face as I remember years of bedtime cuddles and messy breakfasts flipping through them. Cheers, mamas.
Picture Book Descriptions
The Circus Ship by Chris Van Dusen
The Circus Ship is quite the beloved book in our family. It has trickled down through each of my children, and every time it gets the same laugh and excitement as if I’m reading it for the first time. It has an incredible rhyme scheme, and is so fun to read aloud. A Circus Ship has crashed and sunk, and all of the animals survived, swimming to land nearby that happens to be the sweetest town. At first, the townspeople were terrified of the animals, but after the tiger saved a sweet little girl from a house fire, the town fully embraced them. Now when the cruel and angry circus master comes to collect his animals, the townspeople protect them at all costs.
The Giant Jam Sandwich by John Vernon Lord
What a silly book! There seems to be a “bee problem” in town, and the community has to get quite creative. Can they make the most gigantic jam sandwich the world has ever seen? From the youngest to the oldest in your family, this delightful picture book brings a smile to everyone’s faces!
The Relatives Came by Cynthia Rylant
The Relatives are coming for the Summer, and man does it make for an eventful, messy house! The sleeping arrangements are packed, everyone’s eating through the entire garden– and yet, when they leave, everyone is left feeling sad. It’s a good thing they’ll be back next year!
Buzzing With Questions: The Inquisitive Mind of Charles Henry Turner by Janice N.Harrington
Questions constantly buzzed in Charles Henry Turner’s mind- things that others didn’t care about seemed to fascinate him. Even amidst being bullied for his skin color, his passion for science led him to becoming the first black entomologist, or scientist who studied bugs.
The Velveteen Rabbit by Margery Williams
What a classic. This book was read to me as a child and I had the joy of reading it to my daughters as well. Come to think of it- I need to read it to my son! It tells the tale of a beloved stuffed rabbit who, after years and years of play, becomes raggedy and old. But because of the magic touch of a fairy and the rabbit’s faith, the Velveteen Rabbit becomes a real rabbit.
This lovely book was sent to me by Emily Lex years ago, and we’re still enjoying it. The main character, Audrey, loves to twirl. But soon, she realizes she can’t do the things that her animal friends can do. All of a sudden, she forgets her love of twirling because she’s only thinking about what she can’t do. Then, she is reminded that God gives each person (and animal) unique qualities and gifts. She learns to celebrate the way God made her, and her friends!
Emmanuel’s Dream: The True Story of Emmanuel Ofusu Yeboah by Laurie Ann Thompson and Sean Qualls
This story will leave you awe-struck and inspired. A West African boy named Emmanuel had a deformed leg, and he was ridiculed by many. His mother, however, spoke life into him. Eventually, his dream of becoming a cyclist came true. His original goal was to provide for his family, but along the way, he rode 400 miles and inspired thousands. After reading this book, look up Emmanuel Ofusu Yeboah on youtube and watch the full story of the real Emmanuel.
The Seven Silly Eaters by Mary Ann Hoberman
This book has been a favorite of every one of my children. It’s rhyme scheme, the illustrations- everything about this book is delightfully silly! Each one of the Peters’ children has a favorite food, and making each child his favorite food every day is getting exhausting for Mrs.Peters! But- for Mrs.Peters’ birthday, the children decide to band together in the kitchen, and end up creating one meal, finally, that the entire family will eat.
The Golden Glow by Benjamin Flouve
Fox loves exploring nature; and one day while reading his botany book, he comes across a flower called “the golden glow.” He packs his binoculars, his flashlight, a compass, and a sleeping bag, and sets out on a quest to find this specimen which only grows at the very top of a mountain. This book is sweet, full of beautiful illustrations, and encourages a love of nature.
Only You Can Be You! What Makes You Different Makes You Great by Nathan and Sally Clarkson
This book was written by Sally Clarkson, an incredible author and homeschool mom, and her son Nathan, who had quite a few mental challenges as a child. They wrote this whimsical story together to encourage children who feel different that they are exactly the way God made them, unique and special!
Whenever the young boy visits the fort, he imagines that he is a royal prince in a royal castle planning a grand feast. But whenever a young girl visits the fort, she imagines it’s her pirate ship and she’s sailing through rough seas. They each keep messing up the others fort, until they find a game they both want to play. Vivid illustrations and a message that inspires play and imagination in my children is always a win in my book.
Ablaze With Color: A Story of Painter Alma Thomas by Jeanne Walker Harvey
Growing up in Georgia, Alam’s family constantly faced racial prejudice. Neverthless, they never let that get in the way of the color and creativity within their home. She started focusing on her passion for artwork in her 70’s, and went on to become the first black woman to have her work chosen for the White House. This book is filled with the style and color of Alma’s real art. After reading this one afternoon, we spread out some watercolor paints and tried our own Alma-inspired pieces. So much fun!
After taking swimming lessons and passing his swim test, Jabari is ready for the diving board. But as he watches others go before him, emotions surface. Read as Jabari overcomes his fears with the help of his father. This is a sweet, simple book that encourages bravery. I’m realizing I need to check this one out again at the library and read it to Halston!
Bread and Jam for Frances by Russell Hoban
Even though Frances’s mother makes her lovely meals and packs her nutritious lunches, all Frances seems to want is bread and jam. So, her mother decides to let her have it… for every single meal. After a couple days, Frances realizes that she loves all the meals her mother cooks, and thus exists her bread and jam phase!
We’re Going On a Bear Hunt by Michael Rosen
A classic story for babies and toddlers that can be read or sung. There is also the sweetest little mini-film of this book on Amazon Prime that is delightful.
Miss Rumphius by Barbara Cooney
Alice Rumphius longed to bring beauty to her world, and hatched a plan to use seeds to do it. To this day, lupines bloom along Maine’s coastline because of the real Miss Rumphius, called “The Lupine Lady.” This book would be a beautiful addition to your library and sends a timeless message of simple acts leaving legacies.
Wild Honey from the Moon by Kenneth Kraegel
I’ve read this book to each of my children, but mostly my son. This beautiful picture book is actually divided into short chapters, but could easily be read in one sitting or in two or three, depending on your child. This is the story of a mother who is willing to get wild honey from the moon if it means curing her sick son. She faces danger of all kinds, but nothing will deter her from giving her son what he needs. After all her adventures, she is back by morning with the wild honey remedy that makes her son feel better. I’ve actually cried reading this book to my son- it’s so precious.
What Should Danny Do? by Ganit and Adir Levy
This bestseller is beloved in our household. We’ve probably read it at least 50 times! It’s unlike any other series in our collection. In this story, you go along with Danny and help him choose between good decisions and poor decisions. Based on what decision you choose, the story changes. At the end of the story, you see how your decisions played out to give Danny a great day or a not-so-great day. Then, you can go back and make better decisions and see how it changes his day! This book is a great jumping off point for heart-to-heart conversations on poor attitudes.
Sand, rocks and a few old boxes become a land called Roxaboxen. The neighborhood childrens’ imagination create an entire world out of the measliest of things. It becomes their special place, and even after they’re all grown up, they treasure their memories of a land called Roxaboxen. The illustrator, Barbara Cooney, also illustrated Miss Rumphius and deserves every award she’s received. This book is whimsical and stunning, delightful for both parent and child.
Wangari Maathai: The Woman Who Planted Millions of Trees by Franck Prevot
Wangari, a little girl living at the foot of Mount Kenya, wanted nothing more than to help her family and build her community. After getting an opportunity to go to school and travel to the United States, she seized it and discovered prejudice that she was not expecting. Returning to her homeland, she came up with a way to fight against deforestation and urbanization. She wanted change, and she accomplished it by planting trees by the millions.
Caps for Sale: A Tale of a Peddler, Some Monkeys and Their Monkey Business by Esphyr Slobodkina
This is one of the most popular picture books of all time for a reason. It’s silly, simple and whimsically illustrated. While a peddler is just trying to sell a few caps, he comes across some monkeys who end up stealing his caps and climbing up in a tree. He has to get creative to get his products back. See how he does it and laugh along the way!
Goodbye to Goodbyes: A True Story About Jesus, Lazarus and An Empty Tomb by Lauren Chandler
You can’t go wrong with anything from the Tales that Tell the Truth series. This story connects the story of Lazarus and the sadness that came with his death, to the story of Jesus. Because of Jesus, Lazarus rose to life. Because of Jesus, He Himself rose to new life. Because of Jesus, we will one day rise to new life after death. After that, we will say goodbye to goodbyes once and for all.
Blueberries For Sal by Robert McCloskey
Sal is a little girl out picking blueberries with her mother. When she wanders off, it turns out she isn’t following her mother anymore, but a mother bear! Likewise, the mother bear’s cub has wandered off and is following Sal’s mother! Will the cub and Sal find their rightful mothers? This book has such rich, illustrations and is the perfect summer read.
Swashby and the Sea by Beth Ferry
This is a gorgeously illusttrated, silly read abouta grumpy old man who lives on a private beach all alone. Until, a little girl and her grandmother move in next door! They do all they can to bond with Swashby, but he just won’t have it. But when the little girl finds herself in a dangerous predicament, Swashby comes to the rescue and they all become like family. This was my middle daughter’s favorite books for about a year!
Are You A Butterfly? by Judy Allen and Tudor Humphries
This light picture book acts as a beginner nature reader for the toddler or early elementary child. It dicusses with the child what life would be like if he or she were a butterfly, teaching its process of metamorphosis. Perfect for Summer as we start to see butterflies all around us!
The Story of Little Babaji by Helen Bannerman
I can actually tell this story with my eyes closed- that’s how many times we’ve read this book. Its a silly tale of an Indian boy and his family, and a group of tigers who stole his fancy new clothes. This has been the favorite of multiple of my children for YEARS, and is still on request consistently. It’s a longer picture book, but it reads like a tale and captures children’s attention.
Curlilocks and the Big Bad Hairbrush by Yolanda King
Now this book, I think I did read with my eyes closed many a night with my first-born, Lavender. She asked for it every single night. Gosh, I was so sleep-deprived, and still I smile thinking of her chanting the words along with me. This is a sin on Goldilocks and the three bears. It’s not written in rich language by any means. It’s just silly, heart warming and beloved by my brown daughters who loved reading about Curlilocks because she looked like them.
Jesus and the Very Big Surprise by Randall Goodgame
There are surprises all throughout Scripture, but one of the biggest surprises will be when Jesus returns and put on a wedding banquet for His faithful servants! And the biggest surprise in that story? He will serve His servants at the feast! Jesus as a butler- what? This story highlights the need to be ready for the Master’s return, so that we can be prepared for some of His greatest surprises!
Up In the Garden and Down In the Dirt by Kate Messner
As part of the award-winning Over and Under series, this beautful Summer read will take you along to discover what life is like above the dirt in a garden and below the dirt in a garden. Explore bugs, birds, flowers and soil in this delightful read that will inspire your kiddos to get their hands dirty!
Nina Bonita by Ann Maria Machado
I’ve saved the best for last in my opinion. I’ve never seen this book in stores nor on anyone’s book list, but it was read to me as a biracial child by my white mother. It’s about a little bunny rabbit who wants his fur to be as black and lovely as Nina Bonita’s. She doesn’t know how she got her beautiful skin, so she suggests black beans, coffee,black paint and more. This results in quite a mess for the bunny, who tries all of Nina’s suggestions. Finally, Nina’s mother tells the bunny that Nina got her gorgeous dark skin from her grandmother. The little white bunny is sad, until he meets the love of his life, a dark black bunny. They get married and have babies that are white, spotted, gray, etc. But they have one baby bunny who is pitch black, and Nina becomes that bunny’s godmother. This is such a powerful read to give your children a wonderful paradigm of just how beautiful brown skin is.
Phew, that was a lot! I truly hope this list gets your family reading, laughing, cuddling closer on the couch and making memories over great stories. Stay tuned for July’s booklist as well!
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