“One of the greatest joys of raising my children was curling up and reading before bed,” she says. sophie blackallThe Caldecott Medal-winning illustrator and author of more than 50 picture books says, “Your child has just gotten out of the bath, they’re wearing their pajamas, they smell clean, they’re damp and sleepy. It’s so wistful to see young children in our buildings.”
Sophie has written the most requested read aloud for my own children. hello lighthouse and if we were dogs. Her picture book is when you come to earthis a gentle introduction to living on this earth, and her illustrated collection of little joys, Things to Look Forward To, is my go-to gift for friends going through difficult times.
“Picture books belong to everyone,” agrees Sophie. Here are 20 of our favorites, including ones the author has given as gifts dozens of times.
Classic: Tell Me A Mitzi Written by Lore Segal, illustrated by Harriet Pincus
“I read this over and over again to both of my children. Lore Segal really understood children, and that comes through in her funny, original, child-centered stories. Her pictures of a city girl’s big adventures are weird and wonderful.”
New release: boredom Written by Felicita Sara
“It’s the story of a kid who is more bored than anyone else in the history of the world. The pictures are so fun to draw, they’re the physical embodiment of boredom, and they’re great because they’re about boredom and yet they’re a call to action.”
Great gift: Mouse Stash Moose Stash By Rowboat Watkins
“This goofy book has a fun, surprise ending. Kids will be hooked and want to read it a million times. Parents might go crazy…”
Powerful message: we are definitely human Written by X. Fang
“Three adorable visitors from space come to Earth claiming to be humans. Their behavior is very strange, but the reception they receive from a rural community is enough to make me cry.”
About the community: Thank you, Om! Written by Oge Mora
“The cook cooks a rich red stew that is so delicious that half the neighborhood gathers at her front door. Om serves dinner to her, leaving an empty pot, but the neighbors return with their own offerings.”
A story of a kind heart: anything Written by Rebecca Stead, illustrated by Gracie Chan
“When a girl and her father move into a new apartment, they must accept that nothing will ever be the same. This is not only a story about change, but also about the power of making wishes come true.”
Fun challenges: lighthouse keeper Written by Eugenio Fernández Vázquez, illustrated by Mariana Villanueva Segovia, translated by Kit Maud
“It is important for children to read books that stretch their feelings. ‘The Lighthouse Keeper’ provides preliminary text and conceptual illustrations so that children can understand for themselves what is going on.”
The kindest character: Shrew Written by Akiko Miyakoshi
“I love all of Akiko Miyakoshi’s work, but I just want to pick up Shrew and keep it in my pocket. This book is a quiet ode to small pleasures and a lovely antidote to the exhausting screens and technology.”
Books that make you cry: mother tree Written by Sybil Rosen, illustrated by Nancy Carpenter
“A mother and child try to save a tree from being cut down. It’s never preachy. This beautiful and moving story invites you to notice all that trees do.”
Books that make you laugh: 17 things you should never do again Written by Jenny Offill, illustrated by Nancy Carpenter
“I thought about stapling my brother’s hair to my pillow…” begins this funny book by a novelist. Jenny Offill. Engaging with naughty characters doesn’t necessarily make young readers naughty. Most children are smarter than we give them credit for, so just like us, they can live vicariously. ”
Ahead of its time: country bunny and little gold shoes Written by DuBose Heyward, illustrated by Marjorie Flack
“Written in 1939, this early feminist story centers on a mother bunny who becomes the fifth Easter bunny. Reading it as a child taught me some of my most important beliefs. Women can do anything. Being an artist is a real job that is as valuable as any other job in society. Also, truly intelligent people are kind, generous, and welcoming. I took this book to a United Nations meeting. That’s how much I love it. ”
Wise words about loss: duck, death and tulips Written by Wolf Ahlbruck
“As far as I know, this is the only book humanity needs about death. It’s true and at the same time so tender. Not the way other books have treated me on this subject.”
Gorgeous artwork: The boy who became a parrot Written by Wolverton Hill, illustrated by Laura Carlin
“Laura Carlin’s stunning artwork in this biography of Edward Lear fills me with a mixture of admiration and envy, the best feeling for an artist.”
A playful series for early readers: dory phantasmagoria Written by Abby Hanlon
“This series is truly a treasure for children. It’s so gratifying to see young readers inhabiting the world that Abbey Hanlon has created. I truly believe that books should be fun for children to read.”
About friendship: frog and toad are friends Written by Arnold Lobel
“Frogs and Toads are beloved for a reason. Arnold Lobel is clear-eyed and unsentimental about the misunderstandings that can occur in relationships. These timeless stories show you how to be friends. You can come back to them forever.”
An unforgettable story: Rokusa Boxen Written by Alice McClellan, illustrated by Barbara Cooney
“This story is about kids building a town in the desert. They start with a few boxes and stones, and then they start to elaborate, and eventually they build streets with stores and pass laws. Then all the kids grow up and leave, but they never forget. It just brings me back.”
Genius trilogy: found a hat Written by John Klassen
“Jon Klassen doesn’t need to tell the world how great his books are, because we all know! But his third book… hat trilogy It’s a work of genius. This wonderful story shows how we should be as people in the world. ”
Thoughtful lessons: Mr. Fiorello’s head Written by Cecilia Ruiz
“This charming story follows Mr. Fiorello and the three problematic hairs on his head. Filled with humor and empathy, this story is about reinventing yourself in changing circumstances. The pastel illustrations look like Risograph prints.”
Summer story: firework Written by Matthew Burgess, illustrated by Katya Chen
“firework It is a tangible experience of childhood and summertime. Caldecott is a winner for a reason. ”
Picture books for adults: uncertainty principle Written by Maira Kalman
“I have given the book to dozens of friends. When you read a book, it makes you want to go out into the world, notice things, and talk to people. It makes you want to be alive. I have a few hidden away so that I can push this book into the hands of strangers.”
Sophie Blackall has written and illustrated more. 50 books. story rugCollaboration with illustrators phoebe wall” is scheduled to be released this summer. She is currently working on Sea: A love storyis a picture book for adults based on his experience of sailing from San Francisco to Sydney while measuring changes in the color of the ocean using a cyanometer. house on wheelsshe uses paints made from dirt she collects on cross-country road trips to create her illustrations. she supervises milkwood farma creative retreat center for writers and illustrators.
Now it’s your turn. Which picture books do you like?My children and I are always looking for new books, so we would be happy if you could tell us about your favorite books.
PS What are your favorite children’s books and what are 25 children’s books that feature characters of color?
Source: Cup of Jo – cupofjo.com
