Picture Book List: 15 Picture Books About Books

Calling all bookworms and bibliophiles!

Today, we’re turning the pages on a delightful collection of picture books that celebrate the magic of stories. From heartwarming tales about libraries to whimsical journeys into the world of words, these 15 gems are sure to spark a love of reading in young hearts.

So snuggle up with your little ones, open a book, and let the adventure begin!

**If I missed your favorite picture book that’s about books, tell me in the comments!**


Book Fiesta!: Celebrate Children’s Day/​Book Day by Pat Mora, illustrated by Rafael López (March 2016)

From Goodreads: “Take a ride in a long submarine or fly away in a hot air balloon. Whatever you do, just be sure to bring your favorite book! Rafael López’s colorful illustrations perfectly complement Pat Mora’s lilting text in this delightful celebration of El día de los niños/​El día de los libros; Children’s Day/​Book Day. Toon! Toon!

Includes a letter from the author and suggestions for celebrating El día de los niños/​El día de los libros; Children’s Day/​Book Day.”

  • 40 pages
  • Reading Age: 4–8 years

The Book with No Pictures by B.J. Novak (Sept 2014)

From Goodreads: “Warning! This book looks serious but it is actually completely ridiculous!

A book with no pictures?

What could be fun about that?

After all, if a book has no pictures, there’s nothing to look at but the words on the page.

Words that might make you say silly sounds… In ridiculous voices…

Hey, what kind of book is this, anyway?

At once disarmingly simple and ingeniously imaginative, ‘The Book With No Pictures’ inspires laughter every time it is opened, creating a warm and joyous experience to share—and introducing young children to the powerful idea that the written word can be an unending source of mischief and delight.

If a kid is trying to make you read this book, the kid is playing a trick on you. You will end up saying silly things and making everybody laugh and laugh!

Don’t say I didn’t warn you…”

  • 48 pages
  • Reading Age: 4–8 years

Charlie Cook’s Favorite Book by Julia Donaldson, illustrated by Axel Scheffler (June 2006)

From Goodreads: “Charlie Cook has a favorite book. It’s about a pirate, who also has a favorite book … about Goldilocks, who also has a favorite book … about a knight, who also has a favorite book .… This hilarious pattern continues throughout the story, right to the satisfying and surprising end.”

  • 32 pages
  • Reading Age: 2–4 years

Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris LessmoreThe Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore by William Joyce, illustrated by Joe Bluhm (June 2012)

From Goodreads: “Morris Lessmore loved words.
He loved stories.
He loved books.
But every story has its upsets.

Everything in Morris Lessmore’s life, including his own story, is scattered to the winds.
But the power of story will save the day.”

  • 56 pages
  • Reading Age: 4–8 years

How Rocket Learned to Read by Tad Hills (July 2010)

From Goodreads: “Learn to read with this New York Times-bestselling picture book, starring an irresistible dog named Rocket and his teacher, a little yellow bird. Follow along as Rocket masters the alphabet, sounds out words, and finally … learns to read all on his own!

With a story that makes reading fun—and will even help listeners learn to read—this book is ideal for kindergarten classrooms and story hour or as a gift for that beginning reader. Fresh, charming art by Tad Hills, the New York Times bestselling author/​illustrator of Duck & Goose, will make this a favorite.”

  • 40 pages
  • Reading Age: 3–6 years

How to Read a Story by Kate Messner, illustrated by Mark Siegel (May 2015)

From Goodreads: “Step One: Find a story. (A good one.)
Step Two: Find a reading buddy. (Someone nice.)
Step Three: Find a reading spot. (Couches are cozy.)
Now: Begin.
Accomplished storytellers Kate Messner and Mark Siegel chronicle the process of becoming a reader: from pulling a book off the shelf and finding someone with whom to share a story, to reading aloud, predicting what will happen, and—finally—coming to The End . This picture book playfully and movingly illustrates the idea that the reader who discovers the love of reading finds, at the end, the beginning.”

  • 36 pages
  • Reading Age: 5–7 years

The Incredible Book Eating Boy by Oliver Jeffers (April 2007)

From Goodreads: “Like many children, Henry loves books. But Henry doesn’t like to read books, he likes to eat them. Big books, picture books, reference books … if it has pages, Henry chews them up and swallows (but red ones are his favorite). And the more he eats, the smarter he gets—he’s on his way to being the smartest boy in the world! But one day he feels sick to his stomach. And the information is so jumbled up inside, he can’t digest it! Can Henry find a way to enjoy books without using his teeth? With a stunning new artistic style and a die-​cut surprise, Oliver Jeffers celebrates the joys of reading in this charming and quirky picture book. It’s almost good enough to eat.”

  • 32 pages
  • Reading Age: 3–7 years

Let Me Finish! by Minh Lê, illustrated by Isabel Roxas (July 2016)

From Goodreads: “When our young hero settles in to read, the last thing he wants is for some noisy animals to ruin the ending of the story.

But ruin it they do.

And as it turns out, the boy is quickly approaching a surprise ending of his own! Maybe he should have listened to the animals after all.…

This silly, timeless picture book with a clever meta twist introduces debut author Minh Lê’s witty text and Isabel Roxas’s eye-​catching illustrations.”

  • 40 pages
  • Reading Age: 3–6 years

The Library by Sarah Stewart, illustrated by David Small (April 1995)

From Goodreads: “Meet an unforgettable bibliophile.

Elizabeth Brown doesn’t like to play with dolls and she doesn’t like to skate. What she does like to do is read books. And now that she’s grown up, her collection has gotten so big all the shelves are collapsing. Her front door has disappeared entirely. What in the world will she do? The reclusive Elizabeth Brown surprises everyone wit her splendid solution.

In charming verse and elegant watercolors Sarah Stewart and David Small celebrate one of America’s grandest institutions.”

  • 40 pages
  • Reading Age: 5–9 years

Library Lion by Michelle Knudsen, illustrated by Kevin Hawkes (July 2006)

From Goodreads: “An affectionate storybook tribute to that truly wonderful place: the library.

Miss Merriweather, the head librarian, is very particular about rules in the library. No running allowed. And you must be quiet. But when a lion comes to the library one day, no one is sure what to do. There aren’t any rules about lions in the library. And, as it turns out, this lion seems very well suited to library visiting. His big feet are quiet on the library floor. He makes a comfy backrest for the children at story hour. And he never roars in the library, at least not anymore. But when something terrible happens, the lion quickly comes to the rescue in the only way he knows how. Michelle Knudsen’s disarming story, illustrated by the matchless Kevin Hawkes in an expressive timeless style, will win over even the most ardent of rule keepers.”

  • 32 pages
  • Reading Age: 1–3 years

Little Red Reading Hood and the Misread Wolf by Troy Wilson, illustrated by Ilaria Campana (July 2019)

From Goodreads: “A retelling of the classic Little Red Riding Hood, starring our bookish heroine Red and a misunderstood, book-​loving wolf desperate for a good story.

Little Red Reading Hood loves–you guessed it–reading! She applies everything she learns from books to the real world. So, when she sets off to take her sick grandmother a homemade treat, she’s prepared for anything that comes her way. In keeping with the original story, Red is in for a surprise when she arrives to find a wolf disguised as her grandmother. But this is no ordinary wolf… This is the Misread Wolf, who’s after something more delicious than your average snack. He’s desperate for a bedtime story and knows Little Red Reading Hood might just be his only hope.”

  • 32 pages
  • Reading Age: 4–8 years

Lola at the Library by Anna McQuinn, illustrated by Rosalind Beardshaw (June 2006)

From Goodreads: “Learn about the library, checking out books, and story time with Lola.  Every Tuesday Lola and her mommy go to the library. Lola meets her friends there. They share books and don’t have to be quiet all the time. The nice librarian tells stories. There is a big machine that buzzes Lola’s books in and out, and she can take any books she wants home with her. Lola and her mommy always stop for a treat on the way home. No wonder Lola loves the library.

This gentle story of growing with books encourages little ones to discover the joy of reading as well as getting them ready and excited to visit the library.

Sweet, bright illustrations are from a kids-​eye point of view. Perfect for a lap read or story time, the first in Lola series, LOLA AT THE LIBRARY is a book young readers will fall in love with.”

  • 32 pages
  • Reading Age: 1–3 years

Read the Book, Lemmings! by Ame Dyckman, illustrated by Zachariah OHora (Nov 2017)

From Goodreads: “Aboard the S.S. Cliff, First Mate Foxy reads an interesting fact: “Lemmings don’t jump off cliffs.” But Foxy can’t get the lemmings on the Cliff to read his book, too. They’re too busy jumping off.

After a chilly third rescue, exasperated Foxy and grumbly polar bear Captain PB realize their naughty nautical crew isn’t being stubborn: The lemmings (Jumper, Me Too, and Ditto) can’t read. And until Foxy patiently teaches his lemmings to read the book, he can’t return to reading it, either!”

  • 40 pages
  • Reading Age: 2–8 years

Tomás and the Library Lady by Miranda Paul, illustrated by Nate Wragg (Feb 2000)

From Goodreads: “Tomás is a son of migrant workers. Every summer he and his family follow the crops north from Texas to Iowa, spending long, arduous days in the fields. At night they gather around to hear Grandfather’s wonderful stories. But before long, Tomás knows all the stories by heart. “There are more stories in the library,” Papa Grande  tells him.  The very next day, Tomás meets the library lady and a whole new world opens up for him.

Based on the true story of the Mexican-​American author and educator Tomás Rivera, a child of migrant workers who went on to become the first minority Chancellor in the University of California system, this inspirational story suggests what libraries–and education–can make possible.  Raul Colón’s warm, expressive paintings perfectly interweave the harsh realities of Tomás’s life, the joyful imaginings he finds in books, and his special relationships with a wise grandfather and a caring librarian.”

  • 40 pages
  • Reading Age: 3–7 years

Wolf! by Becky Bloom, illustrated by Pascal Biet (March 1999)

From Goodreads: “A wolf learns to read in order to impress a group of farmyard animals he has met.”

  • 32 pages
  • Reading Age: 4–8 years

Only Picture Books’ 19 Favorites of 2019

It’s the end of 2019, and here at OPB, we always close out each December with a list of our favorite pictures books of the past 12 months.

Some of these picture books appeared in OPB in one capacity or another. Because of space considerations and other factors, some didn’t. Regardless, all of the following books are worthy of attention and space on your shelves. I’ll even share a few words as to why they’re on this Best Of list. Enjoy!

(Don’t read anything into the order, though–it’s simply alphabetical by book title because, well, that’s easy to do.)


Another by Christopher Robinson (5 March 2019)

I confess that I resist wordless picture books on principle…except when they’re done this well. The fun shapes here remind me of Paul Klee, and the dreamy story is quite compelling.

 

Astro Girl by Ken Wilson-​Max (3 Sept 2019)

There’s so much here to like. A determined girl wanting to be an astronaut. An effective single parent (Papa). Dramatic acrylic artwork. Solid backmatter. Well done, Ken Wilson-Max!

 

Bird Count by Susan Edwards Richmond, illustrated by Stephanie Fizer Coleman (1 Oct 2019)

This book about young Ava becoming a “citizen scientist” is SO cool. Learn all about the New England Christmas Bird Count, too, as well as facts about winter birds uncovered via birding ID techniques. Find out more about this book via our OPB review here.

 

Crab Cake: Turning the Tide Together by Andrea Tsurumi (5 Feb 2019)

Got a budding environmentalist in your life? This funny story about a crab’s actions in the aftermath of a disaster (trash being dumped into the ocean) will surely be a hit. There’s a fine message here about getting past mishaps and challenges. I’m a fan of the rich artistic textures in these pages, as well.

 

Dr. Seuss’ Horse Museum by Dr. Seuss, illustrated by Andrew Joyner (3 Sept 2019)

An unrhymed Dr. Seuss manuscript? Sounds crazy, but that’s exactly what we have in this look at how different artists have depicted horses. The full-​color reproductions here (Picasso, Seurat, Manet, and more) help make this a solid introduction to art. It’s not like most other Dr. Seuss books, but if you can get past that, it’s a good one regardless.

 

The Good Egg by Jory John, illustrated by Pete Oswald (12 Feb 2019)

This one just tickles my fancy, as much because I had a neighbor who used to call me “A darn good egg!” as the fun art here by Oswald. Add in Jory John’s quirky take on perfectionism, and that’s the good read you’ll find here.

 

The Important Thing About Margaret Wise Brown by Mac Barnett, illustrated by Sarah Jacoby (21 May 2019)

This is a standout biography of a a first-​rate picture book writer, done in the style and tone of Margaret Wise Brown herself. The book is quirky, so don’t expect it to fully adhere to the standard chronological form most biographies take. The story’s also about taking risks and experimenting–great lessons for young readers to encounter.

 

Just Because by Mac Barnett, illustrated by Isabelle Arsenault (10 Sept 2019)

The child in this bedtime book fires off questions instead of sleeping, and the dad sends back amazing, imaginative answers versus the easy-​but-​unhelpful “just because” answer a tired adult might be inclined to give. The unexpected retro illustrations give this a nice feel.

 

Magic Ramen: The Story of Momofuku Ando by Andrea Wang, illustrated by Kana Urbanowicz (5 March 2019)

Here’s the true story of how Momofuku Ando dreamed about making a new kind of ramen noodle soup that was easy to make and tasty. Why? Because he saw lines of people waiting for food in Japan right after World War II, and he believed that “the world is peaceful only when everyone has enough to eat.” A useful Afterword gives fine bonus information for teachers, parents, and librarians.

 

Planting Stories: The Life of Librarian and Storyteller Pura Belpré by Anika Aldamuy Denise, illustrated by Paola Escobar (15 Jan 2019)

This book won a ton of awards largely because it’s the well-​told biography of puppeteer, storytelling, and NYC librarian Pura Belpré, who was a champion of multicultural literature. A librarian who supports multicultural lit might not sound that odd today, but consider that she arrived in American in 1921! The author’s ability to move from English to Spanish within the story without translations or italics? Very impressive.

A sizable amount of backmatter offers plenty of depth on the life and doings of this important figure.

 

The Proper Way to Meet a Hedgehog and Other How-​to Poems by Paul B. Janeczko, illustrated by Richard Jones (25 Feb 2019)

This poetry anthology by Janeczko showcases poems by Kwame Alexander, Pat Mora, Nikki Grimes, Marilyn Singer (see her OPB Author Interview here!), and more. All of the poems are a how-​to of one type or another, ranging from how to be a snowflake to how to bird watch. It’s a fine collection with just enough range and style.

 

Small in the City by Sydney Smith (3 Sept 2019)

Some readers might not be happy with the situation–a child in the city looking for a lost pet. But it’s poignant, realistic, and filled with anything but false promise, all done in poignant, sensitive language. This story could’ve gone wrong in a host of ways in the hands of a less attentive author/​illustrator.

 

Smile: How Young Charlie Chaplin Taught the World to Laugh (and Cry) by Gary Golio, illustrated by Ed Young (26 March 2019)

Charlie Chaplin’s life held a lot of sorrow early on, yet Charlie knew sadness and humor went hand in hand. This book does a fine job of telling his story–and his own special sense of fun–through lyrical text accentuated by interesting collage-​style illustrations.

I’m quite taken, too, by the silhouette of the Little Tramp–Chaplin’s most famous on-​screen character–that becomes animated when the pages are flipped.

 

Stonewall: A Building, an Uprising, a Revolution by Rob Sanders, illustrated by Jamey Christoph (23 April 2019)

While Stonewall is obviously picture book worthy, this book lets the Stonewall Inn ITSELF tell this vital tale. It’s not only an essential addition to LGBTQ literature, but an essential addition to literature in general.

Bonus note: Rob was kind enough to be the very first Author Interview @ OPB. It’s interesting to see how his philosophy of picture books from a few years back still plays out so powerfully in his current work.

 

Sulwe by Lupita Nyong’o, illustrated by Vashti Harrison (15 Oct 2019)

Sulwe’s skin is dark as midnight, but all she wants is to be bright and beautiful. This debut picture book by actress Lupita Nyong’o offers readers a magical journey that ultimately help them realize that true beauty always comes from within. That art here is beyond striking. Lovely.

 

A Tiger Like Me by Michael Engler, illustrated by Joëlle Tourlonias, translated by Laura Watkinson (1 Aug 2019)

Sometimes a kid might want to imaginatively become something else–like a tiger. In this story, that’s what happens, and he goes on wild-​tiger-​kid adventures. But at the end of the day, he’s happy to snuggle in bed with tiger-​mom and tiger-​dad. A sweet story.

 

When Grandma Gives You a Lemon Tree by Jamie L.B. Deenihan, illustrated by Lorraine Rocha (5 March 2019)

What kind of kid would EVER want a lemon tree for a birthday gift, right? Well, it turns out that in some situations, it’s the best gift of all. You even get a great recipe for lemonade here with this moving story.

Check out OPB’s interview with the author here, where we talk about–among other things–this very book!

 

When Sadness Is at Your Door by Eva Eland (29 Jan 2019)

There aren’t enough quality books about emotional literacy, but this is one of them. The simple illustration style adds a fine dimension to this important story.

 

Who Wet My Pants? by Bob Shea, illustrated by Zachariah OHora (17 Sept 2019)

It’s hard to imagine anyone tackling the tough topic of wetting one’s pants, but leave it to the ever-​amusing Bob Shea to do exactly that. The clever, silly pictures really help make this a memorable read.  There’s still plenty here for younger readers to appreciate even if they miss the more sophisticated aspects of the humor in play.