Soon after I had my second baby, my older daughter started having acting out. We tried the recommended parenting tricks, from enlisting her help with infant care to scheduling “special time” with Mom, but she still tantrummed and squeezed baby sister way too tightly. Then we found a picture book that put into words everything my daughter was feeling but couldn’t quite express. The relief of being understood was a magic balm. As we read that book, and others like it, she began to accept life as a big sister.
When I’m grappling with a little kid problem, my first stop isn’t the doctor; it’s the children’s bookstore. My kids don’t want to hear my lectures about why they need to eat their vegetables, sleep in their own beds or share toys on play dates. But they will absolutely sit on my lap and listen to a story about a bunny or a bear who — what a coincidence! – has the exact same problem. We have used picture books to work through so many issues, from mean girls at the playground to fear of making mistakes. Of course, some of our favorite books don’t have any subtext at all–they are just laugh-out-loud funny, the best medicine.
I’m always thrilled when I find a great new picture book, one that ends with my child shrieking “again!” and gets so much play that we wind up having to tape the pages back together. Here are 7 stories we’re loving right now and I know you will too.
Lean more about these great picture books
Must-Have Picture Books for Kids
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The Blobfish Book
If you've ever Googled blobfish, then you know they're not the prettiest fish in the sea. But no one told poor Blobfish, who accidentally finds out he's considered ugly right on the pages of this book. Luckily, Blobfish's friends come to the rescue and cheer him up by pointing out all the great things about Blobby. This sweet, funny story promotes tolerance and friendship while sharing fun facts about ocean life that your budding scientist will soak up like a sea sponge.
Photo: Harper Collins -
Can I Tell You a Secret?
Monty the frog has an embarrassing secret: He's afraid of the water and can't swim! Kids will relate as Monty confesses his phobia and the lengths he'll go to just to avoid getting wet. But with the reader's help, maybe Monty can face his fears -- or at least tell his parents how he feels. This highly interactive and tenderhearted story will draw your child in and make him feel important as he helps bolster Monty's confidence.
Photo: Harper Collins -
Louise and Andie: The Art of Friendship
Louise and her new neighbor Andie have something very important in common: They both love art. But one day, a disagreement over an art project leads to a torn page and hurt feelings. After all, even great friends sometimes experience artistic differences. I was drawn to this book because Louise reminds me of my daughter, who has turned our dining room table into an art studio with more room for markers than dishes. It's a fun read for kids and parents alike, with inside jokes about the art world, like Andie being named for the pop artist Andy Warhol.
Photo: Harper Collins -
What this Story Needs Is a Munch and a Crunch
Pig is back with her third adventure in the hilarious Pig in a Wig series. This time, the red-headed sow faces a dilemma: How will she and her friends enjoy their picnic lunch once the rain starts pouring? With vibrant artwork and rhymes that are so much fun to read aloud, this book entertains while imparting a great message about the importance of friendship.
Photo: Harper Collins -
Hello, My Name is Octicorn
What, you're never heard of an octicorn? He's half octopus, half unicorn, and wholly unsure where he belongs, since no one is quite like him. This hilarious and heartfelt story is perfect for any kid who has struggled to fit in -- so, pretty much any kid -- but it may connect especially well with biracial and interfaith kids trying to figure out who they are.
Photo: Harper Collins -
Samanthasaurus Rex
Spunky Samanthasaurus is a dinosaur who marches to the beat of her own drum. Unlike the other T. Rexes, she'd rather talk through a problem than bite or fight. But Samanthasaurus is no wuss; when her family is endangered by a volcano, she's the one who saves the day. This girl power adventure reminds our daughters to be loud, strong, and true to themselves. Dino-might!
Photo: Harper Collins -
Woodpecker Wants a Waffle
Benny the Woodpecker smells waffles and decides he must taste one, but alas the waffle house doesn't serve woodpeckers. No mind; determined Benny concocts a wildly creative plan involving cannons and fireworks that has the whole animal kingdom wondering if he can pull it off. With clever alliteration and compelling illustrations, this is the perfect book for a new tradition: breakfast time reading.
Photo: Harper Collins
