See how engaged this little boy is in one of Mo Willems’ books? He’s on his way to becoming a good reader! I love children’s books, too, especially picture books.
Some favorites of my crowd of 6-and-under grandchildren these days are books that delight and engage adult readers as well:
- Any of the Elephant and Piggie books by Mo Willems, but especially I Really Like Slop
For more about Mo Willems and his work, click here - Jon Klassen’s wonderful and thought-provoking series, Who Took My Hat, This is Not My Hat, and I Want My Hat Back
- The “Disgusting Critters” Series featuring The Fly, Head Lice, The Rat, The Worm, The Slug, The Toad, and The Spider – all by Elise Gravel, providing accurate information along with some sly humor for both kids and adults
Sometimes it takes just one wonderful picture book to turn a young child into a reader. I first met Maria Salvadore when I worked on the PBS Ready To Learn initiative and she was a children’s librarian in Washington, DC. She sought out and recommended just the right books then, and now she selects books for Reading Rockets. Check out Maria’s lists for young children that focus on new titles and emphasize quality here
What are your favorite picture books?