“One of my greatest joys of parenthood was curling up to read before bed,” says Sophie Blackall, the Caldecott-winning illustrator and author of more than 50 picture books, “Your kids are fresh out of the bath and in their pajamas, clean-smelling and damp and sleepy. I get very wistful when I see the young children in our building.”
Sophie has written my own children’s most requested read-alouds, including Hello Lighthouse and If We Were Dogs. Her picture book, If You Come to Earth, is a tender introduction to living on this planet, and her illustrated collection of small joys, Things to Look Forward To, is my go-to gift for friends going through a hard time.
“Picture books are for everyone,” agrees Sophie. Here, the author shares 20 favorites, including one she’s given as a gift dozens of times…
Classic: Tell Me A Mitzi by Lore Segal and illustrated by Harriet Pincus
“I read this over and over to my two kids. Lore Segal really understood children. That comes through in her funny, inventive, child-centric stories, and the drawings of a city girl’s big adventures are weird and wonderful.”
New release: Bored by Felicita Sala
“The story of a kid who is more bored than anyone has ever been in the history of the world. The pictures are drawn with such joy and depict the physical embodiment of tedium. And it’s brilliant because it’s about boredom but inspires action.”
Great gift: Mousestache Moosestache by Rowboat Watkins
“This goofy romp of a book builds to a delightful surprise ending. I think kids will go nuts and want to read it a million times. It might drive parents crazy…”
Powerful message: We Are Definitely Human by X. Fang
“Three endearing visitors from outer space arrive on Earth, claiming to be human. They behave very oddly, but the welcome they receive from a rural community is enough to make me cry.”
All about community: Thank You, Omu! by Oge Mora
“A cook makes a thick red stew that’s so delicious it attracts half the neighborhood to her door. Omu gives her dinner away and is left with an empty pot, but the neighbors return with offerings of their own.”
Tender-hearted tale: Anything by Rebecca Stead and illustrated by Gracey Zhang
“When a girl and her father move to a new apartment, they must accept that nothing will be the same. It’s a story about change but also about the power of making wishes.”
Fun challenge: The Lighthouse Keeper by Eugenio Fernández Vázquez, illustrated by Mariana Villanueva Segovia, and translated by Kit Maude
“It’s important for children to read books that stretch them. The Lighthouse Keeper has spare text and conceptual illustrations, which allow children to make their own sense of what is happening.”
Sweetest character: Little Shrew by Akiko Miyakoshi
“I love anything by Akiko Miyakoshi, but you just want to pick up Little Shrew and keep him in your pocket. This book is a quiet ode to small pleasures and a lovely antidote to wearying screens and technology.”
Book to make you cry: The Mother Tree by Sybil Rosen and illustrated by Nancy Carpenter
“A mother and child try to save a tree from being cut down. Never preachy, this beautiful and moving story invites you to notice all that trees do.”
Book to make you laugh: 17 Things I’m Not Allowed to Do Anymore by Jenny Offill and illustrated by Nancy Carpenter
“‘I had an idea to staple my brother’s hair to the pillow…’ begins this funny book by novelist Jenny Offill. Engaging with a naughty character does not necessarily mean that young readers will be naughty. Most children are smarter than we give them credit for — they can live vicariously, just as we can!”
Ahead of its time: The Country Bunny and the Little Gold Shoes by DuBose Heyward and illustrated by Marjorie Flack
“Written in 1939, this early feminist story stars a mother rabbit who becomes the fifth Easter bunny. Reading it as a child, I was introduced to 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, and that truly intelligent people are also kind, generous, and welcoming. I took this book to a meeting at the United Nations; that’s how much I love it.”
Wise words about loss: Duck, Death and the Tulip by Wolf Erlbruch
“This is the only book humanity needs about death, as far as I’m concerned. It is matter of fact and, at the same time, so tender. It resonates in a way that no other book has done for me on the topic.”
Gorgeous artwork: The Boy Who Became a Parrot by Wolverton Hill and illustrated by Laura Carlin
“Laura Carlin’s spectacular artwork in this Edward Lear biography fills me with a mix of admiration and envy — which, to an artist, is the best feeling.”
Playful series for early readers: Dory Fantasmagory by Abby Hanlon
“This series is pure gold for kids. It’s such a thrill to see young readers live in the world that Abby Hanlon has created. I truly believe that books should be fun for kids to read.”
All about friendship: Frog and Toad Are Friends by Arnold Lobel
“Frog and Toad are beloved for a reason. Arnold Lobel is clear-eyed and unsentimental about the misunderstandings that can arise in relationships. These timeless stories demonstrate how to be a friend — you can come back to them your whole life.”
Unforgettable tale: Roxaboxen by Alice McLerran and illustrated by Barbara Cooney
“This story is about kids building a town in the desert. They start off with a few boxes and rocks and then begin to elaborate, eventually constructing streets with shops and making laws. Then the children all grow up and leave but they never forget it. It just undoes me.”
Genius trilogy: We Found A Hat by Jon Klassen
“Jon Klassen doesn’t need anyone to tell the world how fantastic his books are because we all know! But the third one in his hat trilogy is a work of genius. The wonderful story shows how to be a person in the world.”
Thoughtful lesson: Mr. Fiorello’s Head by Cecilia Ruiz
“This charming story follows Mr. Fiorello and the three problematic remaining hairs on his head. Full of humor and empathy, this story is about reinventing yourself in changing circumstances. The pastel illustrations look like risograph prints.”
Summertime tale: Fireworks by Matthew Burgess and illustrated by Cátia Chien
“Fireworks is such a palpable experience of childhood and summertime. A Caldecott winner for a reason.”
Picture book for adults: The Principles of Uncertainty by Maira Kalman
“I’ve given copies to dozens of friends. It makes you want to get out in the world and notice things and talk to people — it makes you want to be alive. I keep a stash of copies so I can press them into the hands of anyone who hasn’t heard of this book.”
Sophie Blackall has written and illustrated more than 50 books. Story Rug, a collaboration with illustrator Phoebe Wahl, is due out this summer. She’s currently at work on The Sea: A Love Story, a picture book for grown-ups based on her experiences sailing from San Francisco to Sydney while using a cyanometer to measure the sea’s changing colors, as well as House on Wheels, which she is illustrating with paint made from dirt collected on a cross-country road trip. She directs Milkwood Farm, a creative retreat center for authors and illustrators.
Now it’s your turn: What picture books do you love? My kids and I are always looking for new books to read and would be so happy to hear your favorites.
P.S. What children’s books do YOU like and 25 children’s books featuring characters of color.
