My Top 10 Classic Picture Books

Let's talk picture books! Sharing stories with our little ones is a true privilege and joy- a joy that can be slowly sapped when the book we're reading is less than enjoyable. We can all use a few more high-caliber picture books around that have stood the test of time. Here are ten classic titles that the kids and I enjoy reading over and over again. If you're looking to spruce up reading time with your little ones, put these on hold at your library or add them to your own shelves!

Have any recommendations for me? Leave a comment below! I'd love to hear your favorites (classic or not). And don't forget to subscribe to our email list if you want our posts sent straight to your inbox. Happy reading!

- Katy

P. S. Although I have listed the ages that I think are best suited to each book, keep in mind that one is never too young nor too old to enjoy a good picture book!

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The Complete Adventures of Curious George by Margret and H.A. Rey

First published in 1941, the original Curious George stories are true classics. Whether George is flying in a space ship or heading to the operating room, his warm heart and amusing predicaments continue to delight. Ages 1-10.

The Little Red Lighthouse and the Great Gray Bridge by Hildegarde H. Swift and Lynd Ward

A very proud little lighthouse is master of the Hudson River, until the day a massive bridge is built overshadowing it. Suddenly, the little lighthouse feels very small and unimportant. Is he needed anymore? This sweet tale is based on the real little red lighthouse that is still present today on the island of Manhattan, beneath the George Washington Bridge. Ages 5-12.

Ten in the Bed by Penny Dale

Dale adds charming, old-fashioned illustrations to this classic nursery rhyme about ten friends and their bedtime romp. Ages 1-8.

Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel by Virginia Lee Burton

Mike Mulligan and Mary Anne, his beloved steam shovel, are the best digging team around. But with the advent of the new gasoline, electric, and Diesel motor shovels, no one wants them anymore. Will Mike and Mary Anne give up? Not a chance. Sometimes, all it takes to beat the odds is hard work, determination, and a friend by your side. Ages 3-12.

A Fish Out of Water by Helen Palmer

What happens when you feed a fish too much?

"Something may happen! You never know what."

Get ready to find out in this whopper of a tale! Even the fire department is no match for the wisdom of the ages. Ages 1-10.

Ox-Cart Man by Donald Hall

With gentle rhythm, this story transports its readers back in time to simpler days. Follow a family as they run a farm together through the changing seasons. Ages 3-12.

How to Make an Apple Pie and See the World by Marjorie Priceman

Travel around the world as you gather ingredients to bake an apple pie from scratch. Priceman's whimsical illustrations make this one perfectly browned-around-the-edges picture book. Ages 3-10.

Richard Scarry's Cars and Trucks and Things That Go

Follow the pig family as they travel through construction, snowstorms, an army base, fire fights, and everything in between. Richard Scarry's classic illustrations can't be beaten. This hefty book contains hours worth of perusing for little ones, especially those who love wheels! See if you can find the elusive Goldbug on every page, and root for Officer Flossy as she attempts to catch up with Dingo Dog to pull him over. Ages 2-10.

The Little Engine That Could by Watty Piper

"I think I can. I think I can. I think I can."

Every child should be acquainted with the little blue engine who wasn't too proud, important, tired, or afraid to try her strength and lend a helping hand to neighbors in need. Ages 3-10.

Zin! Zin! Zin! A Violin by Lloyd Moss

Prepare to be enchanted as the orchestra comes to life! Moss's carefully arranged, rhyming text is a performance in itself. Pleasing rhythm and clever illustrations round out this chamber group's big night. Ages 5-12.