MORE 'BEST-BOOKS' POSTS
#53 Thank You, Mr. Falker by Patricia Polacco (1998) 33 points Could never read it to the kids without getting teary eyed. Great story about what a difference a teacher can make in a child’s life. – Cheryl Phillips This is such a powerful books to read to young kids. All of the kids benefit […]
#54 Olivia by Ian Falconer (2000) 33 points When I first read this book, I thought “Caldecott” Alas, it was an honor book, which is nothing to sneeze at. I can picture Olivia and Lilly (Kevin Henkes) being buddies. I think we all know a little girl like Olivia. – DeAnn Okamura Such personality in […]
#55 Sylvester and the Magic Pebble by William Steig (1969) 32 points I know a little girl who cried when she thought Sylvester would be a rock forever. I’m not sure what it says about me, but that made me love the book even more. The best books are a little scary, aren’t they? – […]
#56 The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg (1985) 32 points After hundreds of readings, I still cry at the end of this book. – Susan Lang Perfect story, perfect pictures. – Rose Marie Moore This is the second Christmas picture book to grace our list so far. Now many authors will tell you that […]
#57 Doctor De Soto by William Steig (1982) 31 points Sylvester and the Magic Pebble is brilliant, but in this one, William Steig uses just the right amount of words and tells a wonderfully clever tale. – Sondra Eklund “Frank you berry mush” – Celia Lee Took me a second to get what Celia’s comment […]
#58 Scaredy Squirrel by Melanie Watt (2006) 31 points This one helped my daughter understand her anxious feelings in a fun, no pressure way. – Joanne Rousseau The last time we conducted this poll I considered Scaredy Squirrel to be the only true 21st century picture book on this list. Let me explain. Certainly we’ve […]
#59 Officer Buckle and Gloria by Peggy Rathmann (1995) 31 points And still we wait for the inevitable return of the Rathmann. We sit and we wait and we hope that maybe, just maybe, she’ll write another picture book. It’s not THAT crazy a notion, is it? But for years not a new Rathmann has […]
#60 There Is a Bird on Your Head by Mo Willems (2007) 31 points I love so many of these, and so do the kids at my school. I find them reading – and acting them out – all the time, even though they’ve been read and reread and reread. And not just the youngest […]
#51 The Tale of Despereaux: Being the Story of a Mouse, A Princess, Some Soup, and a Spool of Thread by Kate DiCamillo (2003) 41 points The perfect modern day fairytale. I also love how she broke the fourth wall and addressed the reader directly. – Amy Miele Charming, engaging, lovely, imaginative, and a great […]
#52 Betsy-Tacy by Maud Hart Lovelace (1940) 41 points This is also part of a fabulous series. The stories are engaging and also give a great window into a past time, while making it feel real and alive. – Laurie Zaepfel Number one because every time I read it, I discover something new, and it’s […]