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Best Classic Picture Books for Kids

Top 10: Classic Picture Books

Posted on September 19, 2010June 11, 2024 by Pragmatic Mom

A great list of some of my favorite books from childhood.  Thanks, LittleOneBooks.com!  I have a  deep and abiding love for all of your picks!

 

p.s. Related posts:

Top 20 Classic Books for Kids #LoveThriftBooks

Best Books for Kids: Classic Children’s Books Still Beloved Now

Top 10: Classic Children’s Books Not Beloved Now (ages 3-14)

FREE eBooks: Classic Children’s Literature

Peter Rabbit eBook App combines Classic with Puzzle

—————

Every year new children’s books are published, each better than before. Or are they? Classics are classics for a reason. Little One Books has created a list of lesser-known favorites from back in the day. Everything old is new again.

 

Best Classic Picture Books for Kids

1. Make Way for Ducklings by Robert McCloskey (1942)

Mr. and Mrs. Mallard offer a birds-eye tour of Boston as they go in search of the perfect place to raise their young. [picture book, ages 3 and up]

If you live in New England, it’s a classic must-have for your library.  If you live in Boston, you must get your hands on Make Way for Ducklings.

2. The Story of Ferdinand by Munro Leaf, illustrated by Robert Lawson (1936)

A sweet bull who’d rather smell the flowers than pick a fight. [picture book, ages 3 and up]

3. Harold and the Purple Crayon by Crockett Johnson(1955)

An ode to the limitless powers of a child’s imagination. [picture book, ages 4 and up]

 

4. Tubby the Tuba by Paul Tripp (1945)

Paul Tripp’s original song (combined with contemporary illustrations) introduces a dizzying array of instruments with a can-do attitude. [picture book, ages 4 and up]

Tubby the Tuba by Paul Tripp

5. The Runaway Bunny by Margaret Wise Brown, illustrated by Clement Hurd (1942)

Bunny will never run so far that Mama can’t catch up for a cuddle. It’s classic comfort. [picture book, ages 2 and up]

The Runaway Bunny by Margaret Wise Brown

6. Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown, illustrations by Clement Hurd (1947)

A lullaby-like farewell to the end of the day and embrace of night. [picture book, ages 2 and up]

* Can you find the mouse on every full-color spread?  It’s tricky!

7. Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel by Virginia Lee Burton (1939)

An expressive steam shovel proves that hard work and perseverance pay off. [picture book, ages 4 and up]

8. Pat the Bunny by Dorothy Kundhardt (1940)

Texture and activity team up to make this little book a literal feel-good experience. [picture book, ages baby and up]

Pat the Bunny by Dorothy Kunhardt

9. Ask Mr. Bear by Marjorie Flack (1968)

A child searches for the ultimate birthday present for his Mother. Leave it to Mr. Bear to guide him in the right direction. [picture book, ages 2 and up]

Ask Mr. Bear by Marjorie Flack

10. Blueberries for Sal by Robert McCloskey (1949)

Cubs and kids both get lost (and found) in this tale of ‘beary’ picking. [picture book, ages 4 and up]

 

To examine any book more closely at Amazon, please click on the image of the book.

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

 

Follow PragmaticMom’s board Multicultural Books for Kids on Pinterest.

Follow PragmaticMom’s board Children’s Book Activities on Pinterest.

 

My books:

We Sing From the Heart picture book cover reveal of The Slants Simon Tam

 Amazon / Signed or Inscribed by Me

Cover Reveal: Boxer Baby Battles Bedtime!Amazon / Signed or Inscribed by Me

Food for the Future: Sustainable Farms Around the World by Mia Wenjen, illustrated by Robert Sae-Heng

Food for the Future: Sustainable Farms Around the World

  • ⭐ Starred review from School Library Journal!
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  • Imagination Soup’s 35 Best Nonfiction Books of 2023 for Kids

 Amazon / Barefoot Books / Signed or Inscribed by Me

cover for Sumo JoeChanging the Game: Asian Pacific American Female Athletes by Mia WenjenAmazon / Scholastic / Signed or Inscribed by Me

The Elusive Full Ride Scholarship: An Insider’s Guide

How To Coach Girls by Mia Wenjen and Alison FoleyAsian Pacific American Heroes

6 thoughts on “Top 10: Classic Picture Books”

  1. Lori Sabo says:
    September 19, 2010 at 2:09 pm

    I sigh with contentment just looking at the covers.

    Reply
    1. Pragmatic Mom says:
      September 19, 2010 at 5:29 pm

      Me too!

      Reply
  2. Kimberly says:
    September 19, 2010 at 7:15 pm

    Fabulous list! I haven’t seen ¨Pat the Bunny¨ in so long!

    Reply
    1. Pragmatic Mom says:
      September 19, 2010 at 7:20 pm

      My kids and I loved that entire series. We even loved the video. Our books are so tattered but we still have them all!

      Reply
  3. Mike McLeod says:
    September 27, 2010 at 12:19 am

    A great list. How can anyone argue with any of the books you have chosen. Thanks.

    Reply
    1. Pragmatic Mom says:
      October 24, 2010 at 9:32 am

      Thank you for kind words!

      Reply

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