11 Picture Books to Teach Idioms

An idiom is a word or phrase where the meaning can’t be determined by individual words themselves. The meaning stems from an association with something else, such as a cultural reference.

I wrote Boxer Baby Battles Bedtime! to showcase how many popular idioms have boxing origins that perhaps people don’t know about. But I also wanted to showcase a stay-at-home dad and a toddler who avoids taking naps. I hope these books are a helpful and fun way to teach kids about idioms.

p.s. Here’s an article on idioms around the world (and how funny they are when you translate them):

Idioms from around the world that become hilarious when translated into English

p.p.s. Here’s another article about idioms:

13 everyday idioms that make zero sense until you know where they come from

Sweating like a pig? Pigs don’t sweat!

11 Picture Books to Teach Idioms

Quiet as a Mouse: And Other Animal Idioms by Chiêu Anh Urban

This clever interactive board book hides the animal in question until the reader turns the page. The illustrations also include die-cut shapes that help the reader guess the animal. The book uses simple animal idioms such as sly as a fox, strong as an ox, and happy as a clam. [board book, ages 1 and up]

I’ll Believe You When … Unbelievable idioms from around the world by Susan Schubert, illustrated by Raquel Bonita

These idioms describe something that is never going to happen. In the United States, readers might be familiar with the idiom “when pigs fly,” but there are similar animal idioms from around the world that have the same nonsense incredulity. This is a fun way to explore other cultures using idioms. [picture book, ages 5 and up]

Boxer Baby Battles Bedtime! by Mia Wenjen, illustrated by Kai Gietzen

Boxer Baby is no lightweight when it comes to avoiding naps. Her dad has a few tricks up his sleeve, but Boxer Baby is proving to be a formidable opponent. Learn about idioms with boxing origins in this humorous take on nap avoidance told in three rounds. [picture book, ages 3 and up]

Here is a video that showcases Kai Gietzen’s wonderful illustrations and how they evolved:

Raining Cats & Dogs: A Collection of Irresistible Idioms and Illustrations to Tickle the Funny Bones of Young People by Will Moses

Will Moses’ folk art illustration style pairs perfectly with this collection of idioms accompanied by short informative examples of how to use them. [picture book, ages 5 and up]

The World Is Your Oyster by Tamara James, illustrated by Emma Sancartier

This story uses idioms to tell a story of the day in the life of a young boy, from struggle to triumph! The illustrations help to convey the meaning of each idiom. [picture book, ages 5 and up]

Even More Parts by Tedd Arnold

Learn about idioms referencing body parts in this silly, funny, and informative

picture book. [picture book, ages 4 and up]

In a Pickle and Other Funny Idioms by Marvin Terban, illustrated by Giulio Maestro

For kids who love learning about idioms and enjoy an explanation told through story vignettes, this is the book for you! [picture book, ages 5 and up]

Butterflies in My Stomach and Other School Hazards by Serge Bloch

The first day of school can make anyone feel nervous. Our young protagonist has an eventful day described through idioms! [picture book, ages 4 and up]

You Are What You Eat and Other Mealtime Hazards by Serge Bloch

This story about the joy of adventurous eating is told primarily through food idioms. I especially like the illustrations which combine photographs of food with whimsical line art. [picture book, ages 5 and up]

Punching the Clock: Funny Action Idioms by Marvin Terban, illustrated by Tom Huffman

Use this picture book as an encyclopedic reference on action idioms. Author Marvin Terban has a more complete dictionary of idioms below. [picture book, ages 10 and up]

Scholastic Dictionary of Idioms by Marvin Terban

Idioms can be confusing unless you are in on the joke. More than 700 idioms are listed in alphabetical order with both meaning and origin. [nonfiction reference dictionary, ages 8 and up]

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My books:

Amazon / Signed or Inscribed by Me

We Sing from the Heart: How the Slants® Took Their Fight for Free Speech to the Supreme Court

ALSC Notable Children’s Book
Orbis Pictus Recommended Book for Outstanding Nonfiction for Children
California Eureka Non-Fiction Award Honor Book
Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People Winner (from National Council for the Social Studies and Children’s Book Council)
Junior Library Guild Gold Selection