Picture Books

Picture Books We Love

As a mom of 8, one boy and 7 girls I have had the opportunity to read lots and lots of picture books over the last 20 plus years.  Books for kids have become something that I care a lot about.  Getting kids to love reading starts at home.  I love the time that I have spent snuggling my little ones and sharing fun adventures with my not so little ones through our love of books.  My husband is a teacher and he is always reading.  That and reading to our kids from a very young age has helped our kids be ready to succeed when they get to school where they continue to love to read.  

Here are a list of picture books that I love.  Some we have read over and over and others are new finds.

Disclaimer- Having 7 girls, some of our finds definitely are lean that way.   

I am working on writing full reviews for all the books that make it onto this list. There will be a link for them as I get them done.

If you have a favorite book or series, I would love for you to leave a comment and share it with me.  I am always on the lookout for a wonderful picture book. 

Ross Collins

Mouse and Bear Stories

The Mouse and Bear series by Ross Collins is a funny, warm set of picture books about an unlikely friendship between a confident, slightly bossy Bear and a clever, quick-thinking Mouse who always manages to keep things interesting.

Each story usually starts with Bear trying to do something in a very “certain way” — and Mouse gently (or not so gently) shaking things up with humor, imagination, and a touch of chaos. Even when they disagree or get on each other’s nerves, the stories always circle back to friendship, teamwork, and figuring things out together.

Christopher Denise

Knight Owl series  

The Knight Owl series invites young readers into a cozy, medieval world where even the smallest dreamers can become heroes. At the heart of the stories is a determined little owl who longs to be a brave knight—despite his size and the challenges he faces. With gentle humor, warm illustrations, and themes of courage, kindness, and self-belief, these books celebrate the idea that true bravery doesn’t come from strength alone, but from heart, creativity, and doing what’s right.

Oliver Dunrea

Gossie and Friends 

My full review

The Gossie & Friends series by Olivier Dunrea follows a lovable group of little goslings through gentle, everyday adventures filled with friendship, curiosity, and quiet humor. With soft illustrations and simple stories, these books are a wonderful choice for toddlers and preschoolers.

 Kelly Greenawalt

Princess Truly

The Princess Truly picture books by Kelly Greenawalt follow a confident, imaginative little girl who believes in her own magic and isn’t afraid to dream big. With her signature curls and crown, Princess Truly turns everyday moments into colorful adventures—whether she’s exploring new ideas, solving small challenges, or inspiring those around her with kindness and courage. Filled with bright, joyful illustrations and playful storytelling, these picture books celebrate creativity, self-confidence, and the idea that every child can be strong, smart, and a little bit magical in their own way.

Megan Hess

Claris the Chicest Mouse in Paris  

The Claris series by Megan Hess follows a stylish little mouse with a big heart, and each book builds on themes of courage, kindness, friendship, and a love of fashion and travel.  Across all nine books, Claris explores glamorous settings while learning meaningful life lessons. The stories are written in rhyme, paired with elegant illustrations, making them especially appealing for young readers who enjoy fashion, adventure, and positive messages about character.

The World of Claris  by Megan Hess 

The World of Claris invites readers into Claris’s elegant Parisian world while teaching gentle life lessons. Across the four companion books—Friendship, Kindness, Dreams, and Style—Claris shows the importance of being a true friend, practicing compassion, believing in yourself, and expressing your creativity with confidence. Each story blends charming adventures with Megan Hess’s signature stylish illustrations, creating a delightful mix of inspiration, imagination, and elegance that encourages young readers to embrace positive values while enjoying Claris’s chic, whimsical world.

Claris Board Books by Megan Hess

The board books are bright, interactive, and age-appropriate, blending Megan Hess’s signature elegant illustrations with simple, meaningful messages perfect for toddlers and preschoolers.

World of Claris Holiday Books by Megan Hess

In her delightful holiday adventures, Claris brings elegance, kindness, and a touch of sparkle to every celebration. From festive streets glowing with lights to heartfelt moments of giving and friendship, these stories capture the magic of the season with style and warmth. Perfect for young readers, the Claris holiday books blend charming storytelling with a gentle reminder that true beauty shines brightest through generosity and love.

Jonathan Landon

Duck and Hippo

Lisa Mantchev

The Pet Club

Laura Numeroff

If you give... series 

 if you give... is a playful and charming collection of picture books built on cause-and-effect storytelling. Each story begins with a simple, generous act—like giving a treat to a curious animal—and quickly spirals into a delightful chain of unexpected events. With its gentle humor, circular structure, and engaging illustrations, the series invites young readers to predict what might happen next, making it both fun and interactive. These timeless stories celebrate curiosity, kindness, and the joy of a good (and slightly silly) adventure.  There are an additional 13 books in this series.  These are the two that I would recommend.

Apryl Stott

Coco and Bear 

The Coco and Bear books use cozy woodland settings and lovable characters to teach young readers about listening well, standing by your friends, understanding your emotions, and being courageous and kind in everyday life. They’re great for story time and for starting conversations about social‑emotional skills with kids.

Ruby's Tools Series by Apryl Stott

The Ruby’s Tools series by Apryl Stott helps young readers learn simple, effective ways to handle big feelings and everyday challenges. Through Ruby’s experiences, each story introduces a “tool” for building confidence, self-awareness, and resilience in a gentle, relatable way.

Hills Tad 

Duck and Goose Series by Hills Tad 

The Duck & Goose series by Tad Hills is a charming collection of stories about friendship, curiosity, and learning to see the world from someone else’s point of view. Centered on two lovable (and often stubborn!) feathered friends, Duck & Goose follows their gentle adventures as they navigate misunderstandings, discover new ideas, and grow closer along the way. With simple text, warm humor, and soft, inviting illustrations, these books are perfect for young readers and listeners, offering timeless lessons about cooperation, patience, and the joy of sharing life with a friend.

Jane Yolen

How Do Dinosaurs...

The How Do Dinosaurs…? series by Jane Yolen and Mark Teague is a playful collection of picture books that uses humor and imagination to explore everyday childhood behavior through the lens of dinosaurs. In each story, enormous, expressive dinosaurs act out familiar situations—like bedtime, school, meals, illness, friendships, and holidays—first showing the “naughty” or silly ways kids sometimes behave, and then revealing the “right” way to handle the moment.

With rhyming text and exaggerated, comic-style illustrations, the series gently teaches social-emotional lessons, manners, and routines without feeling preachy. The dinosaurs are over-the-top and funny, but always relatable, helping young readers recognize their own behavior and choices in a lighthearted way.