10 Classic Picture Books For Children of All Ages

Jamberry, by Bruce Degen
A boy and his bear rhyme their way through a world full of berries, with singsong rhythms that will make you and your littles want to get up and dance! The silly verse and berry-filled illustrations have cemented the classic status of this sweet, pun-filled pick.

It Looked Like Spilt Milk, by Charles G. Shaw
A clever introduction to visual games for young readers, this book keeps kids guessing until the very end. Each page is simply illustrated, with white images on a vibrant blue background, and gives children the opportunity to stretch their minds and their imaginations. Kids will want to make their own inkblots or go outside to view the clouds after reading this story.

Corduroy, by Don Freeman
While shopping with her mother, a little girl falls in love with a bear wearing green overalls, but alas, he is missing one button. While Corduroy searches his department store for his missing button with no such luck, it is only in the end that he discovers where exactly he can find what he’s really missing—a loving home.

Caps For Sale, by Esphyr Slobodkina
Originating from an old folk tale, this picture book follows the story of a peddler who sells caps. Upon waking from a nap, he discovers that a troop of monkeys have taken his caps and are hiding out of reach up in a tree. The peddler gets upset they won’t give back the caps and acts out in frustration, prompting the monkeys to imitate him, with hilarious results—monkey see, monkey do!

Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel, by Virginia Lee Burton
Children will delight in this tale of Mike Mulligan and his faithful steam shovel, Mary Anne. What’s not to love about a big machine and all the shoveling, digging and swinging that accompany such a large and sturdy piece of equipment? Parents will enjoy a simple way to explain changes in technology and how those shifts affect what we have now, and what is to come.

Blueberries for Sal, by Robert McCloskey
A little girl meets a little bear in this blueberry-filled delight. While out picking blueberries with her mother, Sal discovers a mama bear at the same time a baby bear discovers her mama. Does each child go home with the right mother? A simple slice of summer life of two different families enjoying all that nature has to offer.

Tikki Tikki Tembo, by Arlene Mosel and Blair Lent
A little boy with a very long name falls down a well near his home in China. Because his name is so long—Tikki tikki Tembo-no sa rembo-chari bari ruche-pip peri pembo—his brother can barely get the help needed to save him. Based on a Chinese folktale, this story enlightens the reader on why sometimes less is more.

George and Martha, by James Marshall
A memorable friendship comes to life in this endearing story of two saucy and adorable hippos and their enduring friendship. George and Martha fuss, make up, take care of each other, and surprise each other in these digestible collections of short vignettes. Best of all, there’s a whole series of books featuring George and Martha. If kids really enjoy the author, consider reading one of his other classics, Miss Nelson is Missing.

Madeline, by Ludwig Bemelmans
Madeline is a fearless and mischievous little Parisian girl who lives with eleven other children under the care of Miss Clavel. One night, Madeline is whisked away to have her appendix removed, and her fellow classmates wonder over her scar, and the flowers, gifts, and toys she receives. With gorgeous illustrations evoking classic landmarks in the city of light, this story is a perennial classic for a reason.

Where the Wild Things Are, by Maurice Sendak
A little boy, Max, is sent to his room because he is not behaving—something that may be all too familiar to us parents! What happens next is an adventure that takes Max way beyond the four walls of his room—and on a wild adventure that must eventually come to an end—but in the process, it helps him explore his anger and aggression, frustration and fears, all on his own. A winner of the Caldecott Medal in 1964, this title has been voted as best picture book by librarians time and time again.
What are your favorite classic picture books to read with your children?