11 Picture Books for Cool Parents

Triangle, by Mac Barnett and Jon Klassen
With its strikingly minimalist approach, this clever story uses shapes in simple yet stunning ways. Triangle sets off across town to sneak up on his friend Square and frighten him. But more than one underhanded trick ensues! A great introduction to plot, relationships, and shapes. You will find yourself laughing out loud right along with your kids and you will not groan when they ask you to read it again and again.

My Dad Used to Be So Cool, by Keith Negley
As a father and son spend their day together, the child wistfully recalls his dad’s days of riding motorcycles and playing in a band. He knows his dad used to be cool, tattoos and all. But dad clearly prefers spending time with his son and has given up his old hobbies to that end, making him even cooler in his son’s eyes. The bright illustrations paint a portrait of a modern family with bold use of color and a dynamic focal point on each page.

Urban Babies Wear Black, by Nathalie Dion
Hip, city-dwelling parents will love this board book, part of a popular series (which includes Beach Babies Wear Shades and Artsy Babies Wear Paint). It is full of sophisticated babies drinking lattes, going to yoga, heading to the opera, and visiting art galleries. While some might see this as typecasting, it’s a fun book that offers a glimpse into city life for babies—taxi rides are completely normal for the urban baby. The title itself may be on to something, too; think of all the food stains that could be avoided if we just dressed our babies in black.

Tell Me a Tattoo Story, by Alison McGhee and Eliza Wheeler
This father-son love story is beautifully detailed and on-trend. As a preschooler is fascinated with his dad’s different tattoos, the father tells a story about each one and his own personal history. From a dragon that represents a story his mother used to repeatedly tell him, to a desert scene that is a reference to his time in the military, dad takes a walk down memory lane with his son. Inked parents will appreciate this telling of a story within a story when talking about tattoos.

What is Punk?, by Eric Morse and Anny Yi
If you are a punk fan, then this is a perfect punk primer for your little one. With clay figures on each page representing details of the era, parents will love spotting mohawks and safety pins. (Think the Ramones meets Gumby.) Kids will delight in learning more about this music genre in an entirely unique way, with appropriate rhyming text and engaging images.

First Book of Sushi, by Amy Wilson Sanger
Hip foodies, rejoice! This book is a perfect ode to your favorite cuisine. Featuring rhyming text and descriptive illustrations, young readers can get a literary taste of sushi on each page. The sophisticated words mean you may have to help your child pronounce the different types of sushi in the book, but by the end of the story, their vocabulary, and their palette, will be richer. Don’t be surprised if they ask you for yellowtail Hamachi and California rolls in their lunchbox!

Where’s Warhol?, by Catharine Ingram and Andrew Rae
Andy Warhol time travels in this imaginative picture book, visiting artists and artwork of the past. As an illustrated guide to history, Ingram and Rae have painstakingly created engaging and historically accurate scenes in which Warhol is hiding. From visiting French Impressionists to seeing Michelangelo at work on the Sistine Chapel, this visual walk through art history is captivating for both parents and children.

The Book with No Pictures, by B.J. Novak
If minimalism is your style, look no further than this book. What this book lacks in pictures it makes up for in language. Introducing the premise that whomever reads the book MUST say every word aloud, it is filled with suitably ridiculous words and nonsensical phrases that will make kids giggle. While it is engaging, and laugh out loud funny, it is also highbrow and sophisticated. Win/win!

Goodnight Darth Vader, by Jeffrey Brown
If you are more of a Star Wars fan and less of a magical fairy tale fanatic, this book is perfect bedtime reading. With your favorite characters dotting the pages, some wise words for bedtime, and cartoon-like illustrations, your little one will know you are sharing something very cool. Channel your inner James Earl Jones when it comes time to read the parts of Darth Vader.

Goodnight iPad: a Parody for the Next Generation, by Ann Droyd
While we might have grown up with the classic Goodnight Moon, let’s face it, our kids are getting their nighttime glow from technology. This parody perfectly mimics the rhythm and rhyme of the original, with a modern twist. A not-so gentle reminder to get rid of the technology (electronics are thrown in this book) surrounding us in our homes and get back to the basic. Amusing, vivid, and all too true, this book is a fun family parody.

Go The F**k to Sleep, by Adam Mansbach and Ricardo Cortes
This picture book is strictly for adults and welcomed by many parents. A viral sensation when it was first published, it deserves a spot on your nightstand. Inspired by the author’s daughter, this parody is all about the child that will not go to sleep; a story all too familiar to many weary moms and dads. Your own experiences come to life on these pages as this strong-willed child continues to refuse bedtime. You’ll laugh (and you might cry on the inside).