A Bear in Underwear, A Hardworking Pug Dad, and a Refugee in Search of Home: 10 Enchanting Picture Books

Animalicious: A Quirky ABC Book, by Anna Dewdney and Reed Duncan, illustrated by Claudia Boldt
I have to admit, I’m usually not a fan of ABC books for little ones. I find young readers tend to lose focus and interest after around letter “N”. But Animalicious: A Quirky ABC Book is one that breaks the mold. It’s hilarious and kids can’t wait to see what funny combination of words the authors come up with for each letter and the entertaining pictures that showcase the humor. Who can resist a snake in a hardhat for “Boa Constructor”??

Raj and the Best Day Ever, by Sebastien Braun
Every parent can relate to this story. A dad who plans an awesome day with their child, only to find out that things aren’t going exactly the way he thought they would! However, he quickly realizes that with the power of imagination, even a bad day can be turned around. This sweet story of a father and son tiger that prove it’s not what you do but who you do it with that really matters.

Sadie and the Silver Shoes, by Jane Godwin and illustrated by Anna Walker
Sadie feels like everything she owns are hand-me-downs from her brothers, so a pair of new shiny shoes bring her enormous joy. But what happens when one of those shoes floats down the river, never to be seen again? This sweet, understated tale features a feisty main character who learns never to give up hope.

Good Dad Diego, by Brenna Maloney
Illustrated with actual photos of a pug named Diego, who is a hardworking dad, this book is the perfect gift for any soon-to-be father! However, that doesn’t mean that kids won’t also enjoy it. On top of that, they’ll get a glimpse into how hard it is to be a parent, even when you’re an adorable pug.

Underwear, by Jenn Harney
Hysterics. Absolute hysterics. That’s what my kids went into when I read them this book. When a little cub loses his underwear after a bath, his dad tries relentlessly and with not much luck to find him a new pair. What ends up happening is an adventure that keeps kids giggling, while showing them how frustrating it can be for a parent to convince their child to get dressed!

The Panda Problem, by Deborah Underwood, illustrated by Hannah Marks
I love books where there’s a narrator who talks to the characters. And The Panda Problem does not disappoint. This entertaining story introduces a narrator who is bound and determined to tell a fascinating story about a panda—except the panda isn’t being very agreeable, much to the narrator’s chagrin.

Ruby’s Sword, by Jacqueline Veissid, illustrated by Paola Zakimi
If you’ve ever been the youngest in the family, you’ll understand the longing to play with your older siblings. Ruby feels that every day, and their rejection stings. It isn’t until she finds an awesome stick that her imagination turns into a sword, that she discovers a way to change her siblings’ minds. A perfect story for those little ones who just want to be one of the big kids!

Rosie and Rasmus, by Serena Geddes
Loneliness is never easy. But books like this one help teach children that we are never truly alone. It’s a beautiful story about kindred spirits, a friendless girl and a lonely dragon, and the power of just one friend. Enchanting but also full of hope and magic—the perfect combination for a picture book with heart.

Lubna and Pebble, by Wendy Meddour and Daniel Egneus
This powerful, important story introduces young Lubna, a refugee living in a tent city with her father, whose days are awash in uncertainty, anxiety, and hope as she waits for the chance to start afresh in a new home. Lubna’s cherished companion is a pebble, but when she befriends a little boy, only to leave him behind, she must consider which of them needs pebble the most. An emotional but beautiful story of friendship that every reader should experience.

Dandy, by Ame Dyckman, illustrated by Charles Santoso
The lawn: A prized possession for any suburban dad, even one who is also a lion. But what happens when the happiness of your child interferes with having the greenest and most pruned lawn in the neighborhood? An adorable story of how a father’s love triumphs over all (even lawn love).