Our Favorite Picture Books of 2015

Please, Mr. Panda, by Steve Antony
Mr. Panda has a box of doughnuts that he wants to share with his friends. Refined and courteous, with a carefully concealed desire to please, Mr. Panda offers doughnuts to a litany of animals, including a penguin, skunk, ostrich and an orca, but not one uses his manners! Indeed, not until Panda meets a lemur does he encounter a creature who is careful to say “please” and “thank you” for the treats. With bold illustrations and spare prose that keep the mood light and playful, Antony offers a delightful primer on manners your children will ask for again and again. Your job is to make sure they ask politely!

Waiting, by Kevin Henkes
As any parent can attest, patience is a difficult concept for children at any point in the year, but it’s nearly impossible during this season of anticipation and joy. That’s what makes Henkes’ mellow, loving story an ambling alternative to the fast-paced season we’re currently wrapped up in. In this classically illustrated tale, 5 friends sit atop a windowsill, and they’re all anticipating different things— amazing things!—like a gust of wind, a drop of rain, or falling snow. They sit happily, spending time together anticipating the marvelous events in their future, and you will do the same when you pick this book up over and over again, and enjoy it with your little reader.

I Love You Night and Day, by Smriti Prasadam-Halls and Alison Brown
“I love you wild, I love you loud, I shout it out, and I feel proud.” Unconditional love is at the heart of this sweet picture book, whose rhyming verses and engaging illustrations are perfectly accessible to the toddlers and preschoolers in your life. Taking readers on a journey through rain and shine, and all the topsy-turvy turns of life, this lyrical narrative demonstrates, in no uncertain terms, that love between parents and children is unwavering, always growing, and worth celebrating.

If You Ever Want to Bring An Alligator to School, Don’t!, by Elise Parsley
With September looming large on the horizon, why not let this over-the-top cautionary tale set the stage for a fun-filled school year? When Magnolia, our spunky heroine, attempts to outdo her classmates on show-and-tell day with an alligator, her epic check-mate attempt soon lands her in checkmarks-on-the-chalkboard territory. Full of heart-pounding illustrations and loads of laughs, Parsley’s debut picture book is sure to become an instant bedtime story classic in your household.

Goodnight Already, by Jory John and Benji Davies
Bear has just tucked himself in when the doorbell rings—it’s Duck from next door, and he’s never been more awake! Bear’s neighbor has a number of suggestions for some nocturnal hijinks (e.g. make smoothies, start a band), but, unfortunately, all bear can think about is snuggling back in his big bed. The discussion continues until poor bear is fully awake, and duck has worn himself out enumerating all the entertainment possibilities. With perfect pacing and comedic timing, and illustrations reminiscent of vintage animation reels, Goodnight Already is a hilarious new take on a very familiar story.

The Day the Crayons Came Home, by Drew Daywalt and Oliver Jeffers
Unless you and your kids were stuck between the couch cushions for the last few years (hey, it’s possible!), it was hard to miss the bestselling The Day The Crayons Quit from the hilarious Daywalt/Jeffers duo. Like the preceding story, The Day the Crayons Came Home features petulant, fed up crayons who live in Duncan’s crayon box. Even though they have cushy digs and enjoy a short commute to the kitchen table or school desk every morning, Maroon and Turquoise each have bones to pick, and Pea Green doesn’t even wait for Duncan’s reaction after he airs his concerns—he runs away! Time after time, you and your little ones will come back to this story—laughs, eye-catching colors, and legitimate crayon concerns fill every page.

What Pet Should I Get?, by Dr. Seuss
When this endearing author with a doctorate in the unique condition of childhood died at 87, he left behind an overflowing box of partially finished manuscripts and illustrations. These documents immortalized his life’s work—creating meaningful nonsense—and among the most precious treasures were pages of an unfinished book that tackled a quintessential moment of childhood: what pet to get. Join these characters as they mull over the decision inside the pet store. What will they choose? You’ll love the zany rhymes that meander their way to the final answer!

Happy Birthday, Cupcake!, by Terry Border
If you required multiple helpings of Peanut Butter and Cupcake, then you won’t be able to resist the latest mouthwatering manifesto from Border. Indeed, Happy Birthday, Cupcake is a tribute to birthdays, treats and snacks, so we’re sure it will go down easy with your youngest readers. Cupcake’s best friend, Blueberry Muffin, is full of great ideas for what to serve at the birthday party, but will she come up with the right one? You’ll certainly be surprised at what everybody agrees upon!

Maple & Willow Apart, by Lori Nichols
Through gentle, poignant language, Nichols tells the story of two sisters separated by school. Maple and Willow are best friends, and, as their names suggest, they love to explore nature together. In fact, they spend all summer that way. But when the school bus picks Maple up for the first day of kindergarten, everything changes. Will they find a way to stay connected even though they live in different worlds now? You’ll never tire of the heartwarming conclusion.

Friendshape, by Amy Krouse Rosenthal and Tom Lichtenheld
A blue circle, yellow square, red rectangle and green triangle star in this delightful, punny story about the value of friendship. Through hyper-visual illustrations that kids and adults will love equally, we see that friends not only shape us, but they allow us to lean on them, and make us feel right at home. Sometimes, though, they can get bent out of shape. Anticipate a lot of interesting discussion after you close this book up—and expect to bring it out again—soon!

The Wonderful Things You Will Be, by Emily Winfield Martin
This modern Oh, The Places You’ll Go is charming and insightful, and demonstrates—through Martin’s trademark rhyme and vintage illustrations—the deepest wishes all parents have for their children. Keeping her young audience in mind, Martin uses vivid color and melodic rhyme, but her illustrations feature children with focused, determined faces, highlighting the fact that the future isn’t founded simply on whimsy. Give this as a gift, or keep it for your family – it’s destined to become a favorite for all!

I Will Chomp You, by Jory John and Bob Shea
There’s a toothy blue monster on the loose, and he’s not afraid to address his readers directly: “It you turn any more pages…I will chomp you, buster!” Throughout the story, he snarls and warns readers away, but before long we understand why: he’s safeguarding his cake, which is located at the end. And we also come to understand that his growl is far worse than his bite. Your little ones will love the comic illustrations, and the dynamic monster protagonist, whose urgent tone brings this book to life. Much like the cake the monster cannot wait to devour, this story is a treat. And it should be enjoyed often.

Imaginary Fred, by Eoin Coffer and Oliver Jeffers
Fred might just be the perfect companion. He comes when summoned, offering a delightful disposition and all the comfort and support of a best friend. He stays as long as he’s needed, and then he fades away. Fred’s an imaginary friend, and when a lonely boy named Sam wishes him into reality, Fred materializes out of thin air. Is he magical? And even if Sam makes a real friend, can Fred stay? Warm and quirky, Imaginary Fred is a sound antidote to schoolroom jitters, and a loving tribute to friendship.

You’re Here for a Reason, by Nancy Tillman
Bursting with Tillman’s trademark vitality and tenderness, You’re Here for a Reason is an unforgettably beautiful read, and you’ll happily oblige when your kids ask for it night after night. Lilting text and captivating illustrations show little readers how important they are to the world, demonstrate how each life has a purpose, and reinforce the fact that benevolent deeds create chain reactions. Remind your little one that the world would be incomplete without them at your next storytime.

Full Moon at the Napping House, by Audrey Wood and Dan Wood
The Napping House has been a pre-snooze staple for more than 20 years, and now the long-anticipated follow-up has arrived! There’s a full moon at the napping house, and nobody is finding their way to sleep — not Granny, her grandson, or any member of their thriving menagerie. Will the glow of the luminous moon ever give these restless souls a reprieve? The answer might just be in the cricket’s melody.