Picture Books Are NOT Just for Kids

by Karen G

November is Picture Book Month, and I think picture books are for all ages! You will find beautiful art, and creativity that broadens the mind and feeds the soul.
Here are some old and new favorites of mine.

Miss Rumphius

Barbara Cooney

jE Cooney
Picture Books

As a child Great-aunt Alice Rumphius resolved that when she grew up she would go to faraway places, live by the sea in her old age, and do something to make the world more beautiful--and she does all those things, the last being the most difficult of all.

When my kids were young, I read this book to them many times because of its message. "Find something to make the world more beautiful." A beautiful book about a woman wanting to make the world a better place, and she does.
- Karen G

The cool bean

Jory John

jE John
Picture Books

Everyone knows the cool beans. They're sooooo cool. And then there's the uncool has-bean ... Always on the sidelines, one bean unsuccessfully tries everything he can to fit in with the crowd--until one day the cool beans show him how it's done.

A clever story about how to teach kids coolness for good.
- Karen G

Don't worry, little crab

Chris Haughton

jE Haughton
Picture Books

"Little Crab and Very Big Crab live in a tiny rock pool near the sea. Today they're going for a dip in the big ocean. 'This is going to be so great, ' says Little Crab, splish-splashing and squelch-squelching along, all the way to the very edge. Then comes a first glance down at the waves. WHOOSH! Maybe it's better if they don't go in? With vivid colors, bold shapes, and his trademark visual humor, Chris Haughton shows that sometimes a gentle 'don't worry, I'm here' can keep tentative little crabs sidestepping ahead--and help them discover the brilliant worlds that await when they take the plunge."--Amazon.

My grandson loved this book! It’s a sweet story about bravery and overcoming fear. Preschool to first grade.
- Karen G

I believe I can

Grace Byers

jE Byers
Picture Books

"From the New York Times bestselling creators of I Am Enough comes an empowering follow-up that celebrates every child's limitless potential. I Believe I Can is an affirmation for boys and girls of every background to love and believe in themselves"--Amazon.com.

Grace Byers does a wonderful job inspiring a child to believe in being whatever they want to be. A positive read with beautiful illustrations.
- Karen G

The hike

Alison Farrell

jE Farrell
Picture Books

"The Hike is a plucky and sweet adventure story about three intrepid young female explorers set out to conquer the outdoors in their local forest. Here is the best and worst of any hike: from picnics to puffing and panting, deer-sighting to detours. This spirited picture book is filled with lyrical language that captures the majesty of the natural world, coupled with a fun narrative throughout. Features a glossary and scientific backmatter. Includes a sketchbook by one of the characters that highlights aspects of the hike. Abundant labels throughout for scientific learning. The Hike is about how fun it can be to explore nature in your own backyard. This book is a must-have for budding scientists, best friends, and all adventurers in preschool and kindergarten." --

This is a sweet book about three young explorers who set out to explore their local forest.
- Karen G

In the middle of fall

Kevin Henkes

jE Henkes
Picture Books

"Introduces concepts and vocabulary of fall--autumn colors, changes in plants and animals ... and wind, which soon leads to the next season"--

I love Kevin Henkes's books. This is a gentle story that teaches young children about the transitions from fall to winter. Great for preschool.
- Karen G

The snowy day

Ezra Jack Keats

jE Keats

The adventures of a little boy in the city on a very snowy day.

This is my favorite winter book. I read this book every winter during outreach storytime visits.
- Karen G

One

Kathryn Otoshi

jE Otoshi
Picture Books

A number/color book reminding us that it just takes one to make everyone count.

I love this book. Kids learn about numbers, counting, and colors, and they also learn about accepting differences in others. For preschool to first grade.
- Karen G

Hands to heart

Alex Bauermeister

jE Bauermei
Picture Books

"With a gentle reminder for children to breathe and to connect their bodies, this beautifully illustrated picture book contains a sweet cast of animal friends to guide young readers from one yoga pose to the next. From reaching your hands up to the sky to stretching like a cat to pressing up like a cobra snake, each posture helps to control breathing, engage in the present moment, and ultimately lead towards calmness and peacefulness. The soothing, rhythmic text paired with illustrations that offer a lot of sweet humor make this book perfect for young readers ready to interact with yoga poses and practice mindfulness."--Amazon.

During these stressful times, kids need more than ever to manage their own stress. This book teaches kids to slow down, breathe, and connect to their bodies. Illustrations are lovely and pair well with the soothing text.
- Karen G

Creepy carrots!

Aaron Reynolds

jE Reynolds
Picture Books

The carrots that grow in Crackenhopper Field are the fattest and crispiest around and Jasper Rabbit cannot resist pulling some to eat each time he passes by, until he begins hearing and seeing creepy carrots wherever he goes.

If your kids like scary but not too scary, they will love this book!
- Karen G