Today I'm participating in Picture Book 10 for 10. This is a list of 10 of my favorite picture books. I chose these particular 10 books because I love the illustrations for them. And illustrations make a picture book so much fun! And most of these books invite response from the kids as you read, another great feature for picture books.
Mr Wuffles! by David Weisner
I love David Weisner's books. Usually these books have little or no text. Mr. Wuffles is the same way. Mr. Wuffles is a cat that refuses to play with the toys his owner gives him. Then he discovers a new "toy" that is actually a small spaceship that has landed in his house. His playfulness with the ship causes damage and the small aliens must find allies and repair their ship. The illustrations are great and kids can create their own descriptions of the plot.
Something from Nothing by Phoebe Gilman
Joseph's grandfather makes his a wonderful blanket when he is born. But as Joseph grows older, so does the blanket. Mother says to throw it out but Joseph takes it to his grandfather. The grandfather makes a wonderful coat. Then the coat gets worn and Grandfather makes something new from it. I love the predictable, repetitive text. Kids love to guess what grandfather will make next. And if you look along the bottom of the pages, an entirely different story is happening with the mice that live in Grandfather's house.
This Is Not My Hat by Jon Klassen
A small fish takes the hat of a larger (sleeping) fish. He runs to hide so the bigger fish cannot find him. The bigger fish wakes and begins to search for his hat. These illustrations are great and contribute to the story. Kids can talk about the actions of the fish and can even try to decide what really happens at the climax of the story.
No, David by David Shannon
Kindergartners love this book. They can read it easily. Second graders love this book. They can identify with David in many ways. David seems to get into all kinds of difficulty, with his mother continuing to say, "No David." Kids must "read" the pictures to understand what David is doing. The minimal words make this book a great one for conversation. (We also like David Goes to School.)
Polar Opposites by Erik Brooks
Alex and Zina are polar opposites. They live on opposite poles. He is big and she is small. He is messy and she is tidy. But they are friends. They make plans to meet in the middle to see each other. This book is great for thinking about opposites. It is also great for talking about friendship. The illustrations add so much depth to the minimal text.
Three Little Pigs: An Architectural Tale by Steven Guarnaccia
We did a study reading different versions of the three little pigs tale. This one was a unique take. The houses of the pigs are based on famous architects. The illustrations contain references to all kinds of designers and architects. The wolf is a "beat poet" wolf. Kids can examine the illustrations to look at all the different types of art and architecture.
No Fits, Nilson by Zachariah OHora
Amelia takes her friend Nilson every where with her. They enjoy lots of different things together. But, if things don't go right, Nilson will begin to throw a tantrum. Amelia reminds him that there are no fits and helps him cope with his frustration and anger. The illustrations in this book are fun and the "lesson" in it can help kids think about what to do when they feel like a "fit."
The Story of Fish and Snail by Deborah Freedman
Fish goes to find stories in other books. Snail waits until Fish comes back and listens to the stories that Fish finds. Fish wants to take Snail to see the most recent story but Snail wants to stay in their book. The friends argue and Fish leaves. The friends do make up and go on an adventure. A fun book with interesting illustrations that support the text well. Kids can think about friendship and facing fears.
Click, Clack, Moo, Cows That Type by Doreen Cronin
One of my all time favorites. The cows want electric blankets because the barn is cold. They use an old typewriter to send requests to the farmer. He refuses and they strike, bringing in the chickens with them. The illustrations are fun. Kids can think about what to do when you have a disagreement with someone. Plus cows typing is just fun!
The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats
This is an older book but one that is beautiful and fun to read. Peter goes on an adventure when snow blankets the city. Many pages have little or no text, leading kids to look at the illustrations and think about what is happening. I love this book.
What picture books are your favorites? What new ones have you discovered? I'm always on the lookout for new books.
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