Finding Winnie: The True Story of the World’s Most Famous Bear by Lindsay Mattick; illustrated by Sophie Blackall, 2015
(5 and up)
This is one of my all-time favorite Caldecott Medal winners, so I was thrilled that my children wanted to snuggle up and read it over and over again this month.
Sophie Blackall’s beautifully detailed illustrations adorn the pages of this sweet story that shares the origins of the Winnie the Pooh tales. Inspired by true-events, Lindsay Mattick describes how her great-great grandfather, Captain Harry Colebourn, saved a bear from a trapper while travelling to his training during World War I. The bear, named Winnie after Colebourn’s hometown of Winnipeg, becomes the mascot for their troop until it is time to head to the warfront. In a tender scene, Colebourn donates Winnie to the London Zoo where she forms a special relationship with A.A. Milne and his son Christopher Robin. The rest is history.
My children especially loved looking at the photographs of Winnie with Captain Colebourn and Christopher Robin included in the back. We all couldn’t believe how Christopher Robin was allowed in the zoo enclosure with Winnie! I cannot recommend this endearing and charming story enough.
Knight Owlby Christopher Denise, 2022
(Ages 4 and up)
Prepare to feast your eyes on one of the most enchanting books of the year! Little owl may be short in stature, but he is big in brains. When he pursues his dream of becoming a knight, he uses his wits to defend the castle against a hungry dragon. The lush artwork is a real feast for the eyes, while the endearing storyline could not be better. Filled with mesmerizing details and one of the most adorable characters in children’s literature, this one is a must read!
Big by Vashti Harrison, 2023
(Ages 4 and up)
As a young girl grows up, she finds that being called a “big girl” quickly changes from a term of endearment to an insult. The snide jeers from others become hard to shake off and she finds herself disappearing into the background. In a powerful scene, the girl regains her confidence as she takes her life back.
With its beautiful illustrations and powerful text, this standout story both affirms that all bodies are good and reminds readers the long-lasting effects words can have.
Sam and Dave Dig a Hole by Mac Barnett; illustrated by Jon Klassen, 2014
Adults might not immediately see the appeal of this quirky, offbeat book, but once you read it to a group of children, you will immediately notice the magical effect this story has on them.
While Sam and Dave work tirelessly digging for treasure, they can’t seem to find anything of value. The reader, however, will notice that with each change of direction, they narrowly miss finding spectacular diamonds. Children usually love pointing out the gems encouraging Sam and Dave to go the other way. Observant children will also notice that while it appears Sam and Dave return to their home, slight differences in the illustrations may lead some to believe differently creating an interesting discussion about the ending of the book.
Tuesday by David Wiesner
Honestly, I could have picked nearly any book by David Wiesner. His imaginative, wordless stories have won multiple Caldecotts, and each one is fantastic. I chose Tuesday because the image of frogs soaring on lilypads never fails to make kids laugh as they flip through this wonderfully unique tale.
I also highly recommend Flotsam, Mr. Wuffles, The Three Pigs, Art and Max.
A Big Mooncake for Little Star by Grace Lin
(Ages 3 and up)
You will never look at the moon the same way after reading this enchanting story by Grace Lin. A Big Mooncake for Little Star mixes in elements of fantasy and Chinese culture to create a charming story of Little Star who wakes each night to nibble away at the giant mooncake she and her mother baked together. With each bite, children will begin to see the various phases of the moon. This whimsical story is simply delightful and makes for a wonderful book for bedtime. Just in case you need one more reason to read this outstanding book, it also won a Caldecott Honor for its unique artwork.
Hot Dog by Doug Salati, 2022
This is Not My Hat by Jon Klassen, 2012
(Ages 4 and up)
This was one of my kindergarten classes’ favorite books that I would share with them, so I had a feeling it would be a hit with my kids as well.
When a small fish steals a hat from a larger fish, he thinks he has gotten away with the crime. A surprising end, however, reveals the big fish chasing the smaller fish into seaweed and emerging with the hat. Part of the charm of this book is that it never shares how the big fish got his hat back, which creates the perfect prompt to discuss all the creative ways this could have happened.
This unique story paired with Klassen’s clever illustrations earned him the honor of winning the Caldecott Medal in 2013.
Thank You, Omu! by Oge Mora, 2018
Alma and How She Got Her Name by Juana Martinez-Neal, 2018
(Ages 4 and up)
Alma Sofia Esperanza Jose Pura Candela thinks her name is too long until she learns about all the incredible family members she was named after. She discovers that each ancestor is a part of her and now it is time for her to make her story with her own unique name, Alma.
The story alone makes this a standout picture book, but the small details Juana Martinez-Neal breezily infuses into the book makes this tender story shine even brighter.
Creepy Carrots by Aaron Reynolds; illustrated by Peter Brown, 2012
(Ages 4 and up)
Jasper Rabbit loves to eat carrots, until the day he believes the carrots are alive and stalking him that is. 
He begins to see carrots lurking everywhere…in the shadows, in the kitchen, even in his bathroom. Are the carrots real or could it all be in his imagination?
This award-winning book is as much fun to read aloud as it is to listen to. Hues of black and white with pops of orange draw the reader in while the 
clever narration provides the perfect amount of drama and humor. This one is a must have!
I also highly recommend the rest of the series Creepy Pair of Underwear and Creepy Crayon .
Interrupting Chicken by David Ezra Stein, 2010
(Ages 4 and up)
It’s time for bed and Little Red excitedly awaits her Papa’s bedtime stories. As he reads each classic fairy tale, the exuberant Little Red can’t help but interrupt each one with comical results. This enchanting Caldecott Honor book is a ton of fun to read aloud and is a great way to approach a conversation about not interrupting.
Hello Lighthouse by Sophie Blackall, 2018
(Ages 4 and up)
This magical book transports readers to another time when lighthouses required keepers to faithfully tend to them to ensure the safety of ships passing by. While life inside the lighthouse remains mostly quiet, the illustrations skillfully capture the changing of the skies and sea morphing from blue to black, calm to stormy. All the while, the lighthouse attendant keeps his log and maintains the lighthouse. The exquisite Chinese ink and watercolor pictures perfectly compliment the nostalgic feel of the book. It is just lovely!
We Are Water Protectors by Carole Lindstrom, illustrated by Michaela Goade, 2020
(Ages 5 and up)
This spectacular own-voices story narrated by a young indigenous girl speaks out against water pollution in her land. The stirring text is enriched by the breathtaking artwork that skillfully weaves in complimentary colors and patterns creating robust illustrations that jump off the page. It was no surprise that this brilliant book won the Caldecott Medal for 2021. A note from the illustrator highlights several important details included to honor indigenous tribes.
A Sick Day for Amos McGee by Philip C. Stead; illustrated by Erin E. Stead, 2010
This is one of my all-time favorite picture books. It’s message of empathy and kindness is so incredibly heartwarming and the award-winning illustrations are absolutely charming.
Amos McGee works at the zoo and always makes time to give special attention to the animals. When he stays home from work one day due to illness, his friends make the trip to take care of him in return. This sweet and tender story is filled with amusing details that draw the reader in and will make children want to revisit for multiple readings.
Chooch Helped by Andrea L. Rogers, illustrated by Rebecca Lee Kunz, 2024
Me & Mama by Cozbi A. Cabrera, 2020
(Ages 3 and up)
Named a Caldecott Honor Book and a Coretta Scott King Illustrator Honor Book, this heartwarming story celebrating the love between a mother and child is not to be missed!
Me & Mama follows a young girl’s seemingly ordinary day that is made extraordinary by the simple presence of her mother. As she goes through her daily routine, she points out special items that she and her mother share. The child’s observations are full of imagination and the descriptive language is a pleasure to read aloud. The rich acrylic illustrations not only beautifully display cherished items, but skillfully capture the loving expressions of the characters.
Flora and the Flamingo (Flora books) by Molly Idle, 2013
This wordless picture book follows the graceful Flora as she enters into the beautiful dance of friendship with a flamingo. There are flaps that present a new dance move on several pages making this an enjoyable interactive book that will inspire any dancer to get up and move. Idle won a Caldecott Honor for her beautiful illustrations in this book.
Officer Buckle and Gloria by Peggy Rathmann, 1995
(Ages 4 and up)
Officer Buckle may know more about safety than anyone in Napville, but due to his boring presentations, no one is listening. That is, until police dog Gloria joins him on stage. With her hilarious demonstrations, the dynamic duo instantly captures attention and makes Officer Buckle’s safety tips unforgettable. This charming friendship story is both laugh-out-loud funny and full of heart.
Last Stop on Market Street by Matt de la Peña; illustrated by Christian Robinson, 2015
(Ages 5 and up)
This award winner is the exceptional story of a boy named C.J. and his grandmother traveling through the city on a bus on their way to a soup kitchen. On their journey, they meet a group of diverse people and the grandmother teaches C.J. what it means to be part of a community, be grateful, and to find beauty in your surroundings.
Crown: An Ode To The Fresh Cut written by Derrick Barnes and illustrated by Gordon C. James, 2017
(Ages 5 and up)
I don’t know what I love more about this one, the text or the illustrations. Both perfectly capture the pride of a young Black boy as he gets his hair cut at his local barber shop.
Elements of confidence, joy, and self-respect jump off the pages. The haircut changes the way the boy feels both about himself and the outside world. With his “fresh cut” he can accomplish anything. It is hard not to smile at the incredible illustrations, especially the ones displaying the look of confidence on the boy’s face. Awarded a Newbery Honor, a Caldecott Honor, a Coretta Scott King Author Honor, and a Coretta Scott King Illustrator Honor, this one is not to be missed!
The Lion and the Mouse by Jerry Pinkney, 2009
(Ages 4 and up)
Jerry Pinkney’s stunning pencil and watercolor illustrations are captivating in every book, but his fairy tale and fable retellings are especially memorable. In The Lion and the Mouse, he beautifully brings to life the classic story of a lion who spares a mouse and the kindness that is later returned. With his signature wordless storytelling, this timeless tale is a must-have for any collection.
Flotsam by David Wiesner, 2006
(Ages 4 and up)
It is no surprise that this wordless wonder is a Caldecott Medal winner. The detailed illustrations shine as the story follows a boy who finds an old camera that washes up on the shore. When he develops the pictures, he is amazed by what the camera has captured. I have yet to find a child who is not completely mesmerized by this spectacular book.
Mr. Wuffles by David Wiesner, 2013
(Ages 4 and up)
This wordless wonder stars a very finicky cat who prefers spaceships to kitty toys. When a spaceship carrying tiny aliens accidentally flies into Mr. Wuffles’ home, they find refuge with a group of insects who help them escape the clutches of the feisty feline.
My children love deciphering the symbols representing the dialogue among the aliens and insects and enjoy pouring over the action-packed illustrations. With messages of teamwork mixed with an original storyline, this was a favorite of mine as well as my children.
Click Clack Moo: cows that type (Click Clack Moo books) by Doreen Cronin; illustrated by Betsy Lewin, 2000
Poor Farmer Brown has a problem. His cows have found the old typewriter in the barn and are sending him typed letters demanding electric blankets. Despite having to explain to children what a typewriter is, they are going to love this series filled with hilarious farmyard hijinks. Duck in particular is a funny character that gets more and more personality as the series grows.
The Undefeated by Kwame Alexander; illustrated by Kadir Nelson
(Ages 7 and up)
You know those books that reach inside you and touch your soul and never let go? That is how I feel about The Undefeated. Kwame Alexander’s powerful words are heartbreaking, hopeful, and inspiring. They are perfectly complemented by Kadir Nelson’s stunning illustrations that eloquently display historical figures and events.
This book is an excellent reminder of why we need to celebrate diversity and the terrible atrocities that can arise from prejudice. This is a must read that I cannot recommend highly enough.
