Our Favorite Classic Children’s Picture Books

Beatrix Potter’s “The Tale of Peter Rabbit” is among the most beloved classic stories of all time. Your kid can follow the mischievous Peter as he (despite his mother’s warnings) raids Mr. McGregor’s garden for some yummy veggies. It’s great fun until he gets caught! 

The simple illustrations and traditional language will transport your kid into another time as they read this timeless classic.

While Sal and her mother are picking blueberries for winter canning, Sal wanders off and discovers a mama bear getting ready for her own long winter. Meanwhile the mama bear’s cub has found Sal’s mother and has taken a liking to her delicious berries.

First published in 1948, this charming, colorfully illustrated tale of a little girl and baby bear hunting for blueberries has been winning hearts for over 75 years.

In this charming tale a group of mischievous monkeys steal a peddler’s caps and he must outwit them to get them back. Parents have been sharing this classic story with little ones for over 80 years, and with good reason. With rhythmic repetition and patterns—not to mention warmth, humor, and simplicity, it’s a fun way to teach little kids about problem resolution. 

This Read-To-Me version of the beloved classic about a little boy and his magical purple crayon has been handed down from bookshelf to bookshelf for generations. Adult fans will remember Harold’s fateful moonlight walk when, using his enormous purple crayon, he draws a wondrous world through forests and distant seas and more.

With its soothing, dreamlike tone, this is the perfect tale to share with little ones before bedtime.  

Mrs. Mallard has found the perfect home for her ducklings to live, but there’s just one problem: how will she transport them on foot through the busy Boston streets? After enlisting the help of the Boston police she’s able to deliver little Jack, Kack, Lack, Nack, Ouack, Pack, and Quack to their new home safe and sound.

Published in 1941, it’s since become a favorite for generations of readers. 

From author Bill Martin Jr. and late illustrator of “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” Eric Carle comes this endearing animal story based on the classic board book.

With rhythmic text and the delightful, boldly colored collage illustrations Carle is known for, this endearing Read-To-Me book teaches little ones how to identify colors by looking at the cascade of animals and birds.   

A little bunny, tucked away and ready for sleep, says goodnight to all the familiar things in its softly lit room. “Goodnight room, goodnight moon,” and everything from the clocks and socks, to the mittens and the kittens. With its melodic word sequences and gentle imagery, “Goodnight Moon” has lulled generations of sleepy kiddos to sleep.

This classic story book is the perfect first book and bedtime read-aloud for your young reader or pre-reader.

A man builds a sturdy little house and declares, “This little house shall never be sold for gold or silver and she will live to see our great-great-grandchildren’s great-great-grandchildren living her.” Sure enough it stands the test of time, standing on a hill watching the days, nights and seasons pass by.

This enchanting story about a happy home has been capturing little ones’ hearts for over 75 years. 

This Caldecott Medal-winning picture book follows a little boy named Peter as he pulls on his snowsuit and makes his way through the city during winter’s first snowfall. The story beautifully and sweetly depicts a child’s wonder through Peter’s adventures through the snow, and is the perfect read to snuggle up with on a cold winter day.

Many of us remember the adventures of the fearless Madeline, her twelve famous peers and her dog Genevieve. With whimsical illustrations and humor, all of the books in the series paint an enchanting portrait of 1950s Paris. 

In this audio version of “Madeline’s Rescue,” Madeline falls into the river and nearly drowns. Genevieve comes to the rescue, and the other girls are jealous when she gets to keep her as her cherished pet.  

Grab your copy of this gorgeously illustrated book and let your kids follow along with this audio version!

Adult fans of “Where the Wild Things Are” will remember Max, the little boy who’s transported far away to a magical forest filled with wild things after he threatens to eat his mother (eek!) and she sends him to bed without supper.