Check out some of the most beautiful picture books for kids, both on and off our platform!
A truly great picture book never goes out of style, but nothing elevates an unforgettable story like truly breathtaking visuals. Whether treating your kid to a digital or animated book, or cozying up with a physical book and following along to an audio version, little ones and older kids alike are drawn to beautiful illustrations and lyrical tales. Read on for just a few of the most stunning children’s picture books you can find on and off Epic.
Most Beautiful Picture Books On Epic
Dreamers
By: Yuyi Morales
Ages: 3-7
When Yuyi leaves her home in Mexico to come to the U.S. with her infant son, she leaves behind nearly everything. But as this gorgeously illustrated own-voices book shows, she isn’t empty-handed.
This is the true story of the author’s journey to become a permanent resident in the states. She begins without knowing English. But eventually they learn to read and speak the language together through the picture books she shares with her son.
With simple verse and vibrant images, Morales shares a story of hope, passion and strength while showing kids the gifts that immigrants bring with them. Beautiful and powerful, this story is both topical and timeless.
The Tale of Mr. Jeremy Fisher
By: Beatrix Potter
Ages: 3-7
When an optimistic and slightly accident-prone frog sets off on a fishing expedition across the pond, he finds himself caught up in trouble. Part of the Peter Rabbit series, this classic book is one we definitely recommend exploring. It introduces young readers to the language and leisures of a different time.
If your preschooler loves this story, check out the other stories from the Beatrix Potter book series, including a Read-To-Me version of “The Tale of Mr. Rabbit” on Epic.
Where the Wild Things Are (Animated book)
By: Maurice Sendak
Ages: 4-8
Adult fans of “Where the Wild Things Are” will remember Max, whose imagination transports him 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.
Fortunately, the wild things don’t eat Max, and instead make him their king. And in the end Max realizes that king or not, he still needs the love of his parents. The story teaches kids about love, family and that strong feelings are okay. But it’s still important to treat others with love and respect.
You can also follow along to the audio version here!
A House for Hermit Crab (Animated Book & Audiobook)
By: Eric Carle
Ages: 5 & under
In this colorful book filled with vibrant collage illustrations, Hermit Crab has outgrown his snug little shell. So he finds himself a larger one. But soon he finds himself growing out of one house after another, forcing him to continue his search for a new home.
This whimsical story, based on the actual behaviors of real hermit crabs, shows kids how to cope with changes in their own lives. Whether anxious for the first day of kindergarten, moving to a new town or getting ready to move up a grade, little readers will learn through Hermit Crab, that growing up doesn’t have to be so scary.
You can find the audio version of this book here.
Chick Chicka 1,2,3 (Animated Book & Audiobook)
Written by: Bill Martin Jr.
Illustrated by: Michael Sampson
Ages: 3-7
“1 told 2 and 2 told 3, ‘I’ll race you to the top of the apple tree.'” If you thought the alphabet-themed “Chicka Chicka Boom Boom” was a stunning, hilarious read, get ready for even more zany learning fun with this lively counting book.
Your kid will love following along, as numbers 1 through 101 race up the apple tree (and then wind up in a pile at the bottom) in this rollicking sing-along version on Epic. And you can watch the animated book or listen to the audio version here.
I Want My Hat Back (Audiobook)
By: Jon Klassen
Ages: 5-7
A bear discovers his hat is gone, and he wants it back. So he politely asks each animal he meets whether they’ve seen it. After finding no luck, a deer asks the bear a question that jogs his memory—and he starts searching again with a vengeance! This cumulative tale unfolds with irreverence and visual humor, ending with a mischievous twist that will delight your kid.
Your kid can follow along to this audiobook version of the New York Times Bestseller with their own copy.
Madam President (Audiobook)
By: Lane Smith
Ages: 6-8
In this witty, quirky take on presidential responsibilities, a little girl ponders what it would be like to be. What would her day look like if she were in charge? The girl imagines there would executive orders to give, tuna casseroles to veto, babies to kiss and more! This title is a must-read for empowering girls everywhere.
Grab a copy of this hilarious and adorable book and follow along to the audio version on Epic!
Little Red Riding Hood
Ages: 8-11
Most of us are familiar with the generations-old tale of Little Red Riding Hood and her famous run-in with the Big Bad Wolf. This picture book for older readers is the perfect introduction to the traditional fairy tale. With detailed, colorful illustrations and a not-so-traditional happy ending, it even makes for an engaging read-aloud for younger kids not yet ready for more advanced books.
Other Recommendations
Want more? Check out a few of these beautiful picture books available off our platform, all of which you can find on Amazon.
Animalia
By: Graeme Base
With sprawling, imaginative visuals, this popular alliterative alphabet book opens up a world of majestic animals, hidden objects and new ideas bursting through every page. It’ll keep your kid captivated as they meet armored armadillos avoiding angry alligators, crafty crimson cats carefully catching crusty crayfish, and so that’s just the beginning.
Flotsam
By: David Weisner
Flotsam is anything floating in the ocean that washes ashore: bottles, lost toys, small objects and everything in between. When a bright, science-loving young boy heads down to the beach to do some exploring, he discovers a barnacle-encrusted underwater camera full of secrets. What follows is a fascinating and vivid exploration of the mysteries of the deep, and what makes us appreciate and delight in these wonders.
Making the World More Beautiful With Mrs. Rumphius
By: Barbara Cooney
With visuals just as beautiful as the title describes, this classic favorite follows little Alice Rumphius, who helps out in her grandfather’s shop and loves to listen to his stories of faraway places and adventures. She vows to visit these places and have adventures of her own, but her grandfather gives her another challenge: “Do something to make the world more beautiful.” After a life of travel and adventure, she settles into her seaside home and is struck by how nice things already are. How will she make it more beautiful?
The Heart and the Bottle
By: Oliver Jeffers
This poignant book is part ode to the wonder, magic and laughter the special adults bring to our hearts and lives during childhood. But what happens when we lose that special person? Should we put our hearts in a bottle for safekeeping and grow up? Or can we find another special someone who helps bring us joy? This heartbreaking yet witty tale will teach your little one about love and loss in a way that is both life-affirming and uplifting.
That’s our list of most beautiful picture books! Looking for more picks your kid might like? Check out our post: “Best Picture Books to Read Aloud With Your Kids” and “Our Favorite Classic Children’s Picture Books.“