My Top Ten Picture Book Picks

I discovered the Fuse #8 Top 100 Picture Books Poll just under the wire and submitted my top ten picks last night. Thank goodness I was under a deadline! This is just the sort of reading rabbit hole that can do me in.

So what were my choices?

Lily's Purple Plastic Purse by Kevin Henkes.

Nothing in the world brings me more joy than smart, naughty children. And who doesn't want to be as cool as Mr. Slinger?!




Skippyjon Jones by JudySchachner.

Another adorably naughty character and fabulously fun to read!





A Fine, Fine School by Sharon Creech.

Which will forever call to mind my best principal, a man for whom I would gladly attend Saturday school.



In the Night Kitchen by Maurice Sendak.

Fascinating illustrations and lyrical language make this one of my favorite classics. As an added bonus it is a commonly banned book!





A River of Words by Jen Bryant, illustrated by Melissa Sweet.

A brilliant companion text to Love That Dog and Hate That Cat. (Don't miss Wabi Sabi either!)




The Tale of Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter.

The words "... implored him to exert himself," come to me unbidden at moments they are most needed.




Max's Dragon Shirt by Rosemary Wells.

Max is a hero to younger siblings! As a younger sister, a collection Max books is my preferred baby shower gift for all second babies.




The Wretched Stone by Chris Van Allsburg

In my haste to submit my Top Ten, I neglected to include a Chris Van Allsburg selection. This unfortunate oversight demanded correction. Goodnight Moon, a nostalgic pick, had to go.








The Stinky Cheese Man by Jon Scieszka.

Because I love The National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature, and because Knucklehead isn't a picture book. I also love Cowboy and Octopus!





Ish by Peter H Reynolds.

I love this book for the same reason I love Wabi Sabi. It encourages us all to relax and appreciate the beauty in creativity...and in imperfection.