9 + 1 Children's Picture Books Every Adult Needs to Read

Mar 12, 2018
6 min read

I am a writer, but just as much, I am a reader. I know this is a different kind of post for me since I tend to linger in devotional/poetic writing and believe me, I love it. However, between washing the dishes and brainstorming blog ideas one day, I kept reminiscing about my love of books - I collect them like stars for my sky (sigh!). I got a love for reading at an early age. My siblings and I didn’t watch much T.V. growing up so our imaginations were engaged in playing make-believe outside in the woods or burying our noses in books.

Perhaps these spaces are what ignited my love to write - the forest frolic and page turning delight. Along with this sense of bibliophilia, I am a huge advocate of reading. I was encouraged into my education career because I wanted to teach people the joys of reading and writing. While I simply love picking up any book to read, many of my favourites are really children’s picture books.

So why do I think adults need to reach for a child's picture book once in a while to read? Primarily, children's stories are the installation of invention and imagination; bringing relaxation, building empathy, and reminding our very busy, complex adult brains and hearts that simplicity, in essence, is essential to our being. In other words, why not read them? Why not grow and learn and remember the basics and get swept up into the illustrations?

Of course, I couldn’t write about this topic without asking one of my earliest co-readers to join me by adding her + 1 to the list! Kathleen Wing, my sister, teaches grade one and loves picture books just as much as her students do! An early story of us (15 months apart in age) is me pulling books off shelves, taking a quick look and discarding them on the floor. Kathleen, toddling behind, would pick up the books I left and put them back up on the shelf. Such a good sister ;)

Anyways! I don’t know if you grew up with a like for books, but I hope this entry inspires you to give them a go. I’ll focus on the top ten ‘picture’ kid books every adult should read… and I think every home should have.

1. Something From Nothing by Phoebe Gilman (1993). I am a Gilman fan and this modern adaptation of a Jewish folktale is brilliant. Through a succession of delightful oil-glazed renderings, you follow a young boy’s journey of learning that even something can come of nothing. Why should you read it? Other than the engaging illustrations, Gilman rekindles often-overlooked perspectives – no matter how little you have, you always have enough to create; mirroring a divine purpose from our Creator when we create.

2. The Book With No Pictures by B.J. Novak (2014). Wait, what? No pictures?! That’s crazy for a kid’s book. Well, you might think that, but this ingenious, imaginative and outright hilarious book is the ultimate giggle factory that will have you doing and saying rather funny things. Novak fantastically invites you and anyone who is listening (because it truly needs to be read aloud) into a frenzy of just good fun. Why should you read it? Well, everyone needs a good belly laugh, but also Novak drives this powerful idea home: words can be just as entertaining as pictures.

3. The Way I Feel by Janan Cain (2000). Even as adults, our feelings are

neither good nor bad, rather God gave us feelings to express just that - how/what we feel. We (hopefully) react more maturely. Just as kids need words to express how and what they are feeling, adults do too. I found Cain’s unpretentious expression and communication of how our feelings come out – sad, bored, silly, and happy – a truthful read. So why should you read it? Well, other than mentioned above, ‘The Way I Feel’ is an energetic, bright, and cleverly rhymed book. If you work with young kids or are in a sphere where feelings are being communicated poorly, this book is a great tool.

4. The Tale of Three Trees by Angela Elwell Hunt (1989). I am a sucker for stories within stories. This book is a perfectly layered dish of symbolism and hope. I remember my first read of the story to a small group of kids and I was the one who got all teary eyed. Why should you read it? If you feel you have ‘lost’ dreams that you've wished God would fulfill, this story is for you. If you’ve prayed and are waiting for promises to be fulfilled, this story is for you. If you want to be led gently into a kind reminder that when life disappoints and doesn’t make sense, but God is faithful, this story is for you.

5. What to do with an Idea by Kobi Yamada (2014). I remember being

in a bookstore and seeing this book on sale. The title grabbed my writer’s heart and I read it on a blue little kid stool right next to the sale table. Truly encouraging, uplifting, and inspiring. So why should you pull out a little stool and read it? This book is for anyone who’s ever had an idea and can’t seem to make it work. It is a ‘simply put’ story of patience, hope and purpose. Just because you think your idea isn’t going anywhere doesn’t mean it’s stupid or outlandish – it may just be starting.

6. Love You Forever by Robert Munsch (1995). Unlike Munsch’s collective of silly, hilarious and basically nonsensical tales, ‘Love You Forever’ pulls out your heart and smothers it in all the ‘feels’.

You may be familiar this Munsch classic, but did you know he wrote the song after he and his wife lost two babies? Ironically, Munsch’s success with the book has not been selling it to kids, but to adults. So if you haven’t read it why should you? It is timeless and invites people of every age into a beautiful story of love and family. While it might leave a kiddo with a smile on their face and tears running down your cheeks, all I can say is it is worth every penny.

7. Journey by Aaron Becker (2014). Themes of freedom and

unexpected friendship jump right off the wordless pages of Becker’s book. I remember being asked to ‘read’ it to a young student. Umm, well he did a pretty great job reading it himself as he pointed and marvelled with me at the wondrous illustrations and the courageous adventure unfolding right before our eyes. Why should you ‘read’ it? Not only does the story invite you into a visually tantalizing expedition, it also get’s your own imaginative juices flowing as you see actualize themes of self-determination and bravery.

8. Ish by Peter H. Reynolds (2004). While this book is a great addition to any artistic library, it goes beyond saying that the themes and values taught in this book can be applied to any dream you have in your life. I remember leaving university feeling like I had one way of becoming successful – but, of course the truth is that there are many, many ways. My understanding of ‘getting it right’ slowly changed with time and I realized that I could continue to pursue my dreams even if they appeared ‘ish’ like. If you have a dream within you that has been dampened by thoughts of imperfection and frustration, you will find this book contains a very simple, but very powerful truth – your dreams may look ‘ish-ly’ to the world, but it’s what you believe about your dreams that make them look right.

9. You Are Special by Max Lucado (1997). I can’t help but add this one to the list. My mom would be proud, but it’s also very true that this book needs to be bought, read, and passed along, and then bought again! Why read it? The very essence of the title reminds me of God’s truth – I am called, purposed, designed and chosen for such a time as this and well the world may mount up to tell me my worth, it shouldn’t ‘stick’. This book is a classic for any home and you should read it (again and again) and let the message sink in, ‘you are precious in His sight’.

+ 1! Good Morning Canada by Andrea Lynn Beck (2014). While this book is specific to Canada, it teaches both young and old about the beautiful landscapes and changing seasons of the nation. As I read the fun rhymes to my students, below the picture more information about Canada is included that engages me. I love the pictures and how the illustrator depicts familiar and unique Canadian scenes. You might just be very surprised at how fascinating this read will be!

There it is! There are SO many amazing picture books in our world and I found it super hard to make a list of just 10 books - I could have added more, but I’d rather hear yours! Please share your favourite children picture books!

Much Love - AKS xoxo