Best Children’s Picture Books
The best way to instill a love of reading in your little ‘uns is to read to them…and give them picture books to read on their own! The top 10 best children’s picture books for 2017 provide your youngling with fun stories told through dazzling illustrations.
Enjoy supplying your kiddos with classics such as The Very Hungry Caterpillar, Where The Wild Things Are, and The Giving Tree, as well as more recent options, such as Dragons Love Tacos and The Wonderful Things You Will Be. Your kids will love the pictures and the themes behind the tales, such as The Giving Tree’s important message about friendship and selfless love.
The pictures transport your children into other worlds full of wild things, taco-eating dragons, and backyards full of wonder and a few surprises. Many children who grow up reading picture books cannot want to try “big kid books” with few or no images. Give your children the head start they need by offering up the top 10 best picture books of 2017.
What’s here: This fantastic compilation of the 10 picture books for children for the spring and summer months of 2017 was created by real moms and educators who enjoyed these books themselves or taught them in class. Numerous types and themes of books are included in the list to keep your youngin’ stimulated.
For shoppers: Purchasing any of these high-quality book options is easy–just visit Amazon! Please note that we sometimes get a commission through purchases made through our links. Also note that our recommendations are 100% made because we love the companies and products and are never influenced in any way by any commission we may receive.
Post Updated: April 9th, 2017
What’s Here:
1. The Thank You Book (An Elephant and Piggie Book) by Mo Willems
2. The Wonderful Things You Will Be by Emily Winfield Martin
3. Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak
4. Our Great Big Backyard by Laura Bush
5. The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle
6. Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown
7. The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein
8. Dragons Love Tacos by Adam Rubin
9. Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? by Bill Martin Jr. and Eric Carle
10. Press Here by Herve Tullet
1. The Thank You Book (An Elephant and Piggie Book) by Mo Willems
Ages: 4 – 8
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First in line for 2017 among the top 10 picture books for kids is The Thank You Book by Mo Willems.
Gerald and Piggie are complete opposites, but the best of friends. Where Gerald is cautious and quiet, Piggie is adventurous and loud. In this story, Piggie is in a “thank you” mood, and he is telling everyone…except those that matter.
2. The Wonderful Things You Will Be by Emily Winfield Martin
Ages: 3 – 7
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The Wonderful Things You Will Be by Emily Winfield Martin comes in next for the ten best children’s picture books this year.
We have such high hopes and big dreams for our little ones, maybe moreso than they will ever have for themselves. This book is a beautiful, creative look into all the wonderful things your kiddo can dream, be, and accomplish.
3. Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak
Ages: 4 – 8
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Third up on the list – Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak.
This childhood favorite is a classic that tells the tale of Max; a rambunctious little boy, donning a wolf costume with an attitude to match. When Max gets sent to bed without supper, he ventures to Where the Wild Things Are; an island of big, loud, rambunctious, sometimes scary creatures.
4. Our Great Big Backyard by Laura Bush
Ages: 4 – 8
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Also making waves among the best picture books for kids in 2017 is Our Great Big Backyard by Laura Bush.
Honoring American national parks, this story is about a video game addicted girl named Jane. She plans on spending the summer vegging out in front of the television, but her parents plan a road trip to national parks instead. Amazing views, time spent in beautiful nature, and family bonding ensue.
5. The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle
Ages: 1 – 3
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Always a favorite – The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle marks a spot among the top children’s picture books at #5.
Eric Carle has a way with words. One that sticks with you for decades, as evidenced by this classic—The Very Hungry Caterpillar. Awake and hungry, this caterpillar eats his way through page after page of yummy goodies. Until he develops a tummy ache. Of course, he cocoons, then transforms.
6. Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown
Ages: 1 – 4
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Making it to 6th place this year – Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown.
In a little room in a little house, there lives a little bunny, tucked into bed, but not yet asleep. Instead of dozing or dreaming, this adorable young rabbit is stalling, trying his hardest to stay awake a little longer. He says goodnight to absolutely everything. Even the shining moon.
7. The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein
Ages: 1 – 8
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The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein makes it to the ten best kids’ picture books for 2017.
This is my all-time favorite children’s book. One I still read regularly, with tears in my eyes and a smile on my face. In this book, there is a little boy who befriends a tree. A Giving Tree. The tree loves the little boy and vice versa. Heartfelt and meaningful.
8. Dragons Love Tacos by Adam Rubin
Ages: 3 – 7
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A returning favorite from last year – Dragons Love Tacos by Adam Rubin is another one on the “best of” picture books for kids in 2017.
Did you know that dragons love tacos? I for one had no idea! This book is about all sorts of dragons and the many, many tacos they love to munch on. From beef and chicken, dragons are extreme taco lovers. But never, ever give them salsa! Fiery, funny, and unexpected.
9. Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? by Bill Martin Jr. and Eric Carle
Ages: 2 – 5
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Another top favorite makes it to #9 on the list – Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? by Bill Martin Jr. and Eric Carle.
Another great involving author Eric Carle. This book is told from the perspective of a brown bear; one that sees that world in vivid, beautiful colors. With singsong rhymes, the brown bear is asked what he sees. He responds with different animals, like a yellow duck and plump purple cat.
10. Press Here by Herve Tullet
Ages: 2 – 5
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The final item on this year’s list of the top ten children’s picture books is Press Here by Herve Tullet.
Press Here is a different kind of book. Every page is interactive and quirky, asking readers to poke, push, shake, shift, and tilt the book, pages, and dots within. When readers interact with one page, they discover new surprises and interactions on the next page. Simple, yes, but lots-a fun.