The best books are always children’s books. Sometimes you pick up children’s books for the story; however, sometimes, the illustrations grab you. Illustrations make the books gorgeous for children. Furthermore, kids obsess over certain children’s books, and you will read them again and again and to infinity and beyond. The best illustrations in children’s books stay with us for life.
What makes children’s books high-quality?
It is no surprise that the pictures inform your child’s first impression of a book, so choosing books with wonderful illustrations is a perfect place to start. Like a piece of art, a good children’s book is greater than the sum of its parts. Illustrations inspire a child’s imagination, and in high-quality picture books, the illustrations really contribute as much as the story shared. Their illustrations are truly works of art, representing a range of artistic mediums and styles.
We’re living in a golden age of young-adult literature when readers of every generation equally adore books ostensibly written for teens. Here, I have curated 20+ must-read children’s books not just because of their remarkable stories but also because they feature beautiful illustrations. Your children will never be tired of reading these stories and looking at these beautiful illustrations. Or you can get some of these books as Audiobook, so your child can have a story time in your car. You can try Audible here for free!
* You should also check my other book list for your child, 30+ Best Inspiring Math Books for Children.
Reading Snowflake Bentley was like stepping back to my childhood days, when snowflakes felt like tiny miracles from the sky. This picture book biography of Wilson Bentley, designed for school-aged children, beautifully captures the magic and wonder of snow alongside the incredible story of one man’s unrelenting passion for its uniqueness.
A Life Dedicated to Snow (Yes, Seriously!)
Wilson Bentley was obsessed with snow from a young age. And when I say obsessed, I mean he literally dedicated his life to photographing and studying individual snowflakes. (Did you even know that was a thing? Because I didn’t until this book!) Bentley developed microphotography techniques that allowed him to capture the intricate beauty of snowflakes. Through this, he illuminated a simple but profound truth that no two snowflakes are alike.
Now, here’s something that really melted my heart (pun absolutely intended): Bentley wasn’t born into a high-tech, research-ready household. He grew up on a farm in Vermont. But his parents? Absolute MVPs. They scraped together enough money to buy him a camera specifically so he could pursue his dream of documenting snowflakes. To me, their support was as inspiring as Bentley’s dedication. Imagine the courage it took for a farm family to invest in something so niche and unusual!
Even when others scoffed at him (and trust me, they did), Bentley never wavered in his fascination and determination. His work caught the attention of scientists who eventually appreciated his groundbreaking contributions. The story is a celebration of perseverance, curiosity, and generosity–Bentley was passionate about sharing his photographs with anyone who’d look, not hoarding them.
The Art & Storytelling
The book itself? Equal parts informative and touching. While the storytelling may not dazzle with action-packed drama, it’s perfect for readers already intrigued by the magic of snow or the idea of someone pursuing their life’s passion.
Now, about the artwork. I’ll be honest—I wasn’t sold on the illustrations at first. They’re created with woodcuts, and woodcuts aren’t exactly my favorite artistic style. But as I kept reading, I found myself appreciating how well the earthy, textured visuals complemented the simplicity of Bentley’s story and his rural upbringing. Once I learned they were woodcuts, I was impressed by the craftsmanship and started enjoying them much more.
The pièce de résistance? The final page of the book features an actual photo of Bentley with his legendary camera, along with three of his snowflake photographs. It’s pure magic seeing his work and realizing just how fascinating snowflakes truly are. (Although, honestly? I wouldn’t have complained if there had been even more of his photos included.)
Why This Book Stuck With Me
At its heart, Snowflake Bentley is about more than just pretty little ice crystals. It’s about passion. It’s about curiosity that refuses to fade, even in the face of doubt and dismissal. And it’s about sharing what you love with the world, no matter how specific or obscure your interest might seem. Bentley didn’t just chase snowstorms; he made us see the tiny miracles they leave behind.
On a personal note, reading this book sparked memories of my own childhood fascination with snow. (I wasn’t out here with a camera taking microphotographs, but the excitement of watching snowflakes fall under the glow of streetlights still feels fresh.)
After finishing the book, I immediately began Googling Bentley’s work. I might even pick up his books, Snow Crystals or Snowflakes in Photographs. Who knew a quaint children’s book could rekindle such a sense of childlike wonder?
Final Thoughts
Snowflake Bentley by Jacqueline Briggs Martin is a gentle, inspiring read that will resonate with anyone who’s found themselves captivated by nature’s beauty or driven by a niche passion. It’s also a lovely reminder to support the big dreams of those around us, no matter how unconventional they seem.
If you’ve got a curious kid (or even an adult!) who loves snow, science, or stories of unwavering dedication, this book is a gift waiting to be unwrapped. Just be prepared for them to start asking for magnifying glasses the next time the snow falls!
Would I recommend it? Absolutely. Just be ready to develop an unshakeable fascination with snowflakes. Trust me, it’s contagious.
Oliver Jeffers’ “Here We Are: Notes for Living on Planet Earth” is a heartwarming and thought-provoking book that tackles the complexities of our world in an easy-to-understand way. The book is written from a father’s perspective, explaining the world to his two-month-old child. It covers everything from the big picture of our universe all the way down to the day-to-day happenings of life.
The first thing that stands out about this book is Oliver Jeffers’ artwork. His illustrations are breathtakingly beautiful and capture the essence of our planet perfectly. As you flip through each page, you’ll find yourself marveling at all the different shapes, sizes, and colors of people and animals that inhabit our world. From blue people to giant whales, every page is filled with something new and exciting.
But it’s not just the art that makes Here We Are so special; it’s also the message behind it. Through his writing, Jeffers reminds us of how small we really are in comparison to the vastness of space. He highlights just how unique and precious our planet is and urges us to take care of it. This powerful message serves as a reminder that we have a responsibility to protect our home.
One of my favorite parts about Here We Are is how it encourages empathy towards others. By showcasing all the different types of people who exist on Earth, Jeffers teaches us to appreciate diversity and understand that despite our differences, we’re all connected by living on the same planet together.
Another great aspect of “Here We Are” is its accessibility for children. The language used in the book is simple enough for kids to understand without being too simplistic or condescending. It’s a book that can be enjoyed by people of all ages, making it perfect for families to read together.
Overall, “Here We Are: Notes for Living on Planet Earth” is a must-read for anyone who wants to appreciate the beauty of our world and understand their place within it. The combination of stunning artwork and powerful messages makes this book a true gem. By reading this book, we’re reminded of the importance of taking care of our planet and treating each other with kindness and empathy. It’s a book that will leave you feeling grateful for what you have and motivated to make a positive impact in the world.
The world is abuzz with the sounds of nature’s hardest workers, and Kirsten Hall’s book, The Honeybee, speaks for them. In this delightful picture book, Hall takes readers on a journey from the flower to the hive and back again, introducing us to the crucial role that bees play in our environment. With rich language and stunning illustrations by Quebec illustrator Isabelle Arsenault, The Honeybee strikes an ideal balance between fact and fiction that will satisfy both young readers at bedtime and teachers in the classroom.
Kirsten Hall’s language in The Honeybee is as lively as a hive buzzing with activity. Her use of rhymes and repetition makes this picture book a joy to read aloud, capturing the attention of children and adults alike. From the beginning of the narrative to its end, Hall’s writing creates a sense of perpetuity that mirrors nature’s cycles perfectly.
Quebec illustrator Isabelle Arsenault brings Hall’s words to life with her signature mixed-media style. Using gouache and pencil, Arsenault creates stunning images that are predominantly yellow and black but accented with pops of blue and fuchsia flora. Her illustrations capture the beauty of nature while also showcasing the importance of bees in our ecosystem.
Hall and Arsenault are an ideal match for one another, each taking their work to new heights. Their collaboration ensures that neither text nor images overshadow one another; instead, they work together seamlessly to create a beautiful storybook experience.
The Honeybee balances fact with fiction perfectly. It provides enough scientific detail about bees’ roles in our ecosystem without overwhelming younger readers or detracting from the story itself. This balance makes it an ideal resource for parents or educators looking to teach children about environmentalism in a fun way.
In conclusion, Kirsten Hall has created a remarkable picture book in The Honeybee. It introduces young readers to the crucial role that bees play in our environment while also capturing their attention with lively language and stunning illustrations. Hall and Arsenault’s collaboration is a perfect example of how text and images can work together seamlessly, creating a beautiful storybook experience that will delight children and adults alike. The Honeybee is a must-read for anyone looking to teach children about environmentalism or simply enjoy a delightful bedtime story.
The Boy, the Mole, the Fox, and the Horse is quickly becoming one of the best kid’s books around! The friendly relationship between The Boy and his unlikely buddies, The Mole, The Fox, and The Horse, provide a wonderful message of encouragement for young readers.
With an unexpected combination of humor and insight, Charlie Mackesy’s delightful story will help your child navigate uncertain times with optimism and hope. Now that one of the most endearing groups of friends has entered your child’s life get ready for some old-fashioned fun!
In the bustling literary world, children’s picture books often craft the tales of imagination, wonder, and the power of discovery. “On a Beam of Light” by Jennifer Berne, sweetly accompanied by Vladimir Radunsky’s artwork, sidesteps the average storybook and dives deep into the past of one of the world’s most renowned geniuses, Albert Einstein, to reveal that every journey of discovery has humble beginnings. The narrative teaches young minds and reminds adults that it is not just knowledge but questions and uninhibited curiosity that drive real understanding.
“In the year that Einstein was born, 1879, the electric light bulb was not yet a household item. Cars and airplanes were still just a dream, and the atoms that we are all made of were a mystery.” This captivating introduction invites readers into a world on the brink of unimaginable innovation, with a baby Einstein poised to contribute his share of the stars. It continues to narrate a most curious child, silent with strangers, yet bubbling with an inner universe of thoughts. His first encounter with a compass underlines the essence of his life’s work—understanding those invisible forces that guide our world.
Einstein’s fascination with the compass leads him to question the source of the needle’s unwavering direction. In his mind’s eye, he is already on a beam of light, racing alongside these invisible rays to understand the Sun’s secrets. It’s a testament to the book‘s ability to capture the essence of childhood curiosity—an open heart to the world’s marvels.
Reading “On a Beam of Light” is not a passive activity. It is an adventure—pacing the floors of an intellectual home, turning the pages of history that not just document moments but transcend them into legends. It brims with life lessons; not the pedantic kind but the sort that whispers in one’s ear, giving every person who encounters it the courage to light up their own path.
As the last page turns, an enlightened phrase hangs in the air: “Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow. The most important thing is not to stop questioning.” In the universe, the echoed laughter of a boy who dared to ponder without bounds still reverberates.
Educators and parents, take note: “On a Beam of Light” is not just a story of a past shining luminary but a lantern guiding the way for the curious minds of the future. It is a testament to every child who ever wondered and a celebration of those who decided to pursue the unknown.
Ultimately, “On a Beam of Light” transcends the narrative of Albert Einstein’s childhood into a universal anthem for the lively spirit that resides within all children and, when nurtured, can light the most incredible journeys.
“Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland,” written by Lewis Carroll, is not only a masterpiece of children’s literature but a brilliant concoction of imagination and mathematics. This novel, celebrating its 150th anniversary, reveals itself as much more than just a story of a girl in a fantastical world; it’s a math novel cleverly disguised within the whimsical narrative.
Carroll, with a background in mathematics, weaves abstract thinking and complex ideas into the very fabric of Wonderland. From the enigmatic Cheshire Cat discussing infinity, to the Queen’s croquet game reflecting the randomness of numbers, the reader—whether young or old—is subtly introduced to mathematical concepts throughout Alice’s odyssey.
This special edition is particularly remarkable as it includes Salvador Dalí’s rare and thought-provoking illustrations. His surrealistic touches are in perfect harmony with the narrative, enhancing the reader’s experience by providing a visual feast that echoes the dream-like quality of the text. The result is an extraordinary version of Alice’s tale that bridges art, literature, and science, ensuring that each page turned is a step further down the rabbit hole of curiosity.
Amid its logical conundrums and coded references to mathematics, “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland” speaks to timeless themes such as the celebration of curiosity, the measure of bravery, and the importance of being resilient and kind. Carroll’s cleverly crafted characters—each embodying different facets of human virtue and vice—serve as guides not only in a young girl’s fantastical escapade but as moral compasses for the readers.
The narrative itself is an adventure in every sense of the word. Alice encounters bizarre and outlandish scenarios, yet they are constructed with such meticulous detail that they seem curiously logical. The world Carroll has created is one that consistently defies expectation and understanding, leading readers to question everything they thought they knew about reality.
Beneath the surface of this supposed children’s book lies a rich layer of complexity that open-minded readers can explore. The use of puns, puzzles, and paradoxes pulls readers of all ages into an exploration of logic, making “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland” an educational read that stimulates the brain in more ways than one.
In conclusion, “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland: 150th Anniversary Edition” offers more than just nostalgia—it offers an educational and mesmerizing trip that binds math, morality, art, and storytelling into a single volume. It is an essential addition to any child’s library and a delightful reread for adults who may find new insight within its pages. This novel, and particularly this edition with its extraordinary Dalí illustrations, is a testament to the enduring power of imagination and intellect combined.
Professor Astro Cat’s Frontiers of Space
Professor Astro Cat is the smartest cat in the alley. He’s got a degree in just about every discipline under the sun! Speaking of the sun, he happens to be a specialist on that too, and Professor Astro Cat’s Frontiers of Space will tell you everything that there could be to know about our star, our planet, our solar system, our galaxy, and our universe. The professor’s made sure of that; he’s a fastidious little feline!
Professor Astro Cat’s Frontiers of Space also explores topics such as gravity, extraterrestrial life, time, and many other fascinating subjects that will take you and your children on a journey to the very frontiers of space!
This Is How We Do It is not just another book in the crowded landscape of best kids’ books. With its unique character-driven storytelling and vibrant illustrations, it gives a glimpse into the everyday lives of seven children from around the world!
This delightful narrative captures their similarities and differences in activities such as Freeze Tag in Japan or jumping rope in Uganda. This is an excellent opportunity for children to delve deeper into cultures foreign to them while also realizing how we all come together as one community through experiences that ultimately bond us together. This Is How We Do It boldly celebrates diversity, captivating readers with cultural education and an unforgettable reading experience.
Hello Lighthouse is one of the best children’s books. It’s sure to please young readers with a captivating window into the past as they watch days and seasons pass by. Through pictures, readers can follow the story of a lighthouse keeper and his family, who share each other’s daily lives inside a cozy dollhouse-like interior while out at sea, icebergs drift.
The artwork is truly breathtaking, and due to Sophie Blackall’s skillful storytelling, Hello Lighthouse is becoming quite a popular delight for all ages. Why not invite your child to step through the door of this iconic Lighthouse and join in on the adventure?
This Book Is a Planetarium is one of the best kids’ books out there! This interactive masterpiece includes pop-ups, science lessons, and awestruck readers! This book truly stands out from all other types of literature, as it offers more than just words on a page: it also has six fully functional tools.
Kelli Anderson’s enlightening text explains the science behind each tool, bringing a unique educational experience to every reader. So if you’re looking for books that will delight, amaze, and teach your children about the wonders of this world – This Book Is a Planetarium is worth checking out!
