Fantastic books with Caldecott award honors

(By Simms Taback) A lively and absurd retelling of the classic cumulative rhyme, brought to life with bold illustrations.

(By Janet Stevens) A clever tale of a lazy bear and a hardworking rabbit who strike a farming deal—where the bear chooses the tops or bottoms of crops without realizing he’s being outwitted. A fun, engaging story about hard work and clever thinking.

(By Paul O. Zelinsky) A beautifully illustrated retelling of the classic fairy tale, featuring intricate Renaissance-inspired artwork that brings the story to life.

(By Hans Christian Andersen) A classic fairy tale about an outcast duckling who grows into a beautiful swan, teaching lessons on resilience, self-acceptance, and transformation.

(By Matt de la Peña) A boy and his grandmother ride the bus through the city, learning about kindness and gratitude.

(By Jen Bryant) A lyrical biography of poet William Carlos Williams, exploring his love for words and the everyday moments that inspired his poetry.

(By Vera B. Williams) After losing their home in a fire, a girl, her mother, and her grandmother save their coins to buy a comfortable chair. A moving story about resilience, love, and family, highlighted by bright, cozy illustrations.

(By John Rocco) A beautifully illustrated story about a citywide power outage that brings a busy family closer together. The book’s warm colors and dramatic light contrasts make it visually stunning.

(By Ludwig Bemelmans) Ludwig Bemelmans’ iconic book follows Madeline, a brave and adventurous girl who lives in a Parisian boarding school. With its rhyming text and charming illustrations, the story highlights courage, friendship, and the beauty of childhood exploration.

(By Sesyle Joslin) A humorous and engaging guide to good manners for children, using whimsical scenarios to teach polite responses. Whether meeting a pirate or encountering a giant, this book makes etiquette fun and memorable.

(By Arnold Lobel) A delightful ABC book filled with imaginative illustrations showcasing a variety of goods sold on a bustling market street.

(By Chris Raschka) A simple yet powerful story about friendship told through minimal words and expressive illustrations, demonstrating the importance of communication and connection.

(By Dr. Seuss) Bartholomew and the Oobleck by Dr. Seuss is a quirky story about a king who desires a new kind of weather, and the resulting disaster when the Oobleck rains down upon his kingdom. Bartholomew, the protagonist, must find a way to stop the mess. The story explores themes of responsibility, the consequences of desires, and the importance of thinking before acting.

(By David Wiesner) A wordless fantasy adventure about a boy who befriends a cloud and visits a sky-based cloud factory.

(By Lane Smith) A touching story about a grandfather’s life, told through the topiary sculptures he creates. Blending nostalgia with whimsical illustrations, it explores themes of memory, aging, and the legacy we leave behind.

(By Chris Van Allsburg) A mysterious and surreal tale of a boy who encounters a magician with a garden where nothing is as it seems.

(By Steve Jenkins) A fascinating nonfiction book showcasing how different animals use their unique body parts, from noses to tails, in surprising ways.

(By Gerald McDermott) A bold, graphic retelling of a Native American trickster tale about Raven bringing light to the world.

(By Tasha Tudor) A beautifully illustrated collection of classic nursery rhymes, with timeless, delicate artwork that evokes nostalgia.

(By David Wiesner) A nearly wordless picture book about a cat who stumbles upon a tiny spaceship, leading to a humorous interspecies adventure.

(By David Macaulay) A fascinating exploration of how Gothic cathedrals were designed and built. Macaulay’s detailed illustrations and engaging explanations reveal the craftsmanship and dedication behind these architectural wonders.

(By Uri Shulevitz) A poignant autobiographical story about a young refugee who finds solace in a map, using it to dream of faraway places.

(By Dav Pilkey) A quiet, reflective story about a boy who delivers newspapers before dawn, capturing the peaceful solitude of early morning.

(By Alvin Tresselt) A poetic story about the journey of a raindrop from a small puddle to a mighty river.

(By Carson Ellis) A unique story told in an invented language, following insects as they build a mysterious structure.

(By Robert D. San Souci) A retelling of a Caribbean folktale about loyalty, love, and the supernatural, featuring striking watercolor illustrations.

(By Molly Idle) A wordless story told through graceful, interactive flaps, following a young girl as she learns ballet alongside a flamingo.

(By Charles Perrault) A classic fairy tale about a clever cat who uses his wit, charm, and a pair of boots to transform his poor master into a nobleman. A story of deception, ambition, and the power of intelligence over brute strength.

(By Jon J. Muth) A gentle and thought-provoking book featuring Stillwater, a wise panda who shares three classic Zen stories with children. Each tale teaches a life lesson about kindness, perspective, and mindfulness.

(By Kevin Henkes) Owen by Kevin Henkes is a heartwarming story about a little mouse who has an inseparable bond with his fuzzy yellow blanket. As Owen prepares for school, his parents try different tactics to wean him off it, but he resists. The book beautifully captures childhood attachment and parental understanding. With soft, expressive illustrations and an emotional core, this story resonates with young children who have their own cherished comfort objects.

(By Nancy Willard) A whimsical collection of poetry inspired by William Blake, following a child’s stay in a magical inn where tigers, dragons, and celestial beings roam. The lyrical language and stunning illustrations create a dreamlike experience.

(By Julian Scheer) Julian Scheer’s Rain Makes Applesauce is a whimsical, poetic book filled with playful nonsense rhymes and surreal imagery. The text follows a dreamy, lyrical structure, inviting young readers to embrace imagination and the magic of words. The illustrations by Marvin Bileck add to the dreamlike quality, making this a beautifully unique book that encourages creative thinking.

(By Doreen Rappaport) A powerful biography of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., using his own words to tell his story. Vibrant illustrations and a compelling narrative make this an inspiring introduction to his legacy of justice and equality.

(By Mo Willems) A humorous and heartfelt story about a toddler, Trixie, who loses her beloved stuffed bunny and can’t express what’s wrong. The expressive illustrations and relatable theme make it a great book about communication and problem-solving for young children.

(By William Pène du Bois) A whimsical and imaginative story about a bear village preparing for a grand celebration, complete with playful illustrations.

(By Peter Sís) A visually stunning biography of Galileo Galilei, depicting his groundbreaking discoveries and the struggles he faced for challenging accepted beliefs.

(By Mo Willems) When Trixie brings her beloved stuffed bunny to school, she finds out another child has an identical one. A hilarious and relatable mix-up ensues, leading to an unexpected midnight adventure.

(By Liz Garton Scanlon) A poetic picture book that celebrates human connections, the beauty of nature, and the interconnectedness of all things.

(By William Steig) A fantastical story about Pearl, a pig who discovers a talking bone that can mimic voices and protect her. A charming tale of adventure, danger, and the magic of unexpected friendships.

(By Donald Crews) A vibrant and minimalistic book that follows a train’s journey, introducing young readers to colors and movement in a simple yet captivating way.

(By Joyce Sidman) A beautifully poetic picture book that personifies colors through the seasons, capturing their moods, sounds, and transformations. Rich in imagery, it celebrates nature and the changing world.

(By Leo Lionni) A poetic story about a little mouse who collects words and colors for winter instead of food, showing the value of art and imagination.

(By James Marshall) A humorous and charming retelling of the classic fairy tale, with expressive and exaggerated illustrations that add a playful twist.

(By Dr. Seuss) A whimsical tale where young Gerald McGrew imagines a fantastical zoo filled with exotic and imaginative creatures from all over the world. With Seuss’s signature rhymes and inventive illustrations, the book celebrates creativity and a boundless imagination.

(By Mac Barnett) A humorous and cleverly illustrated adventure about two boys and their dog who dig a hole in search of something spectacular—without realizing how close they come to treasure.

(By Laura Vaccaro Seeger) A clever, interactive book about transformations—an egg becomes a chicken, a tadpole becomes a frog—using simple text and die-cut pages to show the magic of change.

(By Uri Shulevitz) A poetic and beautifully illustrated celebration of the first snowfall, capturing the magic of winter.

(By Julius Lester) A dramatic retelling of the legendary steel-driving man, with powerful illustrations capturing his strength and determination.

(By Lloyd Moss) A rhythmic, rhyming book that introduces children to different musical instruments, counting from one to ten as an orchestra comes together in a crescendo of sound and color.

(By Donald Crews) A bold and colorful exploration of trucks on the road, introducing young readers to transportation with simple yet dynamic artwork.

(By Peter Spier) A beautifully illustrated adaptation of the traditional folk song about a cunning fox’s nighttime adventure in search of food.

(By Lois Ehlert) A vibrant and visually stunning picture book that introduces young readers to shapes and colors through a series of layered cutouts that form different animals.

(By Ellen Levine) The incredible true story of Henry "Box" Brown, an enslaved man who mailed himself to freedom in a wooden crate. A moving and inspiring historical picture book.

(By Eric A. Kimmel) Hershel outsmarts a group of goblins who want to ruin Hanukkah by playing tricks on them over eight nights. A clever and suspenseful holiday story with beautiful illustrations and a satisfying conclusion.

(By Uri Shulevitz) A thought-provoking tale about a man who follows a dream to find treasure, only to discover that what he seeks has been at home all along.

(By David Shannon) No, David! by David Shannon is a delightful and relatable picture book about a mischievous boy named David who constantly gets into trouble. Inspired by the author’s childhood experiences, the book features simple yet expressive illustrations that capture David’s wild antics, from drawing on walls to playing with his food. With minimal text, mostly consisting of exclamations like "No, David!" the book conveys emotions and humor through its artwork. This book is great for teaching young children about rules, consequences, and unconditional love, as David’s mother ultimately reassures him that he is loved no matter what.

(By Brendan Wenzel) A visually stunning book that explores perspective, showing how different animals see the same cat in completely unique ways. A brilliant lesson in empathy and perception.

(By Dr. Seuss) A boy imagines an endless, magical world beneath the surface of a seemingly empty pool, full of fantastical sea creatures in classic Seussian style.

(By Robert McCloskey) A beautifully illustrated story about a little girl named Sal who loses her first tooth and embarks on a small adventure with her father. Through simple yet poignant moments, the book captures the wonder of childhood, family, and the beauty of coastal Maine.

(By Carole Boston Weatherford) A powerful and poetic biography of Harriet Tubman, depicting her strength, faith, and leadership in helping enslaved people escape through the Underground Railroad.

(By Cynthia Rylant) A nostalgic and heartwarming story about a family reunion, capturing the excitement of relatives arriving from far away and the joy of being together. The warm illustrations perfectly complement the affectionate tone of the book.

(By Leo Lionni) A story of friendship between a real mouse and a wind-up toy mouse, exploring themes of kindness, transformation, and wishes.

(By Jon Scieszka) The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales by Jon Scieszka and Lane Smith is a hilarious collection of fractured fairy tales that playfully subvert traditional storytelling. Featuring wacky versions of well-known stories such as "The Ugly Duckling" and "Little Red Riding Hood," this book uses absurd humor, unique typography, and whimsical illustrations to keep readers engaged. The self-aware narrator and unexpected twists make it a perfect choice for kids who love silly, unpredictable humor. This book not only entertains but also encourages children to think critically about storytelling conventions.

(By Maurice Sendak) A surreal bedtime adventure where a young boy, Mickey, dreams of floating into a magical kitchen, helping bakers prepare a cake for the morning. Filled with dreamlike imagery and whimsical nonsense, the story captures the wonder of a child's imagination.

(By John Steptoe) A richly illustrated African folktale that follows two sisters—one kind and humble, the other selfish and rude—on a journey to meet the king. Their contrasting behaviors lead to different fates, reinforcing themes of kindness, justice, and wisdom.

(By Aaron Reynolds) Creepy Carrots! by Aaron Reynolds is a fun, spooky tale for children about a rabbit named Jasper who becomes convinced that the carrots in the garden are out to get him. After experiencing strange occurrences, Jasper begins to fear that the carrots are following him. With its playful narrative and spooky twist, this book is a lighthearted way to entertain and engage young readers, while also teaching them the value of facing their fears.

(By Mary Botham Howitt) A hauntingly illustrated retelling of the classic cautionary poem about a sly spider who lures a naïve fly into its web with flattery. The book’s striking black-and-white illustrations create a gothic, atmospheric feel, making the moral of the story especially powerful.

(By Leo Lionni) A heartwarming tale of a small fish who learns to lead his friends in a clever plan to outsmart predators. A story about bravery, teamwork, and using intelligence to overcome obstacles.

(By Eve Titus) Anatole, a clever and patriotic French mouse, discovers that humans dislike mice for stealing their food. To change his reputation, he secretly becomes a food taster for a cheese factory, leaving anonymous notes with expert flavor recommendations. His talent soon makes him an indispensable secret consultant!

(By Margaret Chodos-Irvine) A fun and relatable story about a strong-willed little girl choosing her own unique outfit despite family objections.

(By Robert McCloskey) A timeless classic about a little girl named Sal and a bear cub who both go blueberry picking with their mothers. As they wander, they accidentally swap places, leading to a gentle and humorous mix-up. McCloskey’s detailed illustrations and charming storytelling capture the beauty of nature and the simplicity of childhood.

(By Laura Vaccaro Seeger) A beautifully crafted concept book that explores the many shades and meanings of the color green through clever die-cuts and poetic text.

(By Ed Young) A retelling of an Indian fable about seven blind mice who each perceive an elephant differently, illustrating the importance of seeing the bigger picture.

(By Peter McCarty) A cozy story about the parallel adventures of a dog (Hondo) and a cat (Fabian) on an ordinary day.

(By Arnold Lobel) A collection of five heartwarming and humorous short stories about two best friends, Frog and Toad. Through simple yet meaningful adventures—writing letters, going swimming, and searching for lost buttons—this book gently explores themes of friendship, loyalty, and acceptance.

(By David Macaulay) An incredibly detailed, illustrated book that takes readers through the planning, construction, and daily life within a medieval castle. Macaulay’s architectural precision and engaging explanations make history come alive for readers fascinated by castles and medieval life.

(By Trina Schart Hyman) Little Red Riding Hood is the classic fairy tale about a young girl who ventures into the woods to visit her grandmother, only to encounter a sly wolf. The story is a cautionary tale about the dangers of talking to strangers and the importance of being cautious. With its timeless narrative and moral lessons, this tale remains a popular choice for children\’s literature.

(By Doreen Cronin) A hilarious story by Doreen Cronin about farm animals who find a typewriter and start making demands of Farmer Brown. The book introduces young readers to negotiation and problem-solving with clever humor.

(By Faith Ringgold) A heartfelt story inspired by African American history and folklore, following a young girl who dreams of flying over her city, illustrated with quilt-like artwork.

(By Marcia Brown) Stone Soup is a classic folktale that tells the story of a group of hungry travelers who convince a village to share their food to make a delicious stone soup. The story teaches the value of sharing, community, and cooperation. Its simple structure and universal themes make it an ideal read for children to understand the importance of generosity and working together.

(By Barb Rosenstock) A colorful biography of artist Vasily Kandinsky, exploring how he transformed sounds into visual art and became a pioneer of abstract painting.

(By Ian Falconer) Olivia is an energetic and imaginative piglet who loves ballet, painting, and getting into playful trouble. With minimal yet expressive illustrations, the book captures the personality of a spirited child who is both endearing and mischievous.

(By Robert D. San Souci) A Southern folktale about a kindhearted girl who listens to the advice of a magical old woman and is rewarded, while her greedy sister faces consequences. Lush illustrations bring this rich and mysterious story to life.

(By Else Holmelund Minarik) A tender and nostalgic early reader in which Little Bear visits his grandparents and listens to their wonderful stories, capturing the warmth of family bonds.

(By Jerry Pinkney) A poetic retelling of the biblical story, brought to life with stunning illustrations.

(By Boris Artzybasheff) A Russian folktale about seven talented brothers who use their unique skills to help a prince complete an impossible task, featuring bold and intricate illustrations.

(By Marla Frazee) A humorous and relatable story about two boys spending a summer at camp, learning about friendship and adventure in unexpected ways.

(By David Ezra Stein) A humorous bedtime story about a little chicken who keeps interrupting her father’s storytelling with hilarious outcomes.

(By Molly Bang) A tender counting book that follows a father and daughter’s bedtime routine, filled with warmth and love.

(By Holling Clancy Holling) A beautifully illustrated story of a tiny carved wooden canoe, "Paddle," that journeys from the Great Lakes to the Atlantic Ocean. As the canoe floats through rivers, lakes, and waterfalls, readers learn about geography, wildlife, and the perseverance of one small traveler.

(By Cynthia Rylant) A nostalgic and lyrical tribute to a simple childhood in the Appalachian Mountains, filled with warm memories of everyday life with family. The poetic language and tender illustrations create a cozy, comforting reading experience.

(By Sarah Stewart) Told through letters, this touching story follows Lydia Grace, a young girl sent to live with her grumpy uncle in the city during the Great Depression. Despite the hardships, she transforms the rooftop into a lush garden, bringing beauty and joy to those around her.

(By Aaron Becker) A wordless picture book following a young girl who escapes into a magical world using a red marker. She draws doors, boats, and airships, leading to an awe-inspiring adventure. The breathtaking illustrations allow readers to interpret and imagine their own story.

(By Mac Barnett) A girl finds a magical box of yarn that never runs out and uses it to transform her gray town into a colorful wonderland. A whimsical story about generosity, creativity, and kindness.

(By Mo Willems) An Elephant & Piggie book by Mo Willems, this story follows Gerald and Piggie as they try to include a snake in their game of catch. However, since the snake has no arms, they must figure out a way to make the game work. With hilarious illustrations and a heartwarming message about inclusion and problem-solving, it’s a great early-reader book.

(By Tomie dePaola) Tomie dePaola’s beloved story about a kind Italian witch, Strega Nona, who has a magical pasta pot. When her assistant, Big Anthony, misuses it, the town is overrun with pasta. The book delivers a humorous lesson about responsibility.

(By Patrick McDonnell) A simple and touching biography of Jane Goodall, focusing on her childhood love of nature and animals that eventually led to her groundbreaking work with chimpanzees.

(By Audrey Wood) This beautifully illustrated and humorous tale by Audrey and Don Wood follows a stubborn king who refuses to leave his bathtub. Despite the efforts of his court—including knights, dukes, and the queen—King Bidgood insists on conducting all his royal duties from the bath. The playful, rhyming text is accompanied by stunning, intricate illustrations, making this a fun read-aloud that children will love. The book’s repetitive structure and engaging humor make it a great pick for young readers.

(By Mary Logue) A poetic bedtime story about a little girl who insists she isn’t tired, with dreamlike illustrations that blend reality and imagination beautifully.

(By Bill Peet) A fascinating look into the life of a Disney animator and beloved children’s author, featuring personal anecdotes and illustrations from his career.