Even when you’re “grown up,” you still have a lot to learn. A surprising source of wisdom? Picture books. They may be meant for kids, but they’re chock full of fun, heartfelt lessons that are still applicable even after you don’t use the children’s section of the library anymore. I’ve rounded up ten of my favorite picture books below!
A quick note: These are all newer picture books–ones I discovered while working at a library, not ones I grew up with. So don’t get mad at me for not having classics like Leo the Late Bloomer or The Giving Tree on here!
Prudence the Part-Time Cow by Jody Jensen Shaffer
A funny story of Prudence, the cow who also wants to be a scientist and inventor, this book reminds us that sometimes standing out from the herd can be a good thing.
When Penny Met POTUS by Rachel Ruiz
#GirlPower
Stolen Words by Melanie Florence
A conversation between a Cree grandfather and his granddaughter, this story reveals the power of language and how connected it is to our sense of identity–and what happens when it is lost.
What Do You Do With An Idea? by Kobi Yamada
A poignant story about how it feels to come up with an idea and share it with the world, and how to be brave while you do it.
Pink is for Boys by Robb Pearlman
A fun way for kids to learn their colors, and a reminder to us adults that it makes zero sense to have gendered colors.
The Book With No Pictures by B.J. Novak
Read it out loud, and remember not to take yourself so seriously.
Jabari Jumps by Gaia Cornwall
Jabari is scared of jumping off the diving board, but his story teaches us about facing our fears and realizing they may not be as bad as they seem.
Escargot by Dashka Slater
Meet Escargo, the funny French snail who just wants your favorite animal to be a snail. While trying to convince you, he also teaches us about making new friends and trying new things.
The Rabbit Listened by Cori Doerrfeld
This might be my favorite book on this list. A simple but beautiful story about dealing with grief, and how to respond to others as they go through grief.
Eddie the Bully by Henry Cole
No one likes Eddie because he’s the meanest kid in class, but when the new kid Carla reaches out with kindness, we’re reminded that sometimes being nice is the best response.
(FYI–This post includes affiliate links. I promise to never recommend anything that I haven’t loved and think you should try!)
Have you read any of these books? What are some of your favorite picture books? Let me know in the comments!
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