A beautiful children’s book is a combination of elements. It has a memorable storyline, characters we can relate to, and wonderful illustrations. Children and adults delight in books with page after page of beautiful illustrations. Quality artwork can really turn a great book into a beautiful book. Find these picture book favorites with lovely illustrations at your library or bookstore.
The Lion and the Mouse by Jerry Pinkney (2009)
The vivid pictures depicting the Aesop’s fable tell the story all by themselves. This book does not have words, and it doesn’t need them. Enjoy the African Serengeti setting and the expressive details of Pinkney’s illustrations with your child.
Each Peach Pear Plum by Janet and Allan Ahlberg (1986)
Classic fairy tale characters and other items can be found in the elegantly designed pages of this search and find type story. Lovely little poems hint at the hidden items, and children will delight to follow along with the words and the pictures. This book is like a hidden treasure in itself.
Frederick by Leo Lionni (1967)
Winter can be long and gray. One unusual mouse named Frederick does not gather the traditional mouse-fare. Instead, he brightens the other mice’s dreary winter with some warm color and beauty. The simple illustrations of this gentle story match the theme perfectly.
We’re Going on a Bear Hunt by Michael Rosen and Helen Oxenbury (1989)
Only in a picture book can a father and four young children hunt fearlessly for a bear across sweeping landscapes of grass, river, swamp, forest, snowstorm, and cave. Enjoy the hunt, enjoy the humor, and cherish the lovely illustrations. You’ll want to buy this book for yourself and all your little friends.
Home by Carson Ellis (2015)
Explore the different homes across the world and across time. Children know and love their home, and this book invites them to see all sorts of homes that are loved. The illustrations are both whimsical and unique. They invite you to study each page carefully.
The Twelve Days of Christmas by Jan Brett (1989)
Really, you can’t go wrong with any picture book written and illustrated by Jan Brett. They are all beautiful. This traditional Christmas song is illustrated with very detailed pictures of a family getting ready for Christmas and the rich and cultural gifts mentioned in each verse of the song. You’ll be singing this book to your children all year long!
Little Red Riding Hood by Trina Schart Hyman (1983)
This classic Brothers Grimm fairy tale is illustrated with detailed pictures of the woodland that Little Red journeys through as she goes to her grandmother’s house. Your children will want to gaze at the pages, drinking in the beauty and richness of the familiar story.
The Gardener by Sarah Stewart and David Small (1997)
Go back in time to the Depression-era with pert little Lydia Grace Finch. She brightens up the big city with her flowers just like your child’s smile will brighten your reading time when you page through this lovely book together.
The Water Hole by Graeme Base (2001)
Practice your counting, meet the animals of different habitats in the world, and search for hidden animals throughout the book. Sophisticated, beautiful, clever, and enjoyable, this book has it all. It’s a great book for a long car ride.
The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg (1985)
This Christmas classic has delighted young and old readers for years. Enjoy the drama of the exciting train ride to the North Pole. The illustrations draw the reader right into the snowy Christmas Eve night.
Do you have a favorite beautiful picture book not listed here? Be sure to search for it and share it with your child. These books make memories that last a lifetime.
