MODERN CLASSIC PICTURE BOOKS
Storytime favorites.
First thing in the morning. At the park. On the bus. Right before bed. It's always a good time for a story.
We've put together a selection of modern classics–recent(ish), wonderful picture books that we think will stand the test of time.
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The Day the Crayons Quit
Philomel Books
MSRP: $17.99
Mfr. Recommended Age: 3 – 7 Years
Why We Love It
Funny take on coloring from the crayons' perspective. Blue feels overworked; orange is feuding with yellow; and pink wants to expand its horizons. Can they find a happy ending?
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A Sick Day for Amos McGee
Roaring Book Press
MSRP: $17.99
Mfr. Recommended Age: 2 – 6 Years
Why We Love It
Lovely story of friendship. Amos McGee loves spending time with the animals at the zoo. But when he's too sick to make the trip, his animal friends bring the zoo to him.
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The Book with No Pictures
Dial Books
MSRP: $17.99
Mfr. Recommended Age: 5 – 8 Years
Why We Love It
Warning: This book has no pictures. But this book builds in plenty of fun anyway by having the grown-up make all kinds of silly sounds and read made-up words.
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Rosie Revere, Engineer
Abrams
MSRP: $17.95
Mfr. Recommended Age:
Why We Love It
Rosie is an inventor on a challenging quest to create a flying contraption for her great-great-aunt (Rosie the Riveter!). Great message about the power of persistence.
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Duck on a Bike
Blue Sky Press
MSRP: $17.99
Mfr. Recommended Age: 4 – 8 Years
Why We Love It
Join duck on a romp around the farm on the boy's bike. At first the other animal's are skeptical, but then everyone gets in on the fun! Tip: Have littles make the animal sounds.
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Wherever You Go
Little, Brown
MSRP: $17
Mfr. Recommended Age:
Why We Love It
Touching, rhyming text about the joy of exploration and the comfort of returning home. Warm, enchanting illustrations.
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Blizzard
Disney-Hyperion
MSRP: $17.99
Mfr. Recommended Age: 3 – 5 Years
Why We Love It
The thrill of a snow day combined with a hero's journey to save the day (and get the milk for his hot chocolate!). Spot the hidden days of the week in the delightful illustrations.
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One
Ko Kids Books
MSRP: $17.95
Mfr. Recommended Age: 4 – 6 Years
Why We Love It
Fantastic, original story about the power of sticking up for yourself and your friends. Incorporates colors and numbers. Simple, powerful illustrations.
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Olivia
Atheneum
MSRP: $18.99
Mfr. Recommended Age: 3 – 7 Years
Why We Love It
Perhaps our favorite, opinionated, enthusiastic pig. Meet Olivia and her family and join them on a day out on the town. Deceptively simple, hilarious drawings.
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Room on the Broom
Puffin Books
MSRP: $6.99
Mfr. Recommended Age: 2 – 5 Years
Why We Love It
An enchanting story about friendship, sharing, and bravery. From the beloved author-illustrator duo behind The Grufflalo.
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Rufus Goes to School
Sterling
MSRP: $14.95
Mfr. Recommended Age: 3 – 6 Years
Why We Love It
"No pigs in school!" This refrain will have kids laughing as Rufus tries to convince Principal Lipid he's ready for school. Lovely tribute to the joy of reading and the fun of school.
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Dragons Love Tacos
Dial Books
MSRP: $16.99
Mfr. Recommended Age: 3 – 7 Years
Why We Love It
Did you know dragons love tacos? But they hate spicy salsa. Make sure there's no spicy salsa at your dragon taco party. Question-and-answer style narrative and funny illustrations.
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Press Here
Chronicle Books
MSRP: $15.99
Mfr. Recommended Age: 2 – 5 Years
Why We Love It
A delightful interactive book. Press the dot, shake the book, and tilt the pages to watch the dots expand, move, and multiply.
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On the Night You Were Born
Feiwel & Friends
MSRP: $16.95
Mfr. Recommended Age: 1 – 4 Years
Why We Love It
This rhyming celebration of the arrival of a special little one one tugs at all the heart strings. Put littles to bed with this enchanting reminder that they are so very loved.
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Lion Lessons
Dial Books
MSRP: $17.99
Mfr. Recommended Age: 4 – 8 Years
Why We Love It
Little lions will get a kick out of the main character's attempts to get his lion diploma. Great message about looking out for your friends.
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Flight School
Atheneum
MSRP: $17.99
Mfr. Recommended Age: 4 – 8 Years
Why We Love It
The soul of an eagle. The body of a penguin. Inspiring story of a determined penguin and flight school resourcefulness.
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Goodnight Construction Site
Chronicle Books
MSRP: $16.99
Mfr. Recommended Age: 1 – 6 Years
Why We Love It
Rhyming text, cute (surprisingly cuddly) construction vehicle characters, and wonderful illustrations. A great pick for bedtime.
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How Do Dinosaurs Say Good Night
Blue Sky Press
MSRP: $16.99
Mfr. Recommended Age: 4 – 8 Years
Why We Love It
A rhythmic, rhyming story about the all-too-familiar escapades of dinosaurs who aren't quite ready for bed yet. Amusing illustrations. Spot the dinosaurs' names in each room!
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Dinosaur Rescue
Nosy Crow
MSRP: £10.99
Mfr. Recommended Age: 2 – 5 Years
Why We Love It
With its rhythmic text and beautiful illustrations, this book is sure to delight any dinosaur fan. Add in rescue vehicles, and you've got a sure win.
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Mother Bruce
Disney-Hyperion
MSRP: $17.99
Mfr. Recommended Age: 3 – 5 Years
Why We Love It
The funniest bear foodie this side of the 100 Acre Wood. Bruce (a bit of a grump) is mistaken for Mother Goose by goslings he meant to hard boil. Hilarious illustrations.
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Please Bring Balloons
Dial Books
MSRP: $16.99
Mfr. Recommended Age: 3 – 6 Years
Why We Love It
Why We Love It
Celebrate the wonder of possibility when a note-writing carousel polar bear invites you on a soaring adventure. Whimsical cut-paper illustrations.
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Llama Llama Red Pyjama
Viking
MSRP: $17.99
Mfr. Recommended Age: 2 – 5 Years
Why We Love It
Adorable, expressive, wholly relatable llama. This rhyming text about the llama drama of bedtime has compact, detailed descriptions and a lot of heart.
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Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus
Hyperion Books
MSRP: $16.99
Mfr. Recommended Age: 2 – 6 Years
Why We Love It
The pigeon. Hilarious, naughty, determined, irrepressible. In a comical parent-child role reversal, littles are charged with keeping the pigeon from driving the bus.
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Fancy Nancy
HarperCollins
MSRP: $17.99
Mfr. Recommended Age: 4 – 8 Years
Why We Love It
This introduction to the irrepressible Nancy is loads of sparkly fun. Follow along as she instructs her family on how to be fancy in this book that ultimately celebrates love and family.
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