![]()
Box
Min Flyte, illustrated by Rosalind Beardshaw, 2015
This charmer of a book will engage your young kids from the front cover. There is something about kids and boxes; now add flaps that let you see inside- with foldouts and fold-ups — and questions to pique your curiosity!
Beautifully illustrated with large, easy to understand pictures, I can imagine Box will become a fast favorite with the 2 to 6 years old crowd. Really clever and fun.
Ned the Knitting Pirate
Diana Murray, illustrated by Leslie Lammle, 2016
Told in clever rhyme, this picture book is the story of Ned, a fierce and strong pirate who just happens to love to knit. The pirate captain is infuriated with Ned’s favorite pastime and finally puts his foot down, forbidding it.
Oh no! That very night the briny, ocean beast attacks- the one who loves to snack on pirate ships!
How does Ned save them all?
I guess you’ll just have to read this book to find out.
Irresistible rhyme and illustrations will draw you in, me hearties, so don’t try to resist its charms. Perfect for all who love a fun tale of not too scary action-packed adventure- and for those who do things a little differently than the crowd.
For ages 4 or 5 to 7 or so. Wonderful!
The Uncorker of Ocean Bottles
Michelle Cuevas, illustrated by Erin E. Stead, 2016
The Uncorker of Bottles had just one job — and it was “of the utmost importance”. His job was to open any bottles found in the ocean and deliver the letter within.
Listen to the language the author uses- “Sometimes the messages were written by a quill dipped in sadness. But most of the time they made people quite happy, for a letter can hold the treasure of a clam-hugged pearl.”
The Uncorker secretly wished there would be a letter for him- but how could that happen, when he had no friends?
Find out how he successfully delivers a letter that isn’t addressed to anyone!
Rarely does a picture book come along that hits the sweet spot combination of story line and illustrations, and this is one of those books. Truthfully, it is as popular with adults as it is with the picture book crowd. I’d have to say the age span of this book goes from about 5ish to adult if you know an adult who has a yen for a happy ending.
Whittling down this list from many to three was especially hard this go-round.
So many good picture books from which to choose!
I did it, but only after deciding to leave you with three more titles I hope you enjoy on your own…and they are:
Dragon Was Terrible, by Kelly DiPucchio
All My Treasures: A Book of Joy, by Jo Witek
You Are My Best Friend by Tatsuya Miyanishi
Happy reading!