Flora and the Flamingo by Molly Idle

Flora and the Flamingo by Molly Idle
Published by Chronicle Books in February 2013

Why do I love it?
There are no words!  Your kid can tell their own story using Molly Idle's wonderful pictures.

Age Range
I would go ages 4-6 with this book.  They're old enough to tell their own story, and be creative about it.

I Want My Hat Back by Jon Klassen

I Want My Hat Back by Jon Klassen
Published by Candlewick Press in September 2011

Why do I love it?
The story!  A bear is trying to find his hat, and he asks different characters if they've seen it.  But didn't he see someone with it on his head earlier?  The ending is also funny!

Age Range
I would recommend this book for ages 5-6 and up.  The ending might have to be explained a bit, because the humor is very subtle.

Sam and Dave Dig a Hole by Mac Barnett

Sam and Dave Dig a Hole by Mac Barnett
Illustrated by Jon Klassen
Published by Candlewick Press in October 2014
Caldecott Honor 2015

Why do I love it?
The pictures are amazing and make the story.  Sam and Dave decide to dig a hole and just as they're about to find something, they switch directions.  Kids love the will they, won't they aspect of the story.

Age Range
It's a great story to enjoy with any age, but older kids will understand that the pictures tell more of the story.  I read this story to kindergarten classes and they loved it.

Everyone Loves Bacon by Kelly Dipucchio

Everyone Loves Bacon words by Kelly DiPucchio
Pictures by Eric Wight
Published by Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR) in September 2015.

Why do I love it?
It's about Bacon.  And how every other food loves bacon.  I mean, who doesn't love bacon?  Actually... I'm starting to get hungry for bacon right now...

Age Range
The ending solidly puts this book in the five to six-year-old range.

Moo! by David LaRochelle

Moo! by David LaRochelle
Illustrated by Mike Wohnoutka
Published by Walker Books for Young Readers in October 2013.

Why do I love it?
The story has one word.  Moo.  All you have to do is change your inflection to suit the picture.  Plus, it's one of those books that your kid can read to themselves!

Age Range
I think the younger the better with this book.  It's one word.  You can't go wrong.

Max the Brave by Ed Vere

Max the Brave written and illustrated by Ed Vere
Published by Puffin Books in June 2014

Why do I love it?
I have a weird soft spot with books that feature cats as main characters (my family calls me a crazy cat lady).  I also have a family member named Max, and that makes this book special as well.  Plus it's really funny to watch Max figure out what a mouse is.

Age Range
This book lends itself well for ages 2 and up.  There is not a lot of writing per page, and the vivid color illustrations will keep your child's interest.

Creepy Carrots by Aaron Reynolds

Creepy Carrots by Aaron Reynolds 
Illustrated by Peter Brown
Published by Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers in August 2012.

Why do I Love It?
This book is just a touch scary.  The way the book is illustrated in shades of grey with carrot orange for a pop of color, lends itself to being scary.  It's also a great way to practice your scary whispers, and to scare your child.

Age Range
I think this book lends itself well to 4, 5, and 6 year olds.  Remember you don't want to read this to anyone who will be too scared.  You still want them to eat their carrots after reading this.

Here Comes Valentine Cat by Deborah Underwood

Here Comes Valentine Cat by Deborah Underwood
Published by Dial Books in December 2015

Why do I love it?
Cat is so flipping hilarious.  He is sarcastic, but can still relate to those kiddos.  Of course, you can talk to your kids about Cat and his actions while secretly laughing on the inside.

Age Range
Preschool to Kindergarten, although it could go older.  The sarcastic humor may be lost on the real young.

Picture Books for Adults

Who says picture books have to be just for kids?  

They should be for everyone, including the kids at heart!

The picture books I'm going to feature here will appeal to both kids and adults.  You know those books that have the little hidden nuggets of humor for the parents.  While I can't stop little Susie from wanting you to read the same book 300 times, I can make reading time a little more enjoyable for you.

So stop on by with a glass of wine in one hand and your library card in the other.

Who knows?  You might even enjoy reading these books 300 times.