The very best illustrated books for kids from 1938 to the present.
Hello Lighthouse
Pre-K - Grade 2
Journey to an isolated lighthouse perched far out to sea on a tiny, rocky island. Meet the keeper and follow him through his daily tasks of polishing, refilling and winding the light that keeps ships safe. Masterful illustrations expertly capture the mood and seasons of a bygone era. Perfectly enchanting.
Radiant Child: The Story of Young Artist Jean-Michel Basquiat
Author and Illustrator Javaka Steptoe paints brightly colored scenes of Basquiat’s life and artistic career on textured pieces of wood. This book won the Caldecott medal in 2017 and combines an artist’s biography with the message to children that they can create art based from their own stories and life experiences.
The Adventures of Beekle: The Unimaginary Friend
Grades Pre-K - 2. Beekle is an imaginary friend in search of his perfect match: a child who believes in him. Rather than wait around forever in his fantastic realm, he sets off for the real world and begins an adventure to fulfill his destiny.
Locomotive
Presents a visual exploration of America's early railroads, examining the sounds, speed, and strength of the fledgling transcontinental locomotives and the experiences of pioneering travelers.
This is Not My Hat
(K – Grade 3) Like Klassen's very funny and much-praised I Want My Hat Back, this story involves a hat theft; this time, Klassen ups the ante by having the thief narrate. Darkly hilarious.
The Glorious Flight: Across the Channel with Louis Bleriot, July 25, 1909
Arrow to the Sun: A Pueblo Indian Tale
K – Gr. 4. An adaptation of the Pueblo Indian myth which explains how the spirit of the Lord of the Sun was brought to the world of men. Caldecott Award winner, 1975.
The Snowy Day
Grades pre-K - 1
The adventures of a little boy in the city on a very snowy day.