Picture Books that Move, Inspire and Make Readers Laugh

by Bryan Patrick Avery

I love picture books. Like many, I don’t think see picture books as being “just for small kids”. The combination of words and images to tell stories is compelling to all readers, no matter their age. This month, I’d like to share with you a few of my favorite picture books that I think anyone can enjoy. For the kids, though, these books provide a gateway into the world of reading and should help ignite a love for reading that will last a lifetime.
 
Nothing engages readers like humor. Whether it’s slapstick, a running joke, or a masterful one-liner, humor grabs readers and won’t let go. Here are a few of my favorite funny books.

Dragons Love Tacos
written by Adam Rubin, illustration by Daniel Salmieri

Click, Click Moo Cows That Type
written by Doreen Cronin, illustrated by Betsy Lewin

President Taft is Stuck in the Bath
written by Mac Barnett, illustrated by Chris Van Dusen

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​Social justice has come to the forefront in recent years. It’s never too early to start learning about the need to stand up and be counted. Check out these fantastic books that encourage readers to stand up for what they believe.

​One Love
written by Cedella Marley, illustrated by Vanessa Brantley-Newton

Voice of Freedom: Fannie Lou Hamer: The Spirit of the Civil Rights Movement
written by Carole Boston Weatherford, illustrated by Ekua Holmes

​Pride: The Story of Harvey Milk and the Rainbow Flag
written by Rob Sanders, illustrated by Steven Salerno

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​Poetry can be a language all its own and it’s never too early to seek out the masters. Sterling Publishing’s Poetry for Young People is a great place to start. These are a few of my favorites from the series.

Poetry for Young People: William Carlos Williams
edited by Christopher MacGowan, illustrated by Robert Crockett

Poetry for Young People: Langston Hughes
edited by David Roessel & Arnold Rampersad, illustrated by Benny Andrews

Poetry for Young People: Edgar Allen Poe
edited by Brad Bagert, illustrated by Carolynn Cobleigh

I hope you find something you enjoy on this list. I’d love to hear some of your favorites. What picture books move you or make you laugh? Put them in the comments.
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That’s all for now. Happy reading. Have a magical month!

Bryan Patrick Avery writes picture books, chapter books, middle grade and graphic novels. His middle grade story, “The Magic Day Mystery”, was published in June 2020 in SUPER PUZZLETASTIC MYSTERIES, an anthology from HarperCollins and the Mystery Writers of America. His debut picture book, THE FREEMAN FIELD PHOTOGRAPH, will be published in Spring 2021 by Clearfork Publishing/Spork.

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