Skip to content

Children’s Illustrated Picture Books

These stories are recommended for preschool aged children unless otherwise stated.

Art and Creativity
Stories for preschoolers that nurture creativity, artistic exploration, and a love for color.
  • Arrow, Emily. Studio: A Place for Art to Start. Illus. by James Buchanan and Melissa Buchanan. 2020.
    A warm, inviting introduction to having a creative space, encouraging children to explore art materials and begin making without fear.
  • Carle, Eric. The Artist Who Painted a Blue Horse. 2011.
    A celebration of imaginative thinking, where animals are painted in unexpected and expressive colors.
  • Berger, Samantha. Rock What Ya Got. Illus. by Kerascoët. 2018.
    A bold celebration of self-expression and individuality, encouraging kids to embrace their unique creative voice.
  • Berger, Samantha. What If…. Illus. by Mike Curato. 2018.
    A child continues creating through every obstacle, showing that imagination can adapt and persist.
  • Hall, Michael. Perfect Square. 2011.
    A square transforms again and again through cutting, tearing, and folding, showing how creativity can grow from change.
  • Howes, Katey. Be a Maker. Illus. by Elizabet Vuković. 2019.
    A rhythmic, encouraging call for children to build, create, and explore, showing that everyone can be a maker in their own way.
  • Merberg, Julie. Baby’s First Eames: From Art Deco to Zaha Hadid. 2018.
    A bold introduction to design and visual styles, helping young children notice shapes, patterns, and creative structures in the world around them.
  • Ordonez, Miguel. Get Together. 2021.
    A simple, visual story showing how individual pieces come together to form something bigger, introducing collaboration as a form of creativity.
  • Tullet, Hervé. Mix It Up!. 2014.
    An interactive exploration of color mixing that invites children to experiment and “create” with each page.
  • Walsh, Ellen Stoll. Mouse Paint. 1989.
    Three white mice explore colors and discover how to mix them, introducing basic color theory in a simple, playful way.
  • Whitman, Candace. Lines That Wiggle. Illus. by Steve Wilson. 2009.
    A rhythmic, engaging introduction to different kinds of lines, helping children see how simple marks can become expressive art.
  • Winter, Jeanette. Henri’s Scissors. 2013.
    A simple, engaging introduction to Henri Matisse, showing how he created vibrant art through cutting shapes and inspiring children to explore creativity in new ways.
  • Vogrig, Debora. Line and Scribble. Illus. by Pia Valentinis. 2021.
    A playful story about a straight line and a scribble learning to create together, showing how different artistic styles can combine in creative ways.
Indigenous Voices & Stories
Stories for preschoolers celebrating Indigenous voices, cultures, histories, and connections to land, community, and identity.
  • Child, Brenda J. Bowwow Powwow. Illus. by Jonathan Thunder. 2018.
    A joyful, bilingual English and Ojibwe story where a girl dreams of a powwow filled with dancing dogs after attending a real celebration.
  • Flett, Julie. Birdsong. 2019.
    A gentle story of friendship, seasonal change, and connection to land, woven with Cree language and cultural elements.
  • Flett, Julie. We All Play = Kimêtawânaw. 2021.
    A rhythmic celebration of play in both the human and animal worlds, incorporating Cree language and movement.
  • Goade, Michaela. Berry Song. Illus. by Michaela Goade. 2022.
    A lyrical story about a girl learning to gather food and connect with nature through her grandmother’s teachings.
  • Kinew, Wab. An Anishinaabe Christmas. Illus. by Erin Hill. 2024.
    A warm family story blending Anishinaabe language and traditions into a winter holiday celebration.
  • Lindstrom, Carole. We Are Water Protectors. Illus. by Michaela Goade. 2020.
    A powerful and lyrical story inspired by Indigenous-led movements to protect water, encouraging children to care for the Earth and stand up for what matters.
  • Maillard, Kevin Noble. Fry Bread: A Native American Family Story. Illus. by Juana Martinez-Neal. 2019.
    A celebration of family, culture, and shared traditions through the making of fry bread.
  • Rogers, Kim. Just Like Grandma. Illus. by Julie Flett. 2023.
    A loving story of a girl learning traditions from her grandmother while sharing her own interests in return.
  • Sorell, Traci. We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga. Illus. by Frané Lessac. 2018.
    A seasonal expression of gratitude rooted in Cherokee language and cultural traditions.
Respecting Nature
Stories for preschoolers that nurture connection, care, and curiosity for the natural world.
  • Ambrose, Sophie. The Lonely Giant. Illus. by the author. 2016.
    A gentle story about a giant who cuts down a forest and later restores it, helping young children understand care, responsibility, and the importance of living in balance with nature.
  • Archer, Micha. Wonder Walkers. 2021.
    A curiosity-driven walk through nature that invites children to notice, question, and imagine.
  • Becker, Aaron. You Are Light. 2019.
    A visually striking introduction to light, color, and our connection to the natural world.
  • Becker, Aaron. The Tree and the River. 2023.
    A powerful wordless story showing how humans and nature shape each other over time.
  • Boss, Shira. The City Tree: A Story of Hope. Illus. by Lorena Alvarez Gómez. 2023.
    A vibrant story about protecting and caring for a tree in an urban environment.
  • Conrad, Lauren Paige. This Is Our City. Illus. by Jade Orlando. 2025.
    A playful, imaginative exploration of using natural materials to build and create, encouraging children to engage with the world around them through curiosity and pretend play.
  • Flett, Julie. Wild Berries / Pakwa Che Menisu. 2013.
    A calm, sensory story about foraging and respecting the land.
  • Gianferrari, Maria. Be a Tree! Illus. by Felicita Sala. 2021.
    Encourages children to see themselves as part of the natural world.
  • Goade, Michaela. Berry Song. 2022.
    A lyrical celebration of gratitude and relationship with nature.
  • Heglar, Mary Annaïse. The World Is Ours to Cherish: A Letter to a Child. Illus. by Vivian Mineker. 2024.
    A lyrical call to care for the Earth and each other.
  • Ignotofsky, Rachel. What’s Inside a Flower?: And Other Questions About Science & Nature. Illus. by Rachel Ignotofsky. 2021.
    An engaging, question-driven introduction to flowers and plant life that encourages curiosity and exploration of the natural world.
  • Kuefler, Joseph. The Digger and the Flower. 2018.
    A gentle story about noticing, protecting, and caring for something small in the natural world.
  • Levine, Sara. A Visit with the Birds: A Hands-On Nature Book. Illus. by Ashley Barron. 2026.
    An interactive, sensory-rich exploration that invites children to engage with birds through movement, observation, and playful participation in the natural world.
  • Parr, Todd. The EARTH Book. 2010.
    A simple, colorful introduction to everyday ways children can help care for the Earth.
  • Portis, Antoinette. Hey, Water! 2019.
    A playful, sensory exploration of water in all its forms—from rain and puddles to oceans—encouraging curiosity, appreciation, and connection to the natural world.
  • Ray, Mary Lyn. When You Find the Right Rock. Illus. by Felicita Sala. 2019.
    A quiet, reflective book that invites children to notice, wonder, and form personal connections with nature.
  • Stickley, Frances. Love, the Earth. Illus. by Tim Hopgood. 2024.
    A heartfelt, poetic message from the Earth inviting children to care for and protect the planet through small, everyday actions.
Stories That Grow Justice, Identity, and Love
Anti-Racist Picture Books for Young Children

🔵 Identity, Self-Worth, and Confidence
  • Byers, Grace. I Am Enough. Illus. by Keturah A. Bobo. 2018.
  • Cabrera, Cozbi A. My Hair Is a Garden. 2018.
  • Cherry, Matthew A. Hair Love. Illus. by Vashti Harrison. 2019.
  • Doyon, Samara Cole. Magnificent Homespun Brown: A Celebration. Illus. by Kaylani Juanita. 2020.
  • Nyong’o, Lupita. Sulwe. Illus. by Vashti Harrison. 2019.
  • Brantley-Newton, Vanessa. Just Like Me. 2020.
🟡 Community, Culture, and Belonging
  • González, Xelena. Where Wonder Grows. Illus. by Adriana M. Garcia. 2022.
  • Lyons, Kelly Starling. Going Down Home with Daddy. Illus. by Daniel Minter. 2019.
  • Penfold, Alexandra. All Are Welcome. Illus. by Suzanne Kaufman. 2018.
  • Penfold, Alexandra. All Are Neighbors. Illus. by Suzanne Kaufman. 2022.
  • Quintero, Isabel. My Papi Has a Motorcycle. Illus. by Zeke Peña. 2019.
  • Thompkins-Bigelow, Jamilah. Mommy’s Khimar. Illus. by Ebony Glenn. 2018.
🟢 Celebrating Differences & Building Empathy
  • Feder, Tyler. Bodies Are Cool. 2021.
  • Ho, Joanna. Eyes That Kiss in the Corners. Illus. by Dung Ho. 2021.
  • Ho, Joanna. Eyes That Speak to the Stars. Illus. by Dung Ho. 2022.
  • Robinson, Christian. You Matter. 2020.
  • Thompkins-Bigelow, Jamilah. Your Name Is a Song. Illus. by Luisa Uribe. 2020.
  • Woodson, Jacqueline. The Day You Begin. Illus. by Rafael López. 2018.
🔴 Fairness, Justice, and Understanding Racism
  • Devenny, Jenny. Race Cars: A Children’s Book About White Privilege. Illus. by Ben Whitehouse. 2020.
  • Higginbotham, Anastasia. Not My Idea: A Book About Whiteness. 2018.
  • Kendi, Ibram X. Anti-Racist Baby. Illus. by Ashley Lukashevsky. 2020.
  • Madison, Megan, and Jessica Ralli. Our Skin: A First Conversation About Race. Illus. by Isabel Roxas. 2021.
  • Muhammad, Ibtihaj. The Proudest Blue. Illus. by Hatem Aly. 2019.
🟣 History, Resistance, and Change

(Best for older preschoolers and early elementary)

  • Charles, Tami. Freedom Soup. Illus. by Jacqueline Alcántara. 2021.
  • Evans, Shane W. We March. 2012.
  • Fairbanks, Ashley. This Land: The History of the Land We’re On. Illus. by Bridget George. 2024.
  • Levinson, Cynthia. The Youngest Marcher. Illus. by Vanessa Brantley-Newton. 2017.
  • Pinkney, Andrea Davis. Let It Shine: Stories of Black Women Freedom Fighters. Illus. by Stephen Alcorn. 2000.
  • Tonatiuh, Duncan. Separate Is Never Equal. 2014.
Stories of Home, Belonging, and Brave Journeys
Stories for preschoolers that center the journeys, identities, and lived experiences of immigrants.
  • Adani, Nabila, and Wendy Meddour. Sunny and the Birds. Illus. by Alea Marley. 2018.
    A gentle story about a girl adjusting to a new home, finding comfort and connection through birds and the natural world.
  • Alko, Selina. I Is for Immigrants. 2019.
    An alphabet-style introduction to immigrant experiences, using bright collage illustrations and simple text to celebrate identity, community, and belonging.
  • Arenas Valenti, Karla. María Mariposa. Illus. by Fabio Sardo. 2022.
    A lively, rhythmic story about a girl preparing for her folklórico dance performance, celebrating culture, family, and confidence.
  • Gravel, Elise. What Is a Refugee? 2019.
    A clear and accessible introduction that helps young children understand what it means to be a refugee using simple language and direct explanations.
  • Méndez, Yamile Saied. Where Are You From? Illus. by Jaime Kim. 2019.
    A warm and reassuring story about a girl exploring her identity and heritage with the help of her grandfather’s loving guidance.
  • Morales, Yuyi. Dreamers. 2018.
    A lyrical and visually rich story about a mother and child building a new life, highlighting resilience, imagination, and the power of books and libraries.
  • Milner, Kate. My Name Is Not Refugee. 2017.
    A thoughtful story that invites children to consider the experiences of a refugee child, encouraging empathy and understanding through gentle questions and simple language.
  • O’Brien, Anne Sibley. I’m New Here. 2015.
    A simple, relatable look at three children adjusting to a new country and school, showing the challenges and small victories of starting over.
  • Penfold, Alexandra. All Are Welcome. Illus. by Suzanne Kaufman. 2018.
    A joyful, repetitive story following a group of children through a school day, celebrating diversity, inclusion, and a sense of belonging.