I love writing children’s picture books that bring you some relatable snapshot of life and infuse it with humor and heart. The more chaotic or silly, the better! When I wrote The Naked Streak, every parent who talked with me about the book had their own hilarious clothes (or lack of clothes!) story to share about their kid, which inspired me to put together this list. Toddlers definitely have their own opinions about their clothes, and I hope families can connect with the wonderful characters and books on this list.
I think this is one of Mo Willems’ most seriously underrated books out there.
It’s hilarious yet full of heart. It celebrates choices, individuality, and creative expression. I also love that the characters are all naked mole rats. It’s one of my favorite kinds of picture books, where the adults love it just as much as the kids.
And since it’s Mo Willems’ book, you know the illustrations are unmatched.
Naked mole rats scorn everything sartorial - until they are exposed to some sharp dressing and a new way of seeing life...
Wilbur is different. He likes to wear clothes. The other naked mole rats are scandalized! Up in arms (not a sleeve in sight), they go to Grand-pah, the oldest, wisest and most naked naked mole rat, in the hope that he will restore Wilbur to sense - and nakedness. But Grand-pah's response surprises everyone...
This book is filled with the best onomatopoeia words. Zoop! Zup! Zum! Zwit!
I love the exchange between Froggy and his mom that happens a few times in the book as she yells, “Frogggggy!” and he responds back with “Wha-a-a-a-a-t?” So real life. I also love the clever use of parentheses to tell us some side information (“He left his socks on”).
The book checks all the important picture book boxes for me: humorous, relatable, and so worth the repeated readings.
Real Princesses Change the World
by
Carrie A. Pearson,
Real Princesses Change the World is an inspirational and diverse picture book that highlights 11 contemporary real-life princesses and four heirs apparent from around the world.
Have you heard of a STEM-aligned real-life princess who is an engineer and product developer? Or a princess who is a computer expert? An…
The illustrations are excellent, the story is funny, and maybe best of all, it’s communicating something important without an ounce of preachiness. Jared Chapman makes a genius choice of casually showing how underwear isn’t for babies, thus highlighting every toddler’s dream of wearing underwear and being a big kid.
My personal favorite page is the potato wearing tiny underwear.
A bunch of friendly vegetables wear colorful underwear of all varieties big, small, clean, dirty, serious, and funny demonstrating the silliness and necessity of our undies. The unexpectedness of vegetables in their unmentionables is enough to draw giggles, but the pride with which this "big kid" attire is flaunted in front of the baby carrots in diapers will tickle readers of all ages. With art that looks good enough to eat, this deliciously vibrant story will encourage preschoolers to celebrate having left those diapers behind!
I love a good, oblivious character, so I think Cow is great in this story!
Kids love being in on the joke, so after reading about one or two seasons, they like guessing what Cow will do next.
I like how it works as a fun read-aloud, but easily can work with preschoolers to talk about seasons, clothes, and making predictions (Will Cow finally get it right by the last season?!).
A hilarious board book in which all the farm animals are ready for the seasons to change-except for Cow! In this whimsical celebration of the seasons, Rooster and his farm friends are ready for springtime play. But not Cow, who can't seem to dress for the weather. She's decked out in a parka and mittens as the first flowers bloom, ski pants and a wool hat as the summer sun beats down, and a bathing suit and flip-flops when snow starts to tumble. Readers will love shouting out the catchy refrain ("Not NOW, Cow!") while learning all about the seasons!
An engaging picture book for children that celebrates what it means to be American!
What does it mean to be American? Does it mean you like apple pie or fireworks? Not exactly. This patriotic picture book is perfect for Memorial Day, Independence Day, Election Day, or any day you want…
I love a book where you get to be inside the joke.
Bear is hilarious, and the way Jon Klassen tells the story through just his characters’ eyes is enough to hook me. Bear is so kind and patient, until he most definitely isn’t. Anytime one of my kids can’t find their hat, I think of this story.
This book is also part of a hat trilogy of stories, and each one is delightful.
A bear searches for his missing hat in the bestselling, multiple award-winning picture book debut of Jon Klassen.
In his bestselling debut picture book, the multiple award-winning Jon Klassen, illustrator of This Is Not My Hat and Sam and Dave Dig a Hole, tells the story of a bear who's hat has gone. And he wants it back. Patiently and politely, he asks the animals he comes across, one by one, whether they have seen it. Each animal says no (some more elaborately than others). But just as it he begins to lose hope, lying flat on his back in…
The Naked Streak tells the story of an independent toddler who decides to lose one item of clothing each day. This culminates in the toddler being totally naked, living their best life during their “Naked Streak.”
The tiny nudist finally changes their way when they notice some “fancy” items they might like to try on, cheekily taken from members of the family and even the dog. The story celebrates creativity and individuality and all the chaos and charm of toddlerhood!
A satisfying story of rediscovering friendship after time spent apart.
For many years, Hazel and Mabel were inseparable. The two friends made up stories, spent the night together, and shared their snacks. Then, Mabel moved away. As time passes, Hazel and Mabel think of each other often, but they also…
Floretta- the story of an old woman who discovers life beautifully anew thru the helping hands of a child. The chakra colors of dawn and twilight are woven through the pages as the cycle of life is magically composed. The subject of “heaven,” has the potential to open discussions with…
