Reading together is great for kids, but it can get tricky finding books that kids of all ages will enjoy. Look no further! Here’s 15 of the best family picture books to read together!
*We use affiliate links and may earn commission from purchases made through those links. All opinions are our own.
Family Picture Books
Lenny the Lobster Can’t Stay for Dinner by Finn Buckley
This book is seriously so, so, so fun! It’s one of the choose-your-own-adventure stories — but in picture book form. Will Lenny end up as dinner??? It’s up to you and your family to find out! And if it turns out…not so great, read it again with different choices!
The Book of Mistakes by Corinna Luyken
Sometimes kids put pressure on themselves to be perfect, but it’s important for them to learn that even the worst mistakes can lead into the greatest discoveries!
As an extra activity, you can paint perfect monsters together – as a family, paint a piece of paper however you want (scribbles are encouraged!) and then add two googly eyes anywhere on the scribbles. Voila! A perfect monster!
We’re All Wonders by R.J. Palacio
“Choose kind” is a motto everyone should live by, including our children. We’re All Wonders encourages kids to choose kind even if someone looks different than we do.
Encourage your children to be kind to everyone. Think of some ways to be kind at school. (For example, playing with someone who’s alone at recess, sharing crayons, not interrupting someone who’s talking, etc.)
Bear Moves by Ben Bailey Smith
Bear’s dancing is so contagious, we just can’t sit down to read this book! Get up and dance with Bear!
The Book Hog by Greg Pizzoli
This adorable little hog loves books, but only when he learns to read does he truly appreciate their value – and the value of the library.
Thelma the Unicorn by Aaron Blabey
Thelma is a donkey who wants very badly to be a unicorn. One day, her wish comes true and she becomes a famous unicorn. But, she realizes, that friends are more important than fame. THIS IS MY FAVORITE! It’s so sweet, and it gives kids an insight into celebrity life in a non-controversial way. Even my preschool boys wanted to take it home to read!
Not Quite Narwhal by Jessie Sima
This book is so, so, so adorable. This little guy grew up with narwhals, thinking he is a narwhal. But he wonders why he can’t swim as fast as his family or breathe underwater like his family. After a journey to find himself, he [spoiler] ends up finding his own kind – unicorns. It’s hands-down one of my FAVORITE books ever!
Different Like Coco by Elizabeth Matthews
I love Coco Chanel’s story, and this book does a great job of making it kid-friendly and fun. Plus, the illustrations are GORGEOUS!
Look at these adorable fabric boards! Kids can get some great fine motor practice with the gluing and practice recognizing colors with the fabric. And you will get a beautiful art piece to display in your home. (Choose fabrics in your home’s colors, and it’ll be even better!)
Strictly No Elephants by Lisa Mantchev
This sweet book is all about the importance of being a good friend, as well as the love people have for pets. When a boy’s pet elephant is not allowed into Pet Club, the boy must find a way to make all pets feel special – no matter what they look like. It’s WONDERFUL!
Beard in a Box by Bill Cotter
This is my favorite book about dads ever. Like seriously: ever. It’s SO cute and funny and clever. A little boy decides that his dad’s awesomeness comes from his beard. So he buys a beard in a box to grow his own beard. (Because, of course, he wants to be awesome like his dad!) After some funny comments that will keep even the dad’s laughing: the boy’s dad teaches him that awesomeness comes from the kind of people we are, not beards. What a great lesson!
Penguin Problems from Jory John and Lane Smith
A penguin spends the first half of the book complaining about all of the problems he faces as a penguin. It’s sarcastic and witty and kids will laugh. He does, eventually, notice the good parts of his life and has a sweet message about being exactly where we need to be. I love how the sentences are short and the illustrations are clever. (It does use the words “dumb” and “heck” one time each.)
The Legend of Rock Paper Scissors by Drew Daywalt
When I first picked up this book, I was not very excited. I thought it was nonfiction or historical fiction. It is not either of those; Instead, it’s a clever myth for how the game could have been created if rocks, paper, and scissors were animate. The whole family will love it!
My Toothbrush is Missing by Jan Thomas
Dog and his friends are looking for his toothbrush. Dog has to describe his toothbrush to his friends because they don’t know what one looks like. They go on a silly quest to find it. It’s short and sweet and really funny.
The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs by Jon Scieszka and Lane Smith
I know, you’ve heard the story of the 3 little pigs so many times, but – seriously – you’ve never heard a version this funny. Read it. It’s hilarious. The whole family will love it.
Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Tale by Mo Willems
In a story pretty much all families can relate to, Trixie accidentally leaves Knuffle Bunny on an errand. Plus, the illustrations are so unique. It’s such a great book.
If you’ve liked these family picture books, check out our other recommendations for great family reads!
Check out our 10 Best Family Books to Read Together
And…Check out Our 10 MORE Best Family Books to Read Together
