These are the top picture book lists that received the most visits on the blog this year. My chapter book lists are by far more popular than picture books, which is the reason I make two “top 10” posts every year. I don’t want the picture books to feel left out!
Of course you will want to see (our) best chapter book lists after you read this post! So peruse this list then head over there for more suggestions. You can always find our more than 100 book lists for kids listed in our index of book lists for kids.
Picture Book Lists
1. Easy reader books that are actually easy. The response to this list was overwhelming. I knew parents felt frustrated with the lack of leveling standards on library bookshelves and that so many easy readers labelled “1” or “2” (especially ones with licensed characters) are clearly too difficult for emergent readers. However, I didn’t realize just how frustrated you all were. I hope this list has helped a lot of parents.
2. Science picture books for kids. This list was originally supposed to have 50 books on it: 5 books each for 10 topics, but I miscounted and included 11 topics. I didn’t have the heart to delete one topic, so left it as is. For each topic I included a variety of reading levels, so whether you have a preschooler or a 5th grader, you can find an appropriate book.
3. Books that challenge gender stereotypes. We should all encourage our children not to think in terms of “boy stuff” and “girl stuff”, and to teach our kids there are many different ways to be a boy or a girl. Yes, progress has been made, but there is still a long way to go. I’m really glad this list is in the top 10.
4. Picture books for 6 year olds (older kids). I suppose 6 years old is not really an “older kid”, ha ha ha, yet 6 year olds do start to appreciate deeper levels of meaning in stories than preschoolers. These books are ones I’ve noticed my younger son delving into.
5. Chinese Folktales. This took me a bit by surprise. Folktales are one of my favorite picture book genres, yet my folktale lists are some of the least popular of all my book lists. (Why oh why?)
6. Our Favorite Children’s Books of the Year (part 1). This is the first of three lists of our best books of the year series. Froodle still makes my kids laugh.
7. Magazines for kids. Well, I don’t know if this counts as a picture book list. It was pretty popular, considering I published it late in the year. We are continuing with our Odyssey and Spider subscriptions this year.
8. Diverse poetry books. Do you know how much we love poetry? I especially love poetry’s calming effect on my kids.
9. Picture books about trying new things. Technically this list was made in 2013, however, as it missed the deadline to be included in last year’s top 10, I didn’t want it to feel left out since it did fairly well this year.
10. Civil rights picture books. Books are effective teaching tools, even for the very young. I’m so glad this list made the cut. Please put these books on hold at your library right now. Our society still has a long way to go.
Those are the top ten lists of picture books published this year! Did your favorite make the cut? What kinds of lists would you like me to make next year? I love to get suggestions.
MORE: See all of the more than 100 book lists for kids I have made during the last few years. (That’s a lot of book lists!)
MORE: Curious about what made the grade in 2013. See my most popular picture book lists from last year.
Kirsten Larson says
Thanks for this fabulous year-end gift, especially for those of us who started following mid year. Happy holidays!
Erica MomandKiddo says
Happy holidays to you, too! Thanks so much for following along.
Amelie @ Amelie's Bookshelf says
Love your lists! My favorite was “Easy Readers that are Actually Easy”- this was a big year for learning-to-read in our family. 🙂
Erica MomandKiddo says
Thank you!