5 Classic Picture Books Everyone Should Own
18 July, 2025 ● Written by STORYVOR
There are thousands, even tens of thousands of excellent picture books out there. Hundreds more are published every year, and we always recommend looking for hidden gems and supporting new voices and illustrators. But if you’re just starting to build your picture book library and wondering where to begin, here are five tried-and-tested masterpieces sure to delight.
Every one of these is brimming with beautiful art and features strong-yet-subtle messages about peacefulness, caring for nature, or simply being yourself. Best of all, every one of them could be a book that resonates with your child or student for decades to come. We think you absolutely can’t go wrong with any (or all) of them.
The Story of Ferdinand
Written by Munro Leaf, illustrated by Robert Lawson
Gorgeously illustrated in black ink and with a timeless message of contentment, gentleness, and being yourself regardless of expectations, this is a lovely, heartwarming classic for the ages.
The Complete Tales (Peter Rabbit, Tom Kitten, etc.)
by Beatrix Potter
Beatrix Potter wrote and illustrated many of her quietly enchanting stories on a farm in England, and her love of nature and the small things in life shines through on every page. Her stories of adorable animals getting into mischief are perfect read-alouds, sometimes funny, sometimes just a touch scary (roly-poly puddings, anyone?), and always delightful.
The Lorax
by Dr. Seuss
Dr. Seuss has a number of worthy titles to his name, but we’ve chosen The Lorax for this list for its timely and powerful message of environmental care and conscious consumerism. The book is not quite as light as some of Dr. Suess’s other books, but it’s one that has been leaving an impression on young readers for decades by showing the toll greed takes on communities and nature. In short, it manages to spark important conversations, while still being funny, colorful, and engrossing.
Madeline
by Ludwig Bemelmans
Funny, charming, and surprisingly plot-heavy for a book with hardly any words, this rhyming tale of the rambunctious Madeline, Paris, appendicitis, and conformity is one that children are sure to love and will want to discuss.
The 20th Century Children’s Book Treasury
edited by Janet Schulman
This one is a bit of a cheat. It’s an anthology featuring over 40 picture book classics in a single volume (including several of the above). But like the title says, it’s a treasure trove, offering parents, teachers, and young readers a great – and economical – sampler of many different stories and voices from the past century.
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