Beautiful children's picture books are special and provide a story, complete with detailed illustrations. Many different styles of children's picture books offer exquisite illustrations ranging in many different styles. Whether collage illustrations, black and white illustrations, or even bold paintings, these 35 beautiful children's picture books offer eye-catching artwork that will be appreciated by readers of all ages.
1. The Mitten
The incredible Jan Brett is known for beautiful picture books, and The Mitten is no exception! The enchanting illustrations perfectly depict woodland friends and take place in a mesmerizing snowy forest. The attention to detail is wonderful with every feather, tail, wing, and claw on all the forest friends.
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2. Little Red Riding Hood
Inspired by Dutch paintings, this version of the classic tale of Little Red Riding Hood is a beautiful children's book. Muted colors and neutrals help paint a picture of the beautiful land where this story originates.
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3. The Midnight Fair
When the fair wraps up for the day, it is an unexpected surprise when the forest animals head out to enjoy their turn on all the rides. The best thing about this beautiful picture book is that it is wordless. Children will love forming their own stories based on the incredible illustrations they see.
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4. A First Book of the Sea
Different from a typical storybook, this book has different content on each spread of pages. Written in poems, but filled with valuable information as the author explores all aspects of the sea, this book will quickly become a favorite for beach-loving children!
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5. Rumplestiltskin
The age-old tale of Rumpelstiltskin, this beautiful book contains incredible oil paintings. Award-winning for the wonderful artwork, this book stands out. It has been around for quite some time and still remains a favorite for kids of all ages.
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6. Watercress
This incredible children's book is full of awards and honors. A young girl learns more about her Chinese culture, heritage, and background. She gathers watercress near the edge of the road but is embarrassed. It takes this for her to learn more about herself and her roots.
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7. The Paperboy
Telling the story of a boy and his dog, we see the world the way they do as they make their way through the newspaper route early each morning. Earning a Caldecott Honor Award, this book features beautiful illustrations, colored with paint and ink.
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8. Strega Nona
A beloved bedtime pick, Strega Nona is another classic tale by the incredible Tomie DePaola. The realistic, yet still playful artwork showcases special illustrations. This old tale is retold with fun and wit. Add this one to your list of book recommendations for bedtime stories.
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9. Swimmy
Leo Lionni has written many classic picture books and among many of them are award winners! This Caldecott Honor book includes beautiful illustrations. There are collage illustrations with incredible beaches and underwater scenery.
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10. We Are Water Protectors
Vibrant illustrations feature shades of blue in this incredible children's book. A sweet and simple story with an important message, the fabulous illustrations offer an empowering feel to the message in the story. The special illustrations help the reader visualize the beauty of the water and nature that surrounds it.
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11. Grand Canyon
This children's picture book will take you to the Grand Canyon if you open your imagination and visualize it. Beautiful illustrations accompany the incredible text to offer readers an escape into the beauty of nature. Follow the book characters as they venture through trails and award yourself the opportunity to experience it as well through stunning illustrations.
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12. The Polar Express
A beautiful bedtime book, this one is especially great for Christmas time. Chris Van Allsburg creates the snowy, cold atmosphere that sets the tone for The Polar Express. The tiny details woven into the outstanding illustrations are not to be missed. From the steam from the train to the city scenes, these beautiful illustrations add depth and dimension to this well-known and loved book!
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13. Smoky Night
During the 1990s when riots plagued Los Angeles, there was a boy and his mother who witnessed the daily events. With unique artwork made from torn paper and collages, this book has incredible illustrations.
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14. Finding Winnie
This special story is about a veterinarian who rescued a bear on the way to war. This is the bear that inspired the character of Winnie the Pooh. It is beautifully written and illustrated. She even meets a real boy named Christopher Robin.
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15. Drummer Hoff
Unique and creative, Drummer Hoff is a Caldecott Medal Winner from the 1960s. The bold illustrations provide a perfect picture of an old folk tale. The rhyming text about seven soldiers tells an engaging story of Drummer Hoff and his cannon.
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16. The Lion and the Mouse
This classic story has been transformed into an incredible work of art! This award-winning wordless picture book tells the story of the lion and the mouse and how they help each other. This story of kindness is a great addition to any bookshelf.
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17. Dave The Potter
Beautifully written about a slave in the 1800s, Dave the Potter tells about an incredibly gifted potter who was one of a kind in his time. If you look very closely, you may find tiny, hidden messages in the pottery found in the illustrations of this book.
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18. The House in the Night
Filled with mostly black and white illustrations, yellow glows throughout this Caldecott Award-winning book. This ideal bedtime story is fun for kiddos after a long day. Kids of all ages will enjoy the simple story and the illustrations full of depth and detail.
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19. Flotsam
This award-winning, wordless picture book is brought to us by the talented David Wiesner. Telling the story of a young boy at the beach and the treasures he finds there, Flotsam is also packed with beautiful illustrations that include intricate details.
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20. The Little Island
Book author Margaret Wise Brown, who created several other fabulous books, brings us The Little Island. Written back in the 1940s, it is a beautiful testament to the changes that the seasons bring. See the beautiful illustrations as you read the sweet story of the little island.
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21. Song and Dance Man
A fun book about grandpa in his younger years, this beautiful bedtime book is full of colored pencil drawings and realistic artwork in the form of sketches. It is a Caldecott winner and this endearing book will be a hit for readers of all ages.
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22. Snowflake Bentley
One of the most beautiful and beloved snow books for children, Snowflake Bentley is a tribute to the real person, complete with a biography but also filled with nonfiction information in sidebars throughout. Stunning illustrations, complete with watercolor paint, add a beautiful element of artwork that helps you immerse yourself into this story.
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23. Kitten's First Full Moon
Beautiful black and white illustrations are featured in this classic children's picture book. Winning the Caldecott medal, the sweet story about this little kitten is a beloved bedtime pick for children of all ages. This lovely story is available in board book format, as well as paperback and hardback.
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24. Steam Train, Dream Train
This delightful story is perfect for bedtime and inspiring sweet dreams. This lovely story about train cars that begin to fill up with animals and items, includes detailed illustrations to create a realistic train and environment for the story to take place.
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25. Snow
Awarded a Caldecott Honor Medal, Snow is a stunning book that depicts the perfect snow day. This engaging picture book is a wonderful example of a young boy and his hope. He turns the snow day into simple and lovely enjoyment. Take in the wonderful illustrations formed by watercolors and ink.
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26. Wild Cities
Invite your child to take a trip around the world, through the beautiful illustrations that accompany the text. In addition to information about cities around the world, there is also a great deal of information about the animals that live there.
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27. The Tree
A really great story about how two animals come together after a storm to rebuild their home, this book features magnificent artwork through the illustrations. Full of color and adding a realistic element of detail, this children's picture book is a great choice.
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28. Stormy
An incredible story of friendship formed when trust is built, this picture book has incredibly detailed drawings, but no words at all. A woman finds a scared puppy and tried to befriend him, but it takes time, as the puppy learns to trust her. When they face a storm together, they form a bond.
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29. Blowin' In The Wind
Illustrated by the talented Jon Muth, Blowin' in the Wind is a lovely book set to the lyrics of a Bob Dylan song. Wonderful illustrations set the tone for this soft, sweet book. This engaging picture book includes a CD with the original Bob Dylan song included.
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30. The Three Questions
This book is written and illustrated by the same talented person. Wonderful illustrations featuring beautiful watercolors help paint a picture of a young boy and his quest to find the answer to his questions. He knows that he can remain a good person, knowing these answers. Stunning books like this one offer an incredible story as well as incredible artwork.
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31. A House That Once Was31. A House That Once Was
A different approach to storytelling, this children's book is written in the form of poetic prose. Showing us the story of two children exploring an old, abandoned house, this picture book tells a sweet story while affording the reader some fantastic illustrations through bold, incredible color choices and techniques.
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32. The Forest
Without even a word on the cover, this beautifully illustrated picture book offers readers a unique form of artwork. With die cut, embossing, and watercolors covering the pages, the reader will stay captivated by the fabulous illustrations and enchanting artwork.
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33. Where the Wild Things Are
An award-winning picture book, this classic story is full of original illustrations. The authentic artwork brings us expressive pictures as we read about Max and all the wild things he encounters. This beloved children's book is also a Caldecott winner.
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34. Mae Among the Stars
Outstanding illustrations in this book make it top-notch for learning about one of history's most important female astronauts! Author, Roda Ahmed, brings us a fictional account of the life of a space legend, Mae Jemison. Beautiful paintings are the perfect pair to this lovely text.
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35. Sulwe
Just as beautiful as the captivating illustrations in this book is the lovely message that it sends that true beauty is found on the inside. Full of vibrant, bold, and colorful illustrations, this book follows a young girl who just wants to look like everyone else in her family.
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24 Interactive Picture Books for Children 