Amazingly, some books have really stuck in my mind even after reading over 400 picture books. They aren’t always the ones I’m immediately ‘wowed’ by, but often the stories that come sneaking out when I’m telling Tony about my day. Or make me laugh later when I’m driving or writing email, from the memory of a particularly funny picture or silly premise.

Here’s part one of the list: Fantastic picture books for the very young. It’s extremely hard to make a very simple book that still has humor, interestesting characters, and depth, but these books do it brilliantly! These stories will engage the youngest children and amuse even the oldest adults.

Orange Pear Apple Bear by Emily Gravett

This gets my Gold Medal of Fantabulousity. Using different combinations of only 5 words (4 of which are in the title) Gravett is able to create an engaging character, clever word play, and, most amazingly, a very funny book.

Who is Driving? by Leo Timmers

This simple book repeats the question “Who is Driving?” giving us a line up of funny characters to choose from. Its simple text and wonderful animal illustrations can span the age groups.

Every Friday by Dan Yaccarino

This is one of those sneaky books. It’s a very simple, quiet story about a boy going out to breakfast with his father. But the fabulous, classic style of the illustrations and the comforting description of ordinary events has a way of warming your heart without ever being sappy.

Chugga-Chugga Choo-Choo written by Kevin Lewis and illustrated by Daniel Kirk

Perfect rhyme. Bright,playful pictures. And trains! What more could a kid want?

*Special Mention: Dog Food by Saxton Freymann

This is a book that defies age groups. While the bright pictures will engage the very young, the simple,
but clever word play will be best appreciated by older children and adults. Freymann brilliantly creates scenes of dogs snacking, lounging, and playing, completely out of vegetables and fruits. These illustrations, combined with smart captions, make it a fascinating and funny book for anyone.