Top Ten Picture Books of 2015

Happy New Year everyone! I’m happy to say that I read a lot of great books in 2015, and I’m excited to see what wonders await me this year. But for now, let’s take a look back at my favorite picture books published in 2015.

The Princess and thePony by Kate Beaton

I was overjoyed to hear this year that Kate Beaton was going to be writing and illustrating a children’s picture book. The Princess and the Pony features the fan favorite fat pony, who is presented as a gift to the young Princess Pinecone. Beaton is as hilarious as always, and I eagerly await any picture books she may make in the future.

Is it Hanukkah Yet? by Chris Barash

I was drawn to this book not because of its holiday theme or beautiful illustrations but its content. I was surprised to find a picture book that focused more on the winter season then it did the holiday itself. It was a nice combination of the signs of winter mixed with an explanation of Hanukkah traditions.

Red: A Crayon’s Story by Michael Hall

If there’s one book I would recommend you reading to your kids this year, it’s this one. Red is going through a bit of an identity crisis; he’s a red crayon who can only color blue. Try as he might, he just cannot be red. It’s a powerful story of self-acceptance and probably my favorite picture book of the year.

Shake to Assemble by Calliope Glass

This book was not so much my favorite as it was a story time favorite. I’m a sucker for an interactive picture book and the kids love anything with superheroes, so this was a perfect mash up of the two.

Pablo and Jane and the Hot Air Contraption by Jose Domingo

Now this was a fun book. Beginning as a comic, it eventually turns into a multi-dimensional seek and find adventure. Apparently I’m all about the combo books this year.

I Don’t Like Koala by Seam Ferrell

Young Adam doesn’t like Koala, but I sure like this book. The illustrations border just on the edge of creepy, which fits perfectly with the story.

Star Wars: Epic Yarns by Jack and Holman Wang

This series of board books pair simple words with elaborately constructed yarn recreations of famous star wars scenes. The pictures are absolutely stunning, and I would recommend any literature loving parents to check out the Wang brothers' cozy classics board book series as well.

The Little Gardener by Emily Hughes

Sometimes it can feel as though your actions have no impact. The Little Gardener tries his very best to complete the daunting task of creating a beautiful garden from the plants that tower over him. And while he cannot complete this task on his own, his work serves as an inspiration to others.

Robo-Sauce by Adam Rubin

As I’ve stated before I am a huge fan of Adam Rubin. His books are guaranteed to make me laugh out loud, and his latest book as no exception. Halfway through the book the narrator turns into a robot after coming into contact with the dreaded robo-sauce and the reader is tasked with turning the book into a robot as well.

I Will Take a Nap by Mo Willems

Mo Willems, you just get me. Sometimes you just need to take a nap, and the world is determined to prevent that from happening. I’m happy to say that the latest book in the Elephant and Piggie series did not disappoint.

What were your favorite picture books of 2015? Do you agree with my picks?

~Marilyn