Children's Book Suggestions | Classic Picture Books

Updated July 11, 2026
LINCC (Libraries in Clackamas County) Oregon City Public Library
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Children's Book Suggestions | Classic Picture Books

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Miss Nelson is missing!
Allard, Harry.
Paper Book
The beloved story of a misbehaving class and their iconic substitute teacher. A Miss Nelson is Missing movie is in the works at Netflix, with Melissa McCarthy to star! Miss Nelson is sweet, but her class is always misbehaving. And when their quiet, mild-mannered teacher goes missing? They...
Madeline
Bemelmans, Ludwig
Paper Book
A CALDECOTT HONOR BOOK . OVER 8 MILLION COPIES SOLD! The cherished childhood classic starring a fearless little girl and her eleven lovable housemates. One of The Atlantic's 65 Essential Children's Books "Perhaps the best bedtime book ever written."-The New...
The mitten : a Ukrainian folktale
Brett, Jan
Paper Book
When Nicki drops his white mitten in the snow, he goes on without realizing that it is missing. One by one, woodland animals find it and crawl in; first, a curious mole, then a rabbit, a badger and others, each one larger than the last. Finally, a big brown bear is followed in by a tiny...
Goodnight moon
Brown, Margaret Wise
Paper Book
In this classic of children's literature, beloved by generations of readers and listeners, the quiet poetry of the words and the gentle, lulling illustrations combine to make a perfect book for the end of the day. In a great green room, tucked away in bed, is a little bunny. "Goodnight...
The story of Babar : the little elephant
Brunhoff, Jean de
Paper Book
The classic story of literature's most beloved elephant. After his mother is killed by a hunter, Babar avoids capture by escaping to the city, where he is befriended by the kindly Old Lady. Later, with cousins Celeste and Arthur, he returns to the great forest to be crowned King of the Elephants....
Mike Mulligan and his steam shovel
Burton, Virginia Lee
Paper Book
A modern classic that no child should miss. Since it was first published in 1939, Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel has delighted generations of children. Mike and his trusty steam shovel, Mary Anne, dig deep canals for boats to travel through, cut mountain passes for trains, and hollow out...
Very hungry caterpillar
Carle, Eric.
Paper Book
THE ICONIC #1 BESTSELLER * The all-time classic picture book starring the world's favorite caterpillar! Generations of children have grown up on this beautifully dramatized story of a caterpillar who eats his way to becoming a butterfly. One of The Atlantic's 65 Essential...
Miss Rumphius
Cooney, Barbara
Paper Book
A beloved classic that is lovelier than ever! One of The Atlantic's 65 Essential Children's Books Barbara Cooney's story of Alice Rumphius, who longed to travel the world, live in a house by the sea, and do something to make the world more beautiful, has a...
Corduroy
Freeman, Don
Paper Book
Corduroy was first introduced to readers in 1968, and in the fifty years since, his adventures have never stopped. Corduroy has been on the department store shelf for a long time. Yet as soon as Lisa sees him, she knows that he's the bear for her. Her mother, though, thinks he's...
Lilly's purple plastic purse
Henkes, Kevin.
Paper Book
"I am the queen!" Lilly loves all sorts of things. She loves school, she loves dressing up, she even grows to love her stinky baby brother, Julius. In fact, Lilly loves everything! But when Lilly brings her purple plastic purse to school and can't wait until sharing time to show off...
Harold and the purple crayon
Johnson, Crockett
Paper Book
From beloved children's book creator Crockett Johnson comes the timeless classic Harold and the Purple Crayon! This imagination-sparking picture book belongs on every child's bookshelf. One evening Harold decides to go for a walk in the moonlight. Armed only with an oversize...
The story of Ferdinand
Leaf, Munro
Paper Book
Now a major motion picture! One of The Atlantic's 65 Essential Children's Books A true classic with a timeless message, The Story of Ferdinand has enchanted readers since it was first published in 1936. All the other bulls would run and jump and butt...
Blueberries for Sal
McCloskey, Robert
CD
CALDECOTT HONOR BOOK * NATIONAL BESTSELLER * Adored by generations of readers, this gorgeously illustrated classic tells a tale of youth, curiosity, and delight as a little girl and her mother make unexpected friends while picking blueberries in the Maine countryside. One of The...
If you give a mouse a cookie
Numeroff, Laura Joffe.
Paper Book
If a hungry little mouse shows up on your doorstep, you might want to give him a cookie. And if you give him a cookie, he'll ask for a glass of milk. He'll want to look in a mirror to make sure he doesn't have a milk mustache, and then he'll ask for a pair of scissors to give himself a trim....<...
The little engine that could
Piper, Watty, pseud.
Paper Book
"I think I can, I think I can, I think I can..." Discover the inspiring story of the Little Blue Engine as she makes her way over the mountain in this beloved classic--the perfect gift to celebrate the special milestones in your life, from graduations to birthdays and...
The tale of Peter Rabbit
Potter, Beatrix
Paper Book
2012 marks 110 years since Warne published The Tale of Peter Rabbit. In celebration, we are publishing limited editions of twelve classic tales with colorful covers, special endpapers, and notes explaining the history behind each book. The Tale of Peter Rabbit is the tale of a...
Curious George
Rey, H. A.
Paper Book
In this, the original book about the curious monkey, George is taken from the jungle by the man in the yellow hat to live in a new home, but--oh, what happened! Though trying to be good, George is still very curious and takes a swim in the ocean, escapes from jail, and goes for a flying...
The true story of the 3 little pigs
Scieszka, Jon
Paper Book
THE MODERN CLASSIC WITH OVER TWO MILLION COPIES SOLD . The Big Bad Wolf tells his side in this fractured fairy tale, brought to life with irreverent storytelling and artwork that "older kids (and adults) will find very funny" (School Library Journal). Now in a stunning anniversary...
Where the wild things are
Sendak, Maurice.
Paper Book
Maurice Sendak's Caldecott Medal-winning picture book has become one of the most highly acclaimed and best-loved children's books of all time. A must for every child's bookshelf. This iconic story has inspired a movie, an opera, and the imagination of generations. When Max dresses in his...
The cat in the hat
Seuss, Dr.
Paper Book
#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER * The classic picture book that introduced the world to the iconic, mischievous Cat in the Hat and the beloved characters Thing One and Thing Two! Dr. Seuss makes reading fun for kids of all ages. COMING IN 2026 AS A MAJOR MOTION PICTURE...
The giving tree
Silverstein, Shel.
Paper Book
From Shel Silverstein, New York Times bestselling author of Where the Sidewalk Ends and A Light in the Attic, comes a poignant picture book about love and acceptance, cherished for over fifty years. This classic is perfect for both young readers and lifelong fans. "Once there was a tree.....
Caps for sale a tale of a peddler some monkeys and their monkey business
Slobodkina, Esphyr, 1908-2002.
Paper Book
Caps for Sale is a timeless classic beloved by millions...one of the most popular picture books ever published! This picture book is an excellent choice to share at home or in the classroom, as children love chanting along with the naughty monkeys. Children will delight in...
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