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Enchanting Children's Books with Stunning Illustrations to Ignite Imagination
- Elyn Fullen
- Jul 6
- 4 min read
Books that draw you & your children in with amazing pictures: our 6 favorites and where to find them
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I'm the first to admit, I'm a bit of a harsh critic when it comes to children's books. I'm not stingy, just a bit opinionated. When I find a good book I don't just like it, I LOVE it. But when a kids book reads off-rhythm or the story is boring, it's out the window. Worst of all offenses, though... bad illustrations. These books are for KIDS for pete's sake! They listen to someone read it while looking at the pictures... that's what it's all about!
Now, books with magical illustrations? Crafted on real paper with paints and pens and pastels and pencils? The ones that you think "oh this artist had fun creating these scenes" and "I wish I could live in that house"? Those are true treasures on this earth, heirlooms to pen their name in and keep til the pages tear and are taped back together.
So how to compile a home library worth having? Practice!
Pay attention to authors and illustrators you like
Notice which books have pictures made by hand, made as artwork themselves
Keep a collection on paper or in real life so you're ready for the next holiday, prize, birthday party or rainy day
Here's a list of some of my favorites. Not only are these beautiful works of art, but they all have a style that is a favorite of mine. The illustrations show detailed scenes that any reader of all ages can get lost in. The inside of houses, a winding road that leads to a million places, a bustling crowd of people busy with normal life, objects a kid calls "treasure" laid out and labeled... the best curiosities life has to offer.
I hope you enjoy this jump start into your own whimsical library, and PLEASE share your favorites with me below!
1.
written and illustrated by Virginia Lee Burton
This book will forever be the epitome of children's literature, because it is from my childhood. As you can see on the inscription, my parents gave it to me for Christmas when I was 7. That year I'd checked it out from the school library week after week.
The picures follow the same scene, showing the little house's world all around. Her surroundings change by the season, then through years. Who wouldn't want to be one of those kids riding a wagon or diving in the pond? Pure magic.
2.
by Pat Zietlow Miller, illustrated by Eliza Wheeler
Wherever You Go is a whimsical poem that follows a bunny on a winding adventure down a road. While some pictures are a bit simpler, many of them depict rambling cities or winding trails, with critters and friends so tiny you can't help but lean in for a closer look.
3.
written and illustrated by Julie Morstad
When my daughter turned 4, Today was her birthday book. It has been a family favorite ever since! The child turns the pages through their day, making choices of what to wear, eat, play with, where to go, what to dream of.
I especially love the character placement and positions... so real yet so simply done. What a feat.
4.
written and illustrated by Alice Melvin
Mouse on The River, A Journey Through Nature was a gift to us from my mother-in-law. My 6 year old counts the birds on each page, my 4 year old loves seeing the mechanics behind the flaps in the houses and the lock going down, and my 1 year old wanted to eat the snacks right off the shelves in the River Stores.
Before the story begins we get a map (a map!!), and at the end of the book there are a couple reference pages that are just as intriguing as the story.
Each time I read this book I think how much this illustrator much love her job. I'm sent back to childhood art classes, bent over a colored-pencil masterpiece full of minutia of all shapes and colors.
I had to share some of the pure brilliance that is the flaps on each page. Some are large while others are smaller, but they all reveal something special and interesting.
I just learned there are more mouse adventures and can't wait to try them! Should I start with Mouse's Wood or Mouse by The Sea ?
5.
by Susan Meyers, illustrated by Marla Frazee
Everywhere Babies is a must-have board book. The words are simple and darling, and the pictures are a real masterpiece. There's something amazing about the seemingly 90's era fashion and lifestyle here... I've never felt more nostalgic about a shopping mall play area! This book is full of scenes of everyday life, sparking gratitude for small, imperfect, magical moments.
6.
by Cynthia Rylant, illustrated by Wendy Anderson Halperin
Let's Go Home, The Wonderful Things About a House is a treasure trove! Just take a look at page 1... could a picture with front doors from around the world lead anywhere other than an adventure? The story describes all kinds of houses by depicting what they all have in common- the entry, the kitchen, bathrooms and beyond.
The images were evidently crafted by someone who loves home... not only seen in the details and warmth of the rooms, but in the faces and practices of the people in them. Gathering for tea, petting the dog, stopping for a hug, playing in the attic... the moments that make a house a home.
So there you have it! Your own starter list to infuse your home library with pure magic and imagination. I hope you love them as dearly as we do.
If you have any to add to my list, comment below!
xo,
Elyn