16 Modern Picture Books That Feel Like Classics

I’m really excited about this list today! I spend a lot of time on this blog sharing books that are silly, brightly colored, and interactive, anything to catch a little one’s eye, for them to take just a moment to open it up and discover the power of a story. But, what I don’t spend a lot of time on, are books that may have a quieter, cozier feel to them. The books that you could just spend moments staring at the beautiful artwork, the ones that already feel like classics.

I started this list looking for a very specific type of book, the ones that work better as one-on-one readings than in storytime (not to say you can’t!). The ones that evoked the past with limited color palettes or the ones that reminded me of the stories of my childhood in the best way. And without trying, I was able to find amazing books that are written and illustrated by a diverse list of authors and illustrators that you might be familiar with or who are completely new to you!

Sometimes, I read a picture book and I know that it hits me as an adult in a completely different way than it would a child, and I’m so thankful that I get to be a part of this world where story and illustration combine to create connections across generations. These books are not to be missed.

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16 Modern Picture Books That Feel Like Classics

Big Bear and Little Bear Go Fishing by Amy Hest, illustrated by Erin E. Stead

One day Big Bear says to Little Bear,
I’m just in the mood for fishing.
Me, too, says Little Bear. Just in the mood.

With this decided, Big Bear and Little Bear are off… almost. First they need the right attire, poles in a red wagon, a basket of freshly-baked scones, and a good book to read. It’s unclear how much real fishing will get done today, but one thing’s for sure: there will be a cozy nap in the hammock at the end.

Chooch Helped by Andrea L. Rogers, illustrated by Rebecca Lee Kunz

Sissy’s younger brother, Chooch, isn’t a baby anymore. They just celebrated his second birthday, after all. But no matter what Chooch does — even if he’s messing something up! Which is basically all the time! — their parents say he’s just “helping.” Sissy feels that Chooch can get away with anything!

When Elisi paints a mural, Chooch helps. When Edutsi makes grape dumplings, Chooch helps. And when Oginalii gigs for crawdads, Chooch helps. When Sissy tries to make a clay pot, Chooch helps . . .

“Hesdi!” Sissy yells. Quit it! And Chooch bursts into tears. What follows is a tender family moment that will resonate with anyone who has welcomed a new little one to the fold.

Emile and the Field by Kevin Young, illustrated by Chioma Ebinama

There was a boy
named Emile
who fell
in love with a field.

It was wide
and blue–
and if you could have
seen it
so would’ve you.

Emile loves the field close to his home–in spring, summer, and fall, when it gives him bees and flowers, blossoms and leaves. But not as much in winter, when he has to share his beautiful, changeable field with other children…and their sleds.

Emma Full of Wonders by Elisha Cooper

Emma is a big dog with a lot of little dreams.

She dreams of a cool roll in the grass, a warm spring walk, and food, of course.

Every day her dreams get bigger, and bigger, until one day…they all come true!

Evergreen by Matthew Cordell

Evergreen the squirrel is afraid of many things: thunder, hawks, and the dark paths of Buckthorn Forest. But when her mother tasks Evergreen with delivering soup to her sick Granny Oak, the little squirrel must face her fears and make the journey.

Along the way, Evergreen is met by other forest dwellers – some want to help her, but some want her mother’s delicious soup! It’s up to Evergreen to stay the course, and those who help her will surprise and delight young readers.

Farmhouse by Sophie Blackall

Over a hill, at the end of a road, by a glittering stream that twists and turns stands a farmhouse.

Step inside the dollhouse-like interior of Farmhouse and relish in the daily life of the family that lives there, rendered in impeccable, thrilling detail. Based on a real family and an actual farmhouse where Sophie salvaged facts and artifacts for the making of this spectacular work, page after page bursts with luminous detail and joy.

The Impossible Mountain by David Soman

Anna and her little brother Finn have lived their whole lives safe behind the stone wall of their village, never knowing what lay beyond. Until the day they peek over the edge and see the Mountain for the first time. Now, there’s no stopping them. Not even the villagers who say it will be impossible.

My Baba’s Garden by Jordan Scott, illustrated by Sydney Smith

A young boy spends his mornings with his beloved Baba, his grandmother. She doesn’t speak much English, but they connect through gestures, gardening, eating, and walking to school together. Marked by memories of wartime scarcity, Baba cherishes food, and the boy learns to do the same. Eventually, Baba needs to move in with the boy and his parents, and he has the chance to care for her as she’s always cared for him.

My Best Friend by Julie Fogliano, illustrated by Jillian Tamaki

she is my best friend i think
i never had a best friend so i’m not sure
but i think she is a really good best friend
because when we were drawing
she drew me
and i drew her.

What is a best friend, if not someone who laughs with you the whole entire day, especially when you pretend to be a pickle? This pitch-perfect picture book is a sweetly earnest, visually stunning celebration of the magic of friendship.

Nell Plants a Tree by Anne Wynter, illustrated by Daniel Miyares

Before her grandchildren climbed the towering tree, explored its secret nests, raced to its sturdy trunk, read in its cool shade, or made pies with its pecans…

Nell buried a seed. And just as Nell’s tree grows and thrives with her love and care, so do generations of her close-knit family.

The Old Truck by Jerome Pumphrey and Jarrett Pumphrey

When is an old truck something more? On a small, bustling farm, a resilient and steadfast pickup works tirelessly alongside the family that lives there, and becomes a part of the dreams and ambitions of the family’s young daughter.

After long days and years of hard work leave the old truck rusting in the weeds, it’s time for the girl to roll up her sleeves. Soon she is running her own busy farm, and in the midst of all the repairing and restoring, it may be time to bring her faithful childhood companion back to life.

The Tree and the River by Aaron Becker

In an alternate past—or possible future—a mighty tree stands on the banks of a winding river, bearing silent witness to the flow of time and change. A family farms the fertile valley. Soon, a village sprouts, and not long after, a town. Residents learn to harness the water, the wind, and the animals in order to survive and thrive. The growing population becomes ever more industrious and clever, bending nature itself to their will and their ambition: redirecting rivers, harvesting lumber, reshaping the land, even extending daylight itself. . . .

Watercress by Andrea Wang, illustrated by Jason Chin

While driving through Ohio in an old Pontiac, a young girl’s Chinese immigrant parents spot watercress growing wild in a ditch by the side of the road. They stop the car, grabbing rusty scissors and an old paper bag, and the whole family wades into the mud to gather as much as they can.

At first, she’s embarrassed. Why can’t her family just get food from the grocery store, like everyone else? But when her mother shares a bittersweet story of her family history in China, the girl learns to appreciate the fresh food they foraged—and the memories left behind in pursuit of a new life.

Together, they make a new memory of watercress.

We All Play by Julie Flett

This wonderful book celebrates playtime and the connection between children and the natural world. Beautiful illustrations show:

• birds who chase and chirp!
• bears who wiggle and wobble!
• whales who swim and squirt!
• owls who peek and peep!
• and a diverse group of kids who love to do the same, shouting: We play too! / kimêtawânaw mîna

Witch Hazel by Molly Idle

Something magical happens when Hazel and Hilda are together. As the seasons pass, Hazel’s broom whisks the dust off many years of joyful memories, and young Hilda watches them come to life. But is it magic making memories…or are memories making magic?

The Yellow Bus by Loren Long

There is a bright yellow bus who spends her days driving. She loves carrying children from one important place to another. Every morning they climb in . . . Pitter-patter, pitter-patter, giggle, giggle-patter. And they fill her with joy.

As time passes, things change. The Yellow Bus gets a new driver, a new route, and new passengers, young and old. Until one day the driving stops for good, and the Yellow Bus is left on her own. And yet, no matter where she is, the Yellow Bus still finds joy and discovery in the world around her.