In these books, pictures and words combine to make the perfect escape into another world. These books are for children, but you will enjoy them, too. Try reading one of these, or a favorite from your bookshelf, to a child today, September 6, and celebrate Read a Book Day!
I was an adult, teaching school and struggling, when my friend Marianne gave me these three books. They came at a time when I needed a little escape and some courage to keep going. Sometimes a book fills a need perfectly.
Miss Rumphius, written and illustrated by Barbara Cooney
This story tells the life of a little girl who eventually became an old lady and how she found something to do to make the world more beautiful. The illustrations depict far away places, a home by the sea and of course, the thing that made the world more beautiful. You will be inspired to do your part in ‘making the world more beautiful’ and you will see that it doesn’t have to be complicated.
The Day of Ahmed’s Secret by Florence Parry Heidi
This story takes place in one day of Ahmed’s life. He goes along the streets delivering ‘butagaz’ to his customers. All day long he also carries a special secret he plans to tell his parents and the rest of the family when he gets home. The watercolor pictures are almost a visit Cairo. You will notice that carrying a happy secret in your heart makes even the most common day exciting.
Time of Wonder by Robert McCloskey
Or maybe you would like a mini visit a Maine island. Time of Wonder describes life on an island in lyrical prose. The main event is watching a storm come in off the ocean and battening down the hatches to be ready for it. You will experience the excitement and thrill of the storm and the calm and sometimes questions, that come afterward. This is how life is.
What picture books are dear to your heart? Share in the comments below what picture books you enjoy reading and how it might apply to adult life.
-Liz
So She Reads 
8 responses to “Picture Books Worth Reading As An Adult”
“WOO HOO, YOU’RE DOING GREAT!” By Sandra Boynton is a new picture book that touches my heart and inspires me. It is about encouraging words, both to others and ourselves. Highly recommend ♡
One of my favorites is Locomotive by Brian Floca. Traveling on a steam train is the perfect getaway. The details in the pictures are so fun. Best read aloud😉
Happiness Lives Here. It’s about three little mice who are all unhappy with their individual homes. The pictures and the ending are delightful.
Christmas Day in the Morning. My MIL introduced me to this book and a Christmas doesn’t go by without reading this book numerous times!
The Children who Loved Books. They realized just how much they loved the books when they decided to clean out their house.
Some of my favorites are the Journey trilogy by Aaron Becker. They are imaginative wordless stories with incredible illustrations that are fun to “read”.
Others I love: In the Forest by Marie Hall Ets, The Gardener by Sarah Stewart, When Jessie Came Across the Sea by Amy Hest
Thank you all for the wonderful recommendations! Happy reading today!
I love Miss Rumphius. When I was teaching, a dear friend gave it me to read to my students. They were fascinated with this story. The next fall I harvested lupine seeds from a neighbor’s garden and a little school friend and I scattered seeds in the ditch “along the edge of the forest”, so all the people going by could enjoy lupines in the summer. Thanks for bringing up that memory! Thanks for your wonderful blog!
My latest favorite picture books is The Little Red Hen Who Couldn’t Lay an Egg by Darcy Friesen. Beautiful watercolor painting illustrations! We are going through a season of waiting right now… and this book inspires me every time I read it to my little.
Hi Anonymous! I looked up The Little Red Hen book and it looks delightful. Thank you for the recommendation!