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Extraordinarily Beautiful Children's Picture Books

Capital City Press Featured Writer Jennifer Lavallee shares some of her favourite picture books.

Edmonton Public Library

10 items

  • A mesmerizing book filled to the brim with gorgeous illustrations, this story explores the concept of beauty and starts a conversation with young readers on who decides what it means to be beautiful. A worthy picture book that warrants a top spot on…
    Book, 2021Vancouver : Greystone Kids, [2021] — E CAP
  • The first in a series of picture books focused on the mythical story telling of Professor Brownstone, Arthur and the Golden Rope follows a young boy as he meets Thor and works to defeat Fenrir, a terrorizing wolf. This book’s illustrations are full…
    Book, 2020London : Flying Eye Books, 2020. — Beginning chapter books - Series B PBK
  • Capturing the real-life story of a young 18-year-old writer, this visually stunning picture book takes young readers on a journey exploring how Mary Shelley first created the horror genre with the most famous monster story of all time, Frankenstein.…
    eBook, 2018Tundra, 2018
  • The first book in the Hilda series, this picture book/graphic novel cross follows a young heroine on her adventures through a world of trolls, giants, talking trees, and other magical creatures from the mountains. A true epic adventure in a book…
    Graphic Novel, 2013London : Flying Eye Books, [2013] — J PEA
  • Josephine

    the Dazzling Life of Josephine Baker

    Powell, Patricia Hruby, 1951-
    This multiple award-winning picture book presents young readers with the amazing story of Josephine Baker. A real-life tale of struggle, perseverance, and an extraordinary life, Josephine is a fun and fascinating book that pairs historical…
    Book, 2014San Francisco : Chronicle Books, [2014] — J 927.928 BAK POW
  • A book about starting over somewhere new, The Day You Begin imparts on young readers the power behind telling your own story and lifting up one another. Written in poetic style with sweet illustrations, this book shares a special message about…
    Book, 2018New York, NY : Nancy Paulsen Books, [2018] — E WOO
  • With a unique and delightful style, author/illustrator Carson Ellis shares a simple story about the different places people call home. This book is a perfect example of why picture books are pure magic—incredible detail and thought have been…
    Book, 2015Somerville, Mass. : Candlewick Press, 2015. — E ELL
  • An Indigenous story and call-to-action on protecting the Earth’s water. This picture book is full of exquisite imagery and breath-taking illustrations. We Are Water Protectors is an important read that broaches critical topics such as environmental…
    Book, 2020New York, NY : Roaring Brook Press, 2020. — E LIN
  • Goodnight, Anne

    Inspired by Anne of Green Gables

    George, Kallie
    A sweet and stunningly illustrated picture book, Goodnight, Anne feels like literary comfort food. This story brings all the charm and remembrance of the Anne of Green Gable book series into a short story best read before bed. [Also available as a…
    eBook, 2018Tundra, 2018
  • Remarkable illustrations that stick with you anchor Birdsong, a beautifully descriptive and uplifting picture book by author/illustrator Julie Fleet. In this book, young readers encounter concepts such as intergenerational relationships, deep-rooted…
    Book, 2019Vancouver : Greystone Kids, [2019] — E FLE