I’m an adult who’s a huge fan of picture books, so I agree with the sentiment that picture books are for everyone. But older kids who are determined to seem older than they are might balk at the idea of reading picture books, no matter how good they are.
A good way to keep them interested in this format is to have picture book readalouds during homeroom or before bed if you’re a parent. The books on this list are some of the best picture books for older kids in terms of interest level, stronger plot, and subject matter maturity level. I can guarantee that even your teens will like them.
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15+ Great Picture Books for Older Kids
Here are 15+ fantastic picture books for older kids:
The Pink Umbrella
Published: January 2, 2018
On sunny days, Adele is bright, happily welcoming customers to her cafe and supporting her community. But on rainy days, it’s hard to get outside, so a friend starts leaving her little pick-me-ups like rainboots and a beautiful umbrella. This sweet picture book highlights the power of friendship and community — older kids might even say a touch of romance.
Marshmallow Clouds
Published: March 15, 2022
Poetry-loving kids will adore this picture book collection of 30 poems by Ted Kooser and Connie Wanek. The poems are quirky and feature everyday moments presented in the most beautiful language with the perfect use of various figures of speech. This is a great addition to any unit about poetry or figures of speech.
Love in the Library
Published: February 8, 2022
Based on the author’s grandparents’ love story in a Japanese Relocation camp in the US, Love in the Library follows Tama (the camp librarian trying not to despair) and George (the man she falls in love with). This sweet picture book gently highlights the injustice done to Japanese-Americans during this time period while celebrating an inspiring love story.
Watercress
Published: March 30, 2021
In this moving picture book, author Andrea Wang shares a poignant memory about picking watercress from the side of the road with her Chinese immigrant parents, for whom the vegetable holds important memories. It explores the frustration first-generation children of immigrants may feel with their parents’ culture and behaviors while examining the power of history and those memories.
Elephants Come Home
Published: May 18, 2021
Nature lovers and fans of history will adore this picture book about the elephant whisperer Lawrence Anthony and his special relationship with a herd of seven elephants in Thula Thula, South Africa. The stunning art in this book brings the African savannah to life beautifully.
Girl on a Motorcycle
Published: September 8, 2020
It’s Paris in 1973, and Anne-France Dautheville decides to travel the world on her motorcycle. From Europe to Asia and the Middle East, she experiences diverse cultures and discovers just how strong she is, how good people are, and how lovely the world is. I love the whimsical illustrations in this book and as a travel lover, it feels like the perfect picture book.
The Oldest Student
Published: January 7, 2020
This gorgeous picture book tells the impressive story of Mary Walker, who learned to read when she was over 100 years old. With Oge Mora’s collage-style illustrations, readers follow Walker’s life from her years as a slave to her free years to the struggles she faced even as a free woman, and the eventual freedom and satisfaction she felt at being able to read — a lifelong dream.
Big
Published: May 2, 2023
This book blew me away. A baby girl is cheered on for growing bigger—until she isn’t. Until her bigger body becomes something to hide. Thankfully, she reclaims herself before it’s too late. Hand to kids and adults everywhere—especially those who can’t catch a break because of the way their bodies look. I loved, loved, loved this book!
When You Can Swim
Published: May 2, 2023
When her mom takes her daughter to the pool for the first time, she shares all the wonderful experiences she can gain when she learns to swim. Breathtaking illustrations portray people of different ages, races, genders, and even a girl with a prosthetic limb (I gasped!) swimming. The text is rhythmic and sparse—perfect for readers of all ages.
The 1619 Project: Born on the Water
Published: November 16, 2021
This incredible picture book traces the powerful origins of Black Americans, not beginning with slavery, but from the beautiful culture of their African origins down through the history of slavery until now as the Americans they are. The imagery and poetry in this book are breathtaking and so inspiring.
Solitary Animals: Introverts of the Wild
Published: March 8, 2022
Are your kids introverts? Then you’ll love this new picture book about solitary animals in the wild. We learn that some animals are more social and move in packs while others prefer a more solitary life. The dazzling imagery and animal trivia in this picture book make it a breathtaking read.
Berry Song
Published: July 19, 2022
Got a plant lover or aspiring botanist on your hands? They’ll love this beautiful picture book about the many kinds of berries and the culture of the Tlingit tribe, of which the author is a member. The visuals in this book are gorgeous and there’s a nice glossary to learn more about each berry at the end.
Yes We Will: Asian Americans Who Shaped This Country
Published: May 3, 2022
Meet a superbly talented group of Asian Americans who are making and have an impact in the world of politics, media, sports, and more. With words by Kelly Yang and beautiful illustrations by multiple Asian-American illustrators. There’s also back matter that dives deeper into each profile.
Wonders of the Night Sky
Published: May 9, 2023
For millennia, curious people have looked to the sky and wanted to understand the wonders that appeared. Readers can connect to the many parts of our universe visible to the naked eye and make inspiring connections to the science behind the stellar backdrop with this well-researched book that gives a definitive look at the marvels above us with accessible facts and dazzling illustrations.
Do You Remember?
Published: October 3, 2023
In a series of warm and wistful vignettes, as achingly fleeting as childhood memories always become, Sydney Smith takes us into the mind of a young person processing a bevy of complex emotions during a major life change. This was stunning, so evocative, and is sure to open up room for a ton of discussion for older kids!
Dreamers
Published: September 4, 2018
Based on Morales’ own experience as an immigrant, DREAMERS highlights the disorienting experience of moving countries, especially with a language barrier. She also centers the story on the gift of books and the library at a time when she most needed to find home. I enjoyed this one tremendously and believe it’s a necessary addition to your picture book collection!
Get a printable of this list to take to your library. Just pop your email in the box below and it’ll come right to you!
There they are: 15+ of the best picture books for older kids! Which of these books have you read and loved? What did I miss? How do you use picture books for older kids?
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