Pam Coughlan's Picture Book List

Pam Coughlan writes the blog MotherReader (where she recently posted a great answer to the infamous NYT article on picture books), administrates the website KidLitosphere Central, and contributes to the blogger book awards, the Cybils, as the Fiction Picture Book organizer.

Here's her entry:

When Fuse#8 was working to put together the incredible list of the Top 100 Picture Books, I submitted my contribution as books that came top-of-mind quickly. So I have my own favorites as a child, my first favorites to read to my kids, and my first favorites as a librarian. There are hundreds of
picture books I have loved and do love, but these are the ones that jumped out.
THE KING by Dick Bruna
The king was sad because all he wanted was a friend, not a crown. I drew teardrops all over this book, bless my heart.
BREAD AND JAM FOR FRANCES by Russell Hoban Picky eaters unite! I loved all the Frances books and can only choose this as a favorite by a slight margin.


THE MONSTER AT THE END OF THIS BOOK by Jon Stone, illustrated Mike SmollinGrover talking directly to the reader made this book absolute genius.
THE GROUCHY LADYBUG by Eric CarleIt's hard to pick one Eric Carle book, but I really like doing the grouchy voice while reading this aloud.
ON THE DAY YOU WERE BORN by Debra FrasierI never get through this book without tearing up. It's a great baby shower gift.
GUESS HOW MUCH I LOVE YOU by Sam McBratney
This book does a wonderful job of reflecting the love and relationship between
parent and child.
CHICKA CHICKA BOOM BOOM, by Bill MartinIf you think this book is fun to read, watch the video or listen to the CD of
the music. Catchy.
DON'T LET THE PIGEON DRIVE THE BUS! by Mo Willems Funny, clever, and the perfect read-aloud. Mo-tastic.
KNUFFLE BUNNY, A CAUTIONARY TALE by Mo Willems
Again: funny, clever, and the perfect read-aloud, but with the bonus
of being feeling familiar to moms and dads.
HOW TO HEAL A BROKEN WING by Bob Graham
I'll stand by the 2008 Cybils winner as being an outstanding book about courage,
kindness, and love.