THE 10 CHILDREN'S BOOKS YOU MUST SEE BEFORE YOU DIE! | BEAUTIFULLY ILLUSTRATED BOOKS!

This video was inspired by the month-long readathon I'm co-hosting with my friend, Jack (‪@spreadbookjoy‬ ). During the month of April, we are celebrating picture books. #picturethis2023
Books mentioned:
Animalia (1986) by Graeme Base
Children of the Forest (1910) by Elsa Beskow
Cinderella, or the Little Glass Slipper (1954) by Marcia Brown
Once a Mouse (1961) by Marcia Brown
Stone Soup (1947) by Marcia Brown
Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel (1939) by Virginia Lee Burton
The Gashlycrumb Tinies (1963) by Edward Gorey
Father Bear Comes Home (1959) by Else Holmelund Minarik, illustrated by Maurice Sendak
The Tale of Benjamin Bunny (1904) by Beatrix Potter
Outside Over There (1981) by Maurice Sendak
The Garden of Abdul Gasazi (1979) by Chris Van Allsburg
The Widow's Broom (1992) by Chris Van Allsburg
Flotsam (2006) by David Wiesner
King Bidgood's in the Bathtub (1985) by Audrey Wood, illustrated by Don Wood
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[@evagardner6013]

I’m so amazed you didn’t pick Jan Brett. She is my absolute favorite!

[@suemommie]

Yes, my favorite is “Fritz and the Beautiful Horses”. Another artist is Robin James. She illustrates books by Stephen Cosgrove. Beautiful series for children. Being a “horse girl” my favorite is “Nitter Pitter”.

[@chrisgriffin9696]

She is one of my favorites!

[@devinvanhorn1065]

Jan Brett is amazing!

[@jaldous]

I just walked by a Jan Brett display at my local bookstores.

[@beckywilliamson4741]

Retired Kindergarten teacher here....Jan Brett were my kids favorite. The illustrations were and are stellar! Put her on your revised video, please. No Kindergarten class is complete without, THE MITTEN!

[@Shellyish]

Thank you so much for the suggestion! I'll check out The Mitten.

[@sandrahayes9578]

I got to meet Jan Brett! She's delightful!

[@ebriggs3498]

Yes, The Mitten! My youngest son loved her books!

[@BILSEIT]

I was going to mention Jan Brett as well! Gorgeous pictures and the edges of each page showing what is happening between the main pictures. No mention of Ezra Jack Keats or Eric Carle either and they were ground-breakers in children’s illustrations!

[@sandrahayes9578]

​@@BILSEITYes!

[@ariannefowler455]

I loved this. Also, you'll never know what this video gave me! My 14yo son came and sat with me while I was watching this. He ended up leaning into me, and we cuddled while watching this and talking about our favorite children's books. I rarely get these moments with him anymore.

[@keslc]

I think Eloise Wikin’s illustrations in the vintage Little Golden Books are so sweet and beautiful! I also love the quirkiness that captures Ramona in the Ramona series written by Beverly Cleary and illustrated by Alan Tiegreen.

[@maryloujudy9496]

Tommie de Paola and his Strega Nona stories!

[@margretenglesson5834]

The US Postal Service honored Tomie de Paola with a Strega Nona stamp last year!

[@mothergooselibrarian.3257]

Hi Shelly! I’m a retired elementary school librarian and reading specialist. I love your videos on children’s books! Like me, I can see your passion for children’s literature!

[@Shellyish]

Awe! Thank you!!! I really love doing these videos. They are a true labor of love and I’m so glad someone enjoys them!

[@sonamchopra9344]

Do u have a channel?

[@ButterflyLullabyLtd]

Your a natural. The illustrators and authors are so lucky to have your kind support and free promotion. ♥️🎨🖌️

[@John-316URLOVED]

Arnold Lobel is so recognizable and sweet- I keep his books for their lovely illustrations... even as a 45 yr old woman without children (though I am a teacher :) ).

[@Shellyish]

His books are timeless!

[@AshleyZesiger]

I can't believe Tasha Tudor is not on this list!

[@patriciamersman3413]

I loved Tasha Tudor too. But my “mentor” in library school thought her work a little too saccharine. You can’t please everyone …

[@8ar6ara]

When my kids were little we loved Stephen Kellogg's books, the illustrations added so much to the story!

[@lh824]

Arthur Rackham and Maxfield Parrish - both timeless and very talented illustrators!

[@staceykeeling5842]

Yes to Don and Audrey Wood!! What a duo. Someone you didn't mention...Jan Brett. Oh her illustrations are truly art.

[@laurastrom9857]

I am probably older than your audience, but grew up with Arthur Rackham , Kate Greenaway, among some others. Both were magical to me. I read to my much younger brothers so experienced these illustrators being read to and then reading to my sibs.

[@ArtWench]

I'm a fine artist and am extremely persnickety about children's book illustrations. Topping my list is Cicely Mary Barker, the OG queen of fairies. To my mind, nobody has ever created a more perfect fairy. Also, Philippe Fix is the wonderful illustrator of Alexander and the Magic Mouse, which was one of my childhood favorites. And anything illustrated by either of the Hildebrandt brothers is pure magic. E.H. Shepard who was the original Winnie the Pooh illustrator will forever hold my heart. And don't forget Brian Selznick.

[@dulciemidwinter1925]

Agree about Cicely. I had these books when I was little. I was so pleased that you can still get them. I bought one for my grandaugter. Every little girl should have one, (not sure if boys woukd apprecuate them but you never know).and the illustrations are magic!

[@pamelaspooner7183]

@@dulciemidwinter1925yes, they are truly magic. I still read them.

[@victoriah.2083]

I do luv, luv Chris Vans Alsberg's work (especially "The Mysteries of Harris Burdick"). But among my top 3 Children's illustrators are: Tasha Tudor, Dr. Seuss and Brothers Hildebrandt. Dang, forgot Beatrix Potter & E.H. Shepherd. Had to add them.

[@krisscott4846]

Thanks for sharing this, Beatrix Potter was one of my all time favourites too, along with Richard Scarry, as well as the Ladybird books which I loved as a kid! I'm currently in the process of writing and illustrating my first children's book, something I've always wanted to do since I was a child who loved these books myself! :)

[@Shellyish]

Wonderful!

[@drusilladelp5162]

Ludwig Bemelmans - Madeline, Ferdinand the Bull - Robert Lawson

[@marciagross4985]

I just can't tell you how much I love Little Bear. Also the Frances books by Lillian Hoban.

[@Shellyish]

Those are great ones!

[@agorsline09]

Wanda Gag- Nothing at All & Millions of Cats The classic 80s - early 90s Berenstain Bear books have cartoony but really fun and well done illustrations

[@billiegiese906]

Wow. Mike Mulligan gas always been a family favorite. Now I understand the total package of books and stories.

[@barbara_liest_]

So happy that you have discovered Elsa Beskow, a true Swedish classic!

[@Shellyish]

She’s amazing.

[@ginakhirfan7889]

Don't Forget Jan Brett, her stories and Illustrations are amazing!

[@CalebsBookshelfAdventures]

These are beautiful books. The Tale of Benjamin Bunny is such a wonderful book! We love children's stories, we have read so many over the years! Great video, Rachel & Caleb ☺

[@Shellyish]

It really is!

[@margaretdionne1001]

My kindergarten classes loved Mem Fox! She is an Australia author and our favorites included: Possum Magic, The Magic Hat, and Tough Boris

[@minnow9391]

Hi I am from the UK, a librarian delighted to be introduced to Elsa Beskow. If you love detailed intricate realistic illustrations try Inga Moore. Illustrated classics like the Wind in the Willows and The Secret Garden and for the same reason Michael Foreman. Also Raymond Briggs .

[@annshawhan9827]

Trina Shart Hyman is my daughters and my favorite illustrator in a pantheon includes the ones you have presented.

[@karenalsbury167]

You are adorable. Fun video. I love childrens books. Your haircut is so cute.

[@Shellyish]

Oh thanks!

[@kparks8183]

Great books. Surprised not to see Tomie dePaola on your list. His writing and illustrations impacted our children over the years and still me to this day. The Strega Nona series and many more with both Caldecott and Newberry awards. He passed away a few years ago now.

[@saramartinez103]

Love his work!!! The art lesson 🥰🥰👌🥳

[@BILSEIT]

ERIC CARLE AND EZRA JACK KEATS!

[@starsmith1744]

I've always thought parents,grandparents, see the delight of pictures in books. Our laps are made to gather a child and a wonderful book and get lost in the story. May there never be an end to picture books.

[@kamidsjournee]

Two of my favorites are Tuesday written and illustrated by David Wiesner and Bamboozled written and illustrated by David Legge. I love your “picture book” videos. I also appreciate your review vocabulary. You’ve helped me look at these books in such a new way. I used to own hundreds of picture books, but I retired from teaching and kept only a few (hundred). 🥰

[@Shellyish]

I looked up Bamboozled and was very beautiful!

[@codyclaeys2008]

My fav illustrators are garth Williams Maurice sendeck

[@catzenhouse]

Garth Williams and E. H. Shepherd, my illustrating heroes. Also love the work of David McPhail, the late Jill Barklem. Adrienne Segur, among a score of others. I taught elementary art for a few decades and wanted to be a children's book illustrator. One of my closest friends was the school's librarian - we feed off each other!!

[@keslc]

Yes, I love Garth Williams illustrations in the Little House on the Prairie books!

[@cindymonk6994]

Yes! Agreed!!! Enriches life!!!

[@Rebecca-le9hn]

Jerry Pinkney is by far an excellent illustrator of children's books.

[@staceykeeling5842]

I was going to say the same thing! His illustrations are amazing!

[@susanb4317]

Agree! Love his books, I have them all!

[@Rebecca-le9hn]

@@susanb4317 he also designed a few US Postage Stamps.

[@CynthiaJanowiecki]

Thank you for sharing your favorites. I would add the simplicity of Shel Silverstein. His simple illustrations along with his whimsical stories and poetry brought so much joy and laughter to me and my children over the years.

[@Shellyish]

I love his poetry!

[@dmbalsam]

Love Robert McCloskey.

[@janiceshore455]

I’m poorly with Covid for the 4th time and was feeling pretty low- then I discovered you!!! I’ve absolutely loved this and as you talked, I went on eBay and Vinted and purchased 5 of the books you recommended! Thank you so much xxx

[@Shellyish]

How kind! Enjoy the books!!!!!!!

[@janiceshore455]

I watched another one and managed to get a copy of Farmhouse and Bedtime for Bo! I am so excited xxx thank you so much Shelley from the UK X

[@ghill4947]

FLOTSAM! One of the most unique children’s book I’ve ever owned. Child or adult can get lost in it. And Audrey & Don Woods, all of their books are beautiful. My favorite is The Napping House.

[@novelideea]

Van Allsburg ♥️ I agree the I love the pencil & charcoal more than the colored illustration by him. Potter♥️ Gorey♥️ Sendak♥️ Little Bear Books are some of our favorites! Beskow♥️♥️♥️ she was my oldest daughter’s second favorite illustrator! She’s magical. Wood’s Napping House & The Little Mouse,The Red Ripe Strawberry, & The Big Hungry Bear are still favorites to this day ♥️ Great list!!

[@Shellyish]

I’ll have to check out The Red Ripe Strawberry - it’s a new title to me, I think. ☺️

[@novelideea]

@@Shellyish it’s the whole thing The Little Mouse The red Ripe Strawberry & The Big Hungry Bear!

[@NancysFanciesDesign]

@@novelideea That is the cutest book, and my students always loved it when I read it with the silly voices!

[@pamelasokoll8324]

@@novelideea recently found a copy of the big hungry bear at an estate sale and gave it to my niece at her baby shower. She was delighted! My own kids were mildly miffed. They all remember it: a favorite.

[@megan2176]

Check out Graeme Base's Water Hole!! It's bonkers! He hides animals in the illustrations. There's a huge lion head that freaked me out in the best way, because you don't see it right away, then realize it's been watching you the whole time!! So good, shivers!! ❤❤❤

[@SophieBird07]

Barbara Cooney (Miss Rumphius, etc); all the Little Critter tales… “Just Shopping with Mom”, etc.

[@MargeConnelly]

Little Critter is a favorite. The 'I can read ' books are splendid.

[@TheJoyfulEye]

The Church Mice series by Graham Oakley are an absolute delight as well. Also John R. Neill who was the original illustrator of most of the Oz books by L. Frank Baum --- I read all of the Oz books when I was a child; they are magic! and I simply can't imagine the Oz books without their illustrations.

[@elaineporter182]

Thanks! I absolutely love Beatrix Potter. I’m unfamiliar with Animalia-will have to get this. Thanks for the recommendation

[@Shellyish]

You are so welcome!

[@lieselmcgregor4263]

Graham Base is Australian, if you haven’t delved into the amazing world of Australia’s picture book industry you are really missing something extremely special.

[@racheldee8361]

Virginia Lee Burton is my absolute favorite 💕💕💕

[@patriciamersman3413]

My values and even my life have been shaped by her ultimate classic: THE LITTLE HOUSE.

[@cindytoennies5538]

Jan Brett, Quentin Blake and Arthur Rackham!!!

[@FarmgirlFriday]

I am not sure why KZbin recommended this video to me this evening, but I’m so glad it did! Some favorite illustrators listed here, and some I wasn’t familiar with and now want to explore. So thank you! A favorite illustrator of mine that was not on your list is Marla Frazee, particularly her illustrations for The Seven Silly Eaters. Her nuance and ability to visually capture elements of the story that were not even written is just fascinating to me.

[@Shellyish]

Marla Frazee is so talented!

[@skyricharde6629]

Favorite children's books, because of the art and the stories. Stellaluna, and The Arrival (anything by Shawn Tan really)

[@Shellyish]

Shawn Tan is brilliant!

[@sandravermes4219]

Totally agree; I have all of them in my library.Thanks for sharing.

[@betsyturner8351]

One of my favorites is Lorinda Bryant Cauley. Many of her books, the ones she rewrote the stories to make them more interesting for her sons. Her illustrations are simply gorgeous !!

[@juliestewart5707]

I look forward to reading some of the books. Thank you!

[@Shellyish]

Enjoy!

[@eleanornelson5810]

Scuttle the Stowaway Mouse!!! Gorgeous illustrations.

[@mariruutinen]

Thanks for elaborating the used techniques.

[@loriemarchant5109]

I’m a retired kindergarten teacher and I love children’s books and illustrators! Eric Carle style art is fun to reproduce… paint paper, use tools to add marks, then collage with them. As a teacher I enjoyed using Jan Brett’s website to let kids try to create similar art. Ed Emberly’s Picture Pie was another fun one! I love Don Wood! Beatrix Potter has always been a favorite! This video has a man who is even more obsessed than we are!! kzbin.info/www/bejne/j4TdqmWHeLKJicksi=d1ujDnwnkpOcTbp4

[@Shellyish]

Thanks for sharing!!

[@box-botkids3267]

You are a beautiful woman. You glow with joy and wonder. Your family is lucky to have you as a wife and mother. Thank you for sharing your light.

[@Shellyish]

Wow, thank you. What kind words!

[@teresafuller3912]

No Richard Scarry..? 😊

[@deviritter5232]

So many of my favorites! I love children’s books.

[@Shellyish]

Me too! Especially the beautifully illustrated ones.

[@Bessie-On-Wheels]

I loved The Little Bear stories when I was a child.

[@Shellyish]

So precious!

[@AnnaMaledonPictureBookAuthor]

By Else Minarik and Maurice Sendak? Because they are also others with the same title. My younger son absolutely loved Minarik/Sendak book. It was his first long book he read on his own, and he reread it few more times.

[@mclassie77]

I grew up on those and still have some of them.

[@cynthiaguest4509]

Rachel Field, particularly Prayer for a Child

[@cynthiaguest4509]

And N.M. Bodecker Half Magic - Tales of Magic

[@ZaraAllegra]

Such lovely books, Flotsam looks wonderful, the colours reminds me a bit of Stephen Biesty's works a little. Recently, I've been obsessed with the works of Anne and Janet Grahame Johnstone, especially their works for Greek Mythology! I tried to find a copy, but sadly, they are incredibly rare and have yet to even see a battered copy on ebay! If you happen to find some copies, please shared them in your future video! :)

[@Shellyish]

Oh thank you!

[@bamboolaceway]

Great list! I would recommend There was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly, by Simms Taback, and Joseph had a Little Overcoat, also by Simms Taback. In each book, wonderful storytelling, coupled with clever use of a hole in the page which furthers the storytelling.

[@Shellyish]

Added!

[@omavicmcmurray2893]

Another great one: Jim LaMarche’s ‘The Elves and the Shoemaker’ It has gorgeous pictures and tender storytelling.

[@juliannearlene7244]

I am a US librarian and love many you mention but wanted to mention Dan Yaccarino, Tasha Tudor and Garth Williams who did the Little House books.

[@claireseyeviewonredbubble]

Some truly beautiful books, thank you.

[@Shellyish]

My pleasure!

[@GloriaZThompson]

Thank you for putting this list together! 💕 I need to check out many of these still.

[@Shellyish]

Enjoy! It was my pleasure!

[@BlissfulForever888]

I really enjoyed watching this! Thank you!

[@Shellyish]

You are so welcome!

[@AngelaDibble-qc2ot]

Loved this, so interesting. I share your passion for these artists and story tellers. I collect beautifully illustrated books. I've just subscribed to your channel. Thank you.

[@Shellyish]

Thanks for sharing!

[@KellyannMitchell]

Thanks for these recommendations and flip through Shelly. I will be checking out some of these authors you mentioned 🤗

[@Shellyish]

Thank you so much, Kelly Ann! ☺️☺️

[@susanwoodard117]

A Tea Party in the Woods by Akiko Miyakoshi is wonderful! Love your list!

[@Shellyish]

I'll check it out!

[@Josher256]

one of my favorite books is The Day jimmy's Boa Ate the Wash Illustrated by Steven Kellogg written by Trinka Hakes Noble

[@tarquinmidwinter2056]

Thank you for this list. Some books here are new to me, with lovely illustrations. May I recommend my own favourite, The Mousehole Cat, written by Antonia Barber and illustrated by Nicola Bayley, a moving story as well as great illustrations. Nicola Bayley also illustrated Katje the Windmill Cat by Gretchen Woelfle, which is also nice, and has lots of side-illustrations in the style of Delft blue tiles.

[@Shellyish]

Great suggestion!

[@meshmeshnoor4083]

Really the most interesting and gorgeous video I have ever seen ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@Shellyish]

That makes me so happy!

[@krismip897]

Thanks so much for this video! These books are beautiful! I love more contemporary styles and I wanted to share my favorite illustrators: Victoria semykina, Isabelle Arsenault, Mark Janssen, Marina Ruiz❤

[@barbaramanickas6580]

As a retired Elementary School Teacher, I truly enjoyed this video (new subscriber). Some of my favorites

[@Shellyish]

Hi Barbara!! Welcome!!

[@edenstahr1044]

HELLO!!! Wonderful video! Look at the Quiltmakers gift!

[@pamelasokoll8324]

Great list. Glad you named some of my favorites: Burton, Baese, Beskow. Impossible to limit to 10! Holling Clancy Holling, the D’aulaires, Maud and Miska Petersham, Thomas Locker! Barbara Cooney, Marguerite de Angeli, Helen Sewell, Berta and Elmer Hader, Trina Schart Hyman, Howard Pyle!, yes, Tasha Tudor, Diane Goode, Wendy Halperin, Robert Lawson, Roy Gerard (funny) wow. Yes. Definitely a passion of mine. Thanks for compiling your favs.

[@patriciamersman3413]

I just rediscovered Holling C. Holling and was delighted to find an affordable box of his 5 books featuring different regions of the USA, beginning with Paddle to the Sea. All five in paperback, brand new, so I guess they are STILL IN PRINT. AMAZING. I read them in the 1940s, and they will go to my great nephews, born in the 21st century …

[@pamelasokoll8324]

@ yay! Good find. Such an enticing way for kids (&grownups) to learn.

[@bfranklin1052]

This was such a treat! I’m so glad the algorithm sent you to me. We have such a similar sensibility that when you’d say, ‘this list would not be complete without…’ I was thinking of the same book! 🎉 you introduced me to new books of which I’m so grateful 🙏 Thank you so much!

[@Shellyish]

So glad you enjoyed it!

[@randigerber1926]

Rosemary Wells Paul Galdone Joan Walsh Anglund Shirley Hughes Jill Barklem Roger Duvoisin Alice and Martin Provensen (wife & husband team) Margaret Bloy Graham Robert McCloskey.

[@JeriLandersofHopalongHollow]

Jill Barklem, Robert Ingpen, Helen Ward, Michael Hague are all excellent... and I will throw in a shameless plug for my own books, Jeri Landers

[@saramartinez103]

Jeri, you are the best!!!! So nice to see you here🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@normawoodburn9430]

Jan Brett

[@havvaildes6613]

thank you very much ! these books ara beautiful. I want to read all immediately.

[@faithjillhollander9666]

Please do have a look at books written and/or illustrated by Kay Chorao. So far my fave is The Baby's Good Morning Book.

[@zenclover8468]

This is my first video of yours that I have seen. It was nice to see some old classics and some one's i wasn't familiar with today.

[@Shellyish]

Welcome aboard!

[@hientan605]

Another great video, thank Shelly. Doing my homework on children books, and your videos are really helping. Checking out all the great picture books of past few years while waiting for my illustrator to be available to draw my picture book.

[@Shellyish]

You are so welcome.

[@e8fl3b]

Shrewbettina's Birthday by John S Goodall is WONDERFUL!!!!

[@victoriah.2083]

How about a follow-up vlog featuring books mentioned in comments? Hmm.

[@donnarion1147]

Some of my favorite illustrated books (young-ish?) books: A Cup of Christmas Tea by Tom Hegg, A Prayer for World Peace by Jane Goodall, and This is My Wish for You - 1914 poem by Charles Snell, 2000 Laughing Elephant Books edition with beautiful illustrations added. Wonderful video - thank you!

[@my4hvids]

Ashley Bryan was a wonderful author and illustrator. I knew about half of the books you chose and want to see some of the others in person. Flotsam looks amazing! Thanks for the list. I know, I did suggest Edward Gorey doesn't belong, but that's me! I wish my grandkids were still little!

[@Shellyish]

I’ve added Bryan to my list of authors to check out from the library. Honestly, as much as I recommend Gorey, I don’t actually read him to my children. Maybe when they get a bit older.

[@margretenglesson5834]

​@@ShellyishHe did some wonderful illustrations for Doris Orgel's Merry, Rose and Christmas-Tree June...which is where I first encountered his work, long before being gifted a copy of Amphigorey.

[@racheldee8361]

One additional illustrator I have to recommend is Barbara Cooney (specifically her book “Island Boy”). 💙💙

[@dqueenbee-ui7fl]

My absolute favorite is Gennady Spirin. Beautiful stuff!

[@kaitteachout3633]

Yes, Jan Brett

[@Wait4me2]

The Ships Cat is a beautiful book for both the illustrations and the prose. I adore this book.

[@Shellyish]

I've been meaning to read that one!

[@Wait4me2]

@@Shellyish it’s worth seeking out 😊

[@enriqueflorendo]

The Foodie Fox! Classic chapter book filled with magic and life lessons. Available on Amazon and is part of a 3 book series.

[@DonWhisner]

Great list! Once a mouse ...is a personal favorite

[@AnnaMaledonPictureBookAuthor]

I see similarities between Virginia Lee Burton and Wanga Gag. I wonder if Burton was inspired by Millions of Cats. I do have a lot of books illustrated by Maurice Sendak, including Little Bear which my younger son loved to bits, it was his first long book that he read himself and he reread the book few more times. Sendak later work is fab, but his earlier illustrations for Ruth Krauz books are quite simple not particularly pretty. I have all 23 of Beatrix Potter books, I'm quite obsessed with her style and her house is just 3hrs' away from my house. I didn't think much of Marcia Brown (I don't like the style of her Cinderella illustrations which won Caldecott I think) but Once a Mouse is fantastic, I love the style and energy they have. I will be trying to get it now that I know it exists. That book by Swedish illustrator is gorgeous too! The story reminds me so much of my childhood book from Poland. I will try to get that one too. Animalia is stunning. I know most of the others. Arnold Lobel has somewhat similar style to Beatrix Potter, at least his Frog and Toad books are similar, they are very sweet. I like Abner Graboff, he was a Russian illustrator but living in the US, I think. His style is totally different from the 10 books above so you may not like it, but I do and many other too.

[@marshaljames9344]

Thanks for inspiring us!

[@Shellyish]

Aw, thank you so much!

[@windowm6076]

....I'm with you on the drawings of Viginia Lee Burton! some other missed beauties: Joan Walsh Anglund, Holling Clancy Holling, Ingri & Edgar D'Aulaire, Kazue Mizamura, Eloise Wilkin, Lawrence Dwight Smith, Gyo Fujikawa, CW Anderson, Tasha Tudor, Brian Wildsmith, Elizabeth Orton Jones, Mable Pyne, Maude and Miska Petersham Robert McCloskey, Christopher Wormell (maybe less noteble, but wonderful: Joan Steiner, Cherry.) Wholesome, timeless in my humble opinion.

[@Shellyish]

I'm going to add a few of those to my reading list!

[@windowm6076]

​@@Shellyish I know many are out of print, and considered politically out, but they are still available."Paddle to the Sea" by Holling in it's early printing is spectacular. Fujiyama's "A Child's Garden of Verses," Petersham "The Christ Child," D'Aulaire's, "Abraham Lincoln"(very interesting as early 1933 edition--I think-- shows Abe without tears over his mom's death. Later ones show him crying.)All of those are amazingly beautiful printings (lithographs.) "My Mother and I" by Aileen Fisher, biology in rhyme, illustrated by Mizumura. Also by Mizumura "If I Were a Cricket," a sweet token of loving friendship. Joan Walsh Anglund (ANY done in her simple line style,) "Spring is a New Beginning," "What Color is Love?" I am a big fan of simple truth and what is gentle on the eyes and heart. I realize these aen't available at your local library...but if artistry is the subject, I thought these should not ever fade away.

[@pamelatarajcak5634]

My personal favorite is Kinuko Y. Craft. It feels like you've been dropped into the most glorious fairy tale.

[@Shellyish]

I looked at Craft’s work and it’s gorgeous.

[@T-M123]

I’m with you, love her illustrations and have tried to collect them , but still searching 🌟🐾🌟🕊️

[@pamelatarajcak5634]

@T-M123 get books by Patricia McKillip and you've got Crafts illustrations!

[@T-M123]

@@pamelatarajcak5634 thank you for the suggestion!🐾☔️🐾happy holidays

[@coloredbymaia6476]

Take a look at mossy the turtle, stunning illustrations by Jane Brett

[@sidneybales9062]

One book that is spectacular. The magic boots. Howard post did the artwork. It is a gorgeous book.

[@nbenefiel]

Leo Lioni, when I taught preschool my kids always clamored for Swimmy.

[@patriciamersman3413]

Add Lionni’s “Little Blue and Little Yellow”

[@ArningEchanoPH]

Edward Gorey!❤❤❤

[@Shellyish]

Love him!

[@patriciamersman3413]

@@Shellyishme too, but for children??

[@evelynwaugh4053]

​@@patriciamersman3413The preschoolers used to beg me for Gorey's The Wuggly Ump. It was their favorite.

[@Loud_Thinker]

Hi Shelly, I am about to become an author of a children's book early next year, we have just begun the illustrations!🎉🎉🎉 I wanted to say that yoir videos have been inspiring, informational, genuine and honest. Thank you for taking time to make them! Gökhan Çukurova

[@Shellyish]

Thank you!!

[@heidilucas5222]

Just wanted to say congratulations, that's huge! Wishing you all the best!

[@susanapplegate4251]

Brian Wildsmith is one of my favorite illustrators. Check out his book, The Little Wood Duck.