For years I’ve collected oodles of picture books — as inspiration, for precedent research, and because, frankly, they look pretty on the shelf.

Take a spin below to discover some of my favorites — across the publishing eras — and why I love them.

Beginning with …

The Last 10 Years:

In my efforts to stay current, I have accidentally fallen hard for lots of newer releases in the picture book landscape.  Click each to learn why!

Older Than 10 Years:

The selections below cover a wide swath of history: from roughly my birth year, to the era when I started creating books professionally. Click each to learn why it made The List.

Older Than 40 Years:

Perhaps I am anachronistic, but I am a moth to the flame when it comes to older picture books (like...older than me). Without going "too vintage" (no religious primers or McGuffey Readers here!), these weathered stories are just as beguiling today.  Click each to learn why.