Celebrating Picture Book Month with Favorite Books from Different Decades

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November is National Picture Book Month! This year, we’re excited to share a blog about the most popular books from every decade for the past 100 years.

This collection of books features many of the most beloved, nostalgic pictures books of all time.

1920s

The Velveteen Rabbit by Margery Williams (Author), William Nicholson (Illustrator), Doubleday (Publisher)

Once you are Real you can't become unreal again. It lasts for always.

This wondrous tale of the velveteen rabbit has delighted readers of all ages with its story of transformation and redemption through a child's unwavering love.

At first a brand-new toy, now a threadbare and discarded nursery relic, the velveteen rabbit is saved from peril by a magic fairy who whisks him away to the idyllic world of Rabbitland. There, he becomes ""Real,"" a cherished childhood companion who will be loved for eternity.

Notable mentions: Winnie the Pooh, Millions of Cats

1930s

The Little Engine That Could by Watty Piper (Author), George Hauman & Doris Hauman (Illustrator), Grosset and Dunlap (Publisher)

The kindness and determination of the Little Blue Engine have inspired millions of children around the world since the story was first published in 1930. Cherished by readers for over ninety years, The Little Engine That Could is a classic tale of the little engine that, despite her size, triumphantly pulls a train full of wonderful things to the children waiting on the other side of a mountain.

1940s

Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown (Author), Clement Hurd (Illustrator), Harper Collins (Publisher)

In a great green room, tucked away in bed, is a little bunny. "Goodnight room, goodnight moon." And to all the familiar things in the softly lit room—to the picture of the three little bears sitting on chairs, to the clocks and his socks, to the mittens and the kittens, to everything one by one—the little bunny says goodnight.

One of the most beloved books of all time, Goodnight Moon is a must for every bookshelf. This board book edition is the right size for little hands and is the perfect gift for baby showers, toddler birthday parties, and holidays.

1950s

Harold and the Purple Crayon by Crockett Johnson (Author), Harper Collins (Publisher)

One evening Harold decides to go for a walk in the moonlight. Armed only with an oversize purple crayon, young Harold draws himself a landscape full of wonder and excitement.

Harold and his trusty crayon travel through woods and across seas and past dragons before returning to bed, safe and sound. Full of funny twists and surprises, this charming story shows just how far your imagination can take you.

1960s

Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak (Author/Illustrator), Harper Collins (Publisher)

This iconic story has inspired a movie, an opera, and the imagination of generations. When Max dresses in his wolf suit and causes havoc in the house, his mother sends him to bed. From there, Max sets sail to an island inhabited by the Wild Things, who name him king and share a wild rumpus with him. But then from far away across the world, Max smells good things to eat...

Let the wild rumpus continue as this classic comes to life like never before with new reproductions of Maurice Sendak's artwork. Astonishing state-of-the-art technology faithfully captures the color and detail of the original illustrations. Sendak himself enthusiastically endorsed this impressive new interpretation of his art.

Mary Pols of Time magazine wrote that "what makes Sendak's book so compelling is its grounding effect: Max has a tantrum and in a flight of fancy visits his wild side, but he is pulled back by a belief in parental love to a supper 'still hot." Generations have shared this beautiful picture book, and children of all ages will want to return to it again and again.

1970s

Frog and Toad Are Friends by Arnold Lobel (Author/Illustrator), Harper Collins (Publisher)

From writing letters to going swimming, telling stories to finding lost buttons, Frog and Toad are always there for each other—just as best friends should be.

Frog and Toad Are Friends is a Level Two I Can Read book, geared for kids who read on their own but still need a little help. Whether shared at home or in a classroom, the engaging stories, longer sentences, and language play of Level Two books are proven to help kids take their next steps toward reading success.

New York magazine's The Strategist chose Frog and Toad Are Friends as one of the "Best (Nonobvious) Baby Books to Bring to a Shower." As The Strategist stated: "The stories are just so hilarious and entertaining (and moving) that they really hold the imagination of a tiny tot. The illustrations are incredible, too."

The classic Frog and Toad stories by Arnold Lobel have won numerous awards and honors, including a Newbery Honor (Frog and Toad Together), a Caldecott Honor (Frog and Toad Are Friends), ALA Notable Children’s Book, Fanfare Honor List (The Horn Book), School Library Journal Best Children’s Book, and Library of Congress Children’s Book. The series has also been adapted into a Broadway Musical and an Emmy-nominated animated series on Apple TV+.

1980s

If You Give a Mouse a Cookie by Laura Numeroff (Author), Felicia Bond (Illustrator), Harper Collins (Publisher)

This book is a great first introduction to Mouse, the star of the If You Give... series and a perennial favorite among children. With its spare, rhythmic text and circular tale, If You Give a Mouse a Cookie is perfect for beginning readers and story time. Sure to inspire giggles and requests to "read it again!"

The award-winning If You Give a Mouse a Cookie, one of the most beloved children’s books of all time, is from the #1 New York Times bestselling team Laura Numeroff and Felicia Bond. Other favorites in this series include:

If You Give a Cat a Cupcake
If You Give a Dog a Donut
If You Give a Moose a Muffin
If You Give a Pig a Pancake
If You Give a Pig a Party

1990s

The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn (Author), Ruth. E. Harper and Nancy M. Leak (Illustrators), Tanglewood (Publisher)

School is starting in the forest, but Chester Raccoon does not want to go. To help ease Chester's fears, Mrs. Raccoon shares a family secret called the Kissing Hand to give him the reassurance of her love any time his world feels a little scary. Since its first publication in 1993, this heartwarming book has become a children's classic that has touched the lives of millions of children and their parents, especially at times of separation, whether starting school, entering daycare, or going to camp. It is widely used by kindergarten teachers on the first day of school. Stickers at the back will help children and their parents keep their Kissing Hand alive.

2000s

Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus by Mo Williams (Author/Illustrator), Hyperion Books for Children (Publisher)

When a bus driver takes a break from his route, a very unlikely volunteer springs up to take his place-a pigeon! But you've never met one like this before. As he pleads, wheedles, and begs his way through the book, children will love being able to answer back and decide his fate.

In his hilarious picture book debut, popular cartoonist Mo Willems perfectly captures a preschooler's temper tantrum.

Notable mentions: Knuffle Bunny, Llama, Llama Red Pajama, The Lion and the Mouse

2010s

I Want My Hat Back by Jon Klassen (Author/Illustrator), Candlewick (Publisher)

The bear’s hat is gone, and he wants it back. Patiently and politely, he asks the animals he comes across, one by one, whether they have seen it. Each animal says no, some more elaborately than others. But just as the bear begins to despond, a deer comes by and asks a simple question that sparks the bear’s memory and renews his search with a vengeance. Told completely in dialogue, this delicious take on the classic repetitive tale plays out in sly illustrations laced with visual humor — and winks at the reader with a wry irreverence that will have kids of all ages thrilled to be in on the joke.