A friend recently told me he’s thinking of quitting his day job and becoming a children’s book writer & illustrator. After I told him he should definitely not do that and asked whether he had completely lost his mind, he was still determined. Incredible, right? No, actually, I didn’t tell him that. I thought about it, but he seemed ready and calm and dedicated, so no pessimism from me! If anyone can do it, it’s him.
He asked for picture book recommendations; I think he wanted a specific theme, but when I returned home and looked through my bookshelf, I realized a lot of the books I love have some kind of theme around being a misfit, not fitting in, having to convince others of your grandiose worldview. (Who’d have guessed, right?!?)
And I figured if I was sharing them with him, I might as well share them with you guys! Enjoy!
xoxo
(Don’t forget there’s a list of more in the main menu under “Inspiration,” too.)
A utensil with an identity crisis. Not a spoon, not a fork, just what the heck is he and where does he belong? A sweet story about finding your place in the world.
Clink’s a robot from a simpler time; he can’t compete with the flashier toys of today. So he sits on a shelf gathering dust. But somewhere, there’s someone for everyone…
A Child of Books by Oliver Jeffers
Typical Oliver Jeffers! Fun, unique illustrations with a wave made of words, a splatter of color all over the globe with words and images all mixed up together. A wondrous tribute to the power of reading.
The Most Magnificent Thing by Ashley Spires
This little girl is determined to make “the most magnificent thing”! (Yeah, me, too, hon. Me, too.) She tries and tries and tries and fails and fails and fails. (Um… me, too?) In frustration, she quits. (Yup.) But after a little walk break, she comes back with renewed energy and enthusiasm to tinker and tweak all over again.
Princess Hyacinth (The Surprising Tale of a Girl who Floated) by Florence Parry Heide
If she’s not tied down, Princess Hyacinth will just float away. Her parents the king and queen try to keep her down with pebbles and a heavy crown that weigh on her, but when Hyacinth meets a balloon man… she can’t resist going for a ride. Spoiler: She gets rescued by a boy. Some girls like being rescued by boys. Definitely a non-feminist princess story.
Mr. Tiger Goes Wild by Peter Brown
Mr. Tiger’s a colorful weirdo among a bunch of beige squares. He’s tired of always being so prim and proper. What happens when he gets a very wild idea?
Frangoline and the Midnight Dream by Clemency Pearce
Calling all ghostie girls and boys who enjoy the night… in the daytime, Frangoline is a very good girl. But at night, she dons her jet-black velvet cape and makes her escape! I mean, who doesn’t want to dance on tombstones? A fun bedtime romp for kids who’re tired of always following the rules. (Frangoline would probably get along quite well with Mr. Tiger…)
Leon and the Place Between by Grahame Baker-Smith
Gorgeous die-cut pages full of gold and purples and bright oranges make magic come to life in this tale of a special magician. A beautiful work of art that sings the power of imagination.
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