Favorite Picture Books?

I'm curious to know what some of your favorite picture books are... and why?

Jeez, where to start?
Tell you what. I’ll begin if you guys will add your own.

Actual Size
There’s your hook right there—everything in the book, all the animals and parts of animals, is actual size. One of those ideas that seems all kinds of obvious once it’s in your hands. And Steve Jenkins is fabulous. Over and over he takes nonfiction topics, trims them eloquently down to kid size, and illustrates the heck out of them.

Squawk to the Moon, Little Goose
An old, out-of print one. Illustrated by Barbara Cooney. This book scared and thrilled me as a child. It’s a good reminder of the fact that children want to be protected, but not sheltered. They want to talk about the dangerous world.

Skippyjon Jones
This is just so much fun to read. Verve, humor, and an impressive facility with language. And adorable pastels. I may start stalking Judy S.