16 awesome picture books for kids

If you grew up in Canada in the ’80s (here!) you likely remember the animated short about a log driver— it aired during cartoons. The iconic story is back to delight a new generation. “For he goes birling down and down white water, that’s where the log driver learns to step lightly..." Where to buy: indigo.ca

Eraser’s not like Glue, who keeps things together, or Pencil, who’s always on point. Ruler and Pencil Sharpener are the only school supplies who appreciate Eraser, who’s tired of cleaning up everyone’s mistakes. When she decides to go out on her own, everyone realizes how important Eraser is. Where to buy: indigo.ca

Great Scott! Marty McFly is back, this time in a picture book. Introduce your kids to Marty who travels to the 1950s (with mad scientist Doc in tow) and meets his teenaged parents. Fans of the flick will get a kick out of the adorable illustrations (Doc's so cute!). Where to buy: Indigo.ca

Little Bear's mum is strong—she can carry everything from her cub's bike to Flamingo's piano. Eventually Little Bear realizes that even mums get tired and need a hand. This is a special story about helping each other and the sweet relationship between parent and child. Where to buy: indigo.ca

"Love this book! It's so simple. Full of animals, emotions and hugs! So easy to read that at a very young age the boys would read it back to me." Michelle Neumeyer, art directorWhere to buy: $7, amazon.ca

This little seed has a bad outlook, temper and manners. But no matter how bad we are feeling, we all have the will to change our attitudes. Where to buy: indigo.ca

"This book was a favourite with both my kids when they were little! It's a fun rhyming story about the day in the life of Baby. The illustrations are amazing and include so much detail. The best part of this book is that every other page has a hole cut out to get a glimpse of what's coming next in Baby's day." Lori Dickson, director of sales.Where to buy: $12, amazon.ca

"I was sent The Mess That We Made by Michelle Lord. It's all about the responsibility and the impact of our trash on the ocean and marine life. It's wonderful and timely." Jane Bradley, PresidentWhere to buy: $18, amazon.ca

Oliver Jeffers does it again with this heartwarming and thought-provoking tale about life on earth from land to sky. Where to buy: amazon.ca

Part of the Innovator series, meet Iggy, who loves to build. When his teacher declares that she doesn't like architecture, Iggy faces a dilemma—should he keep doing what he loves or stop to please someone else? Parents and kids alike will love the rhyming scheme of this one. Where to buy: indigo.ca

“We loved this sweet story about a mother’s love for her little bunny. The illustrations are adorable—our favourite was the little bunny pretending to be 'a crocus in a hidden garden.' We bought the board book version for easy holding by little hands.” Lianne Warne, Director of MarketingWhere to buy: $11, indigo.ca

Thelma is a pony and that's all well and good but she would rather be a unicorn. Then one day she becomes one and discovers it's not all it's cracked up to be. Being true to yourself rules. Where to buy: amazon.ca

This book teaches that colours are for everyone, blue isn't just for boys and pink isn't just for girls. Where to buy: indigo.ca

When Joseph was born, his grandfather made him a beautiful blanket. But over time it got tattered and torn, so his grandfather turned it into something else time and time again. Until one day, there's no fabric left to make anything. Where to buy: indigo.ca

Loosely based on the real-life Julia Child, this beautifully illustrated book is a celebration of friendship and food. Where to buy: indigo.ca

When Bear can't find his hat, he turns to his fellow animal friends for help. None of them have seen it, until a deer poses a question that sparks Bear's memory and reignites his search. Where to buy: amazon.ca