Many of us love collecting books for our little ones, curating libraries to help them learn colors and counting, feelings and friendship. But after going through all those Dr. Seuss rhymes, board books with buttons that make noises, and touch-and-feel books that seem to focus mostly on farm animals, parents are often looking for something a little more unique. Variety is the spice of life, right?
After all, we can only read Chicka Chicka Boom Boom so many times before you want to mix up the bedtime routine a little bit!
That’s why we’ve pulled together a list of lesser-known picture books that are perfect for toddlers and early elementary kiddos! Many of these books are by independent authors who have incredible stories to tell. Supporting them is like supporting a small business, and you and your kids get the joy of reading amazing books that spark wonder, learning, and positivity!
Picture Books You’ve Never Heard Of
Check out this list of lesser-known kids books! Your little ones are guaranteed to enjoy these stories! And if you like them, recommend them to your library, local preschool, or another mom friend!
There Was a Zookeeper: This is a cute story about forgiveness and decision-making. The zoo animals don’t know what to do when their snacks keep disappearing, but they end up making things right in the end. Jodie Campbell is a self-published author who received media recognition for her friendship with illustrator Alexey Chystikov, a Kyiv native who worked on the pictures for the book while living in an active war zone.
Tiny Lights: If your kiddos are mesmerized by bugs and nature, this book is for them! Ollie, the main character, has a little bug friend who helps him learn all about kindness and compassion. Brian Naylor, the author, is also self-published, and he sells Tiny Lights in English and Spanish.
Sleep Baby, Safe and Snug: This book is a helpful reminder of safe sleep practices. Simply put, it’s a sweet story about getting a baby ready for bed. The author, Dr. John S. Hutton, is a pediatrician at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital.
Mommies Work: This is a super cute book with super cute illustrations. The book follows moms of all different shapes, sizes, colors, and styles as they go to work, whether that means they go to an office, stay home with babies, work on a computer, or teach in a school. It emphasizes that mommies can do and be anything, but we all love our kids. This is author Kristin Cowart Pierce’s debut book.
Frankie’s Fishy Feelings: It’s hard to teach little ones about big topics like mental health and anxiety, but books like this one make it easier. The story follows Frankie as she starts school for the first time, and she doesn’t feel so well. The book highlights in kid terms how anxiety feels and how to manage it. Author Quincy Kadin published this book while still in high school!
Even Superheroes Get Scared: This is one book in a series that shows how superheroes are just like us. They have feelings, make mistakes, and try to be better. Author Shelly Becker is a longtime writer who has published more than 20 books for children!
Turn the Page
Rereading good books is never a bad thing, but don’t get stuck in a rut! Introduce your kiddos to the wide world of books that are out there! Visit your library. Swap books with friends. Give books as gifts for special celebrations, from baby showers to graduation.
There’s so much to read, so enjoy it all! And, foster that love of the written word with the children in your life. It’s something they will cherish forever.