We write about our new titles on OOM all the time, but in honor of Picture Book Month, we wanted to revisit a few of the classic picture books from Scholastic’s list! See below for recommendations of some timeless favorites.
1) Clifford the Big Red Dog by Norman Bridwell
Clifford is one of Scholastic’s most recognizable characters—nowadays, there are 132 million Clifford books in print and the Big Red Dog stars in his own Emmy-winning TV show! Back in the early ‘60s, though, he was one of Scholastic’s very first picture book acquisitions. The original book, Clifford the Big Red Dog,was published in 1963, and introduces kids to this loveable canine, his owner—Emily Elizabeth—and one of the most endearing friendships around.
2) A Bad Case Of Stripes by David Shannon
David Shannon is well-known for his award-winning No, David series (which is celebrating its 20th anniversary next year!), but we wanted to highlight another beloved picture book from his collection. In A Bad Case of Stripes, Camilla Cream is so worried about what her friends think of her unusual fondness for lima beans that she breaks out in stripes! After spending the day looking a bit like a rainbow, Camilla learns to appreciate what it means to be true to yourself…even if other people raise their eyebrows at your vegetable of choice.
3) ‘Twas The Night Before Thanksgiving by Dav Pilkey
Just in time for Thanksgiving, it seemed appropriate to highlight a picture book by an author you know and love—Dav Pilkey, creator of Captain Underpantsand Dog Man! In his 1990 picture book ‘Twas the Night Before Thanksgiving, eight children take a field trip to a turkey farm—and come home with some surprising Thanksgiving guests.
4) How Do Dinosaurs Say Good Night?by Jane Yolen with illustrations by Mark Teague
As Jane Yolen explains on her blog, How Do Dinosaurs Say Good Night? began as a request from her editor, Bonnie Verburg; Bonnie wanted a dinosaurs-go-to-bed book to read at bedtime to her own son, who was a toddler. What little boy doesn’t love dinosaurs? The series is now in its seventeenth year, and the dinos have expanded their repertoire from bedtime antics to going to school, staying safe, celebrating birthdays, and, in 2018, learning to read!
- Shara Zaval, Scholastic Trade Marketing
