Yes, I write them, so justify buying them even though my kids are adults, however they are all kinds of amazing. The way the author and illustrator work together to tell stories that entertain and educate readers of all ages is something special.

I didn’t set out to collect picture books. It started when my kids were small. They were obsessed with pirates, dinosaurs, and trains, so we bought picture books on those topics. Then tastes changed and they grew up, but I couldn’t bring myself to part with most of the picture books, keeping ones that were special.

Then my nephews came on the scene and would visit often. They would be here for storytime, so I added to my collection with some that looked like fun. Even during lockdowns, my nephews would Facetime me and ask for stories from my collection… often starting with The Monster at the End of this Book featuring Grover, and then letting me read some bother books on my shelves.

When I got back into creative writing and immersed myself in creating picture books, I would buy copies of books by my friends, as well as picture books on the themes of the stories I was writing to get a feel for what else was out there. This has continued to the present day.

This collection has grown over the years and doesn’t show many signs of slowing down. I have purchased more books as well as been gifted some. My family and friends know that an amazing picture book will always be a welcome gift. For a while I did book reviews and received copies of picture books to review, not to mention my friends continuing to publish some amazing titles.

A while ago, I was challenged to count my collection and there were nearly 300 books! This did not include those I have downloaded on kindle.

There is something special about curling up with a child to read a picture book. There is also something special about immersing yourself in the pages of a beautiful picture book.

I have also found that picture books are great when my neurospicy brain is tired from too much stimulation and I really want to read. The story is short, and the pictures help tell the story.

Remember: you are never too old to enjoy a picture book, on your own or with someone else.

Do you have any favourite picture books I should check out & add to my collection? (assuming it’s not already there)

The featured image is just some of my picture book collection!

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