Spine Label

This is my second post covering Betsy Bird’s Top 100 Picture Books. You can see my post on books 101 to 90 here.

89. A Hole is to Dig: A First Book of First Definitions by Ruth Krauss

I’d never come across this book before but it’s quite cute. The illustrations are by Maurice Sendak, so you know they are delightful. But really, it’s hard not to like a book with lines like “Dogs are to kiss people.” I mean, really.

88. Stellaluna by Jannell Cannon

I’m not really into bats, but I do have a soft spot for little Stellaluna.

87. Kitten’s First Full Moon by Kevin Henkes

If this were my own personal list of ‘Top 100 Picture Books,’ this title would definitely be in the top 10. I love it so much I have my own copy. I love the black and white illustrations and the recurring phrase “Poor kitten!”

86. Yoko by Rosemary Wells

Yoko is a great gentle lesson in diversity.

85. Whistle for Willie by Ezra Jack Keats

Like many, I love Keats’ illustrations. They’re obviously retro and yet still managed to feel fresh 45 years later.

84. Chester’s Way by Kevin Henkes

I love that Chester is a calm, quiet mouse who likes peanut butter and croquet (and his best friend Wilson likes the same things). This is a cute story illustrating how being different isn’t really a bad thing.

83. The Lorax by Dr. Seuss

Yet another book I’d not read before. I like the subtle commentary on consumerism, greed and environmentalism.

82. Who Needs Donuts? by Mark Alan Stamaty

I love the amazingly detailed black and white drawings; I can see a child pouring over them for hours.

81. Possum Magic by Mem Fox

I’d read several Mem Fox books, but not this one. It’s a great introduction to Australian geography and food.

80. The Jolly Postman: or, Other People’s Letters by Janet Ahlberg

This is a book I remember from my own childhood. Unfortunately, it’s probably not in many library collections due to the copious amount of ephemera. Still, it’s a cute book and its charm only increases in the age of e-mail.