Picture Book Themes

By Donna Cangelosi

The beloved Dr. Seuss (Ted Geisel) believed that the best stories are those that address children's basic needs: love, security, belonging, achievement, knowledge, and change. He urged children's authors to write with these needs in mind. Seuss also noted that kids love fun, play, and nonsense. As a participant in Carrie Charlie Brown's Reading For Research March challenge (ReFoReMo), I recently read dozens of picture books and found that these themes still apply to recently released books. 

LOVE
I Wish You More- Written by Amy Krause Rosenthal, Illustrated by Tom Lichtenheld
Hug Machine- Written & Illustrated by Scott Campbell

SECURITY (Books about emotional security)
You Nest Here With Me- Written by Jane Yolen & Heidi Stemple, Illustrated by Melissa Sweet
I'd Know You Anywhere- Written & Illustrated by Nancy Tillman

BELONGING  (Includes books about friendship & fitting in)
Mostly Monsterly- Written by Tammi Sauer, Illustrated by Scott Magoon
Stick and Stone- Written by Beth Ferry, Illustrated by Tom Lichtenheld

ACHIEVEMENT (Includes books about perseverance, mastery, & empowerment)
Nanette's Baguette- Written & Illustrated by Moe Willems
Bunny's Book Club- Written by Annie Silvestro, Illustrated by Tatjana Mai-Wyss
Eddie the Bully- Written & Illustrated by Henry Cole
Charles Darwin's Around-The-World-Adventure- Written & Illustrated by Jenifer Thermes

KNOWLEDGE (Includes books about feelings & curiosity)
Normal Norman- Written by Tara Lazar, Illustrated by S. Britt
What Do You Do With An Idea- Written by Kobi Yamada, Illustrated by Mae Besom
Ada Twist Scientist- Written by Andrea Beaty, Illustrated by David Roberts
Rosie Rovere Engineer- Written by Andrea Beaty, Illustrated by David Roberts
Happy Dreamer- Written & Illustrated by Peter Reynolds

CHANGE (Includes books about loss, dreams & being different/going against the current)
Heart in the Bottle- Written & Illustrated by Oliver Jeffers
Always Ida- Written by Caron Lewes, Illustrated by Charles Santoso
I Dissent- Written by Debbie Levy, Illustrated by Elizabeth Baddeley
Ada Byron Lovelace and the Thinking Machine- Written by Laurie Walmark, Illustrated by April Chu

FUN AND PLAY
The Book With No Pictures- Written by B.J. Novak
Mary Had A Little Glam- Written by Tammi Sauer, Illustrated by Vanessa Brantley-Newton
Moo!- Written by David LaRochelle, Illustrated by Mike Wohnoutka
Meet the Dullards- Written by Sara Pennyparker, Illustrated by David Salmieri

THE TAKEAWAY- Writing picture books with themes that appeal to children help them feel understood, makes them want to turn the pages, and fosters a love of reading.

Please share themes you've found in picture books you've read. 

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