In thinking about what to write about for my first PB post, I started reflecting on the history of picture books. With that in mind, I’d like to feature a series on classic picture books throughout the decades. Sometimes a look into the past will help us (writers) to find fresh ideas. This week, I’ll begin with a look at the 1940’s through 1970’s. Each title is hyperlinked, so you can read a blurb on Amazon. Note: sometimes a link to the original version was not available.
This list is by no means comprehensive. I primarily chose books that I remember fondly from my childhood and have revisited with my own children. If you have a title you’d like to add, please leave a comment or message me. Happy Reading & Writing to all of my PB friends!
1940’s, 50’s, 60’s, and 70’s
Title – Author/Illustrator – Date of First Publication
Pat the Bunny by Dorothy Kunhardt — 1940 (the classic touch & feel book)
The Runaway Bunny by Margaret Wise Brown (author), Clement Hurd (illustrator) — 1942
Little Bear by Else Holmelund Minarik (author), Maurice Sendak (illustrator) — 1957
Danny and the Dinosaur by Syd Hoff — 1958
The Moon Jumpers by Janice May Udry (author), Maurice Sendak (illustrator) — 1959
The Fire Cat by Esther Averill — 1960
Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak — 1963
Corduroy by Don Freeman — 1968
Tikki Tikki Tembo by Arlene Mosel (author), Blair Lent (illustrator) — 1968
Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day by Judith Viorst (author), Ray Cruz (illustrator) — 1972
In the Night Kitchen by Maurice Sendak — 1970
The Giant Jam Sandwich by John Vernon Lord with verses by Janet Burroway — 1972
Amos & Boris by William Steig — 1971
Strega Nona by Tomie dePaola — 1975
The Maggie B by Irene Haas — 1975
The Girl Who Loved Wild Horses by Paul Goble — 1978
Next week, we’ll visit the 1980’s!
Jennifer Mary G 