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Picture Books with Mischevious Protagonists

a book list by Karen Kennedy, mother of two

shelved under Children's Books
Olivia

Olivia

illustrated by Ian Falconer

Maluhia says:

Olivia is too smart for her own good. I know why I liked it, but I'll tell you why my 4-year-old liked it: Olivia gets time-outs, too.

You should click here for more on this book

This book also appears on Picture Books with Strong Female Protagonists
 
 
Eloise

Eloise

by Kay Thompson, illustrated by Hilary Knight

Dena says:

"Here's where he's been: London. Here's where I've been: Boiler room."

That's the gist, at least. Eloise is precocious and a handful and eminently quotable, and the illustrations perfectly capture a six-year-old, and when you're in NYC you can visit her portrait at the Plaza Hotel. It's dreamy and any girl who's dreamed of getting rid of her parents for a while will love it.

You should click here for more on this book

 
 
No, David!

No, David!

illustrated by David Shannon

Nan Bloom from Charlotte, NC says:

This book follows a toddler through the mishaps of his days. Funny, heartwarming and sweet. If you have ever lived through life with a toddler you will relate to the shenanigans. The kids at my school LOVE this book.

You should click here for more on this book

 
 
Where the Wild Things Are

Where the Wild Things Are

illustrated by Maurice Sendak

This book was controversial when it came out — adults thought that Max was too badly behaved and his monsters were too scary. But generations of young children know best — this book connects perfectly with a young child's fears and his ability to conquer them.

You should click here for more on this book

This book also appears on:

The Best Picture Books about Not-So-Scary Monsters

More Twaddle-Free Books for Preschoolers: The Runners-Up

The National Education Association's Top 100 Children's Books

Older Caldecott Winners You Don't Want To Miss

Peter Steinberg's Favorite Children's Books

A Working Mom's Survival Guide

 
 
The Complete Adventures of Curious George

The Complete Adventures of Curious George

by H. A. Rey

Eric Mueller from Los Angeles, CA says:

What is there to say? Few books are as beloved — or as charming — as the story of one curious monkey and the man with the yellow hat.

You should click here for more on this book

This book also appears on More Twaddle-Free Books for Preschoolers: The Runners-Up
 
 
Good Night, Gorilla

Good Night, Gorilla

written and illustrated by Peggy Rathmann

This nearly wordless board book is an instant classic. The clever gorilla outsmarts the oblivious zookeeper, by lifting his keys and liberating each animal right after the zookeeper says goodnight to it. After the animals follow the zookeeper home (he still doesn't notice), and go to bed in his room (he STILL) doesn't notice, the zookeeper's wife figures it all out and saves the day. You will have to read this one over and over, but you won't get bored.

You should click here for more on this book

This book also appears on Picture Books About Gorillas
 

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