Picture Books That Adults Will Enjoy

Parents, educators, and librarians are a big part of the picture book audience. They are the gatekeepers to children’s bookshelves.

So, picture books must cater to adults in one way or another.

I do not put an age limit on who can enjoy a picture book. I read picture books regularly because I love them. I appreciate their beauty, simplicity, direct storytelling, and the messages they convey.

As an avid picture book reader, these are my favorites.

You can find picture books with aspects that appeal directly to adults exclusively. Let me point out those aspects in my list of Picture Books That Adults Will Enjoy:

Grown-Up Themes

House Held Up By Trees

If you are not familiar, Ted Kooser is a poet, elected poet laureate in the US in 2004. The story is about the passing of time, something adults will relate to better than children. The illustrations and the text are sophisticated, deep, and somewhat melancholy. This is an example of a picture book with a “grown-up” theme.

By Ted Kooser
Illustrated by Jon Klassen

Dark Humor

I Want My Hat Back

My opinion is that dark, shocking humor is better spent on adults than on children. Young children simply won’t understand the joke. Nevertheless, I want my hat back will appeal to children because of the graphic art style and simple text. It is also a good example of a story that can be re-read over and over again.

By Jon Klassen

Nostalgia

Are You Scared Darth Vader?

Nostalgia is for adults. On one hand, nostalgia is often used to compensate for bad storytelling. On the other hand, Are You Scared Darth Vader? Is written and illustrated very well. Because Star Wars is a franchise that keeps on coming, the jokes will not fall flat on children either.

​By Adam Rex

Re-Read Power

The Pigeon Series

​There is something to be said about books with re-read power. Picture Books are meant to be read a lot, and parents are quick to tire from them. Books like the Pigeon Series are short, funny, and exciting to read out loud.

​By Mo Willems

Art Book

I Talk Like a River

I Talk Like a River is illustrated in watercolor. A beautiful display of soft and intellectual art. I would show it off on a coffee table or mount it on a shelf.

By Jordan Scott
Illustrated by Sidney Smith

Irreverence

All My Friends Are Dead

The irreverent picture book is not my cup of tea, but All My Friends Are Dead defies the genre. You will get a chuckle from this not-so-kid-friendly picture book.

By Avery Monsen
​Illustrated by Jory John

Recap:

1. Grown-Up Themes
2. Dark Humor
3. Nostalgia
4. Re-Read Power
5. The Art Book
6. Irreverence

I hope this helps build your library!

Are there any picture books you think adults will enjoy? Let me know in the comments!

​xx Cory