Unlock more storytime magic with my curated collection of personal favorites! While more Rascally Pup fun is in the works, I'm thrilled to share my exclusive list of favorite children's picture books.

This handpicked selection is crafted with your storytime goals in mind, ensuring that every moment spent with your grandkids is filled with joy, imagination, and cherished memories. These beloved titles, ranging from timeless classics I loved as a child to my own kids’ frequent bedtime requests, have a special place in my heart. I've also included some brilliant new finds sure to inspire and captivate.

Check out the list below and keep your storytime adventures going!

The Three Billy Goats Gruff

Transport your grandchildren into a world of wonder through the classic tale of “The Three Billy Goats Gruff,” vividly reimagined by Caldecott Medalist and illustrator Jerry Pinkney. This beloved tale is so much more than just a story to me – the words hold within them the very essence of the connection and love I shared with my grandmother. I requested this story repeatedly. We didn’t even have the book. My grandmother told me the story from memory, and with unforgettable dramatic inflections and a mischievous flash of the eyes as she told of the billy goats trip-trapping over the bridge and out-witting the scary troll below.

Ignite your grandkids’ imagination! Invite them to join in the storytelling fun by pretending to be the growly troll under the bridge or the wily Billy Goats Gruff. Click here to bring this book home and make it part of your family’s storytelling traditions.

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Owl Babies

by Martin Waddell

Don’t miss sharing the delightful Owl Babies story with your little ones! Perfect for toddlers and early elementary children, the theme gently addresses the common fear of being apart from loved ones. Follow the journey of the baby owls as they learn about patience and the certainty of their mother's return. The expressive illustrations draw you into the owls' world, capturing every tender emotion in the baby owls’ worried faces as they ponder why their mother is gone and when she will return.

This book was a frequent bedtime request from my children, and I have such fond memories of our time reading the story together. I absolutely love the sentiment that mommy will always be back, and the opportunity it gives me today to remind my grandchildren that I will always be there for them. As a grandparent, there’s nothing more fulfilling than passing down this legacy of love and security. Introduce this beloved story to your grandchildren and let them know that no matter the distance, you are always near. Click to explore more!

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Alice Eloise's Silver Linings

by Sarah Kathryn Frey

Unlock a world of good, positive attitude and feelings fostered by this true and heartwarming story,

Alice Eloise's Silver Linings: The Story of a Silly Service Dog. Told from the perspective of an adorable real-life Double Doodle, this captivating story highlights the profound role of service dogs, and the beautiful symbiotic relationship they share with their humans, serving as silver linings for each other.

This book is more than just a story; it represents a journey of resilience and positivity, inspired by author Sarah Kathryn Frey's personal challenges and experiences, along with her unwavering belief in finding silver linings in every situation. With beautiful illustrations and exclusive content, including Sarah's personal “Story Behind the Story” and a fun "Ask Alice Eloise" FAQ for kids, this book is a standout educational resource for young ones, and provides a perfect, fun way to teach empathy and kindness while creating cherished memories.

Become the silver lining in your grandchild's life by exploring this captivating story together.

Click to learn more!

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I Wish You More

by Amy Krouse Rosenthal

This book is like a warm hug, encapsulating the love and countless hopes you hold for your little ones.

Amy Krouse Rosenthal is one of my personal favorite children's picture book authors, and this was the book that introduced me to her writing. I love the way it highlights simple wishes based on everyday experiences your grandchild can relate to and builds up to the singular reason why: I wish all of this for you, because you are everything I could wish for...and more. This is a beautiful gift for your adult children too. I gave a copy to my daughter on the night before her wedding, with my own special wishes for her added at the end.

Unique in its gentle way of wrapping love and security into lifelong wishes, I Wish You More is a sublime gift that speaks volumes. Let your grandchild feel the love—click the button to learn more and bring a new family favorite home today!

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The Littlest Angel

by Charles Tazewell

Bring Heaven a little closer for your grandkids through the eyes of the whistling, gate-swinging

Littlest Angel! This timeless Christmas classic, cherished all year round, tells the heartwarming story of
the birth of Christ and the precious gift this little Angel chooses to give the Son of God.

I think it was the glimpse into what Heaven may be like – from a child’s perspective – that kept me pouring over the words and illustrations of this story when I was a child. Or, maybe it was experiencing the wonder and joy when his lowliest of gifts is chosen by God and transformed into the Star of Bethlehem.

No matter which, the message that we are all loved by God shines through. Despite our worries and self-doubt, He finds perfection in our imperfections and wisdom in our innocence. What better message of hope to share with your grandchild? Click the button below for more details!

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Red & Lulu

by Matt Tavares

Embark on this unexpected holiday adventure as a pair of cardinals are separated when their beloved evergreen tree is chosen for New York City’s Rockefeller Center. The book's message of unwavering love and hope is one that resonates with all ages, reminding us that no matter where life
takes us, love finds its way. As a long-distance grandparent, the story is another way of reassuring my grandson that I will always be there for him, no matter the distance.

Red & Lulu is a recent discovery for me. Beautifully illustrated, I love that some of the pages have very little to no copy on them, encouraging children to embellish and "tell" the story based on the
images they see, enhancing their creativity and storytelling experience, allowing it to be unique and different each time. Click the link to learn more!