About


My name is Amy. I am a mother, library science graduate student at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Chapaign, aspiring children’s librarian, former attorney, Cybils judge and founder/instigator of International Book Giving Day. (International Book Giving Day – February 14th – Give a book to a child!) I have three young children ages eight, five, and three. I spend my time studying, teaching and learning from my children, running, and searching for great picture books.

Before you spend anymore time perusing Delightful Children’s Books, I should warn you. If you were one of the people who found Delightful Children’s Books by using one of these search terms, you will almost certainly be disappointed:

  • making treasure maps with kids ages 5 and 6  I wish I could help you. I love treasure maps!
  • bubble gum stick to boots theme  Hmmmm…
  • pictures of 2 multicultural kids arguing  What?!! No!
  • snowpants hunting  This may be more helpful: Cabela’s 
  • striking the ball picture books  I have not heard of this genre.
  • moose ears  I am sorry. I can see where I led you astray:

Jack (age 3) was so excited to play in the snow that he ran outside wearing only his snow pants and “moose ears.” From 10 Children’s Books About Snow.

However, if you were one of the people who found Delightful Children’s Books by using one of these search terms, you have come to the right place! Welcome!:

As someone smart once said, “Life is too short to read bad books.” I hope that Delightful Children’s Books will help you spend more time reading good books to your children.

The books that I recommend here at Delightful Children’s Books are first and foremost excellent picture books. I seek out fiction books with captivating stories and gorgeous illustrations and non-fiction books that are clear, well illustrated, and engaging.

As a parent, I also seek out books about subjects that I want to teach my children about. I search for books about nature, the arts, and countries around the world. I search for stories that help my kids develop empathy and other social skills.

Lastly, I want to instill in my children a love of books and thus look for books that my children, and hopefully your children, will enjoy. Testing books on my children is a big part of my process of compiling booklists. I first read through a big stack of books and throw out books that are not contenders and that I do not want to spend time reading with my children. I then spend a week or two reading the books I like with my children. I pay attention to which books my children keep asking for and which I enjoy reading to them repeatedly.

At Delightful Children’s Books, you can search for book recommendations by child’s age (0-8+) or by subject. Alternatively, here are…