Picture Books that Celebrate Play!

“Play is often talked about as if it were a serious relief from learning. But for children, play is learning. Play is really the work of childhood.” - Fred Rogers

Mr. Rogers knew what he was talking about. Play is how children learn! Through play, they are experimenting, pretending, imagining, using their bodies, practicing interpersonal skills, trying new things, exploring, and so much more.

Here are some great picture books that celebrate the work of childhood,

WE ALL PLAY by Julie Flett

Animals play, and so do we! Includes animal words in Cree. My storytime families, with mostly toddler kids, ADORED this book.

LET'S RUMBLE! A ROUGH-AND-TUMBLE BOOK OF PLAY by Rachel G. Payne and Jose Pimienta

Two siblings engage in some rough, but safe, play. Includes a child-friendly discussion of setting boundaries.

FORTS! by Kate Venit and Kenard Pak

This fun book illustrates the many ways we can build forts and create spaces just for us. Read this book and then build your own fort!

AHOY by Sophie Blackall

A child and their parent take an imaginary seafaring adventure.

GAGA MISTAKE DAY by Emma Straub, Susan Straub and Jessica Love

Saturdays with grandmother are fun because "Gaga" makes a lot of (intentional?) mistakes!

QUIET TIME WITH MY SEEYA by Dinalie Dabarara

Even though this child and her grandfather don't speak the same language, they still have lots of fun together!

WHAT CAN A MESS MAKE? by Bee Johnson

Sometimes play involves making a mess. Embrace the mess!

MY RAINY DAY ROCKET SHIP by Markette Sheppard and Charly Palmer

What can you do on a rainy day? Build a rocket ship out of things around the house!

THIS IS HOW WE PLAY: A CELEBRATION OF DISABILITY AND ADAPTATION by Jessica Slice, Caroline Cupp, and Kayla Harren

Written by disability advocates, this is a celebration of all kinds of play by children of many abilities.

THIS IS A WINDOW by Lauren Paige Conrad

Let's play make-believe with everyday objects.