In case you didn't already know, International Children's Book Day is coming up (April 2)! While I like to celebrate children's books any and every day, I thought this would be a good opportunity to share a few of my favorite picture books from authors and illustrators across three continents. 
I first came across the Big Wolf & Little Wolf books by Nadine Brun-Cosme when I worked as a bookseller. Olivier Tallec's illustrations, at once vibrant and whimsical, perfectly capture the emotion and humor in each picture book about the unlikely friends.
Brun-Cosme and Tallec, both of whom hail from France, have collaborated on other picture books but these remain my favorite. After all, who can resist a little blue wolf? Not this reader. 
Every once in awhile I come across a picture book so perfectly poignant, beautifully illustrated and wonderfully diverse that it sticks in my mind long after the first read through. Australian artist Bob Graham's The Silver Button is such a book. The myriad of things that happen when little Johnathan takes his first step illustrate the beauty of our wide world and serve as a reminder to cherish the small, everyday moments we take for granted. 
I saved my new favorite for last! Not Quite Narwhal by New York City resident Jessie Sima is, to be honest, the kind of picture book you need to make some time for whether or not you have kids to read to.
Kelp, the sweetest little illustrated creature I've seen in awhile, can't figure out why he doesn't quite fit into his undersea community. It is only when he journeys beyond the ocean that he discovers the joy of family and fitting in aren't always what we expect.
Head on over to an older post I wrote for more wonderful children's books. Happy reading!