75 Best Picture Books From Around the World: Read Around the World!

Books really do introduce children to so many new concepts, ideas and adventures, and today I am excited to be sharing a collection of 75 of the best picture books from around the world.

These titles have been chosen to represent a wide range of countries and cultures from all around the world – their history, customs, holidays, stories from everyday life, myths and legends, and fun stories by celebrated local authors.

75 Best Picture Books From Around the World

Each title on our Picture Books From Around the World list is linked to both Amazon and The Book Depository (these are affiliate links) where you can find reviews and age recommendations for those you are not personally familiar with.

Picture Books from Australia & New Zealand

Big Rain Coming by Katrina Germein It’s the dry season and everyone is waiting for the rain, doing whatever they can to keep cool. Featuring amazing illustrations that include imagery from Aboriginal mythology, this is a captivating book for young readers. Available: Amazon

Possum Magic by Mem Fox When Grandma Poss magic makes Hush invisible they head off on a culinary tour of Australia to find the food that will make her visible once more! Available: Amazon

Are We There Yet? by Alison Lester Grace and her family travel around Australia in a campervan, exploring the places and people that make up Australia. Available: Amazon

Wombat Stew by Marcia K. Vaughan A dingo catches a wombat and decides to cook him up in a stew. A host of fabulous Australian animals appear to offer the dingo suggestions for improving his delicious stew, tricking him in order to save their friend! Available: Amazon

Alphabetical Sydney by Hilary Bell  A fabulous visual tribute to one of Australia’s favourite cities, this is an alphabet book unlike any other. Available: Amazon

For more books from Australia, check out our list of 50+ Best Australian Picture Books, Best Picture Books about Australian Animals and Australian Books for Babies & Toddlers.

A Kiwi Year: Twelve Months in the Life of New Zealand’s Kids by Tania McCartney Meet Charlie, Ruby, Oliver, Mason and Kaia – Kiwi kids representing a multicultural blend of culture and race that typifies their amazing home. They’ll take you through a year in the life of New Zealand’s kids, from celebrations, traditions and events, to everyday life. Available: Amazon

Aotearoa: The New Zealand Story by Gavin Bishop Over a thousand years ago, the wind, sea currents and stars brought people to the islands that became known as Aotearoa, the land of the long white cloud. A wonderfully illustrated story of New Zealand’s history and future. Available: Amazon

Kia Ora New Zealand by Sohan Chunduru Siblings Gigi and Geoff set off on an adventure to find out all about the customs and culture of New Zealand, introducing them to historical landmarks, foods, and festivals of the country. Available: Amazon

Manu the Kiwi of Kindness by Rosie Chenault The adorable story of a kiwi looking for his talent in preparation for the animal’s annual talent show. And Manu the Kiwi’s talent may just be the most important of all. Available: Amazon

Picture Books from Around the World list continues below.

Picture Books from Asia

Bee-Bim Bop! by Linda Sue Park Bee-bim bop is a traditional Korean rice dish and this is the story of shopping, making and sharing this meal with one’s family. Available: Amazon

Where’s Halmoni? by Julie Kim A young Korean girl and boy search for their missing grandmother, their Halmoni, and are lead into a magical world inspired by Korean folklore, complete with mischievous goblins (dokkebi), a greedy tiger, a clever rabbit, and a wily fox. Available: Amazon

The Great Race: The Story of the Chinese Zodiac by Christopher Corr Learn how each of the twelve zodiac animals earned his place by taking part in the Great Race in this retelling of the ancient folktale passed down through generations. Available: Amazon

The Empty Pot by Demi A traditional Chinese tale about the value of honesty. When it is time to choose an heir, the Emperor gives a flower seed to each child in the kingdom. Whoever can show him their best in a year’s time shall succeed him to the throne! Ping plants his seed and tends it every day. But month after month passes, and nothing grows. When spring comes, Ping must go to the Emperor with nothing but an embarrassingly empty pot! Whatever will the Emperor say? Available: Amazon

Suki’s Kimono by Chieri Uegaki Suki is one spirited youngster and on the first day of school she decides to wear the blue kimono that reminds her of her grandmother’s visit over the summer. Available: Amazon

I Live in Tokyo by Mari Takabayashi Seven-year-old Mimiko lives in Tokyo and shares a year’s worth of fun, food and festivities from her busy, bustling city. Available: Amazon

Yayoi Kusama Covered Everything in Dots and Wasn’t Sorry by Fausto Gilberti Contemporary Japanese artist, Yayoi Kusama, covers her paintings in hundreds and hundreds of dots. Her dots come off her canvases to cover dresses, tables, walls, and more! A wonderful look into the life of this astounding artist. Available: Amazon

Baba, What Does My Name Mean? by Rifk Ebeid When Saamidah, a young Palestinian refugee, is asked by her friends what her name means, she isn’t quite sure what to say. She turns to her Baba for answers and is taken on an adventure to her beloved homeland, celebrating the richness of her cultural heritage. Available: Amazon

Sitti’s Secrets by Naomi Shihab Nye Mona remembers her visit to Palestine to see her grandmother and their special time together. Available: Amazon

The Library Bus by Bahram Rahman An inspiring glimpse into the lives of those in Afghanistan who help young girls learn to read and write, a right that was previously denied to females. Available: Amazon

Festival of Colors by Kabir Sehgal & Surishtha Sehgal Spring is here and it’s almost time for Holi, the Indian Festival of Colors. Mintoo and Chintoo are busy gathering flowers to make into colorful powders to toss during the festival. When at last the big day comes, the children gather with their friends, family for a vibrant celebration of fresh starts, friendship and forgiveness. Available: Amazon

P is for Poppadoms: An Indian Alphabet by Kabir Sehgal & Surishtha Sehgal B is for Bandar, C for chai, T is for Tandoor and Y for yoga in this unique alphabet book for young children celebrating the rich culture, delicious foods, and fascinating animals of India. Available: Amazon

Bilal Cooks Daal by Aisha Saeed Bilal is excited to help his dad make his favorite food – daal! The slow-cooked lentil dish requires lots of ingredients and a whole lot of waiting. As the day goes on, the daal continues to simmer, and more and more of Bilal’s friends join Bilal, waiting to try the tasty dish. And Bilal wonders: Will his friends like it as much as he does? Available: Amazon

A Bucket of Blessings by Kabir Sehgal & Surishtha Sehgal A little known Indian legend. When the animals worry about the lack of rain in the jungle, Monkey remembers a tale about how Peacock’s dancing can bring rain. He finds Peacock who tells him that he needs water to make rain. Monkey manages to find a little, but his leaky bucket is almost empty when he returns. Will the remaining tiny drops be enough for Peacock to work his magic? Available: Amazon

List continues below.

Picture Books from North America

The 50 States by Gabrielle Balkan A colorful collection of illustrated infographic maps and sharing interesting facts about each state of the USA. Available: Amazon

Blue Sky White Stars by Sarvinder Naberhaus Stunning illustrations and sparse but clever word play work together to create a picture book that makes a wonderful tool to spark thoughtful discussion with older elementary and middle grade students. Available: Amazon

My Fourth of July by Jerry Spinelli A young boy and his family enjoy their small town’s 4th July celebration with a picnic, parade and fireworks with their community in this festive and joyful book. Available: Amazon

Lady Liberty’s Holiday by Jen Arena The Statue of Liberty is ready for a change! She decides to take a vacation, setting out to see the sights of the USA. She walks across the beach, poses with the presidents at Mount Rushmore, and steps across the Florida Keys, with funny results that are sure to capture your child’s interest.Available: Amazon

Black is a Rainbow Color by Angela Joy A beautiful celebration of black culture and history as a young girl shares her reasons for black being a rainbow color. Available: Amazon

Carson Crosses Canada by Linda Bailey A fun cross country adventure, Annie Magruder and her dog, Carson, from British Columbia, are setting out to visit her sister, Elsie, in Newfoundland. They travel province by province, taking in the unique landscapes and features special to that each area of the vast country of Canada. Available: Amazon

Stolen Words by Melanie Florence When a Cree girl asks her grandfather about their native language, she learns that he doesn’t remember it anymore as a result of the impact of the residential school system that separated young Indigenous children from their families.. A powerful, beautiful, heartwarming story that will speak on different levels to children of all ages. Available: Amazon

On the Trapline by David A. Robertson In this beautiful celebration of Indigenous culture and traditions, a young boy accompanies his grandfather to the place where his people would hunt an live off the land. Available: Amazon

I Love Saturdays y Domingos by Alma For Ada A story told in English and Spanish, of Saturdays spent with Grandma and Grandpa and Sundays – los domingos – with Abuelito y Abuelita. Available: Amazon

Erandi’s Braids by Tomie dePaola There isn’t enough money for Erandi’s new birthday dress and a new fishing net for mama. Available: Amazon

Mama, Do You Love Me? by Barbara M Joose Illustrated in a beautiful Alaskan setting, a child seeks her mother’s reassurance of her everlasting love. Available: Amazon

The Polar Bear Son: An Inuit Tale by Lydia Dabkovich A lonely old woman adopts a polar bear and cares for him until he is grown. When the bear must leave the village, he continues to visit his adopted mother and bring her food. Available: Amazon

We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga by Traci Sorell Otsaliheliga is the word used by members of the Cherokee Nation to express gratitude. Beginning in the fall with the new year and ending in summer, readers are invited to follow a full Cherokee year of celebrations and experiences, community and gratitude. Available: Amazon

Picture Books from Around the World list continues below.

Picture Books from South America

 

The Rainforest Grew All Around by Susan K. Mitchell A cumulative rhyme leads children through the Amazon rainforest, with fabulous illustrations and factual information to support the story. Available: Amazon

Zonia’s Rain Forest by Juana Martinez-Neal Zonia is Peruvian child who loves the rainforest she lives in and the animals that share the rainforest with her. When Zonia discovers an area of the forest that has been completely cleared she is devastated and runs to her mother for help. A beautifully illustrated tool for inviting discussion with children about the impact of humans on the natural world, and the role they can play in protecting the environment. Available: Amazon

The Great Kapok Tree by Lynne Cherry A man enters the rainforest to chop down the Great Kapok Tree, which is home to many of the rainforest animals who live there. Tired, he takes a nap, and as he sleeps the rainforest creatures, including a boy from the Yanomamo tribe, talk to him in his sleep about the importance of the tree. What will happen when he wakes? Available: Amazon

Along the Tapajos by Fernando Vilela Siblings Caua and Inae live in a small community along the Tapajós River in Brazil. Their home is on stilts and everyone travels by boat, even to school! When the rainy season comes, the community must leave their village and relocate to higher ground until summer returns. Available: Amazon

Ada’s Violin by Susan Hood A wonderful book based on the remarkable true story of a visionary engineer and teacher who finds a way to help children escape their lives of extreme poverty through music, and the amazing, homemade instruments created from recycled elements found in the local landfill. Available: Amazon

From My Window by Otavio Junior A vibrant peek inside the everyday lives of children growing up in the favelas of Rio de Janiero, Brazil. Available: Amazon

Too Many Tamales by Gary Soto Maria tries on her mother’s diamond ring for just a moment while making tamales and it disappears! Maria and her cousins are desperate to find it or else Christmas will be ruined. Available: Amazon

Biblioburro: A True Story from Colombia by Jeanette Winter Luis loves to read but his wife complains that their house is too full of book! So Luis buys two donkeys so that he can share his love of reading with those throughout Colombia. Available: Amazon

Galapagos Girl/Galapaguena by Marsha Diane Arnold Presented in both English and Spanish, this brightly illustrated book introduces readers to the fascinating creatures who call the Galapagos Islands home, shared through the eyes of a young girl living there. Valentina delights in observing this fascinating part of the world but learns to also appreciate the fragility of this special natural environment. Available: Amazon

For more like this be sure to check out our collection of Books About Capybaras for Kids.

List continues below.

Picture Books from Europe

Poppy Takes Paris: A Little Girl’s Adventures in the City of Light One morning, Poppy wakes up with a burning question: what light shines the brightest in a city full of them? In her hunt for an answer, Poppy takes readers on a vibrant tour all around the fabulous city of Paris. Available: Amazon

Anatole by Eve Titus Anatole is a French mouse. He lives in Paris and is part of a mouse gang that cycles to the city every night in the hunt for food. One night, he overhears a conversation between humans about how they despise mice and he decides to change his thieving ways. Anatole visits a cheese factory and leaving helpful comments about the quality of its cheeses. And his comments… they make the factory the best in all of France! Available: Amazon

Linnea in Monet’s Garden by Christina Bjoerk Linnea adventures across France discovering the world that inspired Monet and the Impressionists. Available: Amazon

The Queen’s Hat by Steve Antony A sudden gust of wind sets off a marvellous adventure through all of London for the Queen, the Queen’s men and one very special hat! Available: Amazon

Ruby Red Shoes Goes to London by Kate Knapp Ruby Red Shoes Goes to London is full of love and kindness and tenderness. In London, Ruby and her grandmother, visit family for Christmas. Their rose and violet cream-filled chocolates adventures find them accidentally meeting the Queen and her corgis, playing in the snow and skating on the ice in a heartwarming tale of joy. Available: Amazon

Madeline in London by Ludwig Bemelmans Madeline and the twelve little girls in two straight lines are invited to London for Pepito’s birthday. A most unusual present leads Madeline on an adventure through the streets of London. Available: Amazon

Paolo, Emperor of Rome by Mac Barnett Paolo the dachshund is trapped. Though he lives in Rome, a city filled with history and adventure, he is confined to a hair salon. And then, one day, Paolo escapes, free to discover the wonders of Rome on the bravest of adventures! Available: Amazon

This is Rome by Miroslav Sasek Part of Sasek’s extraordinary ‘This Is’ series, This is Rome introduces children to the wonderful monuments and landmarks of this fabulous city. Available: Amazon

Gabriella’s Song by Candace Fleming The sweet story of a little girl’s tune, hummed as she travels through the marvellous streets and canals of Venice has the magical capacity to get the city humming, even inspiring a composer to arrange an orchestral masterpiece around it! Available: Amazon

Katie in Scotland by James Mayhew Katie travels with her new friend, Nessie the Loch Ness Monster, to see the fabulous sights of Scotland. Available: Amazon

Fiona’s Luck by Teresa Bateman This original folktale sees a clever young girl, Fiona, use her wits to trick the Leprechaun King in order to return all the luck and good fortune to Ireland that he has stolen and locked away. Available: Amazon

Maisie McGillicuddy’s Sheep Got Muddy by Kelly Grettler Told in lovely rhyming verse and with stunning illustrations, this is the story of Maisie’s brave search through the Irish countryside for her missing sheep. Available: Amazon

Gazpacho for Nacho by Tracey Kyle A fun rhyming picture book about a little boy who only wants to eat gazpacho. When his mother gets fed up and drags him to the market to buy the ingredients so Nacho can learn to make it himself, his eyes are opened to all the other wonderful ingredients he sees and, with a successful gazpacho under his belt, he’s inspired to try making other dishes! Available: Amazon

The Sun Egg by Elsa Beskow A mysterious orange egg has fallen into the woods. `It’s a sun egg!` declares the elf who finds it nestled on the forest floor, in this delightful story of imagination and discovery from world-renowned Swedish author–illustrator Elsa Beskow.Available: Amazon

Otto Goes North by Ulrika Kestere Otto, a ring-tailed lemur, has spent countless days cycling north to visit his friends and paint the northern lights. When he tries to paint he discovers that his southern fur coat doesn’t keep him warm in this icy northern world. His friends, a bear and a lynx, are worried about their poor chilly friend and set about finding a way to help him stay warm. Available: Amazon

The Apple Cake by Nienke van Hichtum An old woman wants to bake an apple cake. She has everything she needs, except apples. So she sets off to market, taking a basket of plums to trade in a classic story of sharing, trading and caring. Available: Amazon

D is For Dala House: A Nordic Countries Alphabet by Kathy-Jo Wargin Located in Northern Europe and the North Atlantic, the Nordic Countries/Territories are comprised of Sweden, Norway, Finland, Denmark, Iceland, Greenland, the Faroe Islands, and Aland, and while they may share a region and some traditions, each has its own distinct geography, history, and heritage as explored in this sweetly illustrated and informative book. Available: Amazon

A Symphony of Whales by Steve Schuch Based on the true story of a rescue of beluga whales by the people of the Chuchki Peninsula in the Senyavina Strait of Siberia. Told through the eyes of of a young girl attuned to the whales, her people lead the whales out of danger of being trapped in the ice with music. Available: Amazon

Peter and the Wolf by Sergei Prokofiev The classic orchestral fairy tale by Russian composer Sergei Prokofiev tells the story of a brave boy who captures a wolf. Available: Amazon

Rechenka’s Eggs by Patriccia Polacco A beautiful story of friendship between Babushka, known throughout all of Moskva for her beautifully painted eggs, and an injured goose that she nurses back to health. Available: Amazon

Picture Books from Around the World list continues below.

Picture Books from Africa

Africa Is Not a Country by Mark Melnicove A peek into the daily life of children in the many countries of the continent of Africa – the only continent with countries in all four hemispheres of the globe. A celebration of the extraordinary diversity of this vibrant continent as experienced by children at home, at school, at work, and at play. Available: Amazon

Handa’s Surprise by Eileen Browne Handa is taking a basket of delicious fruit to her friend, Akeyo. As Handa wonders which fruit Akeyo will like best a series of sneaky animals each steal something from Handa’s basket, which she’s carrying on her head. Available: Amazon

Mama Panya’s Pancakes by Mary Chamberlin Mama Panya’s son Adika invites everyone he sees to a pancake dinner. How will Mama Panya ever feed them all? A lovely story about sharing even when you have little to give. Available: Amazon

We All Went On Safari by Laurie Krebs A group of friends enjoy a counting journey through Tanzania, seeing all manner of interesting animals and counting in English and Swahili. Available: Amazon

The Day of Ahmed’s Secret by Florence Parry Heide As Ahmed goes about his day’s work making deliveries in the city of Cairo, he thinks about the secret he can’t wait to share with his family. Available: Amazon

Beatrice’s Goat by Page McBrier More than anything, Beatrice longs to go to school. But in her small African village only children who can afford uniforms and books can go. Beatrice knows that her family is much too poor. But then Beatrice receives a wonderful gift – a goat! Mugisa gives milk that Beatrice can sell and with Mugisa’s help, Beatrice’s dream may come true after all! Available: Amazon

The Water Princess by Susan Verde Clean drinking water is scarce in Gie Gie’s small African village. She must rise early every morning and walk a long distance to the well carrying a heavy pot on her head to collect water that must then be boiled for drinking. A beautifully illustrated book to open conversation with children about simple privileges many take for granted. Available: Amazon

Room for Everyone by Naaz Khan In this bright and bouncy rhyming tale set in Zanzibar, a young boy discovers there is indeed room for everyone as the very crowded bus hw is on continues to take on passengers. Available: Amazon

Rain School by James Rumford A touching story about the value of learning and school life for children in Chad, where their first task each school year is building their classroom! Available: Amazon

For more like this;

• Free Celebrations Around the World Calendar 2024 for a list of holidays and celebrations of countries and cultures from all over the world. Great for schools, preschools and community groups.

• Our free, printable Holidays Around the World worksheets explore a vast range of holidays from different cultures including Diwali, Hanukkah and both Chinese and Japanese New Years.

• Our free, printable Holidays Around the World Interactive Notebook or Lapbook invites students to take a closer look at six international holidays including Kwanzaa, Las Posadas and St. Lucia Day.

• Our collection of six Christmas Around the World Worksheets exploring how Christmas is celebrated in a diverse selection of countries from all across the globe.

• Our big list of Books Celebrating Christmas Around the World provides lots of insight into how the Christmas holiday is celebrated in different countries and cultures.