Though styles vary, picture book illustrations share one common goal—to bring the story to life. And while I love the words, today I want to simply focus on the drawings. We all have different tastes when it comes to artwork. Here are five books that wowed me with their illustrations plus a few honorable mentions.

A is for Ark by Crystal Bowman and Teri McKinley, illustrated by Luke Flowers

This is a rhyming alphabet board book, and I can describe the illustrations with two words: whimsical FUN! I love the happy and quirky expressions on the animals’ faces. The images are cartoony and crazy and absolutely perfect for this book.

God Gave Us You by Lisa Tawn Bergren, illustrated by Laura J. Bryant

This story provides reassurances of a mama’s love for her child. These illustrations crank up the adorable factor, showing a furry polar bear with her cub. Up close images focus on the intimate connections between the characters. There is a whole series of books by this author with the same type of brilliant illustrations.

Good, Good Father by Chris Tomlin and Pat Barrett, illustrated by Lorna Hussey.

The book tells about a bear learning how greatly the King loves him. While the story is a little wordy for me, the illustrations take the cake. I love the lion the best. And the facial expressions on the animals are just precious.

Unwrapping the Names of Jesus for Kids By Asheritah Ciuciu, illustrated by Jennifer Zivoin

I love how this story highlights and explains the meaning of the different names assigned to Jesus, but it’s the illustrations that best capture the emotions behind each designation. Featuring Jesus in a historical setting, readers are treated not just to facial expressions of piety, but also of joy, love, and kindness. This book is one of my absolute favorites when it comes to illustrations.

What Color Is God’s Love by Xochitl Dixon, illustrated by Darshika Varma

This story features the things God created in various colors and how the colors make the author feel. What I like best about these illustrations are the depth of details, from blades of grass to butterflies, the joyful expressions on the children’s faces, and the diversity of ethnic groups represented.

Honorable Mentions:

Bedtime with Mommy by Nancy I. Sanders, illustrated by Fella Hanakata

Howie’s Broken Hee-Haw by Josie Siler, illustrated by Sebastien Braun

The Dachshund Dash by Michelle Medlock Adams, illustrated by Ana Sebastian

The Dance of Easter by Sally Cressman, illustrated by Angela Edmonds

What about you? When it comes to illustrations, which picture book stands out to you?  Why? Please let me know in the comments! And be sure to sign up to receive updates of each new post on our Christian Children’s Authors blog. Follow us for new book news, free resources, parenting tips, and encouragement!

By Lori Z. Scott

 #christianbooks #christianbooksforkids #christianchildrensbook #christianchildrensbooks #christianhomeschool #picturebooks #christianpicturebooks