16 Best Children’s Treasuries: Illustrated Treasury Collection
Best Children’s Treasuries.These are the storybooks I catch my children looking through time and again and the ones they beg to read every night. There’s something truly special about carrying a beautifully illustrated book and revisiting those beloved tales.
Our top three picks from this collection—definitely must-haves for any home library—are James Herriot’s Children Treasury, Bramble Hedge, and the works of Beatrix Potter. Unfortunately, my children’s all-time favorite has gone out of print; it contained classic fables and fairy tales. This big bedtime storybook will become a family heirloom. As a substitute, I have included Paul Galdone’s box sets, although I personally prefer the large purple treasury, which is also no longer available. I have also added two honorable mentions, for I have not had the chance to fully review each story from the treasuries, but I hope to do so soon. I’ve also included a few picture book biographies for fun!
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16 Best Children’s Treasuries: An Illustrated Storybook Collection
1. Brambly Hedge by Jill Barklem
This beloved Children’s Treasury tells of the mice of Brambly Hedge. This treasury contains Spring Story, Summer Story, Autumn Story, Winter Story, Poppy’s Babies, Sea Story, The High Hills, and The Secret Staircase.
2. James Herriot’s Treasury for Children
The author, James Herriot, shares his experiences with animals and farmers as a veterinarian in the British countryside. The pages are filled with adorable animals with spunky and courageous personalities. James’ warm love and care shine bright in every story. This truly is a treasure of a book. And one of the classic books to add to your children’s bookshelf and add to your bedtime stories.
3. A Little House Picture Book Treasury
This treasury includes six stories filled with adventures of the pioneer family. The family lives off the land on a frontier unfamiliar to today’s little readers. If this book is not available at the public library, check out Winter Days in the Big Woods for a bonus book for January picture books for kids.
4. A Beatrix Potter Treasury
Beatrix Potter illustrated letters to children that turned into classic children’s books. In 1893, she illustrated a letter about Peter Rabbit to a friend’s five-year-old child. This became her first book.
Saving the Countryside: The Story of Beatrix Potter and Peter Rabbit by Linda Marshall
“This beautiful book is a delightful story about how Beatrix Potter did amazing things for farmers and people who were less wealthy than her.” More stories for Women’s History Month {HERE}
5. Mouse Cookies & More: A Treasury by Laura Numeroff
If You Give a Mouse a Cookie is one of our favorite books! I recommend the whole series. This children’s treasury includes four classic stories including:
- If You Give a Mouse a Cookie
- If You Take a Mouse to School
- If You Give a Pig a Pancake
- If You Give a Moose a Muffin
6. Richard Scarry’s Best Mother Goose Ever
From the publisher: “Richard Scarry introduces toddlers to the nursery rhymes of Mother Goose! Featuring his unmistakable art (now restored to its original glory) and fifty of Mother Goose’s most beloved rhymes, Scarry’s timeless collection, now celebrating its fiftieth anniversary, is a must-have for readers of all ages.” – From the publisher
7. Make Way for McCloskey: A Robert McCloskey Treasury
“From those famous ducklings to Homer Price’s delicious donuts, generations of children have grown up delighting in the timeless stories of Robert McCloskey. Here, for the first time, all of his published works–Make Way for Ducklings, Blueberries for Sal, Lentil, Time of Wonder, One Morning in Maine, Burt Dow, Deep-Water Man, Homer Price and Centerburg Tales–are brought together. With biographical information and photographs, and an introduction by renowned critic Leonard Marcus that outlines McCloskey’s career and his unforgettable contribution to children’s literature, this collection is an in-depth look at the life and work of an extraordinary children’s book legend.” – From the publisher
8. Mike Mulligan and More: A Virginia Lee Burton Treasury
This storybook on the Best Children’s Treasuries features four complete stories by Virginia Lee Burton.
- Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel
- The Little House
- Katy and the Big Snow
- Maybelle the Cable Car
9. The Folk Tale Classics Keepsake Collection by Paul Galdone
Featured stories include The Three Bears, Three Little Kittens, The Red Hen, and The Town Mouse and Country Mouse. Paul Galdone is one of my favorites when it comes to folk tales.
10. The Folk Tale Classics Heirloom Library by Paul Galdone
Featured stories include The Gingerbread Boy, The Three Little Pigs, Little Red Riding Hood, and Three Billy Goats Gruff. Paul Galdone is one of my favorites when it comes to folk tales.
11. The Complete Adventures of Curious George by Margaret and H. A. Rey
Every little child needs to know Curious George.
“Books included in this collector’s edition are Curious George, Curious George Takes a Job, Curious George Rides a Bike, Curious George Gets a Medal, Curious George Flies a Kite, Curious George Learns the Alphabet, and Curious George Goes to the Hospital. This edition also includes an original illustrated map of Curious George’s world, as well as a new scrapbook biography of H. A. and Margret Rey’s creative journey written by the historian Louise Borden.” – about this edition from the publisher
The Journey That Saved Curious George: The True Wartime Escape of Margret and H.A. Rey by Louise Borden
“In 1940, Hans and Margret Rey fled their Paris home as the German army advanced. They began their harrowing journey on bicycles, pedaling to Southern France with children’s book manuscripts among their few possessions.” – from publisher
This one is on our wishlist!
12. The Complete Tales of Winnie-the-Pooh by A. A. Milne
There are so many editions of Winnie-the-Pooh. This specific one includes both Winnie-the-Pooh and The House at Pooh Corner with original illustrations by Ernest H. Shepard. Winnie-the-Pooh is a big deal in our home. Shh! Don’t tell my middle, but this is on her list for her birthday.
Finding Winnie: The True Story of the World’s Most Famous Bear by Lindsay Mattick
This is a sweet book about Harry Colebourn, A Canadian veterinarian who enlisted in service during World War I and purchased a beloved baby bear from a trapper at a train station. The beloved bear becomes the unit’s mascot and a gentle reminder of the Canadian’s home, Winnipeg. Winnie joins the troops during training, but when called to combat, Harry brings Winnie to the London Zoo. There at the zoo, a young boy named Christopher Robin Milne befriends Winnie, becoming the inspiration for the name of the famous bear, Winnie-the-Pooh.
13. Frog and Toad Storybook Treasury by Arnold Lobel
One can never go wrong with Frog and Toad; their adventures and friendship are truly timeless. This was the first book my eldest read as a buddy read.
14. Aesop’s Fables by Jerry Pinkney
There are many options for Aesop’s Fables, but this one is my favorite. Jerry Pinkney’s illustrations are stunning and captivating.
Honorable Mentions
I hope to add these soon to our home library.
15. A Madeline Treasury by Ludwig Bemelmans
“In an old house in Paris that was covered with vines lived twelve little girls in two straight lines the smallest one was Madeline.” Madeline is a fearless young girl who has a medical emergency in the middle of the night and demonstrates courage as she rests and recovers. And that’s how the treasury begins followed by five sequels:
- Madeline’s Rescue
- Madeline and the Bad Hat
- Madeline and the Gypsies
- Madeline in London
- Madeline’s Christmas
Have I let my daughters down? They are familiar only with the original story, as we read it frequently. However, I have yet to delve into the world of Madeline; that’s why this treasury deserves an honorable mention. It’s something we hope to explore soon.
16. Paddington Bear Treasury by Michael Bond
“Join Paddington as he meets the Browns, visits the palace, goes to the zoo, and much more! This treasury is a wonderful introduction to the bear who delights and charms everyone he meets, and is a celebration of Paddington’s enduring popularity.” – from the publisher
This treasury includes the following beloved Paddington picture books:
- Paddington
- Paddington at the Palace
- Paddington at the Zoo
- Paddington in the Garden
- Paddington and the Marmalade Maze
- Paddington the Artist.
Interested in More Booklists for Kids: Check These Out!
Free Monthly Booklists: A Picture Book Collection for Every Month
Get all monthly booklists for free {HERE}.
Best Board Books Collection
Get the board book collection {HERE}.
Vintage Reads: Old Children’s Picture Books
Get the complete list of vintage reads {HERE}.
More Booklists Coming Soon!
Thanks for Stopping By!
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HAPPY READING!
– With Great Joy, Katie
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