31 Best May Picture Books for Kids: Read Alouds

Children's books are arranged into columns listing the best books on the Best May Picture books for kids booklist.

May Picture Books for Kids. This May booklist for kids is filled with literary gems centered around blossoming friendships, honoring mothers, dreaming big dreams, and of course mischievous animal friends. It’s time to trade in our warm hot chocolate for ice cream during read-aloud time. 🙂

This booklist for kids is the fifth of twelve monthly book lists, so make sure you sign up for my mailing list to have it delivered straight to your inbox. I hope you enjoy these beautiful stories throughout the month of May.

Please note that the targeted age range for this booklist is for 3-6 years old but you are never too old to enjoy a well written picture book.

Welcome to Sprinkled with Stories: A Story-Formed Childhood. Here is May Picture Books for Kids Booklist! Scroll to the pink box and grab your freebie and printable booklist.

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If you missed the 31 Best April Picture Books for Kids, grab the list here.

31 Wholesome May Picture Books for Kids: Favorite Read Alouds

1. Swashby and the Sea by Beth Ferry

A retired old sailor and a young African-American girl, wearing black glasses, are sitting in a boat pushed onto the beach on the book cover of "Swashby and the Sea" by Beth Ferry, a book on the ocean books for kids booklist. — Swashby and the Sea by Beth Ferry

This is a beautiful story of a retired sailor settles at his home near the sea, loving the silence and solitude. But, his solitude is interrupted by his two neighbors, a young girl and her grandmother. Swashby tries to ignore this delightful new friend but the sea brings them together. This is my favorite book of unlikely new friends!

2. Wherever You Go, I Want You to Know by Melissa Kruger

Many diverse kids and family members walking along a path made from an airplane on the book cover of "Wherever you go, I want you to know" by Melissa Kruger, a book on the best May picture books for kids booklist. — Wherever You Go, I Want You to Know by Melissa Kruger

“Whatever you do, wherever you start, I pray you love Jesus with all of your heart.”

This precious book is perfect for kids of all ages. While it is written with the younger audience in mind, I cannot help but add this book to May’s monthly booklist. May is the month of some many graduations and a great time for this wonderful reminder. The pages are filled with engaging and vibrant illustrations, reminding kids to dream big, but their true identity is in Jesus.

3. Wombat Walkabout by Carol Diggory Shields

Three wombats walking on the beloved children's book "Wombat Walkabout" illustrated by Sophie Blackall, a book on the best may picture books for kids booklist. — Wombat Walkabout by Carol Diggory Shields

Sophie Blackall’s illustrations always draw me in, and this one is no exception. This humorous picture book is a fun counting poem about six brave little wombats on a walkabout in the Australian outback. A hungry dingo lingers near!

4. Hugo and the Impossible Thing by Renee Felice Smith

Hugo, a curious dog with a red collar, stares at a gigantic mountain on the cover of "Hugo and the Impossible Thing.” — Hugo and the Impossible Thing by Renee Felice Smith

This is a delightful story of a curious and courageous dog named Hugo inspires his forest friends, and they learn together that the impossible thing is only the extremely difficult thing with the help of friends. This is another one of our all-time favorites. I love good books that inspire the reader that difficult things are not bad. This is the perfect book to ignite a fire of curiosity and bravery in young children.

5. Mel Fell by Corey R. Tabor

A ladybug, squirrel, spider, and a few bees watch a blue and orange kingfisher baby bird fall straight down from his nest and into the river on the book cover "Mell Fell" by Corey R. Tabor, a book on the best May picture books for kids booklist. — Mel Fell by Corey R. Tabor

In this fun and engaging book, Mel, a curious young Kingfisher tumbles out of his nest. Along the way, Mel encounters several friends who attempt to assist him, but to no avail. Will Mel learn to fly? This picture book is so much fun to share with younger kids and watch their anticipation build up.

6. Harry, The Dirty Dog by Gene Zion

A white dog with spots and a black dog with white spots stare at each other propped on their hindlegs on the book cover of "Harry The Dirty Dog," a classic old childrens book. — Harry, The Dirty Dog by Gene Zion

This dog strongly dislikes baths. After an adventurous day, he returns home, but no one recognizes him. He is no longer a white dog with black spots but is not dirty and black with white spots. Younger children will surely giggle at this funny story.

10. Ten Beautiful Things by Molly Beth Griffin

A grandmother and her granddaughter ride down the road in her Station Wagon with the sun setting over the trees on the book cover "Ten Beautiful Things," a book on the best May picture books for kids booklist. — Ten Beautiful Things by Molly Beth Griffin

In this picture book, a young girl named Lily, filled with anxiety and grief moves from her home in the city to her Gram’s farmhouse. On the journey to her new home, Gram suggests finding “ten beautiful things along the way.” The illustrations of this book help depict the emotional struggle and heaviness of grief as Lily’s story moves from grief to restoration. Content warning: grief and moving.

11. The Wonderful Things You Will Be by Emily Winfield Martin

A little boy in red and white striped pajamas holds onto to colorful balloon as he soars up into the clouds on the cover of the book "The Wonderful Things You Will Be," a book featured on the books for six month old and up. — The Wonderful Things You Will Be by Emily Winfield Martin

This is a perfect choice for a baby shower gift. A truthful and impactful message to children. A message that they are special, wonderful, and worth knowing and caring for. Another great book with graduation in mind for this Best May Picture Books for Kids Booklist.

12. Two Bad Ants by Chris Van Allsburg

Two black ants look out into the forest of grass on the book cover "Two Bad Ants" by Chris Van Allsburg, a book on the Best May Picture Books for Kids booklist. — Two Bad Ants by Chris Van Allsburg

Two ants become weary of their boring life. On a quest for food, the ants nap in a sugar bowl. But this strange new world has quite a few surprises for these two “bad” ants.

13. Click, Clack, Moo Cows That Type by Doreen Cronin

Three spotted cows typing on a typewriter with a duck and chicken watching. The typewriter is resting on the ground on some hay. — Click, Clack, Moo Cows That Type by Doreen Cronin

I would be demanding an electric blanket too. The cows found an old typewriter in the barn and began making demands. We love the Click Clack Moo series!

14. The Hike by Alison Farrell

Three girls are running down a path in the woods towards mountains and the sun on the book cover of "The Hike.” — The Hike by Alison Farrell

Go on a hike with three friends who explore the woods, forage for berries, write in nature journals, read maps, and do more outdoor activities on a walk through the woods. I love how each little explorer enjoys the forest differently.

15. The Snail and the Whale by Julia Donaldson

A large humpback whale carries a tiny snail on the tip of his tail across the sea to a tropical island with tropical birds flying in the bright blue sky on the book cover of "The Snail and The Whale" by Julia Donaldson, a book about compassion for kids. — The Snail and the Whale by Julia Donaldson

A snail with an itchy foot and a longing to travel slithers aboard a large humpback whale’s tail and travels the sea. Their journey involves an opportunity for the tiny snail to perform a heroic act and move a community to a compassionate act. Young readers will love the rhythmic text.

13. One Morning in Maine by Robert McCloskey

Two siblings walk on the shoreline painted in green and black on the classic children's book "One Morning in Maine" by Robert McCloskey, a book on the ocean books for kids booklist. — One Morning in Maine by Robert McCloskey

Today’s a big day for Sal. She gets to go to Buck Harbor with her dad. The day starts with her discovering her first loose tooth, and the magical exchange for a tooth is a wish. Before heading to the harbor, she helps her dad dig for clams. While searching for clams, she notices her loose tooth is gone.

14. Down to the Sea with Mr. Magee by Chris Van Dusen

Silly Mr. Magee and his dog, Dee, sail the ocean on a bright summer day, scaring a poor seagull on the book cover of "Down to the Sea with Mr. Magee" by Chris van Dusen. — Down to the Sea with Mr. Magee by Chris Van Dusen

The adventures of Mr. Magee and his dog, Dee, are some of our favorite books to read. This duo sets off with their lunch in hand, ready for an ocean adventure. They get into trouble when a whale decides to say hello.

15. Millions of Cats by Wanda Gag

Painted yellow and red, a person walks over the hills with many cats on the book cover of "Millions of Cats," an old childrens book. — Millions of Cats by Wanda Gag

An elderly couple desires to have a cat, but in their search, they bring “hundreds of cats, thousands of cats, millions and billions and trillions of cats.”

16. The Story of Babar by Jean De Brunhoff

Babar, the little elephant tips his black hat with his truck on the orange book cover of "The Story of Babar," a classic childrens books. — The Story of Babar by Jean De Brunhoff

Babar, the little elephant, escapes the hunters that kill his mom and later returns to the great forest to be crowned King of the Elephants.

17. Anatole by Eve Titus

Anatole, a french mouse, races his bike across the brick road on the red, white, and blue book cover of "Anatole," a classic old childrens book. — Anatole by Eve Titus

This honorable mouse with an exceptional palate works to provide for his family by sampling the cheese at the Duvall Cheese Factory and leaving notes of improvement.

18. The Seven Silly Eaters by Mary Ann Hoberman

A large family enjoys their meal around a wooden table on the book cover of "The Seven Silly Eaters." — The Seven Silly Eaters by Mary Ann Hoberman

This little picture book is about seven children with picky and silly eating habits and a sweet mom who embraces her silly eaters. Maybe I love this one so much because I understand the struggle with picky eaters. But this silly story always brings up the conversation about taking thankful bites and being grateful for the food on the table.

19. Mama Seeton’s Whistle by Jerry Spinelli

Mama Seeton whistles out with her children hugging her dearly on the beloved children's book "Mama Seeton's Whistle" by Jerry Spinelli, a book on the best May picture books for kids. — Mama Seeton’s Whistle by Jerry Spinelli

This is a sweet and heartwarming story of a simple family and a mama with a two-note whistle to call her children for dinner. Her children come running home for hugs, kisses, and chocolate cake. The illustrations remind me of the Norman Rockwell calendar that used to hang near my granny’s fridge.

20. The Little Engine That Could by Watty Piper

A smiling blue engine chugs down a hill while boys and girls celebrate her coming while bringing toys and treats and a happy clown on the book cover of "The Little Engine That Could," a book on the booklist of children's books about perseverance. — The Little Engine That Could by Watty Piper

It’s time to introduce your little readers to the smallest, most determined blue engine. The historical little engine that could pull all the toys and goodies for “all those good little boys and girls on the other side of the mountain.” This is such a valuable lesson for all and remains one of the beloved classic books.

21. Petunia by Roger Duvoisin

A sassy goose waddles through the flowers on the red book cover of "Petunia," an old childrens book — Petunia by Roger Duvoisin

This sassy goose finds a book. Because Petunia is now the owner of a book, she must be wise.

22. The Detective Dog by Julia Donaldson

The classroom of kids follow a brown and white dog sniffing down a trail and pulling them down town on the children's book cover "The Detective Dog" by Julia Donaldson, a book on the best May picture books for kids booklist. — The Detective Dog by Julia Donaldson

In this fun story, Nell, the Detective Dog, has a keen sense of smell, and one day, she smells trouble—all the school’s books are gone. Peter follows his dog as she sniffs out the thief. The rhyming text and detailed illustrations make for a fun read aloud.

23. A Chair for My Mother by Vera B. Williams

A little girl wearing a red shirt and a lime green bag enters a restaurant where her mother works very hard on the book cover of "A Chair for my Mother," a book on the booklist of Children's books about perseverance. — A Chair for My Mother by Vera B. Williams

A young girl shares the story about her home burning and the only furniture the family has to sit on are hard, straight kitchen chairs. Her mama works hard and puts all her tips into a glass jar. Her grandma contributes as well from her market savings. When the glass is full, they go together to search for the perfect chair. This is a sweet, simple story with such feelings.

24. Saturday by Oge Mora

This is a precious book to help kids deal with disappointing situations. In this story, a mother and daughter have a weekend journey with ups and downs, but the best part is the time spent together.

25. Llama Llama Red Pajama by Anna Dewdney

Baby llama dressed in red pajama holds his stuffed llama tightly while tucked in bed with a concerned look on his face on the book cover "Llama Lama Red Pajama," a book on the Best May picture books for kids booklist. — Llama Llama Red Pajama by Anna Dewdney

“Mama Llama’s always near even if she’s not right here.” This is a sweet story with simple text in a fun rhyme about Baby Llama’s struggle at bedtime. This one is perfect for little ones who struggle at bedtime.

26. Flower Garden by Eve Bunting

A little African-American girl admires a window box filled with spring flowers on the book cover "Flower Garden" by Eve Bunting, a book on the Best May pIcture books for kids booklist. — Flower Garden by Eve Bunting

In this story, a little girl and her father prepare a beautiful birthday surprise for her mother. They work hard together to design a window box flower garden. The text is a gentle rhyme, and the illustrations are colorful.

27. Baby Goes to Market by Atinuke

An African mama smiles and holds her baby near hear on the brightly illustrated children's book "Baby goes to Market." — Baby Goes to Market by Atinuke

This vibrant story is the perfect counting book for little readers. Baby takes a bite and stores all his yummy gifts in Mom’s basket. I had to include this book on this list because it’s one of my girls’ favorite books.

28. The Little Red Hen retold by Paul Galdone

A red hen wearing a bonnet is holding a rake, a hoe, and a green watering can. — The Little Red Hen retold by Paul Galdone

This is a classic story of reaping what you sow. When the little red hen asks for help from all the different animals, no one wants to help. So, she is left to do all the work herself. The message of hard work is so important to teach to kids of all ages.

29. Granny’s Kitchen by Sade Smith

A granny and her granddaughter smile while cooking a large pot of a special Jamaican dish on the book cover of "Granny's Kitchen," a book on the booklist of Children's books about perseverance. — Granny’s Kitchen by Sade Smith

Shelly-Ann’s grandmother is a wonderful cook who masters the delicacies of Jamaica. But Shelly-Ann struggles to cook like her grandmother. Her determination and love for food motivate her to keep going with a little help from her beloved granny. Kids will love the colorful illustrations. More books about perseverance. This has to be one of my favorite picture books about cooking!
Recipes included.

Featured Children’s Treasury

30. Adventures of Little Bear by Else Holmelund Minarik

Little bear kiss rooster on the book cover of "Adventures of Little Bear," a book on the best May picture books for kids booklist. — Adventures of Little Bear by Else Holmelund Minarik

This children’s treasury is a charming combination of short stories about Little Bear, a young and curious bear cub. These stories are perfect for little ones at bedtime.

Featured Board Book

31. Chicka Chicka Boom Boom by Bill Martin Jr.

A brightly colored palm tree with two dark purple coconuts covers the pink and orange book cover "Chicka Chicka Boom Boom" a book for babies and toddlers — Chicka Chicka Boom Boom by Bill Martin Jr.

Introduce your kids to the alphabet with these silly little alphabetic characters who pile in the coconut tree.

Interested in More Booklists for Kids: Check These Out!

Best Garden Picture Books for Kids

Book covers are arranged on a pale green background with green artist designs and leaves with bold black text on the image for children books on plants booklist.

Get the complete booklist of the best picture books on plants HERE.

Best April Picture Books for Kids

Get the full list of great books for April HERE.

Best Frog Books for Kids

13 frog books for toddlers all stacked on a wooden table with a pathos house plant in a blue pot. A green, smiling frog is centered at the top of the image.

Get the complete best books about Frogs for Kids HERE.

Featured Craft ideas!

Thanks for Stopping By!

Lastly, thank you for stopping by! Please say Hi in the comment section and share one of your favorite books on the Best May Picture Books for Kids booklist. This booklist was so fun to make. If you enjoyed this booklist, subscribe to my mailing list to receive each monthly picture booklist right in your inbox. Each booklist includes 31 wholesome picture books for kids and a free printable. My goal is to help you build a list of great read alouds for all the little readers in your life.

Please note this booklist does not encompass a comprehensive list of all the themes and May holidays and is curated for ages 3-6 years old. I will continue to add more themed booklist such as Mother’s Day and maybe even Star Wars Day.

HAPPY READING!