The Best Children's Picture Books of 2008

Children's picture books can be a delight for kids and adults alike and 2008 offered a bumper crop of exceptional books from children's authors and artists. Tired of reading Good Night Moon every night? Check out these new and noteworthy additions to children's literature:

Frankenstein Takes The Cake by Adam Rex (author and illustrator)

This follow-up to 2006's Frankenstein Makes A Sandwich is full of Rex's ghoulish poems about Frankenstein and his fellow monsters. Silly and surprising rhymes are a thrill and fuel an excitement for poetry. Rex's illustrations are top-notch and manage to entertain the big kids without frightening even the smallest of children.

If You Give A Cat A Cupcake by Laura Numeroff, illustrations by Felicia Bond

If You Give A Cat A Cupcake is another follow-up book in the If You Give... book series launched by Numeroff's explosively popular If You Give A Mouse A Cookie in 1985. But this book is more than just another in the series; it speaks to the ingenuity and imagination of children as the gift of a cupcake results in far flung adventures most adults would find difficult to believe. Numeroff and Bond have discovered a winning combination and this book will be a treasured edition to any child's library.

Big Words for Little People by Jamie Lee Curtis, illustrations by Laura Cornell

One of the few celebrity authors to produce well written and timeless children's books, Jamie Lee Curtis's latest tome shares the joy of large words with small people. Using vibrant illustrations by Laura Cornell the book painlessly teaches children the meaning of "adult" words and encourages them to expand their vocabulary. Big Words for Little People is a must have for new readers excited to learn bigger and better words and will delight non-readers with its warm story.

Gingerbread Friends by Jan Brett (author and illustrator)

Brett is back with the beloved title character from her 1999 book, Gingerbread Baby. Baby is not only back, now he's looking for friends. A perfect book for winter days and holiday reading, Brett's illustrations transport readers to snowy chateaus while her text will have even the most cynical reader rooting for the boisterous Gingerbread Baby!

Thump, Quack, Moo: A Wacky Adventure by Doreen Cronin, illustrated by Betsy Lewin

Few teams can match the creativity of Cronin and Lewin whose books are enjoyed by kids and adults alike. Thump, Quack, Moo reunites Farmer Brown's animal friends for another adventure. Cronin's trademark use of onomatopoeia paired with Lewin's depiction of life on the farm and a surprise ending make this an instant favorite.

Find out more about these children's books at the following websites:

Amazon; http://www.amazon.com

Barnes and Noble; http://www.barnesandnoble.com