Picture This: Great Picture Book Series

The world is a busy and complex place, no matter what age you are. Evolutionary scientists surmise that ancient humans living 10,000 years ago met, at most, 250 different people in their entire lives. Farthest distance they traveled from birth to death? No more than 20 or 25 miles. (No wonder watching a fire and cave drawings were the most exciting entertainments at that time!)

Today, of course, humans have a million things to look at, think about, interact with and ponder – just consider the number of streaming services available, much less the number of shows to watch on each one.

We need a break!

That’s where series books come in. Cognitively, reading a book where you are already familiar with the main characters, setting and language helps reduce intellectual demand and increases brain pleasure.

This is true for adults, teens, children, and even very young children and babies.

Fortunately, series abound for all of these ages, including fabulous picture books, which is not always the first format you think of for series. (James Patterson novels, yes. Colorful illustrated books for kids? Not so much.)

Check out some of my favorites for your – and your child’s – brain’s sake! All books listed below are first in the series.

Olivia written and illustrated by Ian Falconer

This first introduction to Olivia, “a feisty pig with too much energy,” might remind you of a typical toddler, both in delights and frustrations. Later books in the series see Olivia being a princess, going to Venice and forming a band.

Pete the Cat: I Love My White Shoes written by Eric Litwin and illustrated by James Dean

Changing shoe colors was never so much fun, or musical! Pete turns up again and again in multiple locales and challenges, but is always a cool (and kind) cat.

Mother Bruce written and illustrated by Ryan T. Higgins

An out-of-sorts bear is surprised that his breakfast of eggs hatches and he’s suddenly “Mother Goose” to a gaggle of goslings. Despite his best efforts, he becomes an excellent and loving mother. In later books in this series, Mother Bruce faces a storm, is “swapped” with his cousin Kevin, and plays Santa.

Grumpy Monkey written by Suzanne Lang and illustrated by Max Lang

In this first book of the series, Jim Panzee is in a bad mood. He doesn’t want to do anything at all but grump around…and that’s OK! This and later books in the Grumpy Monkey series explore the role of emotions in our everyday lives, and how to handle even the “difficult” ones.

Dragons Love Tacos written by Adam Rubin and illustrated by Daniel Salmieri

Who wouldn’t get a little worked up when delicious tacos are involved? Follow these dragons in multiple books.

Other Great Picture Book Series

Other great picture book series to explore at one of your favorite library locations (there are 24 all across Tulsa and Tulsa County!):

• The Day the Crayons Quit written by Drew Daywalt and illustrated by Oliver Jeffers
• We Don’t Eat Our Classmates written and illustrated by Ryan T. Higgins
• The Questioneers written by Andrea Beatty and illustrated by David Roberts