People say that we should never judge a book by its cover, but let’s face it, when it comes to children’s books we often do. The illustrations in picture books have the power to make a book stand out from the others or get it left for the dust bunnies on the shelf.

Illustrations often dictate the mood of the story with their materials, techniques and style.

Illustrations help us picture the setting and the characters.

The most magical of all picture books are the ones where both the illustrations and the words are vital to the story. Without either the book would be lacking, but paired perfectly the book is magic.

It would truly be impossible to pick just 10 beautiful picture books, but I want to honor the amazing illustrators gracing our bookshelves. Below are the 10 most beautifully illustrated picture books on our bookshelves at home. They are each striking in their own way and were impossible for me to resist.

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10 Most Beautifully Illustrated Picture Books

1. The Sound of Colors: A Journey of the Imagination by Jimmy Liao

A completely magical story about a blind girl’s imaginative journey in the big city. Find on Amazon

2. If You Want to See a Whale by Julie Fogliano and Illustrated by Erin E. Stead

I am completely obsessed with whale books and they are often beautifully illustrated, but this is a favorite. More than anything it captures the immensity of these creatures. Erin E. Stead has a unique and delightful style. Find on Amazon

3. Big Blue by Shelley Gill

See? I wasn’t kidding about that love of whale books. This is another one that captures the breathtaking largess of whales but it has a completely different feel. BIG BLUE is truly mesmerizing. Find on Amazon

4. Have You Seen My Dragon? by Steve Light

We love all of Steve Light’s books, but this is our favorite. The playful text encourages you to help the little boy find his dragon who is hiding on each page. The bold black and white illustrations with splashes of bright color are detailed and interesting. Find on Amazon

5. Thunderstorm by Arthur Geisert

This book is a work of art and one that I have read more than all the rest. It was my son’s absolute favorite book for almost a year. For a while I thought it was all thunderstorm and tornado books, but in reality it was this one that he wanted to absorb over and over again. Find on Amazon

also read: 10+ Most Stunning Wordless Picture Books

6. Locomotive by Brian Floca

There is a reason this one is an award winner, but everything by Brian Floca is filled with frame worthy art. Everything about this book is incredible. It is well researched, fascinating to train enthusiasts, filled with carefully chosen and paced words, and then there are the illustrations. Find on Amazon

7. Outside by Deirdre Gill

The illustrations in this book are magical in the way they capture imagination and cold and play. The contrast between the stark blue and white snow and the bright playful child celebrate winter and the story invites you to head outside yourself. I have no warm feelings for snow, but the illustrations in this book make even me consider playing in the snow. Find on Amazon

8. Wave by Suzy Lee

This wordless book brilliantly captures a little girl’s day at the beach. The color palette is simple and the story is filled with motion and joy. Suzy Lee is an amazing illustrator and storyteller. Find on Amazon

9. The Lion and the Mouse by Jerry Pinkney

Jerry Pinkney retells many famous tales with his incredibly vivid and dramatic illustrations, but this is our favorite. The pictures draw you into the story with their power and beauty. The lion and mouse has never looked like this. Find on Amazon

10. The Whisper by Pamela Zagarenski

This picture book has a quirky and fantastical feel to it. This is a magical story about the joy of reading written and illustrated by a two time Caldecott Honor winner. The amazing whimsy has completely won us over. Find on Amazon

Please share your favorite illustrator in the comments!