Picture Books Introducing Literary Legends to Young Readers

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Picture books are the best way to get kids excited about reading. But these picture books go one step further and will get them excited about important authors. These five, relatively recently published picture books feature the true stories of literary legends. Some of the biographical picture books describe authors of children’s books, like Judy Blume, A.A. Milne, and the lesser-known—but equally legendary—Virginia Hamilton. The other two books feature the stories of Mary Oliver and Toni Morrison, who wrote primarily for adults.

But they all celebrate books and the creative process. Because these books don’t just introduce young readers and listeners to five literary legends. They also celebrate writing, storytelling, and the importance of every person finding their own voice. So to be entertained, educated, and inspired, pick up one, or all, of the following books.

Otherwise Known as Judy the Great: A Poetic Ode to Judy Blume by Selina Alko

Judy Blume is a beloved and bestselling author of books for kids and adults. Her books have sold over 80 million copies all around the world, and she’s been a fierce anti-censorship advocate, with many of her books banned. This picture book tells the stories of her young life through poetry, from the fear she felt as a Jewish American girl living after World War II to the way she used writing stories to work through her problems and gain a sense of control. It’s a delightful celebration of one of America’s favorite writers and the power of storytelling itself.

Extraordinary Magic: The Storytelling Life of Virginia Hamilton by Nina Crews

Virginia Hamilton isn’t as well-known as she should be. Hamilton wrote over 40 books for children and was the first Black author to win the Newbery Medal. Growing up, she was immersed in family stories of her ancestors escaping from slavery and building a new, flourishing life in Ohio. These stories helped her believe in the power of words and storytelling. At nine years old, she decided she wanted to be a writer when she grew up and her family fully supported her. An author’s note in the back suggests young aspiring writers today use Virginia Hamilton as a model to achieve their own dreams!

All Access members, read on for more picture books about literary legends!

Mary Oliver, Holding on to Wonder by Erin Frankel, illustrated by Jasu Hu

Mary Oliver’s poetry enthralls and enchants readers through simple, but beautiful, descriptions of nature and her lifelong habit of taking long walks. Long before Gen-Z was telling people to touch grass, Oliver wrote lines like, “It doesn’t have to be the blue iris, it could be weeds in a vacant lot, or a few small stones; just pay attention.” The lyrical text and watercolor-like illustrations in this beautiful picture book introduce young readers to her poems, in addition to piquing their own curiosity about the natural world.

How a Bear Became a Book: The Collaboration That Created Winnie-the-Pooh by Annette Bay Pimentel, illustrated by Faith Pray

Winnie the Pooh has been adored by young readers since it first came out a hundred years ago. I loved this picture book about how the author, editor, and illustrator all worked together to create the first story. The book celebrates the character while providing a unique look into the collaborative, creative process. And it is particularly delightful when Winnie the Pooh himself enters the story and begins to speak to the reader.

And She Was Loved: Toni Morrison’s Life in Stories by Andrea Davis Pinkney, illustrated by Daniel Minter

Part picture book biography and part thank you letter, this look at the life and literary contributions of Toni Morrison invites children reading the book to understand the importance of their own stories. It combines a pastiche of scenes from Morrison’s life with call and response language encouraging young readers to embrace their own imaginations. The rhythm and cadence of the book also made it very fun to read out loud!

If you read these and want even more books like this, check out this post about picture book biographies of authors from a few years ago!