10+ Best Picture Books for 7-8-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Are you on the hunt for the perfect picture books for 7-8-year-olds that will captivate their imagination and help foster a love for reading? You've come to the right place! Whether you're looking to stock a classroom library or find a new bedtime favorite, we’ve got a delightful assortment waiting for you. Keep reading to discover our varied lists of picture books that are just right for kids aged 7 to 8. Get ready to turn the pages on some magical reading moments!

Fun Picture Books for 7-8-Year-Olds

• Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak
  • Illustrator: Maurice Sendak
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: A young boy named Max, dressed in a wolf suit, makes mischief and is sent to bed without supper. In his room, a mysterious wild forest and sea appear, and he sails to the land of the Wild Things.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages imagination and creativity, showing children how they can explore vast new worlds and emotions safely within the pages of a book.
  • Perfect for: Imaginative kids who enjoy adventures and exploring new worlds.

• The Day the Crayons Quit by Drew Daywalt
  • Illustrator: Oliver Jeffers
  • Genre(s): Humor, Fiction
  • Synopsis: The crayons in Duncan's box are fed up and they decide to go on strike, each leaving behind a letter explaining their grievances about how they are used.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a fun and engaging story that teaches the importance of problem-solving and understanding different perspectives.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love color and creativity, and those who enjoy a good laugh.

• Dragons Love Tacos by Adam Rubin
  • Illustrator: Daniel Salmieri
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Humor
  • Synopsis: This book explores the love dragons have for tacos and the chaos that ensues when they accidentally eat spicy salsa.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines humor with a quirky storyline that keeps children engaged and entertained, fostering a love for reading.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy fantastical creatures and silly scenarios.

• The True Story of the Three Little Pigs by Jon Scieszka
  • Illustrator: Lane Smith
  • Genre(s): Fairy Tale, Humor
  • Synopsis: This story is told from the perspective of the Big Bad Wolf, who claims he was just trying to borrow a cup of sugar and had a cold, which caused him to sneeze and accidentally blow the pigs' houses down.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a fresh take on a classic tale, teaching children about different perspectives and the importance of hearing all sides of a story.
  • Perfect for: Children who enjoy fairy tales and exploring alternative viewpoints.

• The Dot by Peter H. Reynolds
  • Illustrator: Peter H. Reynolds
  • Genre(s): Inspirational, Art
  • Synopsis: A story about a girl who believes she cannot draw, but her teacher encourages her to make a mark and see where it takes her.
  • Why we recommend this book: It inspires confidence and creativity, showing children that everyone has the ability to create something beautiful, starting from a simple dot.
  • Perfect for: Young artists and any child who needs encouragement to explore their own creativity.

Educational Picture Books for 7-8-Year-Olds

• The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore by William Joyce
  • Illustrator: William Joyce
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Morris Lessmore loves books, but one day a storm scatters all his stories. He discovers a magical library where books come to life and fly like birds.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Reading appreciation, storytelling, emotional resilience
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a visually stunning ode to the power of storytelling and the comfort that books can provide in times of turmoil.
  • Perfect for: Children who love books and whimsical, imaginative tales.

• Ada Twist, Scientist by Andrea Beaty
  • Illustrator: David Roberts
  • Genre(s): Science, Fiction
  • Synopsis: Inspired by real-life makers such as Ada Lovelace and Marie Curie, Ada Twist is a very curious girl who embarks on fact-finding missions and conducts scientific experiments to discover the truth about the world around her.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Scientific inquiry, problem-solving, curiosity
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages scientific exploration and critical thinking, inspiring young readers to ask "why" and "how."
  • Perfect for: Budding scientists and curious minds.

• Rosie Revere, Engineer by Andrea Beaty
  • Illustrator: David Roberts
  • Genre(s): Science, Fiction
  • Synopsis: Rosie is a brilliant inventor of gizmos and gadgets who dreams of becoming a great engineer. When her great-great-aunt Rose (Rosie the Riveter) comes for a visit and mentions her unfinished goal to fly, Rosie starts building a contraption to make her aunt's dream come true.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Engineering concepts, creativity, perseverance
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches resilience and the importance of pursuing one's dreams, even in the face of failure.
  • Perfect for: Young inventors and anyone who needs a little encouragement to keep trying.

• The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind by William Kamkwamba and Bryan Mealer
  • Illustrator: Elizabeth Zunon
  • Genre(s): Biography, Science
  • Synopsis: Based on a true story, this book tells the tale of a boy from Malawi who builds a windmill from scraps to save his village from drought and hunger.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Environmental science, innovation, resourcefulness
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an inspiring story of ingenuity and determination that highlights how one person's efforts can make a huge difference.
  • Perfect for: Aspiring engineers and young readers interested in sustainability and environmental conservation.

• Miss Rumphius by Barbara Cooney
  • Illustrator: Barbara Cooney
  • Genre(s): Biography, Inspirational
  • Synopsis: This story follows Alice Rumphius, who made a promise to her grandfather to travel the world, live by the sea in her old age, and do something to make the world more beautiful.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Environmental awareness, life goals, personal growth
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages children to think about how they can contribute positively to the world and leave a lasting legacy.
  • Perfect for: Dreamers and young environmentalists who love stories of adventure and purpose.

Challenging Picture Books for 7-8-Year-Olds

• The Arrival by Shaun Tan
  • Illustrator: Shaun Tan
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Wordless
  • Synopsis: A beautifully illustrated tale that follows a man's journey to an alien land in search of a better life for his family, depicted entirely through pictures.
  • Why this book is challenging: The lack of text requires readers to interpret the story through complex and detailed illustrations, enhancing their visual literacy and critical thinking skills.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a powerful, evocative exploration of the immigrant experience, fostering empathy and understanding.
  • Perfect for: Visual learners and young readers interested in storytelling through art.

• The Wolves in the Walls by Neil Gaiman
  • Illustrator: Dave McKean
  • Genre(s): Horror, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: Lucy hears wolves in the walls of her house. Despite her family's disbelief, when the wolves come out, it's up to her to save the day.
  • Why this book is challenging: It features more sophisticated themes and a slightly darker storyline, which challenges young readers to deal with fear and bravery.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines suspense with a powerful narrative about facing one's fears and taking action.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy a slight thrill and learning about overcoming fears.

• The Red Tree by Shaun Tan
  • Illustrator: Shaun Tan
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Surrealism
  • Synopsis: A girl finds herself lost in a dark and emotional world, eventually discovering hope through a bright red tree.
  • Why this book is challenging: The abstract and surreal imagery paired with minimal text invites deeper interpretation and emotional connection.
  • Why we recommend this book: It addresses complex emotions like sadness and hope, helping children understand and express their feelings.
  • Perfect for: Children who are dealing with or learning about complex emotions and those who appreciate artistic expression.

• Flotsam by David Wiesner
  • Illustrator: David Wiesner
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Wordless
  • Synopsis: A young boy discovers an underwater camera washed up on the beach and explores the fantastical images it contains.
  • Why this book is challenging: The wordless narrative requires careful observation and interpretation of detailed illustrations to understand the story.
  • Why we recommend this book: It sparks imagination and curiosity, encouraging readers to create their own stories and explanations for the images.
  • Perfect for: Young explorers and any child who loves mysteries and the magic of the sea.

• Journey by Aaron Becker
  • Illustrator: Aaron Becker
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Wordless
  • Synopsis: A lonely girl draws a magic door on her bedroom wall and steps into a world where adventure awaits, armed only with her red marker.
  • Why this book is challenging: The absence of text challenges readers to use their imagination to interpret the story and its various elements.
  • Why we recommend this book: It celebrates creativity and the power of imagination, showing how art can open doors to new possibilities.
  • Perfect for: Creative spirits and any child who dreams of adventure and magical worlds.

• The Garden of Abdul Gasazi by Chris Van Allsburg
  • Illustrator: Chris Van Allsburg
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Mystery
  • Synopsis: When Alan loses Miss Hester's dog in the mysterious garden of retired magician Abdul Gasazi, he fears the worst, but the garden holds more secrets than he could have imagined.
  • Why this book is challenging: The intricate plot and detailed illustrations provide a complex narrative that demands attention to detail and critical thinking.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a magical and mysterious tale that captivates and stimulates the imagination, encouraging readers to think beyond the obvious.
  • Perfect for: Young detectives and lovers of magic and mystery.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're looking to help your 7-8-year-olds develop great reading habits while enjoying picture books, here are some fun and engaging exercises that can make reading a delightful part of their daily routine. These activities are not only enjoyable but also instrumental in enhancing their reading skills.

• Create a Reading Nook
  • What it is: Set up a special corner in the house dedicated to reading.
  • How it helps: Creates a comfortable and inviting environment that encourages regular reading.
  • Tips: Let your child personalize the space with their favorite cushions, lights, or decorations.

• Story Prediction
  • What it is: Before reading a new book, ask your child to predict the story based on the cover and pictures.
  • How it helps: Enhances imaginative thinking and sets a purpose for reading.
  • Tips: Discuss their predictions after reading to see how close they were.

• Picture Walk
  • What it is: Flip through the pages of the picture book before reading and discuss what's happening in the images.
  • How it helps: Builds anticipation and comprehension skills by using visual clues.
  • Tips: Encourage your child to tell the story in their own words based on the pictures.

• Read and Draw
  • What it is: After reading a book, have your child draw a scene or a character from the story.
  • How it helps: Reinforces understanding and recall; helps with creative expression.
  • Tips: Display their artwork to show appreciation for their efforts and interpretations.

• Character Interview
  • What it is: Pretend to interview the main character of the book with your child acting as the character.
  • How it helps: Deepens understanding of the character and enhances empathy.
  • Tips: Prepare fun and thoughtful questions that make your child think more about the character's feelings and actions.

• Book-Themed Snacks
  • What it is: Create snacks that are themed around the story or characters of the book.
  • How it helps: Makes reading more fun and memorable, especially for visual and tactile learners.
  • Tips: Keep the recipes simple and involve your child in the preparation.

Incorporating these exercises into your child’s reading routine can make reading a more dynamic and enjoyable experience. Not only do they help develop good reading habits, but they also foster creativity, comprehension, and love for books. Happy reading!