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

Are you on the hunt for the perfect picture books for 7-year-olds? Whether you're looking to spark imagination or foster a love of reading, finding the right books can be a game changer. In this blog, we'll dive into a variety of captivating picture books that are sure to engage and delight any 7-year-old. Keep reading to discover our top picks that promise to be instant favorites!

Fun Picture Books for 7-Year-Olds

• Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: A young boy named Max, dressed in a wolf costume, wreaks havoc at home and is sent to bed without supper. His bedroom transforms into a mysterious forest inhabited by wild creatures that crown him as their ruler.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a captivating adventure that sparks imagination and helps children explore their feelings about anger and belonging.
  • Perfect for: Imaginative kids who enjoy tales of adventure and fantasy worlds.

• The Day the Crayons Quit by Drew Daywalt, illustrated by Oliver Jeffers
  • Genre(s): Humor, Picture Book
  • Synopsis: The crayons in Duncan's box are tired of how they're being used and decide to go on strike, each expressing their grievances through letters.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a funny and creative story that encourages problem-solving and empathy, showing kids how to consider perspectives other than their own.
  • Perfect for: Children who love drawing and coloring, and those who enjoy stories with humor and a unique format.

• The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore by William Joyce, illustrated by Joe Bluhm
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Morris Lessmore loves books, and after a storm sweeps away his own, he discovers a magical library where books come to life.
  • Why we recommend this book: It beautifully illustrates the power of stories and the joy of reading, encouraging children to cherish books.
  • Perfect for: Young readers and dreamers who appreciate a magical story and the enchanting world of books.

• The True Story of the Three Little Pigs by Jon Scieszka, illustrated by Lane Smith
  • Genre(s): Fairy Tale, Humor
  • Synopsis: This book offers a fresh twist on the classic tale, narrated by the Wolf who claims he was just trying to borrow a cup of sugar and had a bad cold.
  • Why we recommend this book: It introduces children to alternative perspectives and the concept of unreliable narrators, all while being highly entertaining.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy funny stories and seeing familiar tales told from a different point of view.

• Journey by Aaron Becker
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: A lonely girl draws a magic door on her bedroom wall and steps into a world of adventure, armed only with her red marker.
  • Why we recommend this book: This wordless story captivates with its detailed illustrations and sparks imagination, encouraging children to create their own narratives.
  • Perfect for: Visual thinkers and young explorers who love crafting stories and adventures of their own.

Educational Picture Books for 7-Year-Olds

• Ada Twist, Scientist by Andrea Beaty, illustrated by David Roberts
  • Genre(s): Science, Fiction
  • Synopsis: Ada Twist is a very curious girl who embarks on fact-finding missions and conducts scientific experiments to understand the world around her.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Scientific inquiry, problem-solving, perseverance
  • Why we recommend this book: It promotes curiosity and perseverance, especially in science, and illustrates the importance of asking questions.
  • Perfect for: Young scientists and any child with a curious mind.

• The Name Jar by Yangsook Choi
  • Genre(s): Social Themes, Culture
  • Synopsis: After Unhei moves from Korea to the US, she worries that her new classmates won’t be able to pronounce her name. As a result, she decides to choose a new name from a "name jar" her classmates fill with suggestions.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Cultural diversity, social skills, self-acceptance
  • Why we recommend this book: It addresses themes of cultural identity and acceptance, encouraging children to appreciate their own heritage and the diversity of others.
  • Perfect for: Children experiencing or learning about cultural diversity and the value of self-identity.

• Rosie Revere, Engineer by Andrea Beaty, illustrated by David Roberts
  • Genre(s): Science, Technology
  • Synopsis: Rosie Revere dreams of becoming an engineer. Afraid of failure, she hides her inventions until she learns that you can only fail if you quit.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Creativity, engineering, resilience
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches kids about the importance of perseverance and learning from failures in the process of innovation.
  • Perfect for: Aspiring engineers and inventors, and any child who needs encouragement to keep trying.

• The Water Princess by Susan Verde, illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds
  • Genre(s): Social Issues, Biography
  • Synopsis: Based on the true story of supermodel Georgie Badiel, a young girl dreams of bringing clean drinking water to her African village.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Social awareness, geography, empathy
  • Why we recommend this book: It sheds light on the global water crisis and inspires children to think about how they can help solve real-world problems.
  • Perfect for: Young activists and any child interested in social change and environmental issues.

• The Most Magnificent Thing by Ashley Spires
  • Genre(s): Self-Esteem & Self-Reliance, Fiction
  • Synopsis: A young girl, referred to as "the girl," decides to build something truly magnificent. Faced with frustration after several unsuccessful attempts, she learns that sometimes, the key to success is a new perspective and perseverance.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Problem-solving, creativity, resilience
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s a wonderful story about the rewards of not giving up despite challenges and frustrations.
  • Perfect for: Creative minds who might sometimes get frustrated with their projects and need a reminder about the power of perseverance and the creative process.

Challenging Picture Books for 7-Year-Olds

• The Arrival by Shaun Tan
  • Genre(s): Graphic Novel, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: This wordless picture book tells the story of an immigrant's journey to an unfamiliar and fantastical world, capturing the emotions and challenges of adapting to a new life.
  • Why this book is challenging: The lack of text requires readers to interpret complex themes and emotions solely through detailed illustrations.
  • Why we recommend this book: It enhances visual literacy and empathy, allowing readers to immerse themselves deeply in the narrative through powerful imagery.
  • Perfect for: Visual learners and children interested in stories about journeys and new experiences.

• The Red Tree by Shaun Tan
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Psychological
  • Synopsis: A young girl finds herself lost in a dark and emotional world, eventually discovering hope when she sees a bright red tree.
  • Why this book is challenging: It deals with complex emotions and uses metaphorical imagery to explore themes of depression and hope.
  • Why we recommend this book: It opens up discussions about emotions and resilience, offering a hopeful perspective on overcoming personal darkness.
  • Perfect for: Readers who appreciate art and deeper emotional storytelling.

• The Garden of Abdul Gasazi by Chris Van Allsburg
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: When Alan loses a dog he's supposed to be watching, his search leads him to the mysterious garden of Abdul Gasazi, where the impossible seems to happen.
  • Why this book is challenging: The intricate plot and sophisticated themes invite readers to think critically about reality and illusion.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a magical tale that stimulates the imagination and encourages a sense of wonder and curiosity.
  • Perfect for: Children who love magical stories and puzzles.

• The Mysteries of Harris Burdick by Chris Van Allsburg
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: A collection of images, each accompanied by a title and a single line of text, invites readers to create their own stories.
  • Why this book is challenging: The open-ended nature challenges readers to use their imagination and narrative skills to construct stories from minimal prompts.
  • Why we recommend this book: It fosters creativity and narrative skills, as children can become co-authors of the stories they imagine.
  • Perfect for: Young writers and any child who loves crafting their own stories and solving mysteries.

• Tuesday by David Wiesner
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Humor
  • Synopsis: Frogs on flying lily pads embark on a whimsical journey through a sleepy town, causing confusion and wonder as the town's residents wake.
  • Why this book is challenging: The almost entirely wordless narrative pushes readers to interpret the story and its subtleties through the artwork alone.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a delightful exploration of imagination and the unexpected, encouraging children to think about the ordinary in extraordinary ways.
  • Perfect for: Dreamers and those who delight in the surreal and the humorous.

• Mirror by Jeannie Baker
  • Genre(s): Culture, Realistic Fiction
  • Synopsis: Two parallel stories are told simultaneously through side-by-side imagery: one of a family in Australia and another in Morocco, highlighting the differences and similarities in their daily lives.
  • Why this book is challenging: The dual narrative without text challenges readers to compare and contrast the visual stories of two distinct cultures.
  • Why we recommend this book: It promotes cultural awareness and appreciation, helping children understand and value diverse worldviews.
  • Perfect for: Kids interested in other cultures and how people live around the world.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you’re looking to help your 7-year-old develop great reading habits while enjoying picture books, here are some fun and effective exercises you can try. These activities are designed to make reading a more engaging and beneficial part of their daily routine.

• Read Aloud Together
  • What it is: You and your child take turns reading pages or paragraphs aloud from a picture book.
  • How it helps: Enhances pronunciation skills and builds confidence in reading out loud.
  • Tips: Encourage expression by changing your voice for different characters.

• Create a Story Map
  • What it is: Draw a map or a timeline that outlines the story’s main events.
  • How it helps: Helps with understanding the structure of stories and improves comprehension.
  • Tips: Use colors and stickers to make the activity more fun and visually appealing.

• Picture Book Pick
  • What it is: Allow your child to choose a picture book to read each week.
  • How it helps: Encourages decision-making and makes them more excited about reading.
  • Tips: Guide them with suggestions but let the final choice be theirs.

• Character Role Play
  • What it is: Act out scenes from the picture book with your child, taking on the roles of different characters.
  • How it helps: Boosts imagination and helps with understanding character emotions and actions.
  • Tips: Use simple props or costumes to make the role-play more engaging.

• Reading Reflections
  • What it is: After reading, discuss the book with your child, focusing on what they liked, didn’t like, or what they learned.
  • How it helps: Develops critical thinking and personal connection to the reading material.
  • Tips: Keep the conversation light and enjoyable, more like a chat than a test.

Incorporating these exercises into your reading routine will not only improve your child’s reading skills but also make the experience more enjoyable and enriching for both of you. Happy reading!