Picture books have a unique magic—they can shape the way a child sees the world, comfort a restless heart, or spark lifelong curiosity. While classics like Where the Wild Things Are and Oh, the Places You’ll Go have stood the test of time, the last twenty years have given us many more that feel just as enduring and worthy of treasuring. These are stories filled with empathy, creativity, humor, and heart—books that future generations are likely to call classics.

For this week’s Top Ten Tuesday, it is a look at what books we think will be future classics. As I work with students everyday, and spend time looking at picture books even more than usual, and November being National Picture Book Month, I am looking at today’s picture books that could likely be tomorrow’s classics.

This list, though, barely scrapes the surface of all the books I truly think should belong in it. If I could, this would contain a zillion reads (well, at least a hundred for sure!!)… I will save that reading list for another day though!

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1. Books That Teach Empathy and Emotional Intelligence

• The Rabbit Listened by Cori Doerrfeld (2018)
  A gentle, quiet story about listening, grief, and support. Perfect for classrooms and homes alike.
• The Invisible String by Patrice Karst (2000)
  A comforting sweet read about connection, love, and coping with separation.
• Last Stop on Market Street by Matt de la Peña and Christian Robinson (2015) A heartwarming ode to the love between grandparent and grandchild, to empathy and finding happiness around us.

2. Picture Books That Spark Imagination and Wonder

• Journey by Aaron Becker (2013)
  Aaron Becker’s wordless picture books are a breathtaking and adventurous package.
• Drawn Together by Minh Lê and Dan Santat (2018)
  A cross-generational tale of connection and creativity, with stunning illustrations.
• Press Here by Hervé Tullet (2010)
  An interactive and playful story that invites children to manipulate the book itself—a timeless read.

3. Shaun Tan and Kobi Yamada

• The Arrival (2006), The Lost Thing (2000), Cicada (2018)
  Shaun Tan’s books are artful, surreal, and full of emotional depth, often wordless or sparsely written. They are timeless explorations of belonging, imagination, and human experience.
• Kobi Yamada’s books are thought-provoking yet have an underlying sweetness in their strength. I cannot pick a favorite among the ones I have read and am sure I will still be unable to choose after I read the ones I am yet to get to! What about you? Do you have a favorite among his books? Maybe? Or What Do You With a Chance?

4. This, That, and the Other

• The Bear and the Piano by David Litchfield (2015)
  A stunning, whimsical story about following one’s dreams.
• The Wonderful Things You Will Be by Emily Winfield Martin (2015)
  A lyrical celebration of dreams, love, and the endless possibilities parents see in their children.

5. Celebrating Identity and Diversity

• Eyes That Kiss in the Corners by Joanna Ho (2021)
  A heartwarming story celebrating culture, identity, and self-acceptance.
• Julian Is a Mermaid by Jessica Love (2018)
  A lyrical and visually arresting story about self-expression, courage, and love.
• We Are Water Protectors by Carole Lindstrom (2020)
  A powerful narrative about environmental activism, resilience, and Indigenous wisdom.
• The Name Jar by Yangsook Choi (2013)

And Now, the End of This Post

Have you read any of these picture books? Share your favorites in the comments and let me know which ones you think will be a future classic.