The Best Patriotic Picture Books
Regardless of your political affiliation, I think we can all agree that what makes America such a special country is freedom. Freedom of speech, freedom of religion, and freedom to live our lives the way we wish. We wanted to make a list of our favorite patriotic picture books to remind us why we celebrate the 4th of July.
In honor of the birth of the nation, we present you with a list of our favorite patriotic picture books. Enjoy your holiday and Happy 4th of July.
Patriotic Picture Books
President Taft is Stuck in the Bath
Author: Mac Barnett
Illustrator: Chris Van Dusen
Year: 2016
Genre: Picture Book
Age: 4-8
More info: Bestselling Authors and Illustrator
Plot
This is the true story of President Taft getting stuck in the bath, and Mac Barnett’s storytelling adds a hilarious twist.
Chris Van Dusen’s illustrations enhance the story and take the book to the next level.
Why Kirsten loves it
This duo takes a true story and adds a special twist. It is the perfect pick for patriotic picture books, but also if you want to have a great laugh.
Find this book in: The Best Patriotic Picture Books / Children’s Books About Presidents
George Washington’s Teeth
Author: Deborah Chandra & Madeline Comora
Illustrator: Brock Cole
Year:
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Plot
The book tells the story of George Washington’s life from the time he lost his teeth. My kids thought it was funny and didn’t realize I was sneaking in a history lesson! It is based on Washington’s actual letters and diaries.
Why Jackie loves it
I picked this up a few months ago and immediately fell in love with this book. I am lucky enough to live near Valley Forge. Kirsten and I took all our kids, had a picnic, and read this book. The kids were all cracking up.
Find this book in: The Best Patriotic Picture Books / Children’s Books About Presidents
She Persisted: 13 American Woman Who Changed the World by Chelsea Clinton
If you follow us on Instagram, you know how excited I was when my mom picked this up for my kids. I love that a former First Daughter wrote this inspiring book about American women who shaped this great nation.
Nothing says Patriotic kids’ books quite like the books that acknowledge women’s contribution to history.
America the Beautiful by Katharine Bates and Wendell Minor
Katharine Bates’s famous tune, American the Beautiful, is set against gorgeous illustrations of our country. There is a guide at the end of the book that explains each illustrated area of the country as well as a map.
If you are looking for the best patriotic kids’ books, you cannot get much better than this book.
I Am Abraham Lincoln
Author: Brad Meltzer
Illustrator: Christopher Eliopoulos
Year: 2014
Genre: Nonfiction Picture Book
Age: 4+
More info: Part of Ordinary People Change the World Series
Plot
Arguably one of the most beloved presidents in US history, we couldn’t leave Abraham Lincoln off this list of patriotic picture books!
You cannot get more patriotic than Abraham Lincoln and this is a perfect pick if you are looking for 4th of July books. This story is actually part of Brad Meltzer’s “I Am” series.
Why Kirsten loves it
I love the timeline of events in Lincoln’s history along with the adorable illustrations.
Find this book in: The Best Patriotic Picture Books / Children’s Books About Presidents
Locomotive
Author: Brian Floca
Illustrator: Brian Floca
Year: 2013
Genre: Nonfiction Picture Book
Age: 6 – 10
More info: Caldecott Medal Winner, Sibert Honor Book, New York Times Bestseller
Plot
Heavier on text but with richly detailed illustrations, this tale of the early American railroad is a Caldecott Winner.
Why Kirsten loves it
I love the retro feel and my train lovers ask me to read this on repeat!
Find this book in: Patriotic Picture Books / Best Books for 10-year-olds
Of Thee I Sing: A Letter to My Daughters
Author: Barack Obama
Illustrator: Loren Long
Year: 2010
Genre: Picture Book
Age: 5+
More info:
Plot
In this letter to his daughters, Obama writes a tribute to thirteen Americans who shaped our nation. From Jackie Robinson to George Washington and Georgia O’Keeffe. This is a book that celebrates the creativity and differences that bring us together as one nation.
Why Kirsten loves it
This is a moving and powerful book that is beautifully written and illustrated.
Find this book in: Children’s Books About Presidents / The Best Patriotic Picture Books
Larry Gets Lost in Philadelphia by John Skewes
We couldn’t write this list and leave out a book about our own wonderful city. Philadelphia is the birthplace of freedom.
You can see hundreds of historic sites around town. This adorable tale features the most famous sites as a dog roams the streets in search of his owner. This is an adorable pick from our list of patriotic picture books.
The Star-Spangled Banner by Peter Spier
A beautifully illustrated version of the famous song. Warning, it does show battle scenes from the American Revolution, but they are tasteful, not gruesome.
We the People: The Constitution of the United States by Peter Spier
This is the second appearance of Peter Spier on our list. This illustrated version of The Constitution of the United States shows Americans from all walks of life and various times throughout our history.
The beautiful illustrations in the pick from 4th of July books is a must-read for every house.
