Epistolary Picture book stories center around letters written between characters. This kind of structure is not only a great way to study perspective and voice, but it also allows kids to become familiar with the art (and fun!) of letter-writing. Check out some of our favorites!
Can I Be Your Dog? by Troy Cummings
Arfy is lonely in the soggy box in the alley, so he sends letters to every resident of Butternut Street. He explains to the residents of the fire station, the butcher shop, the junk-yard, and even the creepy house with boarded-up windows, why he would be their ideal dog. But will any of them take him up on the offer? This book is funny and surprising, with engaging illustrations that are sure to keep your child giggling (and asking for their own dog!).
Dear Dragon by Josh Funk, illustrated by Rodolfo Montalvo
Thanks to a poetry and pen pal project assigned by their teachers, Blaise Dragomir and Henry Slair begin rhyming letters to each other. They chat about everything from birthdays to hobbies, from Halloween costumes to favorite school subjects– but it’s not until the pen pal picnic that they discover that Blaise is a dreaded dragon and Henry a feared human! Filled with fun illustrations and jaunty rhymes, this book is also a wonderful lesson about the power of empathy.
XO, Ox: A Love Story by Adam Rex, illustrated by Scott Campbell
Ox is unabashedly in love with graceful Gazelle, but Gazelle could never love such a clumsy, smelly animal– particularly one who admits that she just may have a few faults of her own– or could she? In this hilarious epistolary story, Ox persists in writing love letters to Gazelle, no matter how un-loving her responses may be. You can’t help but giggle through this one!
Dear Dinosaur by Chae Strathie, illustrated by Nicola O’Byrne
While at the museum, Triceratops suggests that Max strike up a pen pal friendship with Tyrannosaurus Rex. Despite T.Rexs initial reservations about writing to small, edible children, they write each other postcards, letters, emails, and more. And while Max learns more and more about T.Rexes, the museum dinosaurs undergo changes of their own– changes that include new teeth, rubber duckies, and tutus! This fun story is a great choice for any curious kid– especially those who love dinosaurs!
The Day the Crayons Quit by Drew Daywalt, illustrated by Oliver Jeffers
When Duncan goes to take out his crayons to color, he finds a wrapped bunch of letters instead! Each of his crayons has written him a letter– complaining about overuse, underuse, Duncan’s coloring habits– there’s even an argument going on between yellow and orange crayon about who is the true color of the sun! Poor Duncan– how can he make all of his crayons happy? This clever book is a great choice for a dynamic read-aloud and will keep kids giggling!
Dear Substitute by Liz Garton Scanlon & Audrey Vernick, illustrated by Chris Raschka
When a substitute shows up instead of Mrs. Giordano, the narrator is NOT thrilled. Miss Pelly doesn’t know Tank Tuesdays are for cleaning the turtle tank, doesn’t take the class to the library, and doesn’t take anything seriously! But when she begins reading poetry, the narrator realizes that maybe, just maybe, it’s okay to mix things up once in a while. This story is fun and a great reminder that it’s okay to be okay with change sometimes.
The Thank You Letter by Jane Cabrera
After Grace’s birthday party, she writes thank-you notes to her family and friends. But she doesn’t stop there– soon thank you notes are showing up all over town! This sweet story is a great reminder of the power of gratitude and kindness.
Tabitha and Fritz Trade Places by Katie Frawley, illustrated by Laurie Stansfield
Tabitha the cat needs a break from the city, and Fritz the elephant is tired of the jungle. After trading homes and emails, Tabitha and Fritz learn all about each others’ adventures until they’re both ready to head back home. This sweet story includes fun illustrations that kids will love and begs the question– city or country life?
Dragon Post by Emma Yarlett
There’s a dragon in Alex’s house! But Alex doesn’t know how to care for a baby dragon. So he gets writing. He writes letters to the fire station, the butcher, to World Animal Welfare, and even to his best friend Hillary to figure out how to care for his new pet. Not only is this story fun (and a dream come true for all dragon-loving kids!), but each letter is tactile and can be pulled out of an envelope and read separately from the book. Kids will LOVE the interactive elements, and parents will love a chance to teach letter structure and format!
Yours in Books by Julie Falatko, illustrated by Gabriel Alborozo
All Owl wants is peace and quiet, but he can’t seem to escape the chatter of noisy neighborhood children. He writes to Bessie Squirrel, owner of the local bookshop, to request books that may help him solve his predicament. Little does he know that his newfound correspondence will lead to unexpected results! This adorable story is a great way to introduce children to letter writing, the joy of local bookshops, and befriending grumpy old neighbors.
I hope you enjoyed these Top 10 Epistolary Picture Books!
For more great ideas, feel free to check out Top 10 Picture Books with Surprise Endings or Top 10 Picture Books with Repetitive Refrains!
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