Richard Scarry was one of children’s literature’s most loved author and illustrator with his charming characters and detailed illustrations.
A quick look at his biography and publication list really blew me away; I didn’t realize how many books he’d actually written and illustrated. I just love the detailed and human expressions of his characters as well as the timeless setting in illustrations like these.
We’ve been “reading” Cars and Trucks and Things That Go with our toddler, and he really enjoys simply studying the illustrations. The mark of a great children’s author & illustrator is how much a child can quickly engage. Finding Goldbug is one of our favorite activities as well as laughing at the silly and whimsical cars like: pickle cars, pencil cars, and dump trucks with faces. If you haven’t introduced your children or students to Richard Scarry, I’d highly recommend this book!
Richard Scarry’s Cars and Trucks and Things That Go
Here are a few of his most popular books that are in our shopping cart. It seems that some of his older books are either out of print or difficult to find; but, there are certainly enough available on Amazon:
Richard Scarry’s Best Storybook Ever! (Giant Little Golden Book)
Richard Scarry’s Please and Thank You Book (Pictureback(R))
Richard Scarry’s The Great Pie Robbery and Other Mysteries
This side by side image comparison of Scarry’s illustrations reflects the change in language over forty years from 1963 publication to 1991.
I’ve found a few of the cartoon adaptions on Netflix: The Busytown Mysteries & The Busy World of Richard Scarry – Both cartoons are enjoyed by my toddler and I for many reasons, but I think it’s important how Scarry really illustrated various cultures and their characteristics. The Busy World is fun because they really do explore many countries and cultures while having fun adventures.
What’s your favorite Richard Scarry book?
I loved What Do People Do All Day when I was a child. My children enjoyed reading my copy when they were younger, too. I love the characters and their expressions, and the details in the illustrations!
Richard Scarry is absolutely amazing! And he’s still producing books to this day. Just this fall, we’ve received a copy of Richard Scarry’s My First School Journal. I just love the evolution in his books from his first to his last. Great post! Pinning to my Kid Lit Blog Hop Great Finds board! Thanks for sharing in the Kid Lit Blog Hop and I’m also hopping over from the Booknificent linky party. 🙂
Yes, he’s an inspiration! Thanks for visiting!
I also loved What do People do all Day as a child, my mum still has a copy. My favourite character was Lowly Worm and I also liked the fireman.
Hopping over from the Kid Lit Blog Hop.
Lowly worm is funny! Thanks for visiting!
Reading this post sent me on a walk down memory lane. I still have the 1974 edition of Richard Scarry’s Best Storybook ever. My son has enjoyed it almost as much as did as a child. My favorite story was The Country Mouse and the City Mouse.
I love sharing childhood favorites it with me son, too.
Richard Scarry was such a big part of my chidhood, and I’m so glad the books are still around and popular! Thank you for the share, I’m visiting today from the Kid Lit Blog hop
Thanks for visiting!
They are indeed very enjoyable! DD loved the books and then watched a few of the busytown mystery shows on Netflix. We also got the game and really she was addicted. I think the sheer detail in his work and the very child friendliness really connects!
Thanks for sharing on Kid Lit Blog Hop!
-Reshama @ Stacking Books
Oh I love Richard Scarry. My toddler adores I Am a Bunny and I have many others that we are slowly tapping into. His animals are so charming!
Wow! The only one I didn’t recognize was the BusyTown Mysteries. An amazing artist!
We have Richard Scarry’s BIG Book of Words! One of my grandson’s favorites. Thanks for sharing a wonderful kids’ author on the Kid Lit Blog Hop! Cheryl, Hop Hostess
I love that yellow collection there, and you’ve just made me realize I haven’t seen our copy around in a while! I’m going to have to find it asap! Sorry I’m so late to pop over! Thanks for sharing this post at Booknificent Thursday last week! Looking forward to seeing what you have to share with us this week!
Tina