25 Best 「symbolism」 Books of 2025| Books Explorer

In this article, we will rank the recommended books for symbolism. The list is compiled and ranked by our own score based on reviews and reputation on the Internet.
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Table of Contents
  1. Official Signs & Icons 3
  2. The Book of Symbols: Reflections on Archetypal Images
  3. The Rabbit Listened
  4. An Illustrated Encyclopaedia of Traditional Symbols
  5. The Remember Balloons
  6. The Bad Seed (The Food Group)
  7. A Dictionary of Symbols
  8. The Day You Begin
  9. Dictionary of Symbolism: Cultural Icons and the Meanings Behind Them
  10. Illustrated Dictionary Of Symbols In Eastern And Western Art
Other 15 books
No.1
100

More than 8,400 images in sixteen standard symbol sets, designed by internationally recognized designers for organizations including the AIGA and SEGD. This up-to-date studio reference is thoroughly researched, indexed and annotated with chapter intros, notes, bibliography, and resources. Includes detailed background and technical information. Available as a 368-page full-color hardcase book.

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No.2
100
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No.3
100

A moving and universal picture book about empathy and kindness, sure to soothe heartaches big and small—now a New York Times bestseller and a perfect gift for any special occasionWhen something sad happens, Taylor doesn't know where to turn. All the animals are sure they have the answer. The chicken wants to talk it out, but Taylor doesn't feel like chatting. The bear thinks Taylor should get angry, but that's not quite right either. One by one, the animals try to tell Taylor how to act, and one by one they fail to offer comfort. Then the rabbit arrives. All the rabbit does is listen . . . which is just what Taylor needs.With its spare, poignant text and irresistibly sweet illustration, The Rabbit Listened is about how to comfort and heal the people in your life, by taking the time to carefully, lovingly, gently listen.

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No.4
88

In nearly 1500 entries, many of them strikingly and often surprisingly illustrated, J. C. Cooper has documented the history and evolution of symbols from prehistory to our own day. With over 200 illustrations and lively, informative and often ironic texts, she discusses and explains an enormous variety of symbols extending from the Arctic to Dahomey, from the Iroquois to Oceana, and coming from systems as diverse as Tao, Christianity, Judaism, Buddhism, Islam, Tantra, the cult of Cybele and the Great Goddess, the Pre-Columbian religions of the Western Hemisphere and the Voodoo cults of Brazil and West Africa. 210 black-and-white illustrations

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No.5
88

The Remember Balloons

Oliveros, Jessie
Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers

A 2019 Schneider Family Award Honor Book!What’s Happening to Grandpa meets Up in this tender, sensitive picture book that gently explains the memory loss associated with aging and diseases such as Alzheimer’s.James’s Grandpa has the best balloons because he has the best memories. He has balloons showing Dad when he was young and Grandma when they were married. Grandpa has balloons about camping and Aunt Nelle’s poor cow. Grandpa also has a silver balloon filled with the memory of a fishing trip he and James took together.But when Grandpa’s balloons begin to float away, James is heartbroken. No matter how hard he runs, James can’t catch them. One day, Grandpa lets go of the silver balloon—and he doesn’t even notice!Grandpa no longer has balloons of his own. But James has many more than before. It’s up to him to share those balloons, one by one.

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No.6
83

★ A New York Times bestseller! ★ An Amazon Best Children's Book of the Year selectionFrom the New York Times bestselling author of the Goodnight Already! seriesThis is a book about a bad seed. A baaaaaaaaaad seed. How bad? Do you really want to know? He has a bad temper, bad manners, and a bad attitude. He's been bad since he can remember!With Jory John's charming and endearing text and bold expressive illustrations by Pete Oswald, here is The Bad Seed: a funny yet touching tale that reminds us of the remarkably transformative power of will, acceptance, and just being you. Perfect for young readers, as well as anyone navigating their current world, The Bad Seed proves that positive change is possible for each and every one of us.

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No.7
83

A Dictionary of Symbols

Cirlot, J. E.
Welcome Rain

Symbolism is as old as the human ability to link ideas and beliefs with objects and occurrences in the world. Integral to ancient Eastern philosophy and Western medieval traditions, the study of symbolism was powerfully revived in the twentieth century through interest in the psychology of the unconscious: in myths, dreams, and visions; and in literature and art, especially surrealism.Originally published in 1962 and extensively revised in 1971, A Dictionary of Symbols is one of the best-known references of its kind. It compiles information on hundreds of symbols and their meanings from a wide variety of sources in an encyclopedic format. In addition, many of the entries—such as on the cross, dragons, numbers, serpents, trees, water, and the Zodiac—can be read as independent essays. Long considered a classic by readers interested in every discipline to which symbolism is related, this edition includes a foreword by Herbert Read, an in-depth introduction by the author, and 32 pages of illustration.J. E. Cirlot was a poet, critic, and intellectual in the Surrealist movement in 1940s Barcelona. Later he focused his energies on the study of symbolism, culminating in his masterwork, A Dictionary of Symbols.

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No.8
81

A #1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER!Featured in its own episode in the Netflix original show Bookmarks: Celebrating Black Voices!National Book Award winner Jacqueline Woodson and two-time Pura Belpré Illustrator Award winner Rafael López have teamed up to create a poignant, yet heartening book about finding courage to connect, even when you feel scared and alone.There will be times when you walk into a roomand no one there is quite like you.There are many reasons to feel different. Maybe it's how you look or talk, or where you're from; maybe it's what you eat, or something just as random. It's not easy to take those first steps into a place where nobody really knows you yet, but somehow you do it.Jacqueline Woodson's lyrical text and Rafael López's dazzling art reminds us that we all feel like outsiders sometimes-and how brave it is that we go forth anyway. And that sometimes, when we reach out and begin to share our stories, others will be happy to meet us halfway.(This book is also available in Spanish, as El Día En Que Descubres Quién Eres!)

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No.9
81

This encyclopedic guide explores the rich and varied meanings of more than 2,000 symbols—from amethyst to Zodiac.

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No.10
80

A companion volume to James Hall's perennial seller Dictionary of Subjects and Symbols in Art, which deals with the subject of Christian and Western art, the present volume includes the art of Egypt, the ancient Near East, Christian and classical Europe, India and the Far East. Hall explores the language of symbols in art, showing how paintings, drawings, and sculpture express many shades of meaning from simple, everyday hopes and fears to the profoundest philosophical and religious aspirations. The book explains and interprets symbols from many cultures, and over 600 illustrations clarify and complement the text.

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No.11
80

The Word Collector

Reynolds, Peter Hamilton
Orchard Books

From the beloved bestselling creator of The Dot and our own Happy Dreamer comes an inspiring story about the transformative and profound power of words.A New York Times BestsellerNamed an Outstanding Literary Work for Children by the NAACPSome people collect stamps. Some people collect coins. Some people collect art. And Jerome? Jerome collected words . . . In this extraordinary new tale from Peter H. Reynolds, Jerome discovers the magic of the words all around him -- short and sweet words, two-syllable treats, and multisyllable words that sound like little songs. Words that connect, transform, and empower.From the creator of The Dot, I Am Human, and Happy Dreamer comes a celebration of finding your own words -- and the impact you can have when you share them with the world.

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No.12
79

This new edition of Chiron's popular guide to the meaning of symbols in religion, archaeology, mythology, art, dreams, fairy tales, and literature contains more than 450 illustrations and 1,000 entries from around the world. In handy pocket size, it is of great assistance to anyone interested in dream interpretation, understanding symbolism in religion and art, and the overlapping meanings of symbols from different cultures. Beautifully produced and authoritative, this detailed survey reveals an abundance of types of human symbolic thinking.

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No.13
79

The recipient of six starred reviews and the APALA Asian/Pacific American Award for Literature!Named a Best Book of 2018 by the Wall Street Journal, NPR, Smithsonian, Kirkus Reviews, School Library Journal, Booklist, the Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books, BookRiot, the New York Public Library, the Chicago Public Library—and many more!When a young boy visits his grandfather, their lack of a common language leads to confusion, frustration, and silence. But as they sit down to draw together, something magical happens—with a shared love of art and storytelling, the two form a bond that goes beyond words.With spare, direct text by Minh Lê and luminous illustrations by Caldecott Medalist Dan Santat, this stirring picture book about reaching across barriers will be cherished for years to come.A Junior Library Guild selection!

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No.14
79

It's the first day of school for Penelope Rex, and she can't wait to meet her classmates. But it's hard to make human friends when they're so darn delicious! That is, until Penelope gets a taste of her own medicine and finds she may not be at the top of the food chain after all. . . . Readers will gobble up this hilarious new story from award-winning author-illustrator Ryan T. Higgins.

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No.15
78

Be Kind

Miller, Pat Zietlow
Roaring Brook

"Be Kind is a sweet and thoughtful picture book about kindness that gets the message across without being heavy handed." - Seira Wilson, Amazon Editor\nA New York Times bestseller!\n“These days, it seems more important than ever for books to show young people how to act with thoughtfulness, civility, and kindness.” ―The New York Times Book Review\nWhen Tanisha spills grape juice all over her new dress, her classmate wants to make her feel better, wondering: What does it mean to be kind? \nFrom asking the new girl to play to standing up for someone being bullied, this moving story explores what kindness is, and how any act, big or small, can make a difference―or at least help a friend.\nWith a gentle text from the award-winning author of Sophie's Squash, Pat Zietlow Miller, and irresistible art from Jen Hill, Be Kind is an unforgettable story about how two simple words can change the world.

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No.16
78

LOVE

de la Peña, Matt
G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers

#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER"[A] poetic reckoning of the importance of love in a child's life . . . eloquent and moving."—People"Everything that can be called love -- from shared joy to comfort in the darkness -- is gathered in the pages of this reassuring, refreshingly honest picture book."—The New York Times Book Review, Editors' Choice / Staff Picks From the Book Review“Lyrical and sensitive, ‘Love’ is the sort of book likely to leave readers of all ages a little tremulous, and brimming with feeling.”—The Wall Street JournalFrom Newbery Medal-winning author Matt de la Peña and bestselling illustrator Loren Long comes a story about the strongest bond there is and the diverse and powerful ways it connects us all."In the beginning there is lightand two wide-eyed figures standing near the foot of your bedand the sound of their voices is love....A cab driver plays love softly on his radiowhile you bounce in back with the bumps of the cityand everything smells new, and it smells like life."In this heartfelt celebration of love, Newbery Medal-winning author Matt de la Peña and bestselling illustrator Loren Long depict the many ways we experience this universal bond, which carries us from the day we are born throughout the years of our childhood and beyond. With a lyrical text that's soothing and inspiring, this tender tale is a needed comfort and a new classic that will resonate with readers of every age.

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No.17
78

Winner of the 2018 Kirkus Prize for Young ReadersA Newbery Honor BookA Caldecott Honor BookA Coretta Scott King Author Honor BookA Coretta Scott King Illustrator Honor BookAn Ezra Jack Keats New Writer Award BookAn Ezra Jack Keats New Illustrator Honor BookA Society of Illustrators Gold Medal BookNamed one of the best books of 2017 by NPR, the Huffington Post, Publishers Weekly, Kirkus Reviews, the Los Angeles Times, the Boston Globe, the Horn Book Magazine, the News & Observer, BookPage, Chicago Public Library, and moreThe barbershop is where the magic happens. Boys go in as lumps of clay and, with princely robes draped around their shoulders, a dab of cool shaving cream on their foreheads, and a slow, steady cut, they become royalty. That crisp yet subtle line makes boys sharper, more visible, more aware of every great thing that could happen to them when they look good: lesser grades turn into As; girls take notice; even a mother’s hug gets a little tighter. Everyone notices.A fresh cut makes boys fly.This rhythmic, read-aloud title is an unbridled celebration of the self-esteem, confidence, and swagger boys feel when they leave the barber’s chair—a tradition that places on their heads a figurative crown, beaming with jewels, that confirms their brilliance and worth and helps them not only love and accept themselves but also take a giant step toward caring how they present themselves to the world. The fresh cuts. That’s where it all begins.Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut is a high-spirited, engaging salute to the beautiful, raw, assured humanity of black boys and how they see themselves when they approve of their reflections in the mirror.Educational resources for Crown can be found here.

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No.18
77

A spunky, feminist adaptation of the timeless favorite, The Little Red Hen, sure to appeal to fans of Rosie Revere, Engineer.A Chicago Public Library Best Book of the Year* "The Little Red Hen gets an appealing girl-power update...Young makers of all genders will be inspired." --The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books, starred reviewRuby's mind is always full of ideas.One day, she finds some old boards and decides to build something. She invites her brothers to help, but they just laugh and tell her she doesn't know how to build."Then I'll learn," she says.And she does!When she creates a dazzling fort that they all want to play in, it is Ruby who has the last laugh.With sprightly text and winsome pictures, this modern spin on the timeless favorite The Little Red Hen celebrates the pluck and ingenuity of young creators everywhere!

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No.19
77

They Say Blue

Tamaki, Jillian
Harry N. Abrams

Caldecott Honor winner Jillian Tamaki’s book They Say Blue is a playful, poetic exploration of color and point of view.A Boston Globe–Horn Book Picture Book Award WinnerIn captivating paintings full of movement and transformation, we follow a young girl through a year or a day as she examines the colors in the world around her. Egg yolks are sunny orange as expected, yet water cupped in her hands isn’t blue like they say. But maybe a blue whale is blue. She doesn’t know; she hasn’t seen one.Playful and philosophical, They Say Blue is a book about color as well as perspective, about the things we can see and the things we can only wonder at.

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No.20
77

A Caldecott Honor Book!A gorgeous picture book that tells a whimsical origin story of the phases of the moon, from award-winning, bestselling author-illustrator Grace LinPat, pat, pat...Little Star's soft feet tiptoed to the Big Mooncake.Little Star loves the delicious Mooncake that she bakes with her mama. But she's not supposed to eat any yet! What happens when she can't resist a nibble?In this stunning picture book that shines as bright as the stars in the sky, Newbery Honor author Grace Lin creates a heartwarming original story that explains phases of the moon.

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No.21
77

A foolish knight is certain that his side of the wall is the safe side in this clever, amusingly meta picture book by the acclaimed creator of It's Only StanleyThere's a wall in the middle of the book, and our hero--a young knight--is sure that the wall protects his side of the book from the dangers of the other side--like an angry tiger and giant rhino, and worst of all, an ogre who would gobble him up in a second! But our knight doesn't seem to notice the crocodile and growing sea of water that are emerging on his side. When he's almost over his head and calling for help, who will come to his rescue? An individual who isn't as dangerous as the knight thought--from a side of the book that might just have some positive things to offer after all!

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No.22
77

We are resilience. We are hope. We are dreamers.Yuyi Morales brought her hopes, her passion, her strength, and her stories with her, when she came to the United States in 1994 with her infant son. She left behind nearly everything she owned, but she didn't come empty-handed.Dreamers is a celebration of making your home with the things you always carry: your resilience, your dreams, your hopes and history. It's the story of finding your way in a new place, of navigating an unfamiliar world and finding the best parts of it. In dark times, it's a promise that you can make better tomorrows.This lovingly-illustrated picture book memoir looks at the myriad gifts migrantes bring with them when they leave their homes. It's a story about family. And it's a story to remind us that we are all dreamers, bringing our own strengths wherever we roam. Beautiful and powerful at any time but given particular urgency as the status of our own Dreamers becomes uncertain, this is a story that is both topical and timeless.The lyrical text is complemented by sumptuously detailed illustrations, rich in symbolism. Also included are a brief autobiographical essay about Yuyi's own experience, a list of books that inspired her (and still do), and a description of the beautiful images, textures, and mementos she used to create this book.A parallel Spanish-language edition, Soñadores, is also available.Winner of the Pura Belpré Illustrator Award!A New York Times / New York Public Library Best Illustrated BookA New York Times BestsellerRecipient of the Flora Stieglitz Strauss AwardA 2019 Boston Globe - Horn Book Honor RecipientAn Anna Dewdney Read Together Honor BookNamed a Best Book of 2018 by Kirkus Reviews, Publishers Weekly, School Library Journal, Shelf Awareness, NPR, the Boston Globe, the Chicago Tribune, Salon.com-- and many more!A Junior Library Guild selectionA Eureka! Nonfiction HonoreeA Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books Blue Ribbon titleA Bank Street Best Children's Book of the YearA CLA Notable Children's Book in Language ArtsSelected for the CBC Champions of Change Showcase

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No.23
77

From #1 New York Times bestselling creator Peter H. Reynolds and talented debut author Marc Colagiovanni comes an inspirational story about optimism, overcoming adversity, and forging your own path. "One day for no particular reason, nothing was going right. Absolutely positively, nothing was going right. So, I decided to go left..." Told through creative language play, and with depth and whimsy, this picture book reminds readers of their own agency and the power they have to direct their own path. Marc Colagiovanni's lyrical text and Peter H. Reynolds's stunning art create an enduring message of strength and perseverance that is both universal and personal, and one that readers will be drawn to over and over again. This first of two new picture books created in collaboration with Marc and Peter will inspire, affirm, and reassure readers at key milestone moments in every young reader's life. When Things Aren't Going Right, Go Left makes an inspiring graduation gift as well as a must-have, uplifting read sure to bring positivity to all who read it and remind us that even when nothing is going right... we can always choose to go left.

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No.24
76

Open up a new world of learning and engage students with these powerful ideas! This book helps you empower teachers and students to regain control of their own teaching and learning journey. With this helpful guide, cultivate enthusiasm for learning by changing the power dynamic and putting the reins back into the hands of students. Administrators and teachers learn to: \nCultivate the experts at your school Create an environment of trust and collaboration Give students and staff a voice \nIncludes real-life stories from other connected educators! Transform the learning experience and create lasting change with this breakthrough volume of the Connected Educators Series!

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No.25
76

Prepare your students to adapt and thrive in the world beyond their classroom. This how-to guide offers strategies for how to establish classrooms that give students globally connected literacy experiences. Learn why students must create school projects aimed at an authentic audience beyond school walls, and plan for more purposeful opportunities for students to engage with what they learn and create. You ll discover how to use readily available technology tools to create environments where students gain 21st century skills, collaborate with others around the globe, and realize that their work matters. Benefits \nExamine the key features of an authentic global collaboration experience and the benefits of a globally connected classroom. Gain tips for creating authentic and successful global collaborative projects. Discover what steps you can take immediately to foster global literacy classrooms. Consider classroom situations that illustrate the global literacy environment at work. Answer reflection questions to contemplate how you will apply the ideas and literacy strategies covered in this book. \nContents Foreword Introduction Chapter 1: Global Collaboration for Literacy Chapter 2: Three Paths to Global Collaboration Chapter 3: Global Connections With an Authentic Audience Chapter 4: Students as Creators, Not Just Producers Conclusion References and Resources"

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