As children the books we read include pictures and illustrations, but as we move on to more mature reading material the images begin to disappear until they exist only on the book’s cover. If you’re a fan of photography and yearn to once again flip through a book filled with pictures, check out one of these collections from the shelves of your local library to discover famous and fantastic photographic images from the comfort of a cozy chair:

Portraits by Steve McCurry – An intriguing collection of 255 un-posed and engaging color portraits of people from all backgrounds and corners of the globe by an award-winning photographer includes the famous “Afghan Girl” photograph and equally memorable images ranging from a bejeweled Indian bride to a Paraguayan cowboy.

Underwater Dogs by Seth Casteel – Presents over eighty underwater portraits of canine pals, each with their own unique personalities depicted in the bubbles, paws in mid-paddle, and billowing ears that reveal themselves beneath the surface of the water.

Humans of New York by Brandon Stanton – A photographic census of New York City, inspired by the blog of the same name, showcases 400 photos and stories that capture the outsized personalities of New York and pay tribute to the human side of a great city.

National Geographic Stunning Photographs compiled by Annie Griffiths – A curated collection of the most striking nature photographs from National Geographic photographers, from animal migrations and landscape panoramas to natural disasters and animal portraiture.

Dancers Among Us: A Celebration of Joy in the Everyday by Jordan Matter – Collects pictures of dancers striking poses in everyday places and while doing everyday things, including in libraries, on subway platforms, at restaurants, and on beaches.

Planet Earth as You’ve Never Seen it Before by Alastair Fothergill, etc. – Presents a virtual tour of the Earth, depicting an assortment of animals and plants, and such natural wonders as mountains, forests, rivers, deserts, oceans, and rainforests.

Vivian Maier: Out of the Shadows by Richard Cahan & Michael Williams – Presents a collection of 275 black-and-white photographs from the amateur photographer that were previously unseen before her death, along with essays documenting her life and work.

In the Garden by Stacy Bass – Celebrates the natural splendor and abundant creativity of northeastern American gardens of the new millennium.