Although I don't have any kids of my own yet, I have a lot of experience with kids books.  I've been babysitting for two decades, for one thing, so I've read a lot of bedtime stories.  I've also taught preschool and school-age programs and worked as a nanny, so I've developed a good feel for what will captivate kids -- whether it's one or two, or a classroom-full.

Here are a few of the things I look for when I choose a picture book:

• Interesting, colorful illustrations.  Good picture books don't have to look like they were illustrated by Monet -- and actually, it would probably be better if they weren't.  Colorful illustrations are good -- kids tend to be more interested by lots of color -- but illustrations that look artistic may be lost on kids.  They often prefer more cartoon-like illustrations.
• Not too much text on each page.  A good picture book needs just the right amount of text on each page.  Too little, and the kids will tell you to wait a minute before you turn the page, because they're not done looking yet.  Too much, and they'll lose interest in the picture before you're done reading the page.  Disney picture book adaptations are notorious for cramming too much text on each page, which is one of the reasons why I look for higher-quality books to read during storytime!
• Large text that I can read at an angle.  Being able to hold a book so that a group of kids seated at your feet can still see the pictures -- now that's a skill.  But it's hard to do if the text isn't large enough or clear enough.  Text that is printed on a patterned or pictured background can also be hard to read.

There are also other considerations, of course, such as subject matter, but those can be much more personal choices -- for instance, some parents like picture books that teach a moral, while others prefer a good story.  Stories that are written in rhyming couplets (think Dr. Seuss) can be fun for kids, but (speaking from experience) they can also be incredibly annoying.

I personally find that a good picture book collection has a little of everything, but no matter what the story is, these guidelines will help you choose books that will be engaging for both you and your young audience!