Lately I’ve been receiving a lot of requests asking me to share my favorite books for children. Maybe there’s something in the water. I happen to believe, of all the baby gifts we’ve ever received, or I’ve ever given for that matter, that the best of them are books. Not just because they last longer than a onesie, but because they last in our minds. I still remember my childhood favorites.
The other day I was at the bookstore browsing for the taters, when I came across a few books I’d forgotten… and even now, I’m not sure what they’re about, exactly, but I remember loving them. It’s such a real gift. Now, when it comes to my favs, there is age to consider… and attention span. When I was pregnant, nesting, I outfitted their room with books I didn’t quite realize wouldn’t be appropriate for them until they were about ready to hang upside down from the monkey bars themselves. So there’s that.
I look at most Dr. Suess books and want to cry. They’re way too long! We read Cat & The Hat together and I want to claw someone. It’s hellacious, that’s what it is. Because no matter my inflection or passion for it, soon they’re up, clawing their way away… Some books are just too long or don’t keep their attention. Here are some of the ones they (and I) love most:
WHEN THEIR POOP STILL LOOKS LIKE THE CONTENTS OF A MUSTARD PACKET (Wee little ones):
Are You My Mother?, Freight Train, Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?, Tails, The Very Hungry Caterpillar
FOR WHEN THEY’RE OLD ENOUGH TO TELL YOU "NO!" (Wee ones with mouths):
No, David!, How To Speak Politely and Why, Manners Can Be Fun, Winchell Cuts the Cheese
LITTLE MISS’S FAVORITES (Sugar & Spice):
Olivia Boxed Set, Fancy Nancy: Tea Parties, The Paper Bag Princess
KIND SIR’S FAVORITES (Snips & Snails):
The Polar Express, Freight Train, The Caboose Who Got Loose
FOR WHEN THEIR WORDS & YOUR WORDS ARE BETTER (Pictures encouraging storytelling!)
Their Mutual Favorites
Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!, Mirette on the High Wire, Owen, The Snowy Day, A Chair For My Mother
Books I Loved As A Child
The Five Chinese Brothers, Make Way For Ducklings, Madeline, A Bear Called Paddington, Curious George Goes to the Hospital, The Story About Ping, Bread and Jam For Frances, Corduroy
