There are so many oodles and oodles of excellent children's books to huggle snuggle with. We are fortunate enough to spend our days exploring them. We wanted to share some of our favorites. For more information on the books check amazon.com. E-mail us your reactions and any favorites of your own!
HEARTWARMING PICTURE BOOKS
- Lucky Pennies and Hot Chocolate by Carol Shields, illustrated by Hiroe Nakata
- Chicken Soup by Heart by Esther Hershenhorn, Rosanne Litzinger (Illustrator)
- Jam & Jelly by Holly & Nelly by one of betsi's very favorites-gorgeous illustrations!
- Leonardo, the Terrible Monster by Mo Willems
- Imogene's antlers by David Small. All about overcoming even the strangest body transformations.
- Wilfred gordan mcdonald by Mem Fox
- Hooway Fo Wadney Wat by Helen Lester. A huge thanks to our friend, Theresa, who gave Ellie this book after one of her surgeries. Reading this book caused not only the first postsurgical smile, but uncontrollable giggles.
- Owen by Kevin Henkes
- Little Pea by Amy Krouse Rosenthal and Jen Corace
- Charming Opal by Holly Hobbie Our favorite of all the Toot and Puddle books. We love the way Toot and in particular Puddle look out for their cousin. A great choice for someone who just lost his/her first tooth!
- Beetle Mcgrady Eats Bugs by Megan McDonald, illustrated by Jane Manning
- Goldie and the Bears by Diane Stanley Goldie in this book reminds me so much of Ellie. A wonderful re-telling of a well-known tale.
FEELINGS
- Lyle and the Birthday Party by Bernard Waber. An unexpected treasure. I love the way this book deals with Lyle's jealousy and how he resolves these difficult feelings.
- When Sophie Gets Angry, Really Really Angry
BOARD BOOKS
- Sheila Rae's Peppermint Stick by Kevin Henkes Sheila Rae and her younger sister both want the delicious looking peppermint stick. How will they resolve their difference? With poise and ease Kevin Henkes once again shows his talent in the ending of this short story.
- Belly Buttons by Sandra Boynton. What's not to love about your belly button?
- More, More, More by Vera B. Williams
- I Love you as Much by Laura Krauss Melmed and Henri Sorensen
- Max's Bath by Rosemary Wells. An older sister, Ruby, and younger brother, Max remind us of our family. We recommend checking out the whole series of Max & Ruby books!
WORLD CULTURES
- Henry's First Moon Birthday by Lenore Look and Yumi Heo
- Africa is not a country by Margy Burns Knight & Mark Melincove, Illustrated by Anne Sibley O'Brien. A collection of stories each from a different country in Africa (Thanks to Aunt Susan for this wonderful gift!)
- Dumpling Soup by by Jama Kim Rattigan, illustrated by Lillian Hsu-Flanders
- A Child's Day series by various authors. For example, there is A Child's Day in an Indian Village, A Child's Day in a Brazilian Village, A Child's Day in a Russian City. Each book follows a child in that country for an entire day. The reader learns what the child eats, what school is like, how the day is structured, religion, etc. Wonderful photos really bring the stories to life. Now we feel as if we have friends all over the world!
- A is for Africa by Ifeoma Onyefulu
SIBLINGS
- Elizabeti's Doll by Stephanie Stuve-Bodeen and Christy Hale. All the Elizabeti books are wonderful!
- I Love You the Purplest by Barbara M. Joosse, Mary Whyte (Illustrator)
ADOPTION
- The Coffee Can Kid by Jan Czech
SLEEPING
- The Dream Jar by Lindan Lee Johnson and Serena Curmi
INSPIRATIONAL/SPIRITUAL
- Fun is a Feeling by Chara M. Curtis, illustrated by Cynthia Aldrich. If you ever get tired of the "I'm bored" statement this is a great book. It discusses how fun is NOT a place, or person but a feeling inside of all of us. Great illustrations and the whole text rhymes. One of our all-time favorite picks!
- All I See is a Part of Me by Chara M. Curtis, illustrated by Cynthia Aldrich
- Zen Shorts by Jon J. Muth This book illustrates subtly three values without being preachy at all. What an accomplishment. We love this book and have discussed it numerous times since checking it out from the library. Highly highly recommended!
- Grandad's Prayers of the Earth by Douglas Wood, illustrated by P.J. Lynch. Simply amazing illustrations in this inspiring, wonderful book.