Their Favorite Books…

By Nancy Shaw Illustrated by Margot Apple

There are five sheep in this jeep and they have a heap of problems getting it to go anywhere. This story, however, moves along perfectly in this adorable, brightly illustrated book of frolicking rhyme. It’s great for early readers because of its easy reading nature and matching illustrations. The story is simply captivating and you’ll find your child (and you!) memorizing the story in short order.

Nancy Shaw brings these characters to life in her darling series of sheep-themed books. Sheep on a Ship and Sheep in a Shop are fun too, but Sheep in a Jeep is a classic!

Click, Clack, Moo  Cows That Type is a funny book that my twins, Chris and Kyle age 6 love to read. My husband and I get a kick out of it too.

Rose from Rio Rancho, NM

   Click, Clack, Moo  Cows That Type by Doreen Cronin

My kids are older now, 12 and 15. So they have outgrown picture books. But their favorite book by far was Where the Wild Things Are. I myself could never really understand its appeal but I sure miss reading it to them.

Sue Ann from Bowling Green, KY

   Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak

My daughter Sarah Marie is only 18 months so her attention span is very short. But when I tell her to bring me a book from the shelf it is always I Am A Bunny! Sometimes we only get halfway through it before she’s on to somehting else but I Am A Bunny is her favorite.

Kellie from New York, NY

   I Am A Bunny by Ole Risom

Hup two, three, four... By Elinor J. Pinczes Illustrated by Bonnie MacKain

How do you divide 25 troops evenly? By 2, by 3, by 4? There’s always a remainder of one and that just happens to be poor Soldier Joe of the 25th squadron. The private spends sleepless nights trying to find a way to even up the troops without being the odd man out.

It’s about figuring out and fitting in, overcoming a problem and pleasing the queen bee. This fun, light-hearted book shows that perseverance pays off in the end.

If your child likes counting and soldiers, march right out and get this book!  Move it soldier

I asked my girls Megan, four, and Lilly, five, what their favorite books were. I didn’t know it would start such a project! They pulled books off of all their shelves and lined them up debating all the way. Seems that Pinkalicious was the clear winner. Fun!!!

Deb from Sparrows Point,MD

   Pinkalicious by Victoria Kann and Elizabeth Kann

Warm and engaging By Patricia Polacco

A first grade teacher introduced me to this book several years ago. She brought the book to my second grade classroom and told me how much her former students (my current class) enjoyed the story of Thunder Cake. The children were so happy to see the book again that they cheered. I’ve been happy to read it ever since.

Author Patricia Polacco tells the story of how her grandma (Babushka) helped her overcome her fear of the thunderstorms that swept through their Michigan farmlands. Grandma reveals to her granddaughter that an impending thunderstorm is no time to be anxious but rather time to gather the ingredients for a special cake made only on such stormy occasions. Thunder Cake is a beautifully detailed story of a tender and protective grandma and her timid but trusting grandchild.

The first time I read this story one of my students even copied the recipe from the back of the book and passed it out to the class the next day. I love this book for several reasons and I’m sure that you’ll find several more once you read it yourself.

My three year-old daughter Jessica can’t go to sleep without hearing Goodnight Moon. She has to point to the things in her room that correspond to the pictures like her own bear, light, and chair. I was surprised how a classic book can touch my own child so much. 

Barbara from Millville, NJ

   Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown

My sister passed on a book from her son to my five-year old Jake. It’s called Pauline the Plumber. I’m not sure anyone else has ever even head of it. But I practically know it by heart. Jake even visits the PVC pipes in Home Depot.

Vickie from Aston, PA

   Pauline the Plumber by ? (Vickie didn’t leave her e-mail address so I couldn’t ask who wrote this book)

Shocking discovery of truth By Jon Scieszka Illustrations by Lane Smith

The wolf was framed.

Or so he says in this original, quirky tale of Alexander T. Wolf. This is Alex’s version of the plight of the pigs, and yes some do meet their demise. But after all, its not his fault that a stupid straw house gets in the way of a sneeze. Once a young reader is familiar with the classic tale of the “Three Little Pigs” it’s fun to read the wolf’s funny and far-fetched response to his accusers.

Warm, loving, and moving By Audrey Penn Illustrations by Ruth E. Harper and Nancy M. Leak

Mrs. Raccoon explains what exciting new adventures lie ahead in school for little Chester. But all he can think of is how much he’ll miss his mom.

Sound familiar?

Mrs. Raccoon knows what will calm Chester’s nerves as they prepare for their first real time apart. The Kissing Hand is not only a lovely book to read but a sweet act to pattern. A simple, warm, loving way to feel connected while apart.

Quaint, cute, and fun! by Charlotte Pomerantz Illustrated by R.W. Alley

To start off this blog I asked my son to name some of his favorite books from when he was younger. This was the very first one he mentioned.

This book isn’t just for boys who love trucks. It’s an adorable story that uses rhyme and repetition to teach the importance of perseverance and extending a helping hand (or hook in this case) to someone in need. Even a tow truck needs a lift sometime and in this story it’s several that depend on our hero for help. “With his red lights turning and his blue lights winking…” he’s the little tow truck that does a big job. Children enjoy the bright illustrations and charming story so much that the question soon becomes, How many times will they enjoy this book?