I have a two-year-old who LOVES reading. Our “library” room is constantly layered with books because she’ll pull them one by one off the shelves, flip through them, and grab another one. She’ll grab an armful and dump them on my lap–then say, “I’ll get fwee more, Mom.” “Fwee” (three) usually ends up being four or five or six.
She goes through phases of which books she likes best, but there are a few that she will consistently pick above all others. Here are some of the favorites in our house:
The Paper Bag Princess by Robert Munsch, illustr. Michael Martchenko. She loves the dragon, and I love Princess Elizabeth, who is clever, determined, and confident.
Naamah and the Ark at Night by Susan Campbell Bartoletti, illustr. Holly Meade. We picked this up by happy chance at the library. The illustrations are beautiful, and I love the simple story of Noah’s wife.
Sheep in a Jeep by Nancy Shaw, illustr. Margot Apple. Simple, catchy rhymes, clever illustrations. This one’s just fun.
If You Give a Moose a Muffin by Laura Joffe Numeroff, illustr. Felicia Bond. Honestly, I love all the “If you give a . . .” books, but this moose. It’s adorable.
Harvey Potter’s Balloon Farm by Jerdine Nolen, illustr. Mark Buehner. I remember getting this from a book order back in elementary school, and it was one of my favorites as a kid. Now Scout has latched onto it. She calls it “Harry Potter” (that might be confusing later on), and she is in balloon heaven every time we read it.
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What picture books do you remember from your childhood? Or what books do you read to your kids? We’re always looking for new recommendations!
You need to try Baby Danced the Polka by Karen Beaumont. One of our family faves.
I’ll check it out! Thanks for the recommendation!
Oh – and Pirate Pete’s Talk Like A Pirate. Oh so funny! http://www.amazon.com/Pirate-Petes-Talk-Like/dp/0810993481
My 5 years old niece and I liked Talk like a Pirate. I would add Rain Makes Applesauce by Julian Scheer
So many fun new books! Thanks for the recommendation!
My kids always liked Goodnight, Moon and Dr. Suess. We had lots of old children’s books that were hand-me-downs from my SIL (a retired teacher). Curious George, Clifford the Big Red Dog, and Arthur were other favorites. There were so many books (unlike Disney movies–we “got” to watch Mary Poppins about 500 times)!
Oh, check out the awesome books by Jan Brett. The artwork is stellar, and the stories are fun. We got a collection of her books for Christmas. Loved “The Mitten”.
Oh, those look so fun! I just put The Mitten on hold at the library.
One that you absolutely need now that she will be a big sister is Big Sister and Little Sister. I own it even though I have three boys. I cry every time I read it. https://www.amazon.com/dp/0064432173/ref=cm_sw_r_other_awd_YoJVwb25V1GCR
I just put it on hold! I’ve been meaning to ask you, what’s that one that your boys loved? About a pig, I think? Or a chicken? saving the day? Am I getting anywhere close?
Scout has some seriously good taste in books!! 🙂
Right? She must be my child. 😉
I absolutely adore the Paper Bag Princess. Classics in my household are A Rose, a Bridge, and a Wild Black Horse by Charlotte Zolotow, Chicka Chicka Boom Boom by Bill Martin Jr and John Archambault, and The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn, and Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak.
Oooh, I’ve only read one of those! I’m excited to try the rest! Thanks for the recommendations!