We love books, and have spent hours together reading over the years. My youngest is nine now, and I know sometime soon we need to clean out her room and file away many of the special books we’ve enjoyed together over the years.
Today, in the quiet hours when everyone was gone, I pulled out dozens of them and looked them over, one by one. Many have tattered pages, some have stained or ripped covers, and all hold their own special memories.
This list represents some of our very favorites. I’ve included brief descriptions of each, and appropriate ages as well. I will say that my children have enjoyed many of these books until age 10. You can click on the links to get more detailed descriptions of each title. All children are different, so use your instincts when choosing books that you think they will enjoy or be ready to listen to.
1. Edwina, The Dinosaur Who Didn’t Know She Was Extinct
For ages 4-8. If you could ever meet a dinosaur, Edwina would be your gal. She is sweet and thoughtful, loves kids, and overcomes her biggest doubter, Reginald Von Hoobie Doobie, who insists she is not real.
For ages 4-8. This is the amazing true story of a boy from Vermont who grew up to be both a scientist and nature lover. He shared with the world that no snowflake is alike, and appreciated that they are all beautiful in their own way.
For ages 4-8. This ancient Chinese folktale is a book that every family should enjoy. My kids love hearing his long name read over and over, and learning about what becomes of the boy who fell into the well.
For ages 2-6. My mother gave this to my son several years ago. It has barely any words. My initial thought was that it would be painful to get through. He absolutely loved it! There’s so much to look at, and the kids all loved using their imaginations to think about what the characters were all saying and looking at the detailed drawings.
For ages 4-8. Virginia Burton books are classics, plain and simple, and deserve a spot on every child’s bookshelf. We’ve always loved this tale about the sweet little house that moves from downtown Boston to the countryside.
For ages 4-8. This has to be one of our favorites of all times. The Panda Palace is a bustling restaurant, with all sorts of animals dropping by for dinner. Just when you think it is filled to the gills, you see that nobody should be left out!
For ages 4-8. Pinkalicious was adored by both of my girls. An adventurous little girl who loves pink takes it one step too far. It’s a cute story that led to Purplicious, Aqualicious, and more, including a Broadway musical.
For ages 6-9. Originally a poem, the author turned it into a book later in life. Mary works her tail off to prepare for winter, a story to which hearty New Englanders or mid-Westerners can certainly appreciate! You will also laugh when you see how helpful her husband is (not!).
For ages 4-8. Chester and Wilson are the best of friends, and do absolutely everything together. Life is smooth sailing until Lilly moves in. After that, young readers see how these pals adjust and include this new friend into their lives.
For ages 4-8. Hands down, this is one of the best illustrated books we own. Marla Frazee is a genius with her artwork. We had an old babysitter who used to read this slowly to the kids, turning the book when the roller coaster goes upside down. It’s fun to look at all the riders, some brave, some scared, and to see who dares to ride more than once.
For ages 4-8. Any parent with picky eaters will appreciate this one. Also illustrated by Frazee, kids love meeting this family of nine as they grow and grow throughout the book. Parents are sympathetic to this poor mother, slaving away to feed them all!
For ages 5-8. Princess Isabella thinks being a princess is just plain boring. Her father decides to punish her for being apathetic and unwilling to wear her crown. Little does he realize, she’s much happier doing “average” little girl things.
For ages 4-8. Parents of stubborn children (we all have at least one!) will get a real chuckle out of this story. Martha has trouble apologizing, but by the end, things change for the better for her as she makes the right choice.
For ages 4-8. We have mystery guest readers in our elementary schools, and this was our choice two years in a row. It’s a great group read aloud, and chicken’s inability to wait his turn will have everyone giggling.
For ages 4-8. Actress Jamie Lee Curtis wrote this adorable and colorful book about understanding moods. The illustrations are fabulous, and kids will love playing with the built-in “mood wheel” at the end of the story.
For ages 4-8. Join these two pig pals as they go through the different months of the year. Great for those who love rhyming.
For ages 3-6. Colorful artwork leads you along through the journey of the pout-pout fish who has to learn that frowning all the time isn’t how he has to live.
For ages 3-6. This is the first book in what is now a series, and kids who love Fancy Nancy or Toot and Puddle will love them all. Ladybug Girl is strong and independent, with a great sense of adventure!
19. Please Don’t Upset P.U. Zorilla
For ages 4-8. An absolutely hysterical tale about a skunk who just can’t contain his spray when he gets nervous or upset. We laugh so hard every time P.U. is unable to contain his stench as he goes along through his various adventures.
For ages 4 and up. A wonderful story about the cycle of life and grieving, demonstrated by the special relationship a little girl and others have with an old tree.
For ages 4-8. Written by Reeve Lindbergh, it highlights that differences in lifestyle and appearance don’t matter where there is deep love. You will enjoy the special relationship between a young girl and her grandmother. The bohemian illustrations and easy-to-remember rhymes will have you reading it again and again.
For ages 4-8. These close (pig) friends will inspire fun conversation about the many benefits of going out to see the world, as well as the many comforts of home. The book features beautiful illustrations too.
For ages 3-8. This is a humorous story that brings the impossible to life when a kite gets stuck in a tree. What follows is a hilarious laundry list of items thrown up into the tree to try and release the kite.
For ages 2-6. For anyone who has taken a child shopping, you will both love reading this together. When Llama grows impatient and restless, the trip goes south. A cute story with lots of rhyming.
For ages 3-6. This tale of a duck who ends up in the mud is colorful and humorous. Kids love meeting his friends Frog, Sheep, and Goat and discussing what’s right or wrong about leaving your friends behind.
HAPPY READING!
PS: For other great ideas, be sure to check out my Pinterest board on children’s books!
