Three of My Favorite Lily Books Right Now
Now that the eldest is out of the board (bored) book phase, and into longer picture books, I am finding it more difficult to find quality books mixed with quality illustrations. I want to read to my girls books that teach goodness and kindness, and respectful behavior. I love books that are also meaningful to me as I read them. Beth gave me some great advice about books once (and I believe this advice first came from her mother). She said never buy a book you won't want to read a hundred times over. Such wise words! I mean, who can really read those Fisher Price nonsense books more than once? Or those weird Disney sequel books? You probably have no idea what I am talking about, but you can fill in the blank. You know, those books you picked out of the free box that one time, or that Rainbow Bright book you had as a girl that you may or may not have scribbled in with a hot pink marker.
Well, I am now actively searching out good books that will be classics, that I will love having on my shelf. Here are three that we are reading right now:
The Bee Tree, by Patricia Polacco, is about a girl and her grandfather, going on a hunt for the Bee Tree, hidden in the forest. They follow the bees back to their hive and have some help along the way. Great moral lessons in the end. Beautiful illustrations.
The Seven Silly Eaters, by Mary Ann Hoberman, just makes me smile every time. If you are a busy mom, with lots to do and many mouths to feed, you will be able to relate. Not a fan of the picky eaters part, but love the rhymes, and the sweetness of the parents and the children. Absolutely hilarious pictures. The mister would love it if we lived in a home like this, Guaranteed!
Finally, The Mitten, by Jan Brett. An all time favorite. I haven't found a Jan Brett book I haven't liked, but this one I love. Totally preposterous, but sweet all the same!
What are your favorite books for young readers? When the mister was young he was very fond of:
and
I would love some more recommendations! I know Beth would, too. Right, Beth?
"The Great Elephant," as you know, and "The Giving Tree." We just got "The Princess and the Kiss" for Merian - a little Christian-y - but wonderful illustrations. Also Beth Moore's "My Child, My Princess," which a friend got for Lucy when she was born (the large edition). Makes me cry every time. Also "God's Wisdom For Little Girls." Again, a little Christiany, but great content. And all the Berenstein Bear books.
ReplyDeleteFirst, I'm going to pretend like I didn't read Leila's comment above.
ReplyDeleteBlueberries for Sal. And other than that I'm drawing a blank right now. No, wait. We just checked out (for the second time) a book about a hamster drive (instead of cattle) and it's pretty funny. And we just bought one about Saint George and the Dragon. Not sure most little girls would like it, but Cal LOVES it (it has blood) and Maggie and Hallie love Una (she's pretty). Oh, the Froggy books were recommended by the Monroe Martins and we like them too. Just cause they make us giggle, along the same lines as the hamster book. And we love any illustrated nursery rhymes. Okay, this was completely unhelpful. If I remember, I'll look around and post again.
"Frog & Toad are friends" series is great, Misty liked the "Arthur" books (fun to try to find the author's kid's names hidden in the illustrations)," I love you for ever" - will make you CRY , but is sooo sweet. Jeff loved "Where The Wild Things Are". I will have to ask Josh his favorites.
ReplyDeleteOooo...Janet, i love Frog and Toad! Leila, I am not a Berenstein Bears fan, but I to love Shel and all his books.
ReplyDeleteGoodnight Moon.
ReplyDeleteThe Hungry Caterpillar.
Little Bear (original versions).
Try Roverandom, by Tolkien (a bit older, maybe).
Most of the Golden Treasure books (pokey little puppy and such).
Some others that are REALLY awesome (we read them over and over): http://www.stephencosgrove.com/books.htm The serendipity books are well worth acquiring.
ReplyDeleteAnd, while we're at it, check out this oddity I found looking for Cosgrove:
http://www.diaryofanangel.com/
Thanks for the post, Lydia. I am always looking for good books to get at the library with Olivia and your suggestions and everyone else's will be so helpful! Have a great day with your ladies ;o)
ReplyDelete