Because you asked us to share more of our favorite children's books, we're happy to oblige with our second books edition (aren't books wonderful?!). This month we're sharing our favorite finds that are not in the "canon" but have become instant classics with our kids.
I grew up loving the whimsical illustrations and active scenes created by Richard Scarry, so I was immediately drawn to the vibrant, modern, and similarly busy book, Around the World with Mouk, by Marc Boutavant. This French import and its cartoonish bear instantly captures my son's attention from page one, as he loves to follow Mouk on his colorful travel advetures from Paris to Finland to Sri Lanka, India, Japan, the United States and more. We have great fun searching for and finding his favorite detailed illustration within the larger explosion of images that depict the daily lives of different animals enjoying local customs. This magical book prompts endless, imaginative storytelling. ~ The Other Sarah
My mother and father-in-law brought Pete the Cat: I Love My White Shoes as a gift for Griffin two years ago and it has been a favorite ever since. He loves the song, the colors, and I love the story. Added bonus—all Pete the Cat books come with free mp3 downloads of the book being read/sang. They are awesome! ~ Sarah Stewart Holland
I grew up listening to Raffi. I had all of his records and tapes and would spend countless hours singing and dancing to his music. When my son was born, I realized many of the songs I would sing to him were Raffi songs because they were a big part of the soundtrack of my childhood. When I discovered these Raffi Songs to Read books, I bought them all! I think these books are great for him to visualize the songs he is already familiar with. We point out the different objects together and sometimes I just read the books and other times I sing the books. My son loves Wheels on the Bus at 18 months. But, I think the silly photos in Down by the Bay would catch the attention of older children and force them to create their own silly rhymes. ~ Kristin Strange
I love reading Good Dog, Carl by Alexandra Day to my daughter because every time it's a little different. It's the story of the adventures had by a baby and dog when their mother is away. When I tell her the story, I call the dog by our dog's name, and call the baby by my daughter's name. She absolutely loves it! She dances when they dance, jumps when they jumps, pretends to wash her hands and face when they bathe, and tells the dog “no! no!” when he eats the food off the floor. It's one that will surely grow with her as her vocabulary, experiences, and comprehension grow. And I love that we make it our own. ~ Stephanie Stuart
What are your favorite instant-classic children's books?
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Reader Comments (1)
Love Mouk - little G loves all the colors and adventures!