Some Favorites

I thought it might be fun to "host" a spot to share some of our favorite children's books here. We come home from the library with STACKS of books weekly and read them over and over until Olivia has got them memorized. Out of these stacks are usually one or two that I never tire reading, no matter how many times we read them. I always love hearing others reviews of books too. If you have any books you love, please share, or any links to book review blogs or sites. I am always on the look-out for new books. Please people - help keep this mama sane!! :)

By: Rosemary Wells
Illustrated by: David McPhail
This is kind of a poetic book. Brandon doesn't love this one, but I do, and it always entrances Olivia. It has four sections that have beautiful sensory descriptions of the activities in little Danny's life: the colors, sounds, smells, and textures. Rosemary writes beautifully and makes every-day things like gardening, going to the bakery, a winter walk, and a night-time lullabye sound magical. This one really made me think about how much of the detail and beauty around me I'm really experiencing. We went for a family walk and tried to use all our senses to enjoy everything around us. Cheesey? Maybe. But cheesey can be cool.

By: Audrey Wood & her son, Bruce Wood

Audrey Wood has written lots of children's books we love, but these are our latest favs. This is the first of a series that we love (Alphabet Mystery and Alphabet Rescue come next - equally great books!). The story of a little alphabet going on ... what else? An adventure. It is a new, fresh approach for kids who are learning their ABC's. Bright, colorful pictures, a clever storyline. This is a book I have read easily 50+ times with Olivia and we can still find ways to keep it fresh.
By: Amy Krouse Rosenthal

Illustrated by: Jen Corace

This book has simple, fun text and adorable illustrations. It is a reverse-psychology approach for kids who hate to eat their veggies. This little pea has to eat CANDY for dinner, and hates it. If he eats his five pieces, he gets a delicious yummy vegetable dessert. We love this one.