The Best Children’s Books- The Red Headed Hostess
This is my mom.
Her name is Barbara.
I have asked her if she would do a series of posts on my sites about children’s books, because she knows A LOT about them!
But before she gets started…. I did a little interview with her.
Shannon: Hi Mom…
Mom: Hi
Shannon: Tell everyone how cute Hannah is…
Mom: Cute!!! As cute as you were when you were a baby!
Shannon: Aaaww…. How long have you been working with children’s books?
Mom: I think about 23 years.
Shannon: Really? That long? Wow! What would you say your expertise is?
Mom: I recommend great books (to teachers mostly) who want good stories that connect with their curriculum or stories that teach values. Stories are great for engaging kids immediately and are also an effective way for introducing a theme or subject.
Shannon: How would you suggest that parents could use children books in their homes?
Mom: Are you kidding? How many books did I give Hannah before she was even born? I love books that have a moral to the story, teach values, and help develop character.
Shannon: What are your favorite classic children books?
Mom: You have to have some good old classic picture books like MAKE WAY FOR DUCKLINGS, BLUEBERRIES FOR SAL, GOODNIGHT MOON, and THE RUNAWAY BUNNY. But I also have my favorites that every young child should have that are more current than some of the older classic picture books. Here are some of my favorites for the very young:
THE NAPPING HOUSE, by Audrey Wood
TIME FOR BED, by Mem Fox
BROWN BEAR, BROWN BEAR, WHAT DO YOU SEE?, by Bill Martin, Jr.
JAMBERRY, by Bruce Degen
WE’RE GOING ON A BEAR HUNT, by Michael Rosen
JESSE BEAR, WHAT WILL YOU WEAR?, by Nancy White Carlstrom
These are just a few. They are sing-songy books that kids end up memorizing before they can read. They are actually referred to as predictable books which use repetitive language and/or sequences, rhythms, and rhymes. I never get tired of reading these stories aloud. I think the trick to love reading to your kids is reading books YOU love.
Shannon: Are there any new books out there that you especially like?
Mom: Books get better and better. I always have a new favorite. My favorite right now is different than a few months ago. My new favorite is THIS PLUS THAT: LIFE’S LITTLE EQUATIONS, by Amy Krouse Rosenthal. (same author as COOKIES: BITE-SIZE LIFE LESSONS, that wonderful book from a few years ago) I also love ONLY ONE YOU and YOU BE YOU, both titles by Linda Kranz. The endcovers of both books are covered by words of wisdom. (Sometimes the best part of a book is overlooked and not within the story itself.) A new, humorous book about imagination is LET’S DO NOTHING!, by Tony Fucile. I love it!
Shannon: What about books for teenagers?
Mom: I don’t read as many books for teens as I used to, and I usually recommend ones that are not well-known. I love HOPE WAS HERE, by Joan Bauer. It’s another inspiring and uplifting book. I like to read books that make you feel good.
Shannon: What are the top 5 children books that you think should be in every person’s home?
Mom: It’s hard to narrow it to 5 because it depends on the age of the children….and…..because
THE EMPTY POT, by Demi
THE GOLDEN RULE, by Ilene Cooper
SOMEBODY LOVES YOU, MR. HATCH, by Eileen Spinelli
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THE GIVING TREE, by Shel Silverstein
LOVE YOU FOREVER, by Robert Munsch
I have to include my two all-time Christmas favorites…
WHY CHRISTMAS TREES AREN’T PERFECT, by Dick Schneider
TALE OF THREE TREES, by Angela Elwell Hunt
Thanks! I love to get books for the kids in my life. For my daughter’s first birthday party, I asked everyone to give her their favorite children’s book, and tell me why. It has been a precious collection! From Goodnight Moon to Charlottes Web, we have loved every one! She is 9 now, and is sitting here reading Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (she loves Sherlock Holmes).
Why Christmas Trees Aren’t Perfect is one of my favorite books of all time…we read it with our children every Christmas along with 24 other special titles…but this one has always topped my list!
I’ll have to check out that Mr. Hatch book…as that’s my maiden name!
Thanks for the insite. I am not a mom yet, and still have a growing collection of childrens books. My nieces and nephews have all adorded The Napping House. I am also partial to some Dr Seuss titles. I have not read a couple of the ones mentioned, I must head myself over to Barnes and Noble and take a peek.
Great post! I too love children’s books and have been collecting them since I was a teen. Would love a follow up post to this one with your mom’s top recommendations according to age. Would love a list of the books with good morals and values too! I’m always looking for uplifting books for my 3 three girls. Thanks to you and your mother for sharing!!