AnchorMommy

Our favorite children’s books

August 6, 2009 by Shannon

I think Kellan has more books than toys. And frankly, I like that arrangement just fine. These days, it’s a little tougher to get him to sit down for more than 10 seconds so we can read something together, but he still does from time to time. And we always read before lights out. 

These are a few of our favorite and highly recommended books — the ones we reach for over and over again.

Oliver Finds His Way

A richly illustrated book about a little bear who loses his way in the forest. Oliver follows a big yellow leaf and soon realizes he’s too far away from home. What does he do? He cries a little. Then he roars. And roars! And ROARS! Soon Oliver hears his Mama and Papa answer his call, and he runs home to find them waiting with big bear hugs. This is a great book to read in the fall, because it is full of gorgeous autumn colors.

Stellaluna

This is another story about a little animal who can’t find its way home. Stellaluna the bat gets separated from her mother, finds a bird family to adopt her, gets lost again, and is reunited with her mom. They get reacquainted by eating mango fruit and flying at night instead of sleeping, yet Stellaluna never loses her love for her bird “family.” It’s a sweet story about non-traditional families, bravery and perseverance. I first encountered this book during Celebrity Reader day at a local grade school about five years ago, and loved it so much that I made a mental note to buy it for my first child. 

We’re Going on a Bear Hunt

A dad and three kids set out on an adventure that takes them through a green meadow, a deep river, oozy mud, a dark forest and a swirling snowstorm. Eventually, they come to a deep, dark cave where a bear chases them out! Everyone runs back the way they came, into their house, and up to bed, where they hide under the covers. They all decide the bed is a much better place to be. It’s a sensory adventure full of phrases like “squelch squerch” and “swishy swashy.” My favorite thing about reading this book is the big grin on Kellan’s face as the adventurers race for home.

The Little Engine That Could

This is the timeless classic by Watty Piper, re-illustrated by Loren Long. In this version, the art’s depth, shadow and vivid color tell the story. The trains chugs over quaint bridges and past golden fields of hay in countryside that reminds me of the Palouse in Northern Idaho. Kellan loves to repeat the phrases “red-cheeked apples” and “bottles of creamy milk for their breakfasts.” It’s the book he asks for at bedtime almost every single night. A classic.

What are the favorite books in your household? Which ones are dog-eared and well-loved?