Tuesday, December 9, 2008

Killing Time

Well, I have a 12-15 page paper due in 2 days. I guess I should be writing it, but instead I am searching the Children's Book of the Month Club for Christmas presents.

Everytime I search for books, I tend to forget the names of the authors that my kids like. There are certain books that have become classics in our house, and we (especially me) tend to like most of the books that author writes. You know, like all those "If You Give A ______ A _______" books? All very nearly the same book, but funny every time!

But, since I am now writing this post and no longer searching for books, my memory has returned. So I would like to share some of these "classics" with you:

  • Olivia by Ian Falconer
If you ever wondered what Abby is like at home, read this book. The whole story is eerily similar to Abby's life. We especially like the ending.

  • If You Give A Mouse a Cookie by Laura Numeroff
All of Numeroff's books are hilarious. Apparently, having a mouse in your house eating all your cookies is not always a bad thing. My kids particularly like his underpants.

  • Who's Afraid of the Big Bad Book? by Lauren Child
The first time Daniel read this book to Abby, he told me, "you have to read this!" It's a very funny almost re-telling of classic fairy tales. I really like the upside down parts.

  • Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! by Mo Willems
Never, ever let the pigeon drive the bus. He'll beg and try to trick you into it, but remember - no, not even your mom would let him.

  • My Friend is Sad by Mo Willems
An elephant, a piggie. Best friends. But what happens if one of them is sad? My kids like to act this one out, and we have a couple videos of them doing just that. Be prepared to act like a cowboy and a robot when you read this one.

  • No, David! by David Shannon
It may as well be called, "No, Avery!" Ethan can now read this book, even though he is only 23 months old. It's that good of a book.

These are probably the most read books in our house, although you can substitute practically any other book by these authors, and still have a great book in your hands. For example, Mo Willem's "The Pigeon Finds a Hot Dog," Laura Numeroff's "If You Give a Moose a Muffin," or Ian Falconer's "Olivia Saves Christmas". Basically, the thing to do is remember the author's names, not necessarily the book titles.

Even though we especially love these authors, we're always looking for new finds. Does anyone have their own "classics" list? Leave it in the comments section if so - I'd love to hear about them!

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

Now you've gone and done it -- asked for favorite books! :-)

Since I have a reading 5-year-old, I always have a tough time at the library. But some of our favorites from toddlerhood up:

'most anything by Sandra Boynton. Favorite is "But Not the Hippotpotamus."

Arnold Lobel: Anything involving Frog and Toad -- "Frog and Toad are Friends," "Frog and Toad Together," "From and Toad All Year" These are utterly sweet books.

Anything about Toot and Puddle by Holly Hobby. I hear this is now an animated show on Noggin, but we don't have cable, so I can't speak to it. I know the books are adorable, about two pigs who are best friends, one who is an avid traveller. We especially like "Toot and Puddle: Top of the World."

There are so many and, like you, I find it difficult to pull authors' names from memory. But can't wait to see what others have to say!

Anonymous said...

When I saw the heading on this post I got worried. I know this is a mostly about mother/kid issues. I thought you went all Andrea Yates on me.

I like "There's a wocket in my pocket" By Doctor Suess because so true.

Jill said...

Any books by Mick Inkpen - especially the Blue Balloon. He wrote and illustrated the Kipper series that was on Nick Jr. when my 9 year old was little - we were addicted. We also love any Robert Sabuda pop-up books - especially Cookie Count.

Sara M. said...

to 2GAboys,

Sandra Boynton is great, you're right. we love the Dinosaur Bedtime Book (or whatever it's actually called). Very funny. And the Toot and Puddle show is liked by my kids, as well as the books - although we only have their snow book.

to Daniel,
Funny, funny.

to Jill,
I've never heard of those books, but we do know Kipper. The theme song on the show is awesome. Thanks for the suggestions. I'll check for them at our library!

 
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