I read so many more books than I have time to review. So, I’ve decided to start posting a library book recommendation list each week or two. All the books will be children’s books that have been in print for several years and should be easy to find at most libraries.
I usually go online one evening at the beginning of the week and request ten to twenty books online using our family’s accounts. By the end of the week, usually the majority of the books are ready for pickup and can be picked up in one trip. Using the library request system saves a lot of stress because you can let your kids look at books, play on the computers, or go to an activity rather than stressing on trying to look for books yourself. If you have ever tried to look for children’s books while holding a screaming one year old and just hoping that your three year-old is still playing the computer and not running down the aisles, then the library request system is for you!
Here are some ideas for your next library list – the books vary in quality but all have enjoyable storylines and imaginative illustrations:
Blueberries for Sal by Robert McCloskey
This pick comes from a friend whose three year-old loves this book. Robert McCloskey is one of our favorite authors as well. If you have already read Blueberries for Sal, try Lentil, Make Way for Ducklings, or my personal favorite One Morning in Maine.
Adèle and Simon by Barbara McClintock
The Great Gracie Chase: Stop that Dog! by Cynthia Rylant and illustrated by Mark Teague
Our area had a children’s literacy event several weeks ago, and we picked up this book on a table of free books. Gracie doesn’t like noise, so when the painters come to paint her house she decides to run away. Soon the whole town is involved in the chase!
Too Many Tamales by Gary Soto and illustrated by Ed Martinez
This picture book teaches lessons about truthfulness and responsibility in a warm familial setting. Maria decides to try on her mother’s diamond ring while helping make tamales for the evening Christmas Eve family celebration. Hours later she realizes that the ring is missing, what will she do?
Behold the Bold Umbrellaphant: And Other Poems by Jack Prelutsky and illustrations by Carin Berger
I loved these witty poems featuring hybrid household item critters.
Example:
“The tearful ZIPPERPOTAMUSES
Regularly cry.
They seldom cease their weeping,
And they seldom ever try.
They have zippers on their bellies,
On their legs and heads and backs,
But their zippers keep unzipping,
So they rarely can relax . . . .”
Better Not Get Wet, Jesse Bear by Nancy White Carlstrom and illustrations by Bruce Degen
I checked Better Not Get Wet: Jessie Bear out before, and we enjoyed it so much I picked it up again when I saw it. Jesse Bear loves to get wet, but his mother doesn’t want him too {This book sounds like my house!} The book ends with a nice (and approved) dunk in the pool.
Redwoods by Jason Chin
Non-fiction can sound like a random collection of dry facts. Jason Chin avoids this trap by combining the facts with imaginative illustrations showing a boy exploring the redwood forest (later you find out that he is imagining the book he is reading). Although older children will enjoy Redwoods more, younger children will still enjoy the illustrations.
Muddypaws by Moira Butterfield and Simon Mendez
Another pick from a friend, Muddypaws tells the sweet tale of how a new puppy mischievously gets into trouble while his owner Ben tries to think of a name for him. After watching him get into one dirty situation after another, Ben knows what he should name his new puppy.
Katy and the Big Snow by Virginia Lee Burton
If your child likes Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel, you should check out some of the other books by Virginia Lee Burton. The Little House is also a favorite of mine.
Naamah and the Ark at Night by Susan Campbell Bartoletti and illustrated by Holly Meade
I remembered reading a positive review of Naamah and the Ark at Night, so I grabbed it when I saw it at the library. In this peaceful bedtime book for young children, Naamah (Noah’s wife) sings the animals to sleep. The illustrations are excellent.
Now it is your turn. What books do you think I should add to my next library request!
