My Top 10 Favorite Children's Books of All Time
1. Stellaluna by Janelle Cannon
I loved this book growing up; it was a comforting story about the love of family and finding your way home to your mother's arms. When my mom read it to me, I always just wanted to be wrapped up in her arms, safe and sound.
Summary from Goodreads: Stellaluna is the tender story of a lost young bat who finally finds her way safely home to her mother and friends. This award-winning book by Janell Cannon has sold over 500,000 copies and was on the bestseller list for more than two years.
2. Roxaboxen by Alice McLerran
This book reminds me of playing outside when I was little. I always loved playing house more than anything, especially after a snowstorm. I would build a fort, make "food," and boss my little brother around as we made up our own world. My friends and I had a whole village made up down by Cherokee Park on the lake. Roxaboxen is all about that imagination and play, and it makes me so nostalgic today.
Summary from Goodreads: Marian called it Roxaboxen. There across the road, it looked like any rocky hill—nothing but sand and rocks, and some old wooden boxes. But it was a special place. And all children needed to go there was a long stick and a soaring imagination.
“A celebration of the transforming magic of the imagination. An original.” —ALA Booklist
3. The True Story of the Three Little Pigs by Jon Scieszca
I loved this take from the wolf's POV. It made for an interesting story and let you see his perspective in how silly the pigs could be. I loved the narrator's voice that brought out the character of the wolf.
Summary from Goodreads: You thought you knew the story of the “The Three Little Pigs”… You thought wrong. In this hysterical and clever fracture fairy tale picture book that twists point of view and perspective, young readers will finally hear the other side of the story of “The Three Little Pigs.”
I loved the adventure in this book. Still can't get over Max having to skip dinner, but oh well.
Goodreads Summary: Max, a wild and naughty boy, is sent to bed without his supper by his exhausted mother. In his room, he imagines sailing far away to a land of Wild Things. Instead of eating him, the Wild Things make Max their king.
This was my OG going to bed book. As an adult, I can't get over the art and the use of color in the illustrations.
Goodreads Summary: In a great green room, tucked away in bed, is a little bunny. "Goodnight room, goodnight moon." And to all the familiar things in the softly lit room -- to the picture of the three little bears sitting on chairs, to the clocks and his socks, to the mittens and the kittens, to everything one by one -- the little bunny says goodnight. In this classic of children's literature, beloved by generations of readers and listeners, the quiet poetry of the words and the gentle, lulling illustrations combine to make a perfect book for the end of the day.
I loved this book as a kid because it made hard days easier. Taught you that other kids also woke up on the "wrong side of the bed" and that it was okay to be a little grumpy.
Goodreads Summary: Alexander knew it was going to be a terrible day when he woke up with gum in this hair.
And it got worse...
His best friend deserted him. There was no dessert in his lunch bag. And, on top of all that, there were lima beans for dinner and kissing on TV!
Didn't every little kid obsess a little about poop and what animal poop looked like? Just me? The illustrations in this one are simple but also artistic at the same time!
Goodreads Summary: Since we all eat, we all must poop. All of us! Everyone!
This wonderful, modern-day toddler classic presents information that children both want and need in a refreshingly honest, informative, and age-appropriate way.
She's crafty, and I love her. All the spaghetti! I think I liked this one because I loved spaghetti and a little petty behavior.
Goodreads Summary: When Strega Nona leaves him alone with her magic pasta pot, Big Anthony is determined to show the townspeople how it works.
A classic with a naughty rabbit. I loved the illustrations and the whole tale this built. Reminds me of the Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, which was a favorite show then.
Goodreads Summary: "Now, my dears," said old Mrs Rabbit one morning, "you may go into the fields or down the lane, but don't go into Mr. McGregor's garden."
Follow the story of naughty Peter Rabbit as he squeezes—predictably—under the gate into Mr. McGregor's garden and finds himself in all kinds of trouble! But how does Peter Rabbit get himself out of this tricky situation? Beatrix Potter's story about one mischievous but ultimately endearing little creature will tell us, accompanied by beautiful illustrations and timeless verses which have transcended generations.
'The Tale of Peter Rabbit', first published in 1902, is still today one of Beatrix Potter's most popular and well-loved tales.
This book is so funny, and I loved the entire series here. A giggle to be had, for sure. And one that you can still reference and allude to.
Goodreads Summary: "If you give a mouse a cookie, he's going to ask for a glass of milk..."
If a hungry little traveler shows up at your house, you might want to give him a cookie. If you give him a cookie, he's going to ask for a glass of milk. He'll want to look in a mirror to make sure he doesn't have a milk mustache, and then he'll ask for a pair of scissors to give himself a trim...
The consequences of giving a cookie to this energetic mouse run the young host ragged, but readers of all ages will come away smiling at the antics that tumble like dominoes through the pages of this delightful picture book.
