As a book lover, it’s no surprise that I have my fingers crossed that my children will love books like I do.
I am always thinking about books I want to read to my own children someday and the list, of course, is very long, full of titles my mom read to me when I was a child, books like Little House in the Big Woods, The Wind in the Willows, and Hitty Her First Hundred Years.
But the books that best capture the feelings I have about my own childhood, the memory of cozy days and a generally blissful life, are, without question, the Oliver and Amanda Pig books.
I love everything about these books – the darling, happy pictures, the sweet stories, the length.
Just browsing through the covers makes me want a little child to snuggle up in a blanket on the couch with and read these to. They are so happy, so fun, so cute, so idyllic.
You better believe that when I have children of my own, I will run out and buy the entire set.
Any books you are just waiting to read to children (or nieces and nephews) of your own?
21 Comments
I have never heard of these. Thanks! I am always looking for wonderful kids books. I will check these out very soon.
Hooray for Amanda Pig!
When I found out I was having a boy, there were four books I felt were essential to boyhood: The Little Engine that Could, Where the Wild things Are, Mike Muligan's Engine, and Good Night Moon. These are toddler/preschool necessities… but don't you worry, I have more necessities for the older child as well 🙂 Raymond and I already read two books this morning (before 7am!) and it's only the beginning.
I will confess that sometimes now, I buy books when I see them, to keep for my future children!
After I graduated from high school I started collecting all my favorite books from childhood because I want to have them for my kids, and I give books like The Goose Girl and Fablehaven to my seven and nine year old nieces for their birthdays. The Phantom Tollbooth is one of my favorites ever, and I think a total necessity for childhood.
Since I learned to read so early, I read most books by myself. Seriously. I never read a chapter book with a parent. But, not matter how early my kids learn to read, I still fully intend to read with them. A few picks: The Hairy McClary series by Lynley Dodd; the Little House series; books by Bill Pete (Eric grew up on those.); anything Dr. Seuss; and Shel Silverstein poems.
Every Christmas we're going to read the Best Christmas Pageant Ever just like my mom read to us. Have you read it? You MUST. We still made her read it to us on road trips when we were well into our teens.
The Berenstein Bears is a big one. Dr. Seuss…
Goo to know about Amanda the pig! I'll have to go check Half Price for these.
My favorite book growing up was called "But No Elephants" and my mom still owns the dogeared copy I memorized when I was little. That is an essential for me.
As far as illustrated children's books, I'd say Eloise and The Giving Tree. But I'm most excited about chapter books: Ramona, Pippi Longstocking, Wayside School…
Why haven't I seen these? I'll quickly put them on hold at our library. My kids list is quite long.
We were finally able to unpack the boxes of children's books I have collected over the past 15 years and put them on the bookshelf in Oliver's room. Sometimes when he is napping I just stay in the room and read through my old favorites. I, too, hope he grows up loving books. Favorites from my childhood that I will certainly read to him are the Brenstain Bears collection.
I want to get all the Russell and Elisa books for my future children, because the little girl 1. has my name and 2. looks EXACTLY like me circa 1989. It's actually a bit eerie.
I want to get all the Russell and Elisa books for my future children, because the little girl 1. has my name and 2. looks EXACTLY like me circa 1989. It's actually a bit eerie.
The "If you give a . . . " books are huge hits. Dr. Suess. The Skippyjon Jones books. Sylvester and the Magic Pebble (oh, it is hard to say how much I love the last.) You instincts will serve you very well in this area. Most little kids just love anything.
Truthfully, one of the hardest parts about having all boys is all of the books they probably just won't want anything to do with. *sigh*
I haven't seen these either! This one looks so cute. Who said we shouldn't judge a book by its cover? LOL
There are so many good books out there. My son liked books by Richard Scarry. My daughter wanted Berenstain Bears read to her. Dr. Seuss books are a must. Oh, and Mother Goose rhymes and songs, the old Little Golden Books.
I love kids books and working for a bookstore makes it hard to resist buying all of my favorites. But early on I new I would have to own "Where is my Mother?" It was one of my favorites and now the boys basically have it memorized.
I love reading to Walker and Kenedie…..the only problem is that I end up liking the books so much that I have to keep reading…after they have fallen asleep!
This question has stayed in my mind all day and now I think I have to answer: Frog and Toad series by Arnold Lobel, Are you my mother?, Petunia and Goodnight moon. It's hard to keep up. The classics are wonderful but there are always fabulous new ones out.
"A Bargain for Francis" and all the Francis books. Frog and Toad. Little Bear.
http://www.amazon.com/Bargain-Frances-Can-Read-Book/dp/006444001X
Read The Pig's Wedding. German author–let's see. Can't recall it. It's a "heart" book. Heine???
Late, second comment. This morning, I was looking at the children's books in Mom's bedroom. Four "jumped" at me: Uncle Remus stories (Songs of the South – I don't care that adults think they are racist – they're wonderful stories), Beatrix Potter stories, Aesop's Fables, and fairy tales – both the "originals" and the Disney versions.
I LOVE the Amanda the Pig books! I totally forgot about them, so thanks for reminding me!