Recently on Twitter, Jessica de la Davies asked the question What was your favorite book as a child? I answered without pausing to give it any thought (listed first). After thinking about it longer, I’ve decided to compile you a list.
Bookworm; the picture book years
My love of reading began at an early age. Some books I read over and over again. This is a collection of the books I held so dear to me that I purchased them for my own children and hope to someday share them with my grandchildren.
The Animals who Changed their Colors
Published in 1979, The Animals who Changed their Colors by Pascale Allamand is a beautifully written and illustrated children’s book. The polar bear, whale, tortoise, and two crocodiles see a beautiful parrot in all it’s glorious color. Feeling less than beautiful, they set on an adventure to change their colors. Along the way, they learn that they are perfect just the way they are. It teaches a wonderful lesson about acceptance and self love.
The Monster at the End of This Book
My husband and I both remember this one fondly. The Monster at the end of this Book has been causing generations to burst into fits of laughter since 1971. It was written by Sesame Street series writer and producer Jon Stone and illustrated by Michael Smollin. Following the title page, a panicked Grover begs and pleads with you to not reach the end of the book. He even attempts to thwart you. It’s an interactive adventure featuring the lovable Grover. How could it be anything but great? If you haven’t had a chance to read it yet, I strongly recommend it.
Dr. Seuss gets two
There were two Dr. Seuss books that I remember reading over and over again. There’s a Wocket in my Pocket! and Hop on Pop both feature Seuss’s silly rhymes. I giggled away the hours reading these books.
The Giving Tree
Since being published in 1964, Shel Silverstein’s The Giving Tree has found itself on banned books lists (number two on this list). As a child, this book taught me about unconditional love. Now that I’m grown, that same story is a reminder to not give so much of myself away that there is nothing left of me. Interesting how our perspective can change as we age.
The Littlest Angel
The Littlest Angel by Charles Tazewell is a Christmas classic that was published in 1944. It’s the story of a young child who’s only recently become an angel and hasn’t quite found his place, yet. He stumbles his way through Heaven on his way to greet the Christ child and present his precious gift.
Bonus: the record I played over and over again
As a little girl, I begged to hear Bullfrogs & Butterflies over and over again. It’s a children’s Christian music album. It features upbeat songs with catchy tunes. I still catch myself singing some of the songs from time to time. Amazingly, my original vinyl still plays.
Your turn
What were some of your favorite early readers? What book were/are you excited to share with your own children/grandchildren?
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ShldBWriting 