This article put into words what I had not yet articulated to myself..the fact that I am disturbed by many of today's popular children's picture books. Therefore, I am beginning a list (oh the joy!) of children's books and authors, both new and old, that capture what is best about children's literature and not what is currently in vogue. After many, many trips to the library and a constantly circulating regimen of bedtime stories, David and I are now beginning to consider ourselves stern critics, and Rowan certainly is. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Most of these I haven't read in a long time, so I'm not going the vouch for their messages. I just remember them as being some of my favorite books when I was very young.
ReplyDeleteThe Little Mouse, the Red Ripe Strawberry and the Big Hungry Bear
The Magic Teddy Bear (a pop-up by Stella Farris)
Quick as a Cricket
The Crane Maiden (a very wonderful Japanese story if you can find it)
-anything Dr. Seuss or Curious George or Eric Carle, esp:
-The Lorax
-Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?
-The Very Hungry Caterpillar
Stone Soup (McGovern and Pels version)
The Runaway Bunny
The Poky Little Puppy
The Legend of the Bluebonnet
Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel
The Little Engine that Could
Pecos Bill (and other tall tales by Steven Kellogg)
John Henry (by Ezra Jack Keats)
Three Little Kittens
The Three Billy Goats Gruff
Sam, Bangs and Moonshine
Once a Mouse...
Always Room for One More
The Giving Tree
Arnold Lobel books
Berenstain Bear books
In first grade I checked out a bunch of Caldecott Award books, because they were all kept on one shelf and I could just go down the row, and I enjoyed them. I have recently discovered Edward Gorey and Gris Grimly, but I don't know if you want these for bedtime stories. Also good - Charley Harper's estate has been issuing a bunch of picture books with his art in the past couple years. And for young readers - you know, when Rowan can read novels by the time he's 5 because he has such wonderful parents - The Whipping Boy (by Fleischman and Sis), Maniac McGee, and Number the Stars. And Oz books.
I have felt the same way. I find myself constantly only checking out books at the library that I recognize from childhood...I'm not quite as weary of the messages therein...
ReplyDeleteWe own the Olivia book but never read it as it is written. I am waiting for the day...that is quickly coming upon us, where Indy says..."hey it doesn't say that!"
this subject is so tough. I have liked the Lilly mouse books and am a fan of Frances but I must say we read a lot of Beatrix Potter and A.A.Milne so I don't have a whole lot of new books to recommend. I'm making a list though and as soon as I have it in some sort of working order I'll send it to you...
<3
Here are my kids favorites:
ReplyDeleteCurious George- thehole collection (H.A. Rey)
Guess How much I Love You
Ping ( a story of a little duck on the Yangtze River)
Thomas the Train
If You Give a Mouse A Cookie
Horton Hears a Who (Seuss)
Lots of Beatrix Potter
Snip, Snap, Snur series by Marjolien Lindman- a 50's series that is SO fun, about 3 little Swede boys
Goodnight Moon
Anything by McCloskey- Make Way for Ducklings, One Morning in Maine, Blueberries for Sal
These are the best- enjoy, lather, rinse, and repeat LOTS of Times! We also are alsays on the hunt for new reading material!
Kelly W.
I read this article when you put it up on your tumblr, and found it so interesting. I haven't read many childrens' books lately, so I didn't realize what a phenomenon this was in childrens' literature, but I had noticed it here and there.
ReplyDeleteSome other books that come to mind are:
Jan Brett books (but I think you told me about them)
Caps for Sale
biographies by Jean Fritz
... hmm... sorry, that's all I can think of.
I'm in agreement with Summer and Melanie and am working on a Children's Book post myself, having 4 kids ranging in age from almost 8 to 14 months...we own over 200 children's books but I'll be sure to edit it down to my desert island faves.
ReplyDelete