I’ve worked in an elementary school library for 10 years and I just love the smell of new books. Here is a list of children’s books I enjoy reading with my children.
1-The Strange Case of Origami Yoda by Tom Angleberger
(Becky’s Favorite)
This is my number one pick to read with Becky!
Tommy, the only question is whether Origami Yoda is real? Of course he’s real as a small puppet on Dwight’s finger. But does the oracle possess magic power? In order to find out, he decides to compile scientific evidence from the experiences of those who asked Origami Yoda for help. His friend Harvey is invited to comment on each story because he thinks Yoda is nothing but a “green paper wad.” Tommy also comments because he’s supposedly trying to solve the puzzle. In actuality, the story is about boys and girls in sixth grade trying to figure out how being social works. In fact, Tommy says, “…it’s about this really cool girl, Sara, and whether or not I should risk making a fool of myself for her.”
2- Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! by Mo Willems
(Aly’s Favorite)
When a bus driver takes a break from his route, a very unlikely volunteer springs up to take his place-a pigeon! But you’ve never met one like this before. As he pleads, wheedles, and begs his way through the book, children will love being able to answer back and decide his fate.
3- I’m the Biggest Thing in the Ocean by Kevin Sherry
A bright, blue, giant squid cruises through the ocean, proudly noting that he is bigger than all the creatures he encounters.
4- What Will Fat Cat Sit On? by Jan Thomas
(Alex’s favorite.)
What will Fat Cat sit on? The pig? (Oink!) The chicken? (Cluck!) How about the dog? (Grrrr!) Everyone in this bumbling animal gang (understandably) hopes the victim will be someone else! Leave it to Mouse to come up with a brilliant solution that satisfies everyone, even Fat Cat himself. Filled with hilarious asides and an interactive question-answer format, this irreverent young picture book will delight toddlers who love to shout “NO!”
5- Scaredy Squirrel by Melanie Watt
In a tongue-in-cheek tale that may help to prod anxious readers out of their hidebound routines. A squirrel discovers the pleasures of leaping into the unknown. As the world’s a scary place, what with the killer bees, green Martians, tarantulas, germs, and sharks that might be lurking about, Scaredy Squirrel keeps to his tree, and to a precise, minute-by-minute daily schedule–until a supposed “killer bee” actually wanders by, causing Squirrel to dislodge his suitcase-size emergency kit. A wild lunge to rescue it turns into a long glide (portrayed in a gatefold), as Squirrel discovers to his astonishment that he is a flying squirrel. Eventually, Squirrel returns in triumph to his tree and from then on adds a daily glide to his accustomed rounds.
6- Knuffle Bunny by Mo Willems
Trixie steps lively as she goes on an errand with her daddy, down the block, through the park, past the school, to the Laundromat. For the toddler, loading and putting money into th e machine invokes wide-eyed pleasure. But on the return home, she realizes something. Readers will know immediately that her stuffed bunny has been left behind, but try as she might (in hilarious gibberish) she cannot get her father to understand her problem. Despite his plea of “please don’t get fussy,” she gives it her all, bawling and going “boneless.” They both arrive home unhappy. Mom immediately sees that “Knuffle Bunny” is missing and so it’s back to the Laundromat they go. After several tries, dad finds the toy among the wet laundry and reclaims hero status. Yet, this is not simply a lost-and-found tale. The toddler exuberantly exclaims, “Knuffle Bunny!!!” “And those were the first words Trixie ever said.””
7- Hi Fly Guy by Tedd Arnold
First in the series about a boy, Buzz and his pet, Fly Guy.
8- Magic Pickle by Scott Morse
What would you do if the world’s greatest superhero lived under your floorboards? What would you do if said superhero was a pickle?! When Weapon Kosher, the Magic Pickle, erupts from the bedroom floor of little Jo Jo Wigman, she has to answer those questions and more! What’s the Magic Pickle’s connection to the Brotherhood of Evil Produce? Just what is “Dill Justice”? How did Danny Johnson get to be so cute? Find out all the answers in this sweet and savory collection of Magic Pickle adventures!
9- The Hiccupotamus by Aaron Zenz
There was a hippopotamus who hiccupped quite-a-lotamus. And every time he got’emus . . . he’d fall upon his bottomus!
10- Bad Kitty Gets a Bath by Nick Bruel
Bad Kitty and Poor Puppy are back. This time they are featured in a funny, heavily illustrated “how-to” chapter book that is reminiscent of Kate Klise and M. Sarah Klise’s “Regarding the…” titles (Harcourt). The instructions for getting the feline into the water include begging, cajoling, and reverse psychology.
Descriptions from Amazon.com
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