I don’t know about you but we are always reading around here. The highlight of my girls’ week often includes a visit to our local library to choose new books and take a picture on the statue in front of the library (if you follow me on Instagram I’m sure you’ve seen one of two of these pictures). As such we’ve read a LOT of children’s books this year so today I want to share a few gems we found this year that would make a great Christmas gift for some little boy or girl or a fun trip to the library for. Check them out and you will see what I mean! Happy reading!
Our Top 10 Favorite Children’s Books Read in 2013
(Listed in no particular order)
1. The Star Spangled Banner by Peter Spier-Great for learning our national anthem, viewing several nation monuments, and even learning a little history of our country at the same time.
2. The Pied Piper of Hamelin by Michael Morpurgo–I’ve heard this great tale many times before but never has it been told as detailed and with such bright and enjoyable illustrations as that.
3. Our Animal Friends at Maple Hill Farm by Alice and Martin Provensen–I grew up on a farm but even I learned some things while reading this fun story about the different animals on Maple Hill Farm.
4. Dinosaurumpus! by Tony Mitton–This book was just a fun read, especially when this momma started reading it like a rap. I never had more requests to read a book again than with this one.
5. Turtle Crossing by Rick Chrustowski–I learned more about turtles in this short non-fiction book than I ever had in my entire life. Do you know why turtles cross the road? Yes, there really is a reason. Read and you’ll find out!
6. The Paper Bag Princess by Robert Munsch–Okay, I’ll give you fair warning–this book is a bit feministic but aside from the fact that the princess saves herself from a dragon, it is a cute read and an inspiration for little princesses to never give up.
7. The Big Green Pocketbook by Candice F. Ransom–A classic but still one of my girls’ favorites. I just love how it gives a full tour of a town and heart issues as the same time (aka giving thanks).
8. The Fire Cat by Esther Averill–I remember reading this book when I was a kid and still a favorite with my own. What a great way to introduce kids to a fire house.
9. Round Trip by Ann Jonas–This is the most amazing artwork I’ve ever seen in a picture book. You read the whole book one direction and then turn it over and read it the other direction and the pictures are amazing in black and white both ways. So cool!
10. We’re Going on a Bear Hunt by Michael Rosen–What kid doesn’t like reinacting this story…around the room…around the yard…it makes no difference. This story has been told in this house more times than I can count and my friend has the pop-up version which is even more fun. The girls love to look at it every time they are together.
