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Dayton Daily News education reporter Scott Elliott writes about schools, kids, teaching and learning.
Home > Blogs > Get on the Bus > Archives > 2005 > November > 26 > Entry
Great books as gifts for kids
Recently, I got a wonderful treat. I have a friend who is writing her first children’s book and another friend illustrated a proof for her. Because I have three kids, the illustrator sent me a copy, asking that I read it to them and give her feedback on how they reacted to the drawings.
It was great fun to see the creative work of both the author and illustrator in progress. It got me thinking about what makes a good children’s book.
With the holiday buying season upon us today and a bunch of family visiting for Thanksgiving, I asked everyone to offer up their favorite children’s books. In case you are shopping for young children this holiday, here are our suggestions:
My personal favorites to read to the kids are Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus by Moe Willems and Duck For President by Doreen Cronin. In Willem’s book, it’s up to you to stymie the pigeon’s ambition to drive the bus and Cronin tells the story of a duck who’s challenge to the farmer’s power leads to greater political battles.
For little kids, my mother suggests The Pushcart War by Jean Merrill. It’s a story of the the battle between vehicles and pushcarts in New York City that was a favorite when I was a kid.
Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak is a great classic story of a hyperactive boy’s dream trip to an island of wild beasts.
For little kids at bedtime, you can’t beat the lulaby-style story of Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown.
When our kids were smaller, we loved Hippos go Bezerk and all the other fun board books by Sandra Boynton.
A more recent hit with our kids is Chicka Chicka Boom Boom by Bill Martin Jr. It’s a funny alphabet story.
There’s also How do Dinosaurs Say Goodnight by Jane Yolen and Mark Teague, suggested by my sister-in-law. This again is a series of books that’s lots of fun, but this one is our favorite.
She also likes The Naughty Bus by Jane Oke, the story of a toy double decker bus that creates havoc on the dinner table.
Of course, you can’t go wrong with Dr. Suess. My favorite is Green Eggs and Ham A Dr. Suess-like story that my brother likes is Go Dogs Go by P.D. Eastman.
For more sentimental stories, my wife likes Guess how much I love You by Susan McBratney and The Giving Tree by Shell Silverstein.
For older kids, there is the series of five adventure books by Lloyd Alexander. I read these as a kid and loved them.
Another idea is Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett.
Others suggested A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle, a real classic.
So when you’re shopping, check these out. They’re also easily purchased online through Amazon. And tell us what is your favorite children’s book?
Permalink | Comments (6) | Categories: Young Children
Comments
By Ami gia
December 7, 2005 1:03 AM | Link to this
Yes I agree that books are important and they cultivate imagination in children too. My 12 year old son is hypercurious he wanted to know about science but was not interested in books , I searched for other ways then the thought of teaching him through animation occured, I have found a site http://www.goalfinder.com that does a good job. Good animation and based on common questions like what is rainbow, Greenhouse effect etc.By HENRY FREEMAN
November 30, 2005 2:16 PM | Link to this
My son Elijah is a year old and he loves “A You’re Adorable” by Buddy Kaye, Fred Wise, Sidney Lippman, Martha Alexander. It’s a great little book that will let your little on know that they are special, loved, and important.By Scott Elliott
November 30, 2005 11:19 AM | Link to this
Ack! Thanks Roy for catching “their” instead of “they’re.” I just fixed it. And how could I have left off the Velvateen Rabbit by Margery Williams and William Nicholson? That is another of my kids’ most beloved books.By Shannon
November 30, 2005 10:27 AM | Link to this
I have a seven-month-old and his favorite books right now are the chewable ones made of fabric or plasic. He doesn’t quite have the self-control to just look at all those pretty books, and the chewable ones are perfect for him grab and chew and drool all over. We’ve got several from the Taggie brand, the Maisy series by Lucy Cousins, and the My First Bath Book series from Dorling Kindersley Publishing. The soft cloth Fuzzy Bee and Friends by Roger Priddy is the absolute favorite of Declan’s five-month-old friend Isabel and is one of the cutest ones I’ve seen. Our three-year-old nephew picked out many of Declan’s favorites, so don’t forget to ask the advice of any true children’s books experts you may know!By Roy Ford
November 30, 2005 12:36 AM | Link to this
“The Yearling” by M.K. Rawlings and the “Velveteen Rabbit” by ? Also, your use of the word “Their should have been “They’re”. I am a retired teacher and this spelling, along with “there” is the most misused word in the Middle School Vocabulary. HA!By Michelle
November 29, 2005 6:25 PM | Link to this
As a mom of a 16-month-old, here are some of our favorites (lots of overlap with your list, Scott): Our absolute favorite is “Goodnight Moon” by Margaret Wise Brown. We read this every night before bedtime (and often during the day as well). Sophie loves the bright pictures. We own a video version of the book as well. Right now, Sophie’s very into interactive books (books she can touch, peek-a-boo sort of books and books that allow her to identify colors, objects and animals. A couple favorites are “Pat the Bunny” by Dorothy Kunhardt and “Where is Baby’s Belly Button” by Karen Katz (and similar books by the same author).