When I was expecting my first child, there was one thing that I knew would be the most important thing to me in raising her.
I wanted her to love reading as much as I did.
We didn’t have much at the time, but I went to resale shops, and scoured used bookstores to build her a library that would tantalize her creativity.
I wanted her books to be inviting, exciting and filled with wonder. I also wanted them to feel interactive, to be able to be read in goofy voices, and add body movements and things to keep her wanting more.
Now that she is going on 18, I have been able to see this effort come to fruition. Both her and her younger sister are avid readers, and writers. Both have excelled in language and the creative arts, and it makes it that much more important to me that I continue that with my youngest.
These are a few of our favorite books that we have read together. Every time I read one of these to my son, the memories flood back of my girls giggling and climbing in my lap for story time.
- MOST FAVORITE BOARD BOOK OF ALL TIME: Jamberry by Bruce Degen
This book brings out the goofy in the most serious parent. Go on a berry filled adventure with your little one as music plays and rockets shoot by. They are sure to have a blast imagining the journey!
2. I Love You Through and Through by Bernadette Rossetti-Shustak, illustrated by Caroline Jane Church
This book quickly became a favorite of my oldest. We created hand motions and facial expressions for each page, and laughter erupted from small mouths. Make sure to really get into this as you go and make it your own!
3. Going on a Bear Hunt by Michael Rosen and Helen Oxenburg
This is a beloved classic in so many homes, and ours is no different. The more you get into the hunt, the more your kids can imagine they are really hunting down the bear. The climax ends with you all huddled under the covers with giggles abounding.
4. Llama, Llama, Red Pajama by Anna Dewdney
My husband has said he is okay if he never hears this story ever again. Unfortunately for him, he has about 7 more years of this before it retires from our house. This is one of my all time favorites, and my 10 month old already giggles when I yell “MAMA!!!” Definitely one to add to your children’s library.
5. Someday by Alison McGhee and Peter H. Reynolds
Be prepared to cry as you follow the story of this sweet child growing up and a love letter from their Mother. We often end story time with this one, since I tear up so much.
6. Press Here by Herve Tullet
My youngest daughter was OBSESSED with this book. She would absolutely die laughing as we followed the instructions and turned each page. This hands on activity book delights all ages. We even ended up purchasing the game as she got older.
7. Wonky Donkey by Craig Smith, illustrated by Katz Cowley
Be prepared to get a little goofy! This one is best with high pitched HEEHAWs!
8. Love You Forever by Robert Munsch, illustrated by Sheila McGraw
And of course, no list would be complete without this classic!
I hope this has given you some great ideas for your at home library!
I would love to hear from you! What books are musts for your kids?
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