15 Awesome Children's Books

I love children's books. Even before I had children I loved them. The stories, the illustrations, the huge variety of awesome titles to choose from. Any topic or style that you can imagine. Over the last ten years or so I've had a wonderful opportunity to explore a lot of great children's books. I have an excuse - I have kids. But you know, you don't need an excuse to enjoy these. They are so much fun. Here are some of our favorites through the years (in no particular order).

1. Hondo and Fabian - written and illustrated by Peter McCarty
I love the simple story and the beautiful, soft illustrations. The kids especially love when Fabian unrolls the toilet paper. Fabian Escapes is also a big hit.

2. Bear Snores On - by Karma Wilson, illustrated by Jane Chapman
I love the fun rhyming tale and the incredible illustrations.

3. Dirt Boy - by Eric Jon Slangerup, illustrated by John Manders
The story is so much fun and the illustrations are awesome - just the right amount of ick. The kids absolutely loved this one.

4. Guess How Much I Love You - by Sam McBratney, illustrated by Anita Jeram
Very very sweet story and the bunnies are so cute! A favorite of my daughter's when she was very small.

5. Kittens First Full Moon - by Kevin Henkes
The simple illustrations and amusing story are perfect.

6. The Little Mouse, The Red Ripe Strawberry and the Big Hungry Bear - by Don and Audrey Wood, illustrated by Don Wood
Very cute and beautifully illustrated.

7. Where the Wild Things Are - written and illustrated by Maurice Sendak
A classic. It's popular for a reason.

8. Corduroy - by Don Freeman
Cute story and illustrations. The kids used to love this one.

9. Small - written and illustrated by Clara Vulliamy
Another cute story with super cute illustrations.

10. No Matter What - by Debi Gliori
We have always loved the little wooden, wheeled rooster in this story!

11. Mouse's First Halloween - by Lauren Thompson, illustrated by Buket Erdogan
It's just spooky enough for real little ones. (All of the "Mouse's First ---" books have been hits).

12. Anasi the Spider : a Tale from the Ashanti - by Gerald McDermott
Different than a lot of the others on this list. The bold colorful illustrations catch the eye and the kids love the story.

13. The Quiltmakers Gift - by Jeff Brumbeau, illustrated by Gail de Marcken
A very nice story and beautiful full-page illustrations.

14. The Chocolate Cat - by Sue Stainton, illustrated by Anne Mortimer
A cute story with beautiful illustrations. I can just smell the chocolate when I read this.

15. Russell The Sheep - by Rob Scotton
An awesome funny story with cute illustrations. I love Russell's hat and his froggy friend! Splat the Cat by Rob Scotton is also a favorite.

And a few more:
Anything by Sandra Boynton, but a few favorites have been Snoozers : Seven Short Short Bedtime Stories for Lively Little Kids, Snuggle Puppy, Pajama Time, Moo Baa La La La and But Not the Hippopotamus. These are all classics. We've never met a Boynton book we didn't like (with the possible exception of Doggies (a Counting and Barking Book), which the kids loved. I, however, got somewhat sick of reading all the barks. But it's still a fun book!)

Snickers has been especially fond of anything Dr. Suess and Doodlebug will enjoy anything with even a passing reference to a cat.

I'm sure I'm missing some great ones that we've enjoyed through the years, but this is a good start. What are some of your favorites? Post a comment and let me know.


Quack!