Children's Books Make Fantastic Children's Gifts, Part II
Children's books are the keys to opening a child's imagination
In today's world of computers and portable gaming platforms, iPhone and MP3 players, it's nice to have children's books. Opening a book helps slow the world down. And it transports the reader to worlds limitless as imagination. Even in this hyper-busy world, children appreciate the power of a great book.
In Part I of this article, I highlighted five recommended children's books for ages 1-6, including books by Dr. Seuss, Jane Yolen and Sandra Boynton. In this second article, I've got five more recommended authors and/or titles.
6. Busy, Busy World - Richard Scarry
There is absolutely nothing scary about Richard Scarry's wonderful characters, including Huckle Cat, Lowly Worm, and the rest of the animal inhabitants of Busytown. Busy, Busy World is a little harder to find than Scarry's other books, but this classic serves as a great first introduction to other cultures and the wider world around us.
7. The Mixed-Up Chameleon - Eric Carle
Lively and fun reading is a staple of Eric Carle's more well-known books, but kids will really appreciate the message at the end: It's always best to just be yourself. This book also has fun colors and kooky mixed up animals, appealing to a child's silly side.
8. Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs - Judi Barrett
This classic is fun to read for children and adults alike. Who wouldn't want food to rain down from the sky? Sure to elicit smiles and laughter. Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs will be dog-eared in no time.
9. If You Give a Mouse a Cookie - Laura Numeroff/Felicia Bond
The first of Numeroff's "if you give a..." books, If You Give a Mouse a Cookie is an adorable story that teaches kids about cause and effect. It also provides them with a glimmer about what pet care entails and maybe--just maybe--helps them emphathize a little with mom and dad. Children will love the mouse and his tiny overalls.
10. Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! - Mo Willems
A relative newcomer on the children's book scene, Mo Willems is a writer and animator for Sesame Street. This first book of his (he's written more "Pigeon" books since) won a Caldecott Honor Award. Don't let the simple drawings fool you - kids love this book. They love it because they identify with the pigeon, who is trying to wheedle and plead to get his way. They love it for the absurdity of a pigeon trying to drive a bus. And they love it because it gives THEM the power to say "NO" for once.
So which one of these recommended children's books will you be giving to the next birthday boy or girl?