I figure that this question may pop up in the near future with my daughter being born in less than 2 months.  I still have a few years to skirt around the issue – but when it does come up I’ll use this handy little children’s book!  A humorous and wonderful look at the follically challenged.  I am not alone in this, I know, but it’s always good to have a guide to go to when asked the harder questions that children ask – like, for instance, “Daddy, how come you have no hair?”

Who doesn’t LOVE flap books? This is one of the first books I ever bought when I became a teacher. The kids responded to this story about Mr. Wolf searching, page to page, through houses and grocery stores, for a little pig named Preston. If you talk in a nice, grumbly voice for Mr. Wolf – but then whisper when saying the repeated title “Shh… Don’t Tell Mr. Wolf!” and you pull down the flap to reveal where Preston is hiding. My favorite part of this story is right in the beginning where Mr. Wolf is searching in the bathroom and there is a little flap on the toilet seat. When lifted it says “Don’t be silly!” It makes me chuckle every time. Make sure to check this book out!

– Big Ryan

This is one of my favorite books!  I love the way each character talks back to each other with the same thing!  This book can be really fun of you get really wild with the voices of each character.  I like to give the Dentist a crazy accent – it makes it fun to tell too!  Another reason I love this book so much is because it does something a lot of children’s books don’t.  It tells the truth.  It lets them know that the dentist might hurt – but that they have to be brave, that the Dentist is trying to make them better and they have to go to see him to stay healthy.

No Author I can think of has captured the imagination of young readers quite like Chris Van Allsburg.  His stories are multi-layered, fantastic voyages that not only amaze but also leave an ever-lasting impression and a life time fan of everyone who opens one of his books.  I was first introduced to him in the 5th grade when my teacher Mrs. Weiler read us The Widows Broom.  If you’ve never heard of that book – get to your library as soon as you can and check that book out!  I use the Mysteries of Harris Burdick in my Children’s Workshop because - not only am I a fan – but also, it captures children’s minds with just a quick glimpse.  The last workshop I did, in Whitman, the children created a story about a pumpkin that came from a pumpkin patch that smelled of sweaty socks.  I love the portfolio edition of this book – it allows people to handle each page or, in the case of a classroom, it allows each student to take a page in different areas of the room to create their own fantastic voyage – inspired by Allsburg himself!  

I love books that give you all sorts of interesting tid-bits. This is a great book that gives you all sorts great facts about cats and dogs. Like, for instance, did you know that when a cat wags it’s tail that means it’s upset and to leave that kitty alone?  Steve Jenkins is one of the greatest author/illustrators out there.  Another of his books made it into my Book of the Month, a great picture book called “Looking Down”.  I discovered that book on a trip to the library, a nice afternoon where I went to the library to chill and look through books and just all around relax.  The library is such a great place to relax and quietly sift through books.  If you haven’t tried an afternoon at the library – you should – it’s a great resource for any community.  Everyone should take advantage of their local library – it’s one of the nicest places on earth!

I have now been blogging about my favorite books for 2 years (well, next month it will be 2 years…) I have shown you some of my favorite books and people email me all the time thanking me for the recommendations. I love seeing the new children’s books that are released. I love talking to my local Librarian about her favorite books. Well, this past week I was in Fairhaven and the Librarian there talked me into reading a series called “Diary of a Wimpy Kid”. What started out as a funny way for adults to reflect on their childhoods – especially bullied kids, I know I was one of them from time to time, turned out to be a surprise hit for kids today. If you haven’t checked this series out yet – please do – and this is the perfect time to because a new book is coming out in a few days!

Now, let me see about trying to get some of my stories published…

This is one of the first books I even picked up.  It’s true!  I was trying to get something to read to my niece who was just 2-years old at the time.  Each page shows just a one or two word itme – like Hot Chocolate – or something else in the season!  I remeber my niece really enjoying the pictures more than anything – it’s definitley worth the pick up – check it out at you local library today!  If you like it then check out the rest of this series which includes Mouse’s First Halloween, Valentine, First Day of School and First Snow! 

I love this book.  I love this book for so many reasons – I really don’t know where to begin.  Let’s start with the brilliant turns every chapter takes until you have no idea where the book is going.  I read this book to a group of students over one summer.  The ages?  6 to 8 years old.  The thing about this book is that if you read it WITH your kids you will enjoy it just as much.  That’s the magic of Luis Sachar’s brilliant story.  Did I use brilliant already?  That’s alright because it applies.  This amazing story will capture the imagination of everyone who reads it.  It’s also available for VERY reasonable prices off Amazon.  So click on the link and purchase your copy today!

October brings a lot of things including some spooky tales!  But if you don’t want your child to be fleeing in terror or not able to sleep or night due to nightmares then you need to show them how NOT to be scared.  This very funny book can give your children the idea that even a little old lady isn’t scared of things in the night.  When you read the book make sure that you really have fun playing with all the different sounds and watch as your child plays along with you!  Have a great and of course safe October!

There are actually many Illustrators to this book. A lot of gifted artists take a stab at illustrating their favorite Knock, Knock joke. A fun book that showcases a lot of talent. Some of the best Children’s Authors of today are in this book and it is great to see how all these amazing artists can pull together to make something so special. Check this book out today!