Erin's Favorite Picture Books

Mark and I have been meaning to write this post for a very long time and finally sat down to pick out (and narrow down) our favorites (Mark's post is in the works).  Please note, this is not a wish-list or a not-so-subtle hint about what we want for Christmas since we already own most or all of these books.  But, if you're looking for great books (as we always are), here are my recommendations:

Erin's Top Thirteen (getting down to 10 was highly improbable) in alphabetical order:

1. Bear Stays Up For Christmas, by Karma Wilson

I love all the books in the "Bear" series, but this is my most favorite.  If there's any over-arching theme in my favorite book list, it's probably clever, simple, cadenced rhyming text.  And the "Bear" books are chalk full of exactly that!

2. Fancy Nancy, by Jane O'Conner

I avoided Fancy Nancy for a long time when Aubree was younger because it seemed so trendy and over-done.  Then I broke down and borrowed the book from the library.  And fell in love.  LOVE. Nancy is smart and independent and creative, and both Aubree and I couldn't get enough.

3. I Stink!, by Kate & Jim McMullan

I can't begin to explain how often lines from this book creep into our day-to-day life.  Truth be told, I didn't like this book at first.  Then I watched a Scholastic video and heard how it was "supposed" to be read.  It made all the difference (hint - read with a New York accent and attitude).  If you happen to like this book, don't miss a couple other similar books by the McMullans, including: I'm Mighty, and I'm Dirty.

4. Is Your Mama A Llama?, by Deborah Guarino

Now we're back to the clever rhyming text theme.  This is just a simple and fun read that I never get tired of.

5. Julius, The Baby of the World, by Kevin Henkes

Kevin Henkes was one of my favorite authors years before I even had kids.  The only problem I have with him is trying to choose just one of his books as my favorite.  If I hadn't limited my top 13 list to one submission per author (my own silly rule), at least 2 other Kevin Henkes books would have also been on the list (Lily's Purple Plastic Purse and Chrysanthemum). (...do you like how I'm totally breaking my own rule?)

6. Knuffle Bunny, by Mo Willems

Mo Willems is another author who just can't seem to go wrong.  I love all his books.  Elephant and Piggie?  Pigeon?  Fabulous!  But, Knuffle Bunny is so clever.  My favorite line? "She went boneless."  If you've ever tried to pick up a tantrumming toddler, you totally get this!

7. No, David, by David Shannon

I really shouldn't love this book.  It goes against most things I learned as a school psychologist about positive parenting, as well as every instinct that says, "don't give your kids ideas!"  But, BUT, my kids love it so much and so do I.  Bryce had it memorized from the earliest age and we read it over and over and over and I never got sick of it. That's saying something!  

8. Olivia, by Ian Falconer

Classic.  Ian Falconer can tell volumes of information with the sparsest amount of text.  I love examples of smart, problem-solving pigs kids.  I don't like the "new" Olivia books that are no longer written by Ian Falconer.  

9. Parts, by Tedd Arnold

Trust me...it's worth reading (and reading again).

10. Some Dogs Do, by Jez Alborough

I think this is the perfect picture book.  Bright, fun pictures, fun rhyming text (told you...), and teaches a lesson without being too overt.

11. Thank You Mr. Falker, by Patricia Polacco

If you're looking for amazing books for slightly older kids (5+), you must get to know Patricia Polacco. She's a prolific author and all her books are fabulous.  Thank you, Mr. Falker is autobiographical and amazing.

12. The Seven Silly Eaters, by Mary Ann Hoberman

A very silly and wonderful book.  It's not often you run into books with large families, and this one is so great.  As you read (or on future readings) take some time to look carefully at the illustrations - they're so fun.

13. Where Did that Baby Come From?, Debi Gliori

Looking for a "new baby is coming to our house" book?  This one is very silly (and rhyming) and clever.  I like a lot of Debi Gliori books, but I've found that I love 90% of each book.  The final pages always disappoint me.

As always, if you have favorites please (pretty please) feel free to share.  And Mark's post will be up in the next couple days...