Erin and I share a love for books. While our tastes often diverge when it comes to adult/YA literature, we seem to agree more readily about what constitutes a great children's book. I wholeheartedly endorse her selections, but here is a list of some of my other favorites:
Mark's Top Thirteen
1. A Porcupine Named Fluffy, by Helen Lester, illustrated by Lynn Munsinger
A hilarious story with great illustrations. The combination of Lester and Munsinger is hard to beat. Other recommendations (runner-ups) from their list of collaborations include Hooway for Wodney Wat, It Wasn't My Fault, and Listen Buddy. [click here for more]
2. Dogs Don't Wear Sneakers, by Laura Numeroff, illustrated by Joe Mathieu
Numeroff is perhaps best known for her alliteratively-titled If You Give a [Blank] a [Blank] books. The above selection and its companion, Chimps Don't Wear Glasses, are equally as clever... but in my opinion the pictures are far more captivating. [click here for more]
3. McDuff and the Baby, by Rosemary Wells, illustrated by Susan Jeffers
My favorite of Wells' McDuff series. Again, I'm partial to the illustrations even more so than the written text. Regardless of whether or not you happen to be a "dog person," you can't help but empathize with the bearded, four-legged protagonist in this story. His subtle expressions seem to speak volumes. [click here for more]
4. Mrs. McNosh and the Great Big Squash, by Sarah Weeks, illustrated by Nadine Bernard Westcott
A fun, short read with simple, rhyming text, as you might anticipate from the title. The ending is predictable, yet nonetheless satisfying. [click here for more]
5. Stephanie's Ponytail, by Robert Munsch, illustrated by Michael Martchenko
Aubree and I really get a kick out of this book. I consider this one to be more representative of Robert Munsch's talent than the excessively sappy Love You Forever. Runner-up favorites from his long list of publications include More Pies, Makeup Mess, and The Sand Castle Contest. I enjoy the way Munsch and his characters take everything to the extreme. [click here for more]
This book was first published in 1993, but somehow I've only known about it for a couple years. It deserves much more recognition and acclaim that I think it has currently garnered. It's essentially a modern fable, and the illustrations are exceptionally good. I especially like Sanji's motley group of benefactors. [click here for more]
7. The Bugliest Bug, by Carol Diggory Shields, illustrated by Scott Nash
This pick is the crème de la crème. It's got everything: rhymes, wordplay, humor, suspense, heroism...etc. Not to mention the pictures. I highly recommend this book. [click here for more]
8. The Day Jimmy's Boa Ate the Wash, by Trinka Hakes Noble, illustrated by Steven Kellogg
A genuine children's classic. I love this book from start to finish. How Jimmy managed to smuggle his boa onto the bus, we may never know-- that bag must have weighed a ton! [click here for more]
9. The Jester Has Lost His Jingle, by David Saltzman
An allegory about the therapeutic power of laughter, made all the more poignant upon learning the biographical details of the author. As a big fan of old-time radio and television, I personally appreciate the brief homage to Groucho Marx. [click here for more]
10. The Mitten, by Jan Brett
Jan Brett makes my favorites list for her sheer artistic ability. This particular masterpiece was adapted from a Ukrainian folktale. As with many of her books, you have to pay close attention to the sidebar pictures or else you'll miss out on part of the fun. [click here for more]
11. There's a Wocket in My Pocket, by Dr. Seuss
12. Watch Out For the Chicken Feet In Your Soup, by Tomie dePaola
My favorite silly book, from the undisputed King of Silly Books. This is one that I don't mind reading again and again. In fact, I've picked it out myself so often for story time that I've practically got it memorized.
12. Watch Out For the Chicken Feet In Your Soup, by Tomie dePaola
Tomie dePaola is another incredibly talented and accomplished children's author. Unbelievably, he's written and/or illustrated almost 250 different books. With so many great works to choose from, I selected Chicken Feet because of the undeniable pleasure I derive from reading it aloud to Aubree and Bryce in my faux Italian grandmother accent. [click here for more]
13. Why the Banana Split, by Rick Walton, illustrated by Jimmy Holder
An extremely "punny" book that is also chock-full of delightful pictures. Probably even more entertaining for adults than for young kids. [click here for more]
Enjoy!
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