I think I’ve made it quite clear here on AMB that I LOVE to read. I am working on passing that love down to my children and hope that this post can give you some new ideas to keep {or make} your little ones enthusiastic about reading. PLUS, I would love for y’all to comment with books your mini-readers love – let’s make this post huge on the Interwebs and get lots of new suggestions {Be sure to share on Facebook and Twitter}!
For the Baby
I think the best books for babies are interactive – flaps to lift, sections to touch, etc. Drew could care less about books – unless there’s something for her to do.
Some of our favorites are:
-Anything by Karen Katz – these are all about flaps and are colorful and short {for that limited attention span}
-The Pat the Bunny books – Pat the Bunny is an old series {I think 40+ years} but it is so cute. Lots of things to ‘do’ in the book. Plus there are now Christmas and Valentine’s books too to keep the fun story going.
-Anything by Sandra Boynton – Now I know I just told you the best thing for baby is interactive books and then I give you an author whose books are NOT interactive, but let me explain. Sandra Boynton has the cutest simple rhyming books with animals. They are bright, fun, and silly. I can still quote all the words from Pajama Time after reading it with Trent EVERY night.
For Your Toddler
-Julia Cook’s ‘self help’ books – My first post with AMB was actually a guest post talking about our struggles with Trent. We are still working hard to help him be his best and a school psychologist friend recommended these books. They are so great! Books about interrupting and accepting ‘no’, books for kids with ADD and kids dealing with bullying. So helpful!
-Mo Willems’ Knuffle Bunny and the Pigeon books – Mo Willems’ books are just awesome. So funny and creative and catchy.
-Mercer Mayer’s Little Critter and The Berenstain Bears – Trent LOVES Little Critter and the Berenstain Bears. They typically have a moral without being too obnoxious about it, and Trent just loves the characters. Interestingly enough, both families have a big brother who has 2 little sisters. Maybe this will predict my family and get me the 3rd kid Brent is refusing?? {grin}
For Your Early Reader
I cheated a little with the early reader books and asked an elementary school teacher friend, since I don’t have any early readers yet, ha! However, I think a lot of the books I read as a kid stand the test of time {Boxcar Kids, Little House on the Prairie, etc.} All of these books are series, and I really think series are the BEST because kids can develop a relationship with the characters and be excited to continue reading their friends’ newest adventures.
–Junie B. Jones, Pete the Cat, Ready, Freddy, A to Z Mysteries, and Elephant and Piggie {also by Mo Willems – told ya he was awesome}.
And what book list would be complete without mentioning Harry Potter?!?! I think this series is probably best for late elementary/middle school, but I seriously can’t wait to read each book with both of my kids. These are some of the best books I have EVER, EVER read.
And there you have my recommendations!
What about you? Let’s share our favorite books for our little readers!!
