Amanda, on books for Littles

Before we continue with Amanda's recommendations I would like to share the suggestions I sent her for what age group each post covers, just so you know and don't get too antsy pantsy if your favourite isn't mentioned yet!

1) books for when littles are too little to know what you're reading to them but they like it anyway

2) books for littles who understand the words now and will use the books to start to learn to read once they're big enough for that sort of thing

3) books for childrens who have just learnt to read and will hide under the bed for days on end reading the books if they are not dragged out by their ears for dinner.

And over to Amanda...

For Littles

For aloud and together, with clean ears and toes.

Madeline, Ludwig Bemelmens

She was not afraid of mice—she loved winter, snow, and ice. To the tiger in the zoo, Madeline just said “Pooh-pooh.”

Click, Clack, Moo: Cows That Type, Doreen Cronin/Betsy Lewin

An important first book about animal rights and the dangers/merits of typewriters.

Esio Trot, Roald Dahl/Quentin Blake

A book about using deception and pet exploitation to turn unrequited love on its head.

James and the Giant Peach, Roald Dahl/Quentin Blake

A small boy guilty of murder flees the United Kingdom with several large insects, a surfeit of seagulls, and approximately 24 pairs of boots.

D’Aulaires’ Book of Greek Myths, Ingri d’Aulaire, Edgar Parin d’Aulaire

Zeus and Hera, mortals, seas.

Mercy Watson Goes for a Ride, Kate DiCamillo/Chris Van Dusen

One of many marvelous tales of a porcine wonder and her fondness for warm toast with a great deal of butter. Read all of these. Aloud. With great vigor.

The Giggler Treatment, Roddy Doyle/Brian Ajhar

A book primarily about poo, this volume also contains important information about biscuits and the Ways of Dogs.

The Last of the Really Great Whangdoodles, Julie Edwards

This book, like so many children’s books, begins in a zoo. Whether it will end in one I cannot say.

Teatro Olivia, Ian Falconer

Not a book at all, but a children’s theatre with sets and programs and at least one prima donna. Particularly adept directors and their parents may also enjoy Olivia. Then again, they may not.

The Happy Lion, by Louise Fatio

A French lion out for a stroll wonders where everyone’s manners have gone.

My Father’s Dragon, Ruth Stiles Gannett

Lessons on the art of provisioning abound.

George and Martha: The Complete Stories About Two Great Friends, James Marshall

Martha was very fond of making pea soup. Sometimes she made it all day. Pots and pots of pea soup.

Now We Are Six, A.A. Milne

We went to all the places which a beetle might be near,
And we made the sort of noises which a beetle likes to hear

Amos and Boris, William Steig

A book about the importance of networking in unexpected places.

The Big Orange Splot, Daniel Pinkwater

A man infuriates his neighborhood association and encourages others to do the same.

The Stars, H.A. Rey

For those who watch the sky.

Where the Wild Things Are, Maurice Sendak

A book about mischief, wolves, and supper.

The Sneetches and Other Stories, Dr. Seuss

This book provides many with the rare but thrilling opportunity to holler “Oliver Boliver Butt.”

Ounce Dice Trice, Alastair Reid/Ben Shahn

Lists, including words to be said when grumpy, names for insects, and rude names for nitwits.

Squids Will Be Squids, Jon Scieszka/Lane Smith

A book about squids and their natures as well as notes on fable-writing, the dangers of.

Many Moons, James Thurber/Marc Simont

Parents are reminded to avoid grand, somewhat idiotic promises and we are all reminded of the uselessness of mathematicians and the dangers of raspberry tarts.

The Mysteries of Harris Burdick, Chris Van Allsburg

It is important that you buy this book immediately. That is all.

Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day, Judith Viorst

There were limas for dinner and I hate limas. There was kissing on TV and I hate kissing.

Sector 7, David Wiesner

In which we become aware of the kidnapping tendencies and secret lair of cloud formations. Their trickery includes teaching small boys to levitate.

Flotsom, David Wiesner

Photos, fish.

Charlotte’s Web, E.B. White/Garth Williams

The best book I know.

Piggie and Elephant books, Mo Willems

These books about the marvels of interspecies friendship include at least one helpful discussion on how to dress appropriately for a party.

* first photo by Cassia Beck
* second photo by Thomas Krauss
* third photo by Little Love Blue
* fourth photo by Frederick Desmots