4 of My Very Favorite Books for Children
Reading to children of all ages is fundamental in teaching them about words, reading, and about life itself. I am a big proponent of reading to kids and I happen to have four of them, so you can imagine how many books are contained within these walls. Out of all of the books, though, a few really pop out as my favorites, four books, to be precise. This page will look at those four of my absolute favorite kid's books and why I love them so much. Now, since my favorite kid's books will not be the same as yours, please don't forget to leave a note the bottom of this page and announce which ones are YOUR favorites!
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Mole and the Baby Bird - By Marjorie Newman
The other day my mom was over playing with the baby and I suggested she read "Mole and the Baby Bird" to him because it is such a great story. She took my advice, but ended up tearing up at the end of the book. It tends to do that to you because it is such a remarkably sweet story!
"Mole and the Baby Bird" is about a cute little mole who finds a baby bird that is lost. He takes the little bird to his house and gives it a home, intending to take good care of it forever. However, the baby bird is not happy with his new home and the mole's mother and father try to convince the mole that the bird wants to be free again and find its mommy. Mole loves the bird and can't imagine living without it so he does not listen to the wise words of his well-intentioned parents and continues to keep it caged up. Finally, the mole's grandfather comes to visit and takes mole for a walk out in the wide open world where there are birds flying freely and peacefully in the sky. Gazing up at the birds, Mole finally realizes why his bird is not happy - he wants to be free to fly. In the end, he lets his bird fly free and feels very sad, but very happy at the same time because he loved the bird with all his heart.
Always In Trouble - By Corinne Demas, Illustrated by Noah Z. Jones
"Always In Trouble" instantly became one of my very favorite children's books at first read because it is hysterically funny and just plain adorable, and I am not even a dog person!
Emma's dog, Toby, is always getting into trouble. From chewing up clothes and peeing on the floor, to getting into the garbage and eating people's food off of the table, Toby drives everyone in the house crazy. Emma loves the dog too much to let him go. One day, Emma's mom has finally had enough and claims something must be done, and Emma suggests dog training school. The family is in for a huge shocker when Toby returns home after his dog training lessons!
I really can't give up the ending of the book, but I can assure you it is super cute and very funny!
Boodil My Dog
By Pija Lindenbaum, retold by Gabrielle Charbonnet
There is something magical about the book "Boodil My Dog". I think I feel that way because it is written from a child's point of view and really captures the innocence and sweetness about a child and his dog. The book is really just about the adventures of the dog throughout his daily life, but what makes the book special is the way the child describes his dog with such pride and sheer love and admiration. The words perfectly express the loving bond between the child and his dog. You can feel the deep emotion of the child. Out of all of our hundreds of books, this one is the most worn out from reading it so much over the years!
My favorite exerpt from Boodil My Dog:
Oh, the Places You'll Go! - Dr. Seuss
(Best Book on the Planet)
My favorite children's book of all is definitely "Oh, the Places You'll Go!" by the great Dr. Seuss. If you haven't read this book yet, drop everything, find a copy and read it immediately. I'm not joking. Don't read it just once either. Have a copy in the house and read it any time you need a confidence booster or other kind of pick-me-up. This book is not just for kids. People of all ages can relate to the ups and downs of life that are described in it. I love this book because it is very inspirational and wise. It encourages kids and adults alike to go out and be exactly the person they were meant to be, even through the hardships and roadblocks that we will all face. The road is not always marked and you have to make difficult decisions sometimes, but if you stay true to yourself you will be happy and successful, and when you make mistakes, you will let yourself learn from them.
"Oh, the Places You'll Go!" is an excellent gift idea for a baby, a graduate, or even a grown adult who may be going through a rough patch. I absolutely LOVE this book!
Oh, The Places You'll Go - ...read to you by John Lithgow
John Lithgow does a great job reading this wonderful book by Dr. Seuss!