Our Favorite Children’s Books: Read Across CMBN

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March 2nd is Read Across America day. This is a yearly reading motivation program designed to re-instill the love of reading in our little ones, celebrated on March 2nd in honor of the birthday of our favorite doctor (Dr. Seuss).

At City Moms Blog Network, we want to help you celebrate the love of books with your little ones. We have compiled a list of all of our favorite children’s books, and we’ve shared a little bit about why they are our favorites. If you have a moment, please take the time to share YOUR favorites in the comments! Enjoy, and remember to keep reading with your kids!

Dr. Seuss’s ABCs  (Dr. Seuss)

Why not start with a title from the great doctor?! With my son, we read this EVERY. SINGLE. NIGHT. from the age of 1 to 3 and I give this book ALL the credit for how he learned letter recognition and sounds.

A Tale of Two Beasts  (Fiona Robertson)

This story is told from two different perspectives and brings in to question who the beast really is. It is a great way to connect with kids on what the other person may be thinking and how we should think about their perspective, too.

“Froggy” series  (Jonathan London)

I am slightly obsessed with this series from Jonathon London – it’s silly, interactive, and there is a story for EVERYTHING. (Kid learning to ride his bike? There’s a book on that. Having a new baby? There’s a book about that too. Somebody’s birthday? There’s a few books on that as well.)

BOB books  (Bobby Lynn Maslen)

I love the BOB Books for my early reader. They incorporate early literacy skills in a fun and effective way, and they have various levels to grow with your child as their reading skills increase.

The Energy Bus for Kids (Jon Gordon)

I recently bought this for my daughter; it’s perfect for elementary-aged kiddos. The Energy Bus shows children how to overcome negativity, bullies and everyday challenges to be their best.

Magic Tree House series (Morgan Le Fay)

 Thanks to recommendations from friends (including many of our fellow CMBN site owners) we just started reading these and my oldest loves reading it to his brothers, who love to follow along.  The Magic Tree House series consists of 28 books in which Jack and Annie, two normal children who are siblings from Frog Creek, Pennsylvania, go on numerous adventures and missions with a magical tree house.

Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle (Betty MacDonald)

 These were books that were read to me when I was little and I’ve loved sharing them with my children. They focus on teaching children manners in a fun and funny way that kids can easily relate to.

Good Night Good Night Construction Site (Sherry Duskey Rinker)

 My daughter went through a stage where she was OBSESSED with construction sites and construction equipment. This sweet book was the perfect bedtime book to help her learn the equipment, but also lull her to bed alongside her beloved machines. Bonus, my son loved it a few years later too!  (Another favorite from this author is Steam Train, Dream Train).

If I Could Keep You Little (Marianne Richmond)

 We love ANYTHING by Marianne Richmond in our house.  With very little ones, these books speak straight to every parent’s heart, focusing on the powerful feeling of wanting your child to grow up while also savoring every moment while they are still little.

Giraffes Can’t Dance (Giles Andreae)

 Gerald the giraffe would LOVE to dance, but his legs are too long and skinny… With light-footed rhymes and high-stepping illustrations, this book is gentle inspiration for every child with dreams of greatness.

The Pout-Pout Fish (Deborah Diesen)

 As you can guess from the title, this book teaches kids how to “turn that frown updside down”, and reminds them that down and dreary just ISN’T the way to be!

The Thingumajig Book of Manners (Irene Keller & Dick Keller)

The Thingumajigs, with their bad habits and gross manners, are the perfect characters to help kids learn how not to act at the table, around family and friends, in school, and in public and at home. With a quick “you don’t want to be a Thingumajig do you?”, your little will certainly know what you mean!

 

The Paper Bag Princess (Robert Munsch)

 You can’t go wrong with any of Robert Munsch’s books but this one is by far a favorite. A princess that discovers she doesn’t need a snotty-nosed prince to be happy? Yes please!

Chicken Soup with Rice (Maurice Sendak)

 A family favorite, I can still remember my mom reading this book to me when I was little. It’s a sing-song, rhyming book (which my kids love), but it also teaches them the months of the year on each page, and makes them laugh out loud along the way (a whale spouting chicken soup? what could be funnier?).

The Big Red Barn (Margaret Wise Brown)

 Another one that MANY of us love! There’s just something about this simple little book, with its brightly-colored pages and all of the sweet animals getting ready for bed. Definitely a favorite in our house!

Go, Dog. Go! (P.D. Eastman)

 I love how it teaches my kids colors and prepositions, and it’s an easy read!  Other favorites from P.D. Eastman include Are You My Mother? and Sam and the Firefly.

Tickle Monster (Josie Bissett)

 A super cute book when we’re in the mood to giggle, and it comes with furry little paws that you can use for tickling your little ones!

Dig Dig Digging   (Margaret Mayo)

 This book has an almost sing-song rhythm to it and is a great way to learn about all kinds of vehicles. And to say good night!

Llama Llama Mad at Mama (Anna Dewdney)

Don’t we just love ALL of the Llama Llama books?? This one in particular is a  great reminder to mamas about how rough it can be taking littles out to run all your errands, but also reminds us to make it a bonding experience, rather than a chore.

Tuck Me In! (Dean Hacohen)

The repetition helps little ones to read along. My son loves answering the question- Who needs to be tucked in? “I do!” And then he gets to “tuck in” all the animals.

Have Fun, Molly Lou Lemon (Patty Lovell)

My daughter loved this one. It’s all about learning to use your imagination over having material things. She loved seeing all the inventive things Molly Lou Melon came up with!

Boxcar Children series (Gertrude Chandler Warner)

I loved these books as a kid, and now that my daughter is reading chapter books, she has gotten really into the series. It’s fun rediscovering all the characters with her.

Corduroy (Don Freeman)

A classic, no? Teaches above love, friendship and home while also highlighting differences and offering comfort. “I like you just the way you are but you’ll be more comfortable with your shoulder strap fixed.”

Baby Bear Sees Blue (Ashley Wolff)

 Clever book about colors and sweet and tender interactions between mama and baby bear. Beautiful illustrations!

Goodnight Moon (Margaret Wise Brown)

Another from Margaret Wise Brown…but how could we NOT include Goodnight Moon?! A Classic children’s bedtime story as the narrator takes children through a bedroom wishing each of their favorite items goodnight.

We’re Going on a Bear Hunt (Michael Rosen)

Another classic!  Perfect for singing along with the song, or for simply reading and looking at the beautiful illustrations.  Definitely a must for the kids’ book shelf!

Blueberries for Sal (Robert McCloskey)

An oldie but goodie to round out the list, mamas. If you didn’t read this one growing up, check it out TODAY and read it with your little ones.  Bonus points if you make some blueberry muffins to go along with the story!

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We'd LOVE to hear some of your favorites as well! Please take a moment to share them in the comments!!