I am a book lover. Hands down. I grew up reading everyday, (my mom would even have us identify letters in the newspaper before giving us breakfast!) even into my high school days, and I am hoping to instill this love for reading in my children’s lives, too!
I tried to narrow down my top 5 favorites that we read on a regular basis, and it was very difficult to just pick 5, but each of these books was chosen for a reason other than it is a story that my kids like hearing (and that I enjoy reading to them) so here we go:
I tried to narrow down my top 5 favorites that we read on a regular basis, and it was very difficult to just pick 5, but each of these books was chosen for a reason other than it is a story that my kids like hearing (and that I enjoy reading to them) so here we go:
Addison The Light Catcher by Courtney Kotloski and Natalie Sorrentino
This book is a new favorite, but holds a special place. It has a beautiful and powerful message of advocating for others and letting your light shine. When I say powerful, I mean I had tears in my eyes when I heard the book read for the first time! The book is based on real-life sister and brother named Addison and Asher, and has a description of them at the end. The author/illustrator team, Gnat & Corky, have a series of these books coming out, each telling a diverse story about real kids. I am so excited to read each one!
This book is a new favorite, but holds a special place. It has a beautiful and powerful message of advocating for others and letting your light shine. When I say powerful, I mean I had tears in my eyes when I heard the book read for the first time! The book is based on real-life sister and brother named Addison and Asher, and has a description of them at the end. The author/illustrator team, Gnat & Corky, have a series of these books coming out, each telling a diverse story about real kids. I am so excited to read each one!
The Little Blue Truck by Alice Schertle
This book quickly became a staple in this house because, well, trucks! It is a very catchy, rhyming story about a truck that is friendly to all, even to those who aren’t friendly to him. It sends a great message about helping others and being kind, even in situations that we don’t want to be. There are also several other books in the Little Blue Truck series that are just as wonderful!
This book quickly became a staple in this house because, well, trucks! It is a very catchy, rhyming story about a truck that is friendly to all, even to those who aren’t friendly to him. It sends a great message about helping others and being kind, even in situations that we don’t want to be. There are also several other books in the Little Blue Truck series that are just as wonderful!
Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Seuss
Who doesn’t love a good tongue-twister story? Dr. Seuss books are a great way to teach kids rhyming words. They are also usually easy to memorize sections of, which is a great first step in teaching kids how to read! Another reason that I like this particular book is that while it is silly, Green Eggs and Ham sends a pretty good message about trying something new because you just might end up liking it!
Who doesn’t love a good tongue-twister story? Dr. Seuss books are a great way to teach kids rhyming words. They are also usually easy to memorize sections of, which is a great first step in teaching kids how to read! Another reason that I like this particular book is that while it is silly, Green Eggs and Ham sends a pretty good message about trying something new because you just might end up liking it!
Llama Llama Red Pajama by Anne Dewdney
I’m going to be honest...my favorite way to read this book is the way Ludacris raps it! Here is another catchy, rhyming story with a good message for kids – sometimes adults are busy and can’t be there right away, but they will always be there for you in the end. There are also a number of different Llama Llama books – about missing a parent on the first day of school, bedtime routines, etc. We have also come to love the Netflix show Llama Llama that brings the characters to life!
I’m going to be honest...my favorite way to read this book is the way Ludacris raps it! Here is another catchy, rhyming story with a good message for kids – sometimes adults are busy and can’t be there right away, but they will always be there for you in the end. There are also a number of different Llama Llama books – about missing a parent on the first day of school, bedtime routines, etc. We have also come to love the Netflix show Llama Llama that brings the characters to life!
Recordable Books (Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star by Scott Emmons)
This last one could really be any story, but recordable books are a must have keepsake in your home library. My mom asked my grandparents to use these books record themselves reading the story, and gave them to us as a Christmas gift. I now absolutely treasure this book since my grandma has since passed away. Being able to hear her voice, and to share it with my kids, brings me incredible joy and comfort. You HAVE to do this, whether it is of your own voice for your kids (helpful if a parent travels for work) or of their grandparents. You should even get your parents and grandparents to record one just for you! It is truly amazing how something so simple can help you take comfort, especially when the recording is by a loved one that is not often around, or is no longer with you.
Sorry to end on that heavy note, but I hope that you are feeling inspired to check out some of these book ideas if they are new to you, or share your own favorites with others! Reading to kids is SO important, especially in the very early years. You are truly setting the stage for the rest of their lives by taking just a few minutes everyday to read them a story!
Stay tuned for my next post on My Top 5 Favorite Books: Book Club Edition!
This last one could really be any story, but recordable books are a must have keepsake in your home library. My mom asked my grandparents to use these books record themselves reading the story, and gave them to us as a Christmas gift. I now absolutely treasure this book since my grandma has since passed away. Being able to hear her voice, and to share it with my kids, brings me incredible joy and comfort. You HAVE to do this, whether it is of your own voice for your kids (helpful if a parent travels for work) or of their grandparents. You should even get your parents and grandparents to record one just for you! It is truly amazing how something so simple can help you take comfort, especially when the recording is by a loved one that is not often around, or is no longer with you.
Sorry to end on that heavy note, but I hope that you are feeling inspired to check out some of these book ideas if they are new to you, or share your own favorites with others! Reading to kids is SO important, especially in the very early years. You are truly setting the stage for the rest of their lives by taking just a few minutes everyday to read them a story!
Stay tuned for my next post on My Top 5 Favorite Books: Book Club Edition!
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