BonBon Editors: Favorite Picture Books

BonBon Break

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BonBon Break Editors' Favorite Picture Books

We all have them. The picture book that sticks with us now as adults–either because it was one of our favorites as a child or because it holds a place near and dear to our hearts…tugging at those strings with memories of many hours cuddling and laughing with our ittle ones.

Last week, Elisabeth Dahl shared a heartwarming tale of finding a few special books she saved as mementos…providing her with instant mental pictures of sharing books again and again and again.

Just last night I was reading with my daughters Dr. Seuss’ ABC’s.  I should say, my 8 1/2 year old was reading to me; we were laughing the whole time as I still have the book memorized from reading it to her so many times when she was learning her letters. Now she sits in her room reading 200+ page books on her own, absorbing every word in such a different fashion.

I personally place HUGE value in picture books…what I call a five-senses experience for children; they need to touch the pages, see the pictures, smell the paper, hear the words being read to them and for our littlest friends, yes, place that board book in their mouths and get friendly with the colors, textures and feel of the book in their hands.

Our team of editors has shared their favorite picture books as we continue to celebrate World Read Aloud Day…we are taking on the challenge of making it a World Read Aloud Year! Dig out your favorite, grab your kids (no matter their age) and read the book. What happens next may surprise you. ~Beth

Clicking the book titles will take you to our Amazon store.

Kristin:

My favorite picture book is called All the World
by Liz Garton Scanlon.  Liz is based here in Austin, and after I heard her speak at a conference, I bought one of her children’s books.  All the World is one of the most gorgeously illustrated picture books on the market, and is, in fact, a Caldecott award winner.  The words are lyrical, with a beautiful message.  My son has it memorized, and we all love reading it together.  Here is a link to her site:  http://lizgartonscanlon.com/books.html

 

 

Rebecca:
I love Pat the Bunny
by Dorothy Kunhardt. I had it when I was little and remembered how much I loved it. Then I got a copy as a baby gift and passed it on to my children. Who doesn’t love scratching the daddy’s beard page?

 


Ellie:

Little Rabbit’s New Baby
by Harry Horse. I found this book at the library when I was pregnant with my second child, and it was by far the very best “preparing to be a big brother” book we read. The illustrations are so cute (imagine a rabbit hospital inside a giant tree, full of momma rabbits and their babies) and it captures Little Rabbit’s excitement about welcoming the new babies as well as the more challenging sides of becoming a big sibling. It is a great book for new siblings but also a wonderful story for any child.

 

Amelia:

Little Blue Truck by Alice Shurtle – very catchy words and rhythm. We love the onomatopoeia and the great moral too!

 

 

Val:

Woolbur
 by Leslie Helakoski is my choice. The repetitive phrases “…so Ma & Pa pulled on their wool all..night…long” gets my kids singing along each and every time we read this story about a young sheep who doesn’t quite “run with the herd”. I love that it celebrates being unique and sharing your unique qualities with your friends.

 

Alison:
I love Nancy Tillman’s Wherever You Are: My Love Will Find You
There is such great beauty in the simplicity of her words, and every time I read it to my children, I have a lump in my throat. The illustrations are stunning too. It’s one of those books you see being read generation after generation.

 

 

 

Beth
This book has made its way from my childhood to my children’s: Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day
by Judith Viorst.  Black and white illustrations, relatable scenarios, grumpiness, older siblings and railroad train pajamas…what more could you ask for…even in Australia. 

 

Compelled by their amazing stories, I have to add these other favorite books (I wouldn’t be able to sleep if I didn’t): The Fantastic Flying Book of Mr. Morris Lessmore by William Joyce; The Day the Crayons Quit by Drew Daywalt; and the train goes by William Bee; Miss Rumphius by Barbara Cooney and Room on the Broom by Julia Donaldson.  What would you add to our list?

 

 

CONTINUE READING IN THE LIBRARY

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This post was compiled and written by Beth Panageotou