When I'm Not Reading YA: Children's Book Edition (11)

Now that my oldest son is a preschooler, we have become more discerning readers in that certain picture books are much more enjoyable than others. He has formed opinions too regarding his favorites. Here are some of our recent reads along with my thoughts on the various books.

Pre-K:

1.  Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs by Judi Barrett - First of all, edible weather? How fun is that? This story is so whimsical; what is not to like? It's a more advanced picture book for my little guy, but he seems to enjoy this classic tale.

2.  I'm a Tyrannosaurus by Anna Hines - This book is made for boys who love to act like various dinosaurs, which is pretty much my son in a nutshell.  Even the boy's mother participates, which is too cute. This book may be a bit young for my son, but we enjoyed it nonetheless and he wants to check out more of Hines' books in the future.

3.  Bedtime for Monsters by Ed Veve - The monster is looking to eat kids right before bedtime, that is until there's an adorable plot twist. I have to say I was worried this one was going to be a bit too spooky, but the ending is too cute and my son asked me to read it again and again!

4.  Happy Pig Day by Mo Willems - You can't go wrong with Willems. Even I enjoy Elephant & Piggie's adventures. This particular story's message is about including everyone on "Happy Pig Day" regardless if he/she is a pig or not. Seems like a timely message, yes?

5.  Jumanji by Chris Van Allsburg - I thought it was time to share this classic with my oldest son, especially since The Polar Express is one of our favorites. Not only is this picture book beautifully illustrated, but it's even more fun than I remember. Who can't appreciate your house being turned into a jungle thanks to a board game? It's so fun and a great read aloud for more mature preschoolers.

6.  Harry and the Dinosaurs Go to School by Ian Whybrow - While my son enjoy this cartoon from time to time, I would have to say I was disappointed by this book. It does teach the lesson of helping others who may be shy, but I didn't think the execution of the story was all that great.

7.  Just Me and My Puppy by Mercer Mayer - I'm not sure we will ever tire of the Little Critter stories in this house. I especially like the message that puppies are fun, but a big responsibility.

8.  Plenty of Love to Go Around by Emma Clark - This book was recently published and we really enjoyed reading it as my son could easily relate to the dog, Plum, and his concerns over not being as "special" since Binky the cat moved in next door. Binky has taken some of the attention away from Plum. This is a good read if there's a new baby in the house.

9.  The Butt Book by Artie Bennett - This book kept my little guy giggling for quite awhile. The rhymes about butts will bring a smile to anyone's face.

10.  Busy Builders, Busy Week by Jean Reidy - This book was recently published this past summer. I like that it reinforces the days of the week while still having fun on the construction site.

11.  Hen Hears Gossip by Megan McDonald - I was pleasantly surprised by this book when I read it to my son. It's sort of a "whisper down the lane" kind of story in that the important message gets convoluted by the animals. Hen tries to set the record straight, but it is also very funny as well.

12.  Goldilocks the Three Dinosaurs by Mo Willems - Since we are such big fans of Elephant & Piggie, we thought we would try some of his other books. I am not sure my son understand all of the funny allusions in the story, but it was a great twist on the classic.

13.  The Day Jimmy's Boa ate the Wash by Trinka Hakes Noble - This book includes a tall tale when the chid tells his mom all about the crazy field trip where Jimmy's boa constrictor got loose on the farm.  My son thinks this story is hysterical.

14.  Llama Llama Red Pajama by Anna Dewdney - This book may be a bit "young" for my oldest, but the message is so very important for kids of all ages -- to be patient and that mom is always there even when you can't see her!

15.  Bunny Dreams by Peter McCarty- This is a strange book. I thought it was going to be about dreaming, but instead it deals with a bunch of bunnies and their bizarre dreams.  It's just a weird read despite the adorable illustrations.

Board Books:

My youngest son has just started to really enjoy books and not just eat them.  Here are the ones we are currently reading:

1.  Mama Loves You by Caroline Stutson - This is a favorite of mine. It's adorable and the rhyming goes with the storyline perfectly. It's all about a mother's unconditional love.

2.  That's Not My Puppy...Its Coat is Too Hairy by Fiona Watt - My boys love dogs, so this book with its touch and feel pages is a favorite in my house.

3.  Pajama Time! by Sandra Boynton - It's Boynton so you know it's a hit.  I love the sing-song quality to this story; it's; the perfect bedtime companion.

4.  Where's Baby's Bellybutton? by Karen Katz - Katz's books are perfect for babies, especially now that my son has started to interact with the books that have flaps. It's so much fun looking for baby's hands, eyes, etc.

Have you read any of these books? Do you have recommendations for me?  Let me know what you think.