Children's Book Round-up (9)

I love reading year round with my kids, but there's something special about reading a book together and cozying up in the fall. I look forward to getting back to reading more chapter books with my oldest and introducing my youngest to some more sophisticated picture books. Here's what we have been reading lately: 

Peep and Egg: I'm Not Using the Potty by Laura Gehl - I thought this book would be cute for potty training, but it's not. It almost makes it funny to resist using the potty and in turn, it has become some sort of game. I was greatly disappointed by this book and I felt like the message was over my toddler's head as reverse psychology is used. That's not exactly a concept that most toddlers can wrap their heads around.

Bigger! Bigger! by Leslie Patricelli - I was also greatly disappointed by this picture book. Whenever I read picture books with only one or two words, I think to myself. That's it? I expected there to be a little more substance. 

Pete the Cat: I Love My White Shoes by Eric Litwin - Who doesn't love Pete the Cat? My son is started to really like him and I love the overall message of this book about how we should go with the flow. Plus, the story is very whimsical, which makes it fun to read.

*10 Ten Minute Stories by Lesley Sims - I love anthologies that include a lot of different stories with a lot of variety. This is the perfect book for bedtime, because not only are the stories 10 minutes or less, but they are also very entertaining and there's something for everyone, such as Beauty and the Beast, The Sorcerer's Apprentice, Pinocchio and more.

5 Minute Halloween Stories by Disney Press - If you have a Halloween loving kid at home, this is the perfect spooky read. Plus, I am a sucker for  any stories that are 5-10 minutes as they are the perfect stories to share before bed. There are many Disney stories in here with a spooky twist, but just spooky enough, which I really appreciate.

Trucks by Sarah Powell  - My truck loving son adores this book and how it goes over the various types of trucks. It's a board book with tabs, so it's easy for him to "read"  on his own. This book is definitely a winner for toddlers, especially ones that are truck crazy.

*Lift-the-Flap My Busy Day by Holly Bathie - This book takes young ones through the schedule of a "busy day," which school, errands, dinner, bath time, etc. It's a great way to introduce toddlers to a schedule and it's fun to read as there are over 70 flaps!

Summer of the Sea Serpent by Mary Pope Osborne - We jumped right back into this series and didn't miss a beat. I love this series, because reading it aloud to my son isn't boring; in fact, I actually enjoy these books as well. This book kept us in suspense. There's selkies, mysterious islands, and a sea serpent! A lot of the books in this series are a great introduction to the fantasy genre.

Haunted Castle on Hallows Eve by Mary Pope Osborne - This book is the perfect fall read-aloud or independent read for kids who love a scary story. We loved the spooky vibe, the ghosts, and the mystery.  

*Invisible Brother by Pete Johnson - What kid hasn't wondered what it would be like to be invisible? This is a fun adventure with a wish-granting cape, a jealous little brother, and a lot of magic.

I Am Walt Disney by Grace Norwich - Before we took our trip to Disney, I was excited to read this book with my oldest. It was just an ok biography of Walt; we were hoping for more information regarding how he came up with the idea of Disney World and Disney Land as well as the process of bringing it to life. I think there may be better biographies out there on Walt for young kids.

*A few of these books are Usborne and Kane Miller books, which can be purchased at my website.

Are you familiar with any of these books? What children's books have you been reading? Leave me some recommendations!