Moving up from the board books, here, in no particular order, are a few of our favorites for the next stage (picture books/starting to read on their own):
A Bargain for Frances and all the Frances books by Russell and Lillian Hoban. Okay, so this is probably more of a girls’ series, but I love how true to life Frances is–she has tea parties, runs away from home (to under the kitchen table), learns not to be a picky eater, and has other delightful adventures.
Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs by Judi and Ron Barrett — one of Derek’s favorite silly stories from childhood.
Saint George and the Dragon retold by Margaret Hodges. Every boy should go through a knights and dragons stage, and I can’t wait to read this one to Tommy. When I read Spenser’s Fairie Queene for the first time last year, I recognized that this story is a retelling of the Redcrosse Knight’s tale!
A Time to Keep is one of my all-time favorite children’s books, from the amazing Tasha Tudor. No child could resist the beauty of her illustrations and the wonder of the olden times that she brings to life so vividly.
Cyrus the Unsinkable Sea Serpent is one of many Bill Peet books that we loved as kids. I think this one was Peter’s favorite. Bill Peet is a great illustrator, and his stories are delightful!
Stone Soup by Marcia Brown. This classic story of how three soldiers tricked a selfish town into hospitality belongs in every kid’s library.
Caps for Sale by Esphyr Slobodkina is hilarious. What little kid can resist the naughty monkeys who steal the poor peddler’s caps?
Tikki Tikki Tembo by Arlene Mosel. A little Chinese boy’s ridiculously long name causes much trouble when he falls into a well. Hilarious!
The Little Engine That Could by Watty Piper. Again, every child needs to read “I think I can, I think I can, I think I can!” The updated versions have far inferior illustrations. Watty Piper’s is the best.
Frog and Toad Together and the rest of the series by Arnold Lobel. My favorite scene: Toad sits down to make a list. 1. Make list. So true, and absolutely delightful!
Curious George by Margret and H. A. Rey. Okay, Tommy LOVES these! Somehow I think naughty little boys can’t resist a naughty little monkey.
What else could I add to this stage of pre-reading?