I’ve posted favorite Picture or Children’s books before, but now that I’m a Grandfather, I’m thinking about these things more. So, it’s not unusual for me to read these kinds of books, but I’m doing more of it. I fully expected this post to be larger this year–but there were fewer new-to-me reads and many, many re-reads (which I really should’ve anticipated). Anyway, here are the books that really stuck with me and struck me as ones to keep talking about.
I practically guarantee these will tickle you and/or warm your heart.
As always, re-reads (or re-re-re-re-re-re-re-re-reads) don’t count for these lists.
(in alphabetical order by author)
Life Lessons by Titan
as told to Melaney Taylor Auxier
My original post
Accompanied by some great photos of Titan, Auxier helps him relate some important life lessons for young readers.
It’s short, sweet, and to the point. It’ll win over young dog lovers, and even bring a smile to us older ones when we need a quick fill of puppy love.
My Grandma and Grandpa Rock!
by Pat Benatar & Neil Giraldo, Tiffany Everett (Illustrator)
My original post
This is a very sweet tribute to grandparents—not just your traditional older adult being kind and making cookies, or whatever. But grandparents who have a passion, who share it with their grandchildren—whether it’s being a musician—professional or otherwise—or any other number of professions. The stress here is what unites every grandparent—their love and affection for their grandchildren
The art is cute and energetic.
The book is sweet and heartwarming–especially for the grantparent-type, whatever they’re called or do.
Goodnight Darth Vader
My original post
This is a book in the style of Goodnight Moon featuring Darth Vader and his twins (in a very non-canonical way) while he’s trying to get them to sleep, with looks at individuals from throughout the Empire (or former Empire) as they settle in for the night.
Brown has this great art style that both gets the detail necessary for the droids, aliens, ships, and all that. At the same time, he keeps it playful and appealing for people of all ages to look at.
I had a blast with it—I liked the art, the humor (fit for adult fans or wee readers), the take on the Goodnight Moon style of book, and so on.
Little Aiden: A Big Kid Book for Toddlers
by Albert and Anna Choi, Bettina Braskó (Illustrator)
My original post
In the first two books in this series, Little Aiden was not much older than a newborn (I figure), so there’s been some growth to get him to toddler-hood. And that’s been a lot of growth for Mom and Dad, not just Aiden (who’s done most of the work, let’s be fair).
It’s not so much a story or a book to teach about something/render a lesson. It’s just a look at the life of someone going through something the reader can identify with—going through this stage of life. I think seeing that commonality with others is an important thing. And there are some younger types who need to see early on that people who may have different ethnic backgrounds have similar experiences.
The illustrations are bright and whimsical—the affection between the family is clear. The illustrations are the star of the show.
That Christmas and Other Stories
by Richard Curtis, Rebecca Cobb (Illustrator)
My original post
This is a collection of three children’s stories (probably published separately), two of them are explicitly Christmas themed, the other is more wintery. Curtis knows how to melt the heart of adults while making them smile. He proves here that he has the same ability with children.
It is charming. It’s sweet. There are laughs and “awww”s throughout. I don’t know what else to say—this is a winner, something great to pull out for the post-Thanksgiving through December 26 era annually.
Hansel and Gretel
by Stephen King, Maurice Sendak (Illustrator)
This was a gentle reworking of the classic story, with some repurposed art by Sendak–which King used to help in his retelling, he describes how it shaped it in an author’s note. It’s just creepy enough to qualify as such–totally appropriate for fairy tale age readers (although the Brothers Grimm would find it tame). You’d think Sendak took King’s text as the basis, not the other way around–it all works wonderfully. It’s definitely one to add to your collection.
Freddie Fastback and His Friends
by Felicity Watt Wilson, Laci McCrea (Illustrator)
Freddie is a turtle who is decidedly not fast. Until he finds an old-fashioned roller skate (the ones you used to attach to your shoes, remember those?)–and then he’s off for adventure. And learning that slow isn’t that bad. It’s a cute story.
The artwork is just amazing–all painted. With so many details that adult readers will find fascinating to look for as much as the younger set. It’s a winner.
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