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)
Panda Pat and the Rat Called Cat
by Neil Ballard, Steven Nosov (Illustrator)
My original post
It’s a fun story elevated by the eye-catching illustrations. There’s a little bit of a lesson—maybe even two—but nothing that will hit you over the head with the moral if you’re not in the mood to focus on it with your listener.
Also, whoever did the typesetting/interior design should get some kudos—it pops off the page in just the right way.
Ballard indicated that a sequel is in progress—I’ll gladly grab it when I see it.
Good characters, a nice story, and there’s no way the little reader in your life doesn’t like the art
How Dinosaurs Went Extinct: A Safety Guide
by Ame Dyckman, Jennifer Harney (Illustrator)
My original post
I picked this up in the bookstore while looking for something else—the cover image/title grabbed me, and when I flipped through it quickly, I just knew we needed it on our shelves. I dug the art and what little I skimmed appealed to me. When I got home and sat down to read it, I saw that my first impression was spot-on.
The jokes are great. I love the style of art—it just explodes off the page. You’re able to talk about common sense safety/manners in a way that a toddler will be able to have fun with (and hopefully learn from). What’s not to like?
Under the Barnyard Light
by Carla Crane Osborne, Brandon Dorman (Illustrator)
My original post
The others on this are silly and goofy. This isn’t–this isn’t a good or a bad thing. This is a good one to wind down with. (I tend to favor the ones that get a kid ramped up, this is because I’m a grandfather, winding down is someone else’s gig)
But still, I enjoyed this–it’s a quiet book, it’s a calming book. Between the atmosphere, the soft edges of the art, and the way the text carries you along–I imagine this is going to be a bedtime favorite for many.
The art combines realism with a style that will appeal to the younger readers. The colors might not be bright enough and the art “loud” enough to get the youngest readers, but he’ll draw in those north of two (I think).
How to Babysit a Grandpa
by Jean Reagan, Lee Wildish (Illustrator)
My original post
It’s a really creative idea. The execution is spot-on as well. Fun, adorable art. There’s something to appeal to all ages. I wouldn’t have minded another 2-4 pages just to fill things out a bit. But this is a fun one–and it’s one the Grandcritter likes, too (our tastes don’t overlap too often yet), so that’s a bonus.
How the Grinch Stole Christmas!
by Dr. Seuss, read by Walter Matthau
My original post
Obviously, this isn’t a first read. But it was a first listen. Bending (to the breaking point) one of my own rules, but…oh well.
Walter Matthau’s gravely, grouchy voice brings a different vibe to this story than the TV special does which makes it a winner in my book (nothing against the special, I’m just saying I like the change). His delivery of Seuss’ lines is just fantastic.
It’s a winning combination that I’m looking forward to returning to annually.
