Children are so lucky. They have so many dedicated authors who write reams of books, just for them. It takes a special talent to write great books for children.
Children are So Lucky to Have So Many Great Books to Read, Enjoy, and Cherish
Children have short attention spans; the books are short (32 pages for the typical picture book.)
Children have limited vocabulary. The books use common words, yet still have to be varied and interesting. Many choose to rhyme poetically; it’s a true art to write in rhyme.
Children gain more from pictures than from words. The artwork in children’s books is often some of the best in the world.
Children are so lucky to have so many wonderful books written just for them.
Children’s books stand the test of time.
These are a few of the books that I read as a child, yet are still top-sellers today.
“Oh, the Places You’ll Go!” and “Hop on Pop” by Dr. Seuss
“Clifford the Big Red Dog” by Norman Bridwell
“Nancy Drew Mysteries” by various authors
“Hardy Boys” by various authors
The list of my cherished books is much larger. Think back. What Did you read as a child, that you still hold dear and can purchase today?
Many titles were “newly” released 20 or so years ago, and lucky children eagerly enjoy them today.
“Giraffes Can’t Dance” by Giles Andreae and Guy Parker-Rees
“Click Clack Moo: Cows That Type” by Doreen Cronin
“The Magic Tree House” series by Mary Pope Osborne
“Harry Potter” series by J K Rowling
One of the wonderful qualities about books is that if we’ve never read it; it’s a “new book”. Books can be old yet new at the same time. Stories are enjoyed over and over, again and again. Even when they aren’t new; there’s always a new revelation. A new pleasure to be unfolded. A memory to be cherished.
Some of the truly new releases published this year will find their way into the hands of children 20, 40, or even 60 years from now. A few delightful books that I feel could pass on to the future are:
“Chickens on the Loose” by Jane Kurtz, illustrated by John Joseph
In this “Chickens on the Loose” story, chickens get loose from their coops. They scatter about town raising a ruckus everywhere they go, causing a racket, and knocking things over, joining a yoga class, and they even help with painting. Their owners run after them trying to get the small flock safely back home to their yard. The story is told with a lighthearted rhyme. This book is a very fun read-aloud. The book has bonus pages in the back where the author has information about raising chickens in the city, a place where many people do raise chickens today. The book was just released in May 2021.
“Nonni’s Moon” by Julia Inserro, illustrated by Lucy Smith
“Nonni’s Moon” is a delightful night-night story. Nonni and her grandchild live on opposite sides of the world. They talk on the phone and they wish on the moon. They realize they can both wish on the same moon. This knowledge brings great peace to both Nonni and child, as they send wishes every night. They feel much closer to each other knowing they share the same moon.
This is such a tender loving story for families that need to be apart.
“Ivy and Bean” series by Annie Barrows
The first “Ivy and Bean” was published in 2006, the 12th just in April 2021. These chapter books are enjoyed by elementary students. They are written from the child’s can-do anything point of view. The story “Get to Work” opens in the classroom with a mind wandering math problem, and ends with eating delicious chocolate chips while feeling delightfully rich with treasures. The pages in between are filled with predicaments, adventure, solutions, and friendships.
Try reading these books and see for yourself how lucky children are.
People are still writing children’s books. Children are still reading children’s books. There’s nothing better than sitting a toddler on your lap to share a good story, a delightful picture book.
Children’s books are special for me; children are so lucky to have them. Please keep reading to your children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, neighbors, and any child that will sit still and listen. Most of them will. Story time and reading circles are those “quality time” moments to be cherished forever.
Thank you for reading along with me,
Feel free to share your favorite timeless books in the comments below.
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