I’ve been having an e-mail conversation with Mel, another blogger, about various children’s books. She has a great blog, “Life’s a Butter Dream,” on children’s “literary world,” with useful book and music recommendations, and information about children’s literacy and development.
I thought I’d offer a couple of book recommendations of my own, based on books my son likes. I’ll skip the old standards (Dr. Seuss, Eric Carle, etc.) much as we love them, just to be different. I’m also going to skip LGBT-focused books, since I already feature a bunch of them rotating in my sidebar.
Where’s the Cat? is a colorful, simple, rhyming board book that’s great for even the youngest. The cat hides on each righthand page, with just a bit sticking out (nose, tail, paw). The book asks “Where’s the cat?” and the next page has the rhyming answer. The words are simple but rhythmic. What really stands out here, though, is the artwork, which conveys a clearly individual style. If you’re looking for something visually different, try this.
Diary of a Wombat is aimed at a slightly older group (it’s only available with paper pages), but has been a hit with my son since he was about two. The protagonist, an adorable wombat living in Australia, is easily bored but learns the delight of having human “pets.” The narrative is hysterically funny in a deadpan way, an approach that is thoroughly refreshing for a children’s book. The painted illustrations fully capture the wombat’s character, and add to the book’s overall charm.
On the Day You Were Born is another story with a distinct visual style. It would probably appeal to all ages, although it doesn’t come in a board book for the youngest. It’s a paean both to the arrival of a child and to the natural world, and is suitable for adopted as well as biological children. My partner and I have both been known to get misty-eyed when we reach the last line, “We are so glad you’ve come.”
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