My Favorite Things - Edition 1

TOP 5 CHILDREN'S BOOKS

A tie for number 5:  

Indestructible books for babies created by Amy Pixton - various titles

These books are made from a type of paper material that cannot be chewed through, drooled through, or ripped and can be washed.  They are safe for babies and a perfect way to introduce them to books at such a young age when they love to put everything in their mouths. 

Alphablock  by:  Christopher Franceschelli

Each letter of the alphabet is created in the shape of that letter for each page with picture clues before each page is turned as to what starts with that letter on the next page. 

4.  Boogie Monster by:  Josie Bissett

This is a fun book that rhymes - my favorite type to read aloud.

3.  Guess How Much I Love You by:  Sam McBratney

This is a favorite that truly reflects the boundless type of love between a parent and child.

2.  Let Me Hold You Longer by:  Karen Kingsbury

This was the first children's book that I have come across that created an emotional response from me, ever tears the first time I read it.  It shifts the focus of memories and milestones from the first time something happens to the last, such as the last time the child is fed a bottle and the last time they are tucked into bed and the last time you help them with homework as they grow up.  It stirs up the thought of spending more time if you realized it was the last time you would be doing that task.  This story follows a mother/son from birth at the beginning of the book to the end when he heads off to college.

1.  On the Night You Were Born by:  Nancy Tillman

This was given to us as a gift when Eli was born.  I love this story that truly celebrates a birth and it is quite fitting as Eli was even born at night - that night when I first became a mother.  My favorite quote from this story is, "Life will never be the same."  There is a powerful message in the story as well with the emphasis on each child being unique, special, and important.  

As a side note relating to books, Aunt Cari first introduced chapter books to Eli in her Easter gift to him this year.  If I would have known sooner how reading aloud a chapter book at bedtime would motivate him to move through his nighttime routine about 10 times faster so we can start reading, I would have started reading these types of books to him a long time ago!  Maybe he feels more grown up now reading a "chapter" book together.