Manhattan_Mom Posted January 23, 2011 Share Posted January 23, 2011 I love reading to my sons more than anything on earth. Every now and then, I stumble upon a kids book that just knocks my socks off. I'm talking HEART STOPPING good. Like I need to DROP EVERYTHING and READ THIS OVER AND OVER good. At the very top, top, tippy-top of our list is: Rebecca Caudill and Evaline Ness' "A Pocket full of Cricket" Kenneth Grahame's "The Wind in the Willows" Ezra Jack Keats' "Pet Show" What are your top three? Happy Reading! C Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
abbeyej Posted January 23, 2011 Share Posted January 23, 2011 (edited) So hard to pick! One of my very favorites though is Amber on the Mountain. The language is just so incredibly beautiful and deeply evocative of the place... Shadrach by Meindert deJong is another. The way you see the inner workings of the little boy's mind (and maybe it means so much to me because the first time I read it as an adult was to a very thoughtful five-year-old boy), and the sympathy you have for this mother who thought she had lost her baby and is now smotheringly over-protective (but only because she loves him so much). The characters are just so very rich. The Real Thief by William Steig. Another one with beautiful language and clear and complex character development. One of my all-time favorites. Edited January 23, 2011 by abbeyej Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FloridaLisa Posted January 23, 2011 Share Posted January 23, 2011 I loved, loved, loved Heidi (unabridged is a must). As a Christian, it was such a great message of forgiveness and hope and redemption. M next favorite YA book is probably Carry On Mr. Bowditch, Jean Latham. I was actually just thinking about that book this morning. Great theme of "blooming where you are planted" as well as hard work and self-education. Looking forward to others' recs. Lisa Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jenn1129 Posted January 23, 2011 Share Posted January 23, 2011 My all time fave read aloud is Just So Stories by Rudyard Kipling. can't wait too see what others say...always looking for good books!:D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kokotg Posted January 23, 2011 Share Posted January 23, 2011 I thought of my three remarkably quickly: Tuck Everlasting Charlotte's Web Peggy Rathman's "The Day the Babies Crawled Away" ...there's a line about the babies "on their brave little knees" and it chokes me up every time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Remudamom Posted January 23, 2011 Share Posted January 23, 2011 (edited) Well, I don't know that it blew me away, but one that my kids loved that I had never heard of before was The Monster Bed. Sister gave it to oldest when he was little. We still have our stuffed Dennis. I still have it memorized. http://www.amazon.com/Monster-Bed-Jeanne-willis/dp/B001309JDU/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1295751985&sr=1-2 Edited January 23, 2011 by Remudamom Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mom2jjka Posted January 23, 2011 Share Posted January 23, 2011 My Favorite Picture Books: The Quiltmaker's Gift The Oak In the Acorn The Curious Garden The House In the Night Favorite Chapter Books: Anne of Green Gables Heidi Little Pilgrim's Progress Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jilly Posted January 23, 2011 Share Posted January 23, 2011 It is so hard to decide, but I would have to say these are three of my favorites: Bambi, Where the Mountain Meets the Moon, and Five Children and It. :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mommyfaithe Posted January 23, 2011 Share Posted January 23, 2011 The Secret Garden...breathtaking! The Matchlock Gun (my boys loved this one.) Caddie Woodlawn By the Great Hornspoon... And of course The Narnia series, Little House Series, Alice in Wonderland etc. Faithe Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kiana Posted January 23, 2011 Share Posted January 23, 2011 Rifles for Watie. Puck of Pook's Hill, and later, the sequel Rewards and Fairies. I preferred the former as a child, and the latter as an adult -- many of the stories I simply was not mature enough to understand earlier. My Side of the Mountain. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Imprimis Posted January 23, 2011 Share Posted January 23, 2011 We have enjoyed so many wonderful children's books in our home, but the first one that came to mind just now is The White Stallions of Lipizza by Marguerite Henry. Lovely story, wonderfully written with great illustrations, and I'm not even a "horse person" ;) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Belacqua Posted January 23, 2011 Share Posted January 23, 2011 I'm partial to Maira Kalman's Ooh La La, Max in Love. And, oddly, a weird little picture book called Arlene Sardine (Raschka). "She was smoked, delicately. Delicately she was smoked." My all-time favorite, though, is The Phantom Tollbooth (Juster). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
*Inna* Posted January 23, 2011 Share Posted January 23, 2011 I adore Moomi-troll and Anne of Green Gables series. The Secret Garden. The first time I read this book (in my thirties) I was so moved and actually cried. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elegantlion Posted January 23, 2011 Share Posted January 23, 2011 My three favorite for the impact they had on us. Phantom Tollbooth: read it at the beginning of a school year, set the tone for the whole year Fahrenheit 451: I know not a kid's book but we read it aloud last year. It stemmed some wonderful discussions and even though he is allowed, he quit watching most network TV shows afterward. I think it really spoke to him. Tom Sawyer: We just finished it. We just moved back to MO so it seemed a fitting time. Ds kept begging me to read more Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kathleen in VA Posted January 23, 2011 Share Posted January 23, 2011 Favorite picture books: Storm in the Night The Gardener Weslandia Favorite novels: Understood Betsy Rascal The Wheel on the School Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dakarimom5 Posted January 23, 2011 Share Posted January 23, 2011 For me The Little Princess, I Love You Forever (I cry every time!!) and The Little House series..they are, at least to me, the essence of what a family and community should be. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mergath Posted January 23, 2011 Share Posted January 23, 2011 Favorite picture books:Weslandia I was going to mention this one. :D We get it regularly from the library, and my daughter just loves it. Every time I read it now she kisses Wesley. And the picture of him hanging in his hammock and playing his flute is wonderful. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Margo out of lurking Posted January 23, 2011 Share Posted January 23, 2011 Such an interesting thread! There are a few books listed that we absolutely loathed. But a few of our very favorites over the years include: Hittite Warrior by Joanne Williamson Trumpeter of Krakow by Eric Kelly Wheel on the School by Meindert Dejong Owls in the Family by Farley Mowat ------------------------------------ (Believe me, it's killing me to stop with just four.) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Carol in Cal. Posted January 23, 2011 Share Posted January 23, 2011 From the Mixed Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler Ben and Me Half Magic The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe Number the Stars Hans Brinker Heidi and/or Dora (same author) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AndyJoy Posted January 23, 2011 Share Posted January 23, 2011 Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry by Mildred D. Taylor Homecoming and Dicey's Song by Cynthia Voigt Also Carry on Mr. Bowditch and Hans Brinker as others have mentioned. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AlisonK Posted January 23, 2011 Share Posted January 23, 2011 It's late and maybe I will add more later but my son and I read The Bronze Bow by Elizabeth George Speare and loved it. It's such a beautifully written story. http://www.amazon.com/Bronze-Bow-Elizabeth-George-Speare/dp/0395137195/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1295761162&sr=1-1 I love this thread. It's given me so many more great books to read! I hope it keeps going. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
emeraldjoy Posted January 23, 2011 Share Posted January 23, 2011 I loved, loved, loved The Witch of Blackbird Pond. I also am very, very fond of (am having a black out mentally but pretty much any book by the author of Tale of Desperaux....what's her name???); sort of heavy for the kids sometimes but I love her words. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
prairiegirl Posted January 23, 2011 Share Posted January 23, 2011 The top 3 books that took my breath away are: Tuck Everlasting Bud Not Buddy The Little Princess Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lulubelle Posted January 23, 2011 Share Posted January 23, 2011 I didn't want to stop reading a Wrinkle In Time. I think I read it in 2 or 3 days to my kids. It just flowed and was so interesting. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fairytalemama Posted January 23, 2011 Share Posted January 23, 2011 The books we read recently that I thought were AMAZING are: The Tale of Despereaux Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH Carolinda Clatter (a great picture book) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Imprimis Posted January 23, 2011 Share Posted January 23, 2011 We also loved The Golden Goblet when we were studying Ancients. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Catherine Posted January 23, 2011 Share Posted January 23, 2011 (edited) I still want to read all the HP books over and over and over...to me it has been such a compelling series...when Harry buries Dobby and realizes he has to choose to believe, and defeat the enemy, not pursue power for himself...Snape's last words, "Look...at...me......" and Harry's final realizations when he sees his memories. It really moved me. OK, I'm such a sap. I also adore Charlotte's Web more than life itself. And another of my very favorites is Dominic by William Steig. Also a story of love, adventure, growing up, so beautiful. One more-agree with the LittLe House books and just remembering how much they shaped me as a child. I SO wanted to be l Like Laura! Edited January 24, 2011 by Catherine Misquoted Snape! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
melissel Posted January 23, 2011 Share Posted January 23, 2011 I'll agree with Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH. I'd never read it as a child and was not expecting it to be quite what it was when I read it to DD last year. It took my breath away, truly. I also just finished a book called A Northern Light by Jennifer Donnelly, and it did the same, although it's really YA fiction rather than a children's book. One of my very favorite picture books is Ruby's Wish. It makes me snuffle and cry through the end every single time I read it. The same with Grandfather's Journey by Allan Say. There are so many books I'm looking forward to reading with the girls over the next 10 years. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LibraryLover Posted January 23, 2011 Share Posted January 23, 2011 I am a huge fan of Cynthia Rylant. Picture books, novels, whatever. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Negin Posted January 23, 2011 Share Posted January 23, 2011 I am a huge fan of Cynthia Rylant. Picture books, novels, whatever. :iagree: PICTURE BOOKS: Amos and Boris Uncle Jed’s Barbershop Brave Irene The King’s Equal James Heriot’s Treasury for Children Anything by Bill Peet Curious George: Journey WW2 Book (biography ... can't remember the title, will post if anyone's interested) CHAPTER BOOKS: The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane Charlotte’s Web ... obviously ;) The Doll People, The Meanest Doll in the World - FAN-TAB-ULOUS series!!! :D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lynn Posted January 23, 2011 Share Posted January 23, 2011 many I enjoy have already been mentioned. There is one we came upon because it was about dinosaurs it was "When Dinosaurs came with everything" or "The day dinosaurs came with everything" something along those lines. My little ones loved it. It is fun to read. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lollie010 Posted January 23, 2011 Share Posted January 23, 2011 Such an interesting thread! There are a few books listed that we absolutely loathed. But a few of our very favorites over the years include: Hittite Warrior by Joanne Williamson Trumpeter of Krakow by Eric Kelly Wheel on the School by Meindert Dejong Owls in the Family by Farley Mowat ------------------------------------ (Believe me, it's killing me to stop with just four.) We are in the middle of Owls in the Family right now. My 7yo is loving it!!! He has been sick and it has been so wonderful to share such a great read together while he rests on the couch. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kalanamak Posted January 23, 2011 Share Posted January 23, 2011 Maroo of the Winter Caves Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ravin Posted January 23, 2011 Share Posted January 23, 2011 DH's pics: The Giving Tree The Hobbit Watership Down Mine: The Jungle Book and Second Jungle Book (Kipling) Where the Wild Things Are Winnie the Pooh (Milne) The Secret Garden Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NanceXToo Posted January 23, 2011 Share Posted January 23, 2011 (edited) I don't know which ones I can think of that "blew me away," but insofar as picture books go, I really loved: "Don't Let The Pigeon Drive The Bus" by Mo Willems because it's so humorous. The kids liked it, but dh and I were laughing aloud, and that's saying something, right? :D "A brilliantly simple book that is absolutely true to life, as anyone who interacts with an obdurate three-year-old can attest. The bus driver has to leave for a while, and he makes one request of readers: "Don't let the pigeon drive the bus." It's the height of common sense, but the driver clearly knows this determined pigeon and readers do not-yet. "Hey, can I drive the bus?" asks the bird, at first all sweet reason, and then, having clearly been told no by readers, he begins his ever-escalating, increasingly silly bargaining. "I tell you what: I'll just steer," and "I never get to do anything," then "No fair! I bet your mom would let me." " *** There are others in the "Pigeon" series too, which are just as good: "Don't Let The Pigeon Stay Up Late"- the star of Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! (Hyperion, 2003) returns in another irresistible tale. Hurrying away to brush his teeth, the pajama-clad bus driver implores readers not to let his feathered friend stay up late. Youngsters are thrust into the role of caregiver as the puerile pigeon attempts to talk his way out of the inevitable, coming up with requests that range from manipulative (I hear there's a good show about birds on TV tonight. Should be very educational) to cajoling (Y'know, we never get to talk anymore. Tell me about your day) to classic (Can I have a glass of water?). *** Another one that is really cute is "Goldie Locks Has Chicken Pox" by Erin Dealey. "Goldie locks has chicken pox; from head to toe were polka dots. "Where did you get them?" Father said. But Goldie only shook her head. Mrs. Locks phoned Mama Bear, (apologizing for the chair) but Baby Bear did not have spots for bears cannot get chicken pox." It goes on in that vein bringing in other characters from well known stories and nursery rhymes ("Leave them be," agreed Bo Peep, who happened by in search of sheep. "That's sound advice for chicken pox. It doesn't work for wayward flocks.") and some funny lines like: "Please don't scratch them," said her mother. "Let's connect them!" shouted Brother. I know chicken pox isn't quite so common these days anyway but it's still a fun story with rhyme that flows well and cute illustrations and well known characters kids (and moms) will love. Edited January 23, 2011 by NanceXToo Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DaffodilDreams Posted January 23, 2011 Share Posted January 23, 2011 (edited) Picture books by Patricia Polacco and Cynthia Rylant (also Rylant's Van Gogh Cafe) Where the Lilies Bloom Bridge to Terabithia A Wrinkle in Time series House at Pooh Corner A Little Princess The Secret Garden Little Women/Little Men/Jo's Boys Caddie Woodlawn Harry Potter Series Alice in Wonderland Mary Poppins Series From the Mixed Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankwiler Little House Books Not epic, but I couldn't get enough of these - Trixie Belden books (I much preferred those to Nancy Drew) Tom Sawyer Huck Finn Almost anything by Lois Lowry, Angie Sage, or Sam Campbell I think I'd better stop here before I hog the thread. I love children's literature. Edited January 23, 2011 by kimmie38017 Added another title Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MariannNOVA Posted January 23, 2011 Share Posted January 23, 2011 Everything everyone else said and: Petey by Ben Mikaelson http://www.amazon.com/Petey-Ben-Mikaelsen/dp/0786813369 a don't miss it read! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stephanier.1765 Posted January 23, 2011 Share Posted January 23, 2011 I mentioned this book on another thread but it is so good it's worth another mention - The Search for Wondla. I just finished this book this week and it was one of those books I was dying to tell everyone about. Even my 14yo son thought it was terrific. We had got it from the library but I'm going to buy a copy to keep so I can read it to my grandchildren one day. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sixpence1978 Posted January 23, 2011 Share Posted January 23, 2011 Most of mine have been mentioned, but I'll give them a second (or third) vote. Picture Books: Basically anything by Bill Peet The Bear series by Karma Wilson Chapter Books: The Harry Potter series The Chronicles of Narnia series The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane Bridge to Terabithia I'm sure I could come up with more, but this is what popped first into my mind. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AussieInWyoming Posted January 23, 2011 Share Posted January 23, 2011 I really loved this one.. Island of the Blue Dolphins http://www.amazon.com/Island-Blue-Dolphins-Scott-ODell/dp/0547328613/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1295816174&sr=8-1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CarrieF Posted January 23, 2011 Share Posted January 23, 2011 My personal top three, that I read for the first time as a youngster, but have carried over into adulthood: * The Bronze Bow, Elizabeth George Speare * The Witch of Blackbird Pond, Elizabeth George Speare * A Wrinkle in Time, Madeleine L'Engle My kids say these three, so far anyway . . . we have so many more books to read together! * Gladys Aylward, Janet & Geoff Benge * The Roman Ransom, Henry Winterfeld * The Bronze Bow, Elizabeth George Speare Great thread! :001_smile: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
moonlight Posted January 23, 2011 Share Posted January 23, 2011 we're going on a bear hunt came to my mind first.. and also caps for sale, are you my mother and because a little bug went ka-choo... i apparently have picture books in my head at the moment.. seema Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ScoutTN Posted January 23, 2011 Share Posted January 23, 2011 So hard to pick just three! Of epic proportion in my own life as a reader: Anne of Green Gables The Chronicles of Narnia ( I know, that's cheating b/c it's seven books! ;)) Beatrix Potter Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blakereese Posted January 23, 2011 Share Posted January 23, 2011 I love so many books, I could never pick 3 favorites, it would be unfair to all of the other favorites. :D But here's a few we have recently enjoyed very much: Outside Over There The Best-Loved Doll The Tiger Who Came to Tea And almost anything by Mo Willems :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
muffinmom Posted January 23, 2011 Share Posted January 23, 2011 Did no one mention the Betsy-Tacy series? I absolutely adored those books as a child. Though they are really more geared for girls, I fully intend for my son to read at least a few of them! They are set at the turn of the century (19th-20th!) and follow Betsy and her friends through their childhood and beyond. I'm not fond of the modern covers they have now, but hoping the original Lois Lenski illustrations are still inside. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nrg Posted January 23, 2011 Share Posted January 23, 2011 As a child I was transformed by: The Secret Garden My Side of the Mountain The Little Princess As an adult reading aloud to my children, I fell in love with (and so did my children): Redwall--all of them Swallows and Amazons--all of them, too Bill Peet--most of them First One Foot, Then the Other and others by Tomie dePaola There are so many wonderful children's books. Such pleasant memories. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Photo Ninja Posted January 23, 2011 Share Posted January 23, 2011 Roxaboxen Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
laundrycrisis Posted January 23, 2011 Share Posted January 23, 2011 (edited) My all time favorite book, as a child, was A Wrinkle in Time, and the sequels to it. Our kids aren't quite old enough for it yet. Some books I have read to them, that have struck me as true gems, are The Jupiter Stone Ignis Harold and the Purple Crayon Tomorrow's Wizard Thomas and the Dragon Queen Dragon's Egg (yes there is a theme of dragons, magic and aliens...) Edited January 23, 2011 by laundrycrisis Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
suzf242 Posted January 23, 2011 Share Posted January 23, 2011 Robin Hood -- Howard Pyle. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Homemama2 Posted January 24, 2011 Share Posted January 24, 2011 Harry Potter series (for ME not the kids, lol!) Understood Betsy Little House series Secret Garden The Dark is Rising series (again, my kids are too young...but 'I' love it!) Picture books: (these are favorites of my kids...not 'blow you away', but fun) The Napping House IF you give a moose a muffin Library Lion The Little Mouse, the Red Ripe Strawberry and the Big, Hungry Bear Click, clack Moo-Cows that type Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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