If you’re like me, you love to give and receive books as gifts. Each time I see a bestseller’s list, especially the one for children; I am always surprised at how some classic kid’s books appear on the list year after year. While there is nothing wrong with wanting to share your favourite children’s book with your favourite child(ren), there are many, many other authors and illustrators worthy of your attention. This year I challenge you to bypass the old standbys and experience something new(ish)!
The “Llama Llama” series by Anna Dewdney is one of my new favourites. The books explore common experiences of childhood – waiting for Mama to come and say goodnight, the first day at playschool, feeling ill, staying home with Mama, among other things. The pictures do most of the talking, making the books very appropriate for young children. (Ages 2-5)
One of the most popular books in the “picture” book section of the library is a book entitled The Book With No Pictures by B. J. Novak. It really does not have pictures, and it must be read aloud, preferably by an adult, to children. The reader, following the book’s directions, must read all the words, no matter how silly. Get ready for some fun and much laughter! (All ages).
Ryan T. Higgins has created a character named Mother Bruce. Bruce is a big, grumpy bear and an unwitting, reluctant parent to a flock of goslings. Having passed through goose infancy and goose adolescence (complete with headphones) into adulthood, the geese refuse to migrate; but Bruce makes the best of things. Don’t let his forbidding scowls fool you, Bruce rises to the challenge of being the head of a very unconventional family in a very humorous way. (Ages 3-5).
Have you ever wondered about the feelings of crayons? Maybe Blue would like a break from colouring skies and water. And what about Black, who is tired of being used only for outlining? In a series of letters, the crayons list their grievances, much to the chagrin of poor Duncan, who only wants to colour. The Day the Crayons Quit, and The Day the Crayons Came Home by Drew Daywalt, and illustrated by Oliver Jeffers are excellent additions to any child’s bookshelf. (Ages 3-6)
Mo Willems is a prolific writer of modern children’s classics. From Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus to the Elephant and Piggie series, Willems work brims with humour that young readers adore. In the latter, the text takes the form of colour-coded speech bubbles and the pictures display the hilarious body language of the characters. While it is no surprise that the series is the winner of the Theodor Seuss Geisel award, what is surprising is that the original series itself is over ten years old! Many other titles have been added, and now there are twenty-five volumes in total! The Rossland library has twelve of the books in our collection. (Early reader 6-8)
I feel like I could go on all day! There are so many great authors and stories to explore. Come on in and check out the collection. Our staff is always happy to make recommendations.
