Children's Literature Favorites and Discussion

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This is a place to discuss favorite literature for children, and also any attempts you're making at writing for children.

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Elle MacNeil

Ahhhh, a subject close to my heart! One of my faves (and I have his original copy) was a book that my dad loved - Wind in the Willows! And when Meg was little we loved Arnold Lobel books. Tommi di Paola was another great author. (Can you tell I'm all over the place, age-wise?) And one that I can't wait to read to the little boys of my heart - but I have to find a copy of the Gingerbread Man first, so they have a point of reference - is the Stinky Cheese Man. I randomly pulled this off of a shelf when the class I was supervising was working with the librarian. I started browsing through it and had to leave the library I laughed so hard!

I find a lot of odd books at Sam's Club and BJ's! HUG came from there and the boys have about worn it out. I'm pretty sure my copy of Old MacDonald Had a Farm came from there too. (We love that one because in it Old MacDonald wears a kilt and sporran, drinks from a flask and plays the bagpipes - while all the animals hold their ears!).

Can't wait to see what everyone else comes up with!!

May 14, 2010
wiffledust

elle, you have such good ones for me to check out! i haven't read all these. i LOVE c hildren's books. maybe better than adult books. i'm not sure if that's cuz they are better or cuz i'm a child! LOL! i do so love "the wind in the willows"!!!! have you f ound that it's hard to find good books for little boys? it seems there is more out there for little girls.

May 14, 2010
Rick Reiley

The Wind in the WIllows was my favorite, hands down. Followed by Charlotte's Web and Alice of course....

May 14, 2010
Rick Reiley

...somewhere in the mix I also enjoyed Miss Pickerel Goes to Mars.....and
The Star Spangled Rooster about a boy and his rooster during Revolutionary War times......

May 14, 2010
wiffledust

Have you guys read "From the Mixed Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankwiler"? Oh I think that is one of my faves. It's about the little girl who gets locked up in the Metropolitan Museum of Art for the night...? LOVE IT!

May 14, 2010
Elle MacNeil

I'm gong to have to start a list - all three sound good, Lisa and Rick!

Lisa, since the older of the boys is only just-turned-four it's not been difficult to find books for them. As they get older, I know I'll see that they read The Indian in the Cupboard (Lynn Reid Banks) and James and the Giant Peach (Roald Dahl), both very fanciful books; both really well written and fun. And the Hardy Boys - even I read them as a kid, back in my Nancy Drew stage.

And don't feel bad, Lisa! There is just something so appealing about children's books. Not sure if it's because of the nostalgia or because we're just kids at heart...

May 14, 2010
wiffledust

we're kids at heart!!! also alot of them are better written or better tales. i suspect better tales. "the secret garden" is an all-time fave of mine, and i think it works well for boys as well as girls. but i know for a fact there are not enough readers for boys out there. and i wonder if boys falling behind in reading has something to do with this. it was good when harry potter came along. but slightly easier and good would be welcome. ....hardy boys are good! so is james and the giant peach! i love the little house books too.

May 14, 2010
Elle MacNeil

If you liked the James/Peach book, I think you'd like The Indian in the Cupboard. When I was a teacher's assistant (this class was middle school aged special ed) , one of the things I got to do was read a chapter or two to the kids every day. They LOVED this book! (Even the girls, though it was about a boy and how his toys came to life!)

Can you believe I've never read The Secret Garden??? Not sure why.

How about Black Beauty? I remember being appalled after reading that one! I can still picture the "dead horse" scene. ::shudder::

May 14, 2010
Elle MacNeil

How could I forget Pooh?!? We have a copy of a Pooh book in Yiddish and one in Latin! I must find my other copies to read to the boys. Love those stories and poems - ahhhh, the days of innocence...

May 15, 2010
wiffledust

POOH!!!! I love "Now We Are Six" and all the poems so much. I read them all the time!!!

May 15, 2010
wiffledust

i'm a HUGE mrs. piggle wiggle fan. and dr. seuss. this is stuff i still read. and shel silverstein. oh how wonderful is that stuff??

May 15, 2010
Elle MacNeil

Oh, shel silverstein story - the first year I worked as a teacher's assistant, I had the class alone while the teacher ate lunch and that was story time. The teacher always picked out the book and one day she left me, someone who'd never heard of shel, The Giving Tree. I started reading it and couldn't finish!!! The darn thing made me cry like a baby and taught me I had to know a book before I read it to a group of kids!!

May 15, 2010
wiffledust

isn't he just the greatest, elle? what a great story! yeah you have to read it first and get that cry overwith. esp if you break out into what oprah calls "the ugly cry". you can scare the kiddies with that! LOL! i had a shel book sitting around here and now i've misplaced it in my big load of goodies. i wanted to pull it out for this discussion!

May 15, 2010
wiffledust

THE LITTLE PRINCE!!!! OOOOOOOO how i love that!!!!!!! guess what? a lovely wiffle person wants me to paint a tray with the theme of the little prince!

May 16, 2010
wiffledust

I forgot to say how much I love Mary Poppins...I love the movie, of course. But it all started with the written word. Mary was even wilder in the books! Do kids read that anymore?

May 23, 2010
Elle MacNeil

I didn't even know it WAS a book!! Here I thought she was the brain-child of Disney. I may have to investigate this.

May 23, 2010
Ruthie Snow Cruce

I love that picture of Anne of Green Gables, I just fell in love with her character.. any reason why my hair is red? hmm. I loved the Beverly Clearly books, Piggle Wiggles magic.

Jun 15, 2010
wiffledust

you're a piggle wiggle lover too? she's my fave. she absolutely cracks me up, and she's my hero! ha ha! and i , too, love anne. she's so spunky and hopeful. and romantic. she sees the most incredible in the mundane. all girls should read her! nice to have you here, ruthie!

Jun 15, 2010
Ruthie Snow Cruce

I have two antique books of children's stories. Carolyn Sherwin Bailey compilations. One is For The Children's Hour ( 1943) the other is Stories Children Need ( 1916) Unusual stories in both. My favorite antique book I actually read as a child Read Another Story by Pratt& Meighen illustrated by Carol Critchfield, a wonderful illustrator. I have her illustrations embedded in my heart.

Jun 15, 2010
wiffledust

oh i know carol crichfield! yes, WONDERFUL!!!! the illustrations in children's works are SO important! and not as easy as so many people think!

Jun 15, 2010
wiffledust

you write young adult lit? that is so cool! i would love to read some of it! oh i remember johnny tremaine. i loved it. i think we need more books like that. and i think tom sawyer should be considered kids' lit even though it's such a treat for adults. great choice. same with to kill a mockingbird. i think we often forget older kids' lit. and how can they love literature if there isn't enough of it?

Jun 30, 2010
wiffledust

i just wanted to say how much i enjoy sarah plain and tall....spunky lady. fun relationship......i didn't read it growing up. but i have enjoyed what glenn close and co. did with the movie....

Sep 1, 2010
Darla Walker

I love humorous children's picture books--like those by Rosemary Wells, the Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus books, etc. They're as much fun to read as to share. They make storytime much more enjoyable.

Dec 7, 2010
Elle MacNeil

Ooooo, Sandra Boynton for the little ones. They never fail to make my grandsons (3 1/2 and almost 5) - and me - laugh. The "David" series (I can never remember the authors name - he wrote No, David). But my all time favorite, more story than picture, although the artwork is pretty funny, is The Stinky Cheeseman and other fairly stupid tales, by Jon Scieszka. It even made a mention in one of James Patterson's Alex Cross books (Alex was reading it to his kids)! But foreknowledge of the story of the Little Gingerbread Man is needed to appreciate the humor.

Dec 7, 2010
Gini Steele

Was a big fan of Nancy Drew...through and through.

Dec 7, 2010
Maryrose Orlans

Wanted to mention one book my daughter (8) and I really love. 'The Wolves Are Back' by Jean Craighead George Paintings by Wendell Minor Describes how returning the wolves to Yellowstone restore the ecosystem to it's former greatness. A wonderful lesson on how all lives depend on each other for survival. Beautiful artwork!

Jan 10, 2011
Maryrose Orlans

Last night my daughter & I read White Snow Bright Snow by Alvin Tresselt Illustrations by Roger Duvoisin. Published in 1947, this book hasn't missed a beat--except for the mustard plaster!! A lovely story of how a snowfall affects those in a lovely small town (both men lived in New Jersey at the time). The words and pictures paint a lovely picture, that has stood the test of time!

Jan 12, 2011
Maryrose Orlans

Fitting for MLK, Jr. holiday today is 'Sit-In How Four Friends Stood Up by Sitting Down' By Andrea Davis Pinkney & Illustrated by Brian Pinkney. This book is a wonderful telling of Greensboro, NC Woolworth Sit-In by 4 young black college students inspired by the words of Dr. King--"We must...meet hate with love". The text and the drawings work so well together in weaving this true tale from our history! A wonderful way to teach any child about the Civil Rights Movement.

Jan 17, 2011
margaret kraft

Childhood favorites--Pippi Longstocking, Harriet the Spy

Current favorites--Hunger Games, Where the Wild Things Are (yes, I know it's not exactly current, but it is a current fave)

Sep 1, 2011
Maryrose Orlans

My daughter will be starting 'Misty of Chincoteague' as her first novel of the new school year. I read it this summer for the first time, and I just fell in the love with it!! Originally written in 1947, this a beautiful, timeless classic about a brother and sister and their love of a horse on the island of Chincoteague. It's sweet and moving, and I can't wait for my daughter to experience it :-)

Sep 1, 2011
Elle MacNeil

It makes for the impetus for a cool field trip, too, MR!!!! Chincoteague (and Assateague) - a lovely area! The ponies are so cute and if you go when they do the pony round up and swim (second week of July, I think?) it would be even better!! We camped there before our daughter was born and was sorry we never made it back.

Sep 2, 2011
wiffledust

oh i've always wanted to go there..do they still have the wild horses???

Sep 2, 2011
Maryrose Orlans

Yes, the wild horses are still there and they still do the pony round up! The book is based a true events, which true me in even more!! Would love to go there!!!

Sep 2, 2011
wiffledust

question for you guys who love children's lit: what do you think is the most important thing for a writer of children's lit to remember?

Sep 6, 2011
Elle MacNeil

How much influence they have on a young child's mind!

Sep 6, 2011
Maryrose Orlans

I agree with Elle on the point of influence. It is also important to understand the age group you are writing for. Knowing their likes/dislikes, areas of interest, language abilities, etc., can help to make a better book.

Sep 6, 2011
Maryrose Orlans

We've just begun the book, "Paddle-To-The-Sea". This is not just a picture book! It is the kind of book filled with rich language, very pretty drawings and informative maps. It is a wealth of historical, geographical, and scientific information wrapped in a sweet, captivating story. You could develop a curriculum around it! It's a wonderful story to cuddle on the couch with a little friend and enjoy--we are :-)

Sep 22, 2011
wiffledust

sounds wonderful, maryrose! i'm a big lover of children's books. i'm so happy when someone posts here!!! ;-))

Sep 23, 2011
Maryrose Orlans

Two years ago, Veronica and I came upon a book called, "Winter's Tail--How One Little Dolphin Learned to Swim Again". With the film recently being released, I thought I would share this beautiful book. Although in the children's section, I thoroughly enjoyed the story myself and would recommend it as a quick read to anyone! The story begins with the rescue of a baby dolphin in Florida, who had caught her tail in a crab trap. Rushed to Clearwater Marine Aquarium, she was given attention around the clock. Eventually, due to the severe damage, her tail fell off! She taught herself to swim like a shark to get around, but the 'side-to-side' motion was damaging her spine. The story continues when a doctor from a prosthetics company learns about Winter and finds a way to build her a tail!! Powerful, positive, and uplifting, this is a truly inspiring story! I'll have to let you know how the movie compares ;-)

Sep 29, 2011
Maryrose Orlans

Do you want to share a beautiful story of the life of an oak tree with your children or grandchildren?? Look for, "The Gift of the Tree" by Alvin Tresselt. Not a new story, but a powerful one. Beautiful illustrations and the lovely descriptions of a tree's growth and death in the forest. Amazing how many creatures depend upon the tree for so many things. A wonderful example of how each life touches another.

Oct 13, 2011
wiffledust

great suggestions, MR! thanks! i took your suggestion for my upcoming gift to the 14 year old. i'm going to give her " a tree grows in brooklyn". i think she'll love it. i know i did!

Oct 13, 2011
wiffledust

i'm catching some "sarah plain and tall" on tv, and it's a wonderful story. i highly recommend the book to young readers...girls esp. enjoy!!

Jan 1, 2012
Maryrose Orlans

We've just read, "Over and Under the Snow" by Kate Messner. A lovely and fact-filled story about a father and daughter skiing through the woods and their 'encounters'. They find 'clues' all around them about the animals, many unseen, living in the woods. A great story to turn into a lesson about how forest animals lives differ in the cold months and how they survive. The pictures, by Christopher Silas Neal, only add to the enjoyment of the text as they reveal all the hidden creatures. A delightful book to share with your children or grandchildren!!

Jan 3, 2012
wiffledust

i just love the sarah plain and tall series. but i love anne of green gables even more. and i love the christy series by catherine marshall....!!!

Jan 4, 2012
Maryrose Orlans

I read "Christy" in 9th grade--it was wonderful!! I am also a big fan of "Anne of Green Gables", too. There is a great unit study I may use with Veronica when she is 11 or 12!!

Jan 4, 2012
margaret kraft

The holiday season has me thinking of two books that were part of our traditions growing up. 'The Littlest Angel" which was read aloud to us by Aunt Mary every year. As we got older, we would take guesses as to how far she could get without crying. The other was a bit longer and we would take turns reading--"The Best Christmas Pageant Ever." It's about this family of ill-mannered, poorly dressed children named the Herdmans. They go to Sunday school because they hear about free snacks, and it is just before they choose who will play the parts in the annual Christmas pageant. The Herdman family takes over the whole thing, and it is sure to be a disaster. One of my favorite parts is when the teacher is explaining to Gladys (the youngest and meanest of the bunch) about her part of the angel.

Grace Bradley: [reading the story of Christmas] And, lo, the Angel of the Lord came upon them...
Gladys Herdman: Shazaaammmm!
Grace Bradley: What?
Gladys Herdman: Out with a vengeance in the darkness, the mighty Marvel!
Grace Bradley: Gladys, I don't know what you're talking about.
Gladys Herdman: The Mighty Marvel in Wonder Comics.
Grace Bradley: No, this is the Angel of the Lord.
Gladys Herdman: Out of nowhere, right? In the black night, right?
Grace Bradley: Well, yes, in a way.
Gladys Herdman: Shazaaaammmm!

If you aren't familiar with the book, I definitely recommend it!

Dec 23, 2012
wiffledust

thanks so much for this, margaret!!

Dec 23, 2012
wiffledust

this is not children's literature per se, but it's a definite for your girl's library. dr. christiane northrup is an ob/gyn turned author and women's health expert. she as written this book for young girls to help them begin to develop an excellent sense of self in a female body. our society puts girls at the mercy of being defined by everyone but themselves. stop that process by starting to read books like this with them! http://www.amazon.com/Beautiful-Girl-Celebrating-Wonders-Your/dp/14...

"Beautiful Girl..Celebrating the Wonders of Your Body" by Dr. Christiane Northrup. Check it out.

Jan 9, 2013
Maryrose Orlans

With the advent of the new Pope, Pope Francis, wouldn't it be nice to know more about St. Francis of Assisi?! I have a wonderful book. Brother Sun, Sister Moon by Margaret Mayo. Beautifully illustrated by Peter Malone. The book is filled with wonderful stories from the life of St. Francis, and ends with the joyful poem The Canticle of Brother Sun! Although a children's book, I loved it as much as my daughter!! I hope you have the chance to enjoy this lovely book!!

Mar 13, 2013
wiffledust

great idea, mr! i would like to suggest another beautiful book about st. francis. it is "the small miracle" by the brilliant paul gallico about a boy and his sick donkey. beautiful children's book that will touch your heart!

Mar 13, 2013