I’ve always enjoyed seeing reading lists. But while I browse through other folks recommendations, there’s part of me that’s editing as I go, thinking everything from, “Great choice, love it!” to “What? Are they insane?” So now that I’ve been given a forum in which to spout my views, I couldn’t resist the opportunity to weigh in with a list of my own. Given space constraints, I’ve limited myself to picture books (with a few extras at the end). Here goes:

The Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler a rhymed tale of a mouse who cheats death at the hands of a fox, snake, and owl – not to mention the starring imaginary beast.
Miss Rumphius by Barbara Cooney a unique kids book about the life and times of the title character and the meaning of beauty.

Time of Wonder Robert McCloskey, a poetic and exciting description of Maine in a hurricane.

Four Famished Foxes Pamela Duncan Edwards and Henry Cole, a rollicking, alliterative tale (every other word begins with an f) of three hunting foxes and their chef brother. I love this book.

Train Song by Diane Siebert and Mike Wimmer, sometimes the title says it all. This book is an impressionistic look at trains. Great for vehicle-minded girls and boys.

How to Make an Apple Pie and See the World by Marjorie Priceman, a wonderful tale of a girl who travels the world, looking for ingredients to make the perfect apple pie. Recipe included.

Tickety Tock by Jason Robert Brown and Mary GrandPr©, a brilliantly rhymed and illustrated tale of a tailor who discovers the true meaning of life.

Of course, there are also the old stand-bys. My family is a huge fan of anything Seuss, Go Dog, Go by P.D. Eastman, Hippos Go Berserk by Sandra Boynton, and Cars and Trucks and Things That Go by Richard Scarry.

And now for the extras. If there’s anyone out there looking for a funny memoir about a man’s trials and tribulations as a stay-at-home dad, check out Housebroken by David Eddie, a winning and wise book. You won’t be sorry.

Anyone looking for the perfect, fun, middle-grade novel to read your 7 to 12 year old over vacation? Check out The Attack of the Frozen Woodchucks by this guy named Dan Elish. Here’s a link to one satisfied reader, who gives the book a far better description than I ever could.

Sorry for the self-promotion. I couldn’t resist. Happy reading!