Children's Books

My daughter has been lucky enough to inherit my love of reading! At almost 5 years old, she loves to spend our evenings reading books. We currently have 38 books checked out from the library!

Our problem is that we're running out of good books to read. We like quirky, clever and funny books. Rhyming is always good. While she's ready for books with more text, she still really likes pictures in her books.

So I'm looking for suggestions. We've done the books on the Caldecott Medal list and the ALA's list.

Thanks!

You've probably read Maples on Maple Hill?  I tend to encourage rather than discourage so the age of a child means little to me- my daughter heard us grownups reading to each other from when she was a toddler on.  She read way above her age bracket probably due to that.  Tasha Tudor is old fashioned and good and the illustrations!   Beverly Cleary.  The Hobans- A Bargain for Francis.  And can't forget the wonderful Mary Calhoun- Cross Country Cat- Henry, you silly Siamese!  I am past middle age and have this book on tape and oh the fun sound effects!  I have just started writing letters to a friend's grandson cause he is a go getter and the schools are not supporting his needs- he gets one reading work sheet per week.  That's it.  His mother does not read and I can't stand watching a mind go down the drain.  I am not sure what I will write next but something will come up- I hope.  Have fun! 

Not sure what you have read but a great childrens author that is Canadian is

Robert Munsch

http://www.robertmunsch.com/

I love his books a lot

My daughter really loved the Henry and Mudge books.  They are short chapter books.

Just checked out a Halloween book titled One Scary Night.  It has no text, just pictures, and they both like telling the story from the pictures (a good pre-reading skill).

Lots of homeschooling and public library sites have lists of recommendations - so definitely would recommend looking around.  I've also been known to go to Amazon and look at lists of favorites from people there.

Oh, and an amazing website for literacy games is Starfall.com.  My youngest enjoys the alphabet games, but there is more there (I don't know, I might have suggested that to you before).

Way Out in the Desert and Somewhere in the Ocean by T.J. Marsh have excellent pictures and rhymes, plus really interesting animals.

I worked with the library for a while promoting their early literacy program, they had book kits to check out with activities and other learning aids. These weren't well known to patrons, but they're really good resources. Maybe see if your library has something similar.

Thanks for all the suggestions!

Spuckine, we have Love You Forever by Robert Munsch. I can't read it aloud, though, because it makes me cry.

Rux, I do the Amazon thing, too. Our libraries here don't have much of a reading list for kids Emma's age. I'm going to check out Starfall.com because she loves "working" at the computer.

Patita, our library has book kits, too, but only offer them to preschools and daycares. I'm neither of those.

Thanks again!

Try Scaredy Squirrel Makes a Friend by Melanie Watt. I can't keep it on the shelves. She will love it and you will have just as much fun reading it. There are other books about Scaredy Squirrel you can read but this one's a favourite!

It's not quirky so much as traditional, but I love the Peter Rabbit/Beatrix Potter series. Too cute. In the same vein, the illustrated Wind in the Willows series is a great kiddie classic.

The Very Hungry Caterpillar may be a little young for her, but the cut-out illustrations are quirky and fun.

Where The Wild Things Are was my favourite childhood book - it's about the imaginary adventures a kid goes on when he's sent to his room for time out, but the way its written is really cool.

We've done the Beatrix Potter books. She just wasn't too into them. We have Wind in the Willows but haven't read it yet.

I think Where the Wild Things Are may possibly be her favorite book (mine, too!). We have read it every night for literally two years now. The movie comes out here in a couple weeks and I can't wait to take her to it! I also love the way it's written in one continuous sentence.

We haven't done any Eric Carle books and I think you're right about possibly being too old for them. I do, however, have a year-old son that will probably love them!

droppingpounds, I just looked up Scaredy Squirrel. It looks so appropriate for my daughter! She's so shy and has a hard time getting started in large groups. I'm putting a hold on it at the library right now!

My brother and I loved Dr. Seuss.

This is a great thread and so exciting! Thanks everyone!