Guest Blogger: Top 5 Children's Lit Picks

Today, I have the pleasure of introducing my first guest blogger, Ms. Alysa, who blogs over at Everead.  

To be honest, she's a friend I met over at the virtual water cooler, Twitter. 

{Do you tweet?  Join me.}  

Since I'm always on the lookout for new kids books (you know how much I want to raise kids who love reading), I thought I'd bring in an "expert," & have her share her fave books.  

She's a mom.  She's into books.  And she likes to write about them.  

There are so many kids books out there these days & plenty of them aren't worth reading.  

Whether or not you have kids of your own, or you're an aunt, friend or neighbor, this list will help you pick some great books for that child(ren) in your life.  

Without further ado, I'll let Alysa take it from here.

{All of the Alysa's top picks, are available at my Amazon store.}

***  

Hello there.

I'm Alysa. (pronounced like Melissa without the M). 

I am a full-time mother of two boys, ages 1 and 3, with a passion for children's literature. 

I always liked books, but my college Children's Lit class got me addicted in the best way. I keep a book blog (since I'm always reading), and I've been posting book reviews online for just shy of 5 years.  

When Janae asked me if I would share some favorite books on her blog, I thought "The question is not 'would I share.' 

The question is, 'How do I pick favorites?'". 

In honor of National Children's Book Week (May 7-13, 2012) I've highlighted 5 books I love to read with my kids. 

(See how good I am? Only 5!)

Alysa's Top 5 Children Lit Picks

{Links below will take you to my full reviews.}

Frogs  by Nic Bishop

(ages 4+) 

I got to hear author/photographer Nic Bishop speak and the care that he goes to in getting some of these shots is astounding. 

As a kid, he hated fiction. He wanted something real. As an adult, he despised seeing pictures of dead animals passed off as living ones in children's books, so he decided to take things into his own hands. 

This is the best frog book on the market, in my opinion! 

{Plus: He's also done spiders, marsupials, lizards, butterflies and more!}

 Rocket Town  by Bob Logan

(Ages 0+) 

It's not The Very Hungry Caterpillar, but there is something classic about this board book. It has simple text and intricate illustrations that captivate even very young kids. 

{Plus: the countdown to "BLAST OFF!" is just too fun.} 

Nursery Rhyme Comics  by Chris Duffy 
(Ages 1+, since it has paper pages) 


50 Nursery Rhymes illustrated by 50 awesome cartoonists. This is hands-down, my favorite Mother Goose type book. Guaranteed you'll adore one in the collection, but if you're like me you'll have many favorites. Enjoyable for kids, teens, and grownups I know. 


{Plus: rhyming and rhythm are tops for boosting language development!}

 Knuffle Bunny  by Mo Willems

(Ages 2+) 

Okay, anything by Mo Willems gets my thumbs up. 

I've read all his books, because I can't get enough of the funny, true stuff he does. And with such great design! This story of a girl separated from her lovey makes me laugh every time. 

{Plus: we totally quote this book all the time.}

Ox-cart Man by Donald Hall

(Ages 3+) 

One day in the life of the Ox-Cart man, loading up his cart for market, turns into a week of travelling, a month of market, and a year of getting ready for the next one with his charming family. 

The story (from the oral tradition) is beautiful, the words are lyrical, the pictures detailed and quaint. 

{Plus: its educational, being historically accurate & all!}

***

Thanks for letting me share!

What are some of your favorite children's books? 

For more book reviews by Alysa, visit her blog, Everead.   

Tweet