It’s hard for me to believe that it is October! The leaves are beginning to change and thankfully we’re having some cool nights, which are perfect for curling up with your favorite book. We are finally back home after our dream trip of visiting FIVE National Parks and driving over 4500 miles!! It was an amazing adventure, but it feels good to be back home, too. I’m very hopeful that I’ll be talking with you on a much more regular schedule now that our lives have quieted down. I’m beginning that conversation, by once again sharing some kids’ books to remember in the hope that you’ll find some to add to your library list. Maybe you’ll discover some new favorites, or one you might have forgotten from your own childhood.

kids’ books to remember: read alouds

Anna Hibiscus by Antinuk

Four stories about Anna and her West African family as Anna spends her time splashing in the ocean, searching for shells and dreaming of one time seeing snow.

Catwings Return by Ursela K. Le Guin

This is part of the magical series about four cats who use their wings to escape the city.

Lady Lollipop by Dick King Smith

Another book from the author of Babe.

From the publisher’s summary: “Lollipop is no ordinary pig. According to her young trainer, Johnny Skinner, she’s the smartest pig in the entire kingdom. When people stare into Lollipop’s bright, intelligent eyes, it somehow changes them for the better.”

kids’ books to remember: picture books

What a Wonderful World by George David Weiss and Bob Thiele; illustrated by Ashley Bryan

This beautifully illustrated book brings us a needed reminder about all of the small things in life that help to make our lives truly wonderful.

Time for Bed by Mem Fox

An endearing bedtime story which is perfect for all ages.

Youpala, Queen of the Jungle by Youpala and illustrated by Zau

kids’ books to remember: middle grade chapter books

Each Little Bird that Sings by Deborah Wiles

This is a charming story of a 10 year old girl’s struggles as she deals with the changes in her life in a small Mississippi town.

Alabama Moon by Watt Key

Alabama Moon is a true adventure story.

Hank Zipper: The Curtain Went Up, My Pants Fell Down by Henry Winkler and Lin Oliver

This is part of a hillarious series based upon Henry Winkler’s struggles in school as he was growing up. It will engage even the most reluctant reader.

 LINKS FOR MOM AND DAD

If you’re wondering how you might best help your kids this school year, just read this inspiring post.

The Lunchbox Note and storytelling: lifetime lessons

This is a great list of diverse books for your middle grader reader.

Middle Grade Books with Latino Characaters

If you have a Penderwick series fan in your house, here’s special book you need to immediately add to your library hold list!

The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street

I wish you all a wonderful week! Thank you for inviting me into your inbox and into your world.

First of all, I want to send my thoughts and prayers to all of those effected by Hurricane Harvey. I can only imagine how awful it is for everyone. Happily, our country has rallied together and an amazing amount of money has been raised to help those in need. One fund raiser you might not have heard about is KidLitCares: Our Hurricane Harvey Relief Effort. An author I greatly admire, Kate Messner and many other kid’s lit authors and illustrators have begun a relief effort to raise funds for The Red Cross Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund and Global Giving Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund.   I hope you’ll check it out! Now, on to Kids’ Books to Remember!

Well, can you believe it’s September? As I write this, the evenings are getting cooler and the days are shorter. I even have some leaves on my magnolia tree turning a very pretty yellow. How can that be?

I hope school is off to a good start for all of you. Here are some kids’ books to remember to look for at the library. I wish you all cozy evenings as you curl up under a blanket for a family read aloud!

kids’ books to remember: read alouds

Elmer and the Dragon by Ruth Stiles Gann

This is part of the imaginative series from the 50s.

 

Rabbit Hill by Robert Lawson

This is one of my all time favorites and is told from the point of view of the rabbits. It’s great for all ages, and especially for animal lovers!

Pee Wee Tales by Johanna Hurwitz

kids’ books to remember: picture books

A Bad Case of the Stripes by David Shannon

A fun story about learning to like yourself just as you are.

Komodo! by Peter Sis

“Mad about dragons, the boy who narrates this picture book is pleased when his doting parents decide to take him to Indonesia, home of the Komodo dragon….[The boy] takes the road less traveled through the jungle, where he encounters the dragon of his dreams….Full of intriguing detail….picture book, original in concept and beautiful in design.”–Booklist.

Good Boy, Fergus! by David Shannon

Follow Fegus through his perfect doggy day, except for when it’s time for his bath!

 

kids’ books to remember: middle grade chapter books

Listening for Lions by Gloria Whelan

This historical fiction book is about a very strong girl who is tricked into a criminal scheme after her parents die in Africa in the Influenza epedemic of 1919.

Maniac Magee by Jerry Spinelli

A Newberry Award winning classic. Amazon’s summary: “Jeffrey Lionel “Maniac” Magee might have lived a normal life if a freak accident hadn’t made him an orphan. After living with his unhappy and uptight aunt and uncle for eight years, he decides to run–and not just run away, but run. This is where the myth of Maniac Magee begins, as he changes the lives of a racially divided small town with his amazing and legendary feats.”

Inside Out & Back Again by Thanhha Lai

This Newberry Honor book is another historical fiction book based upon the author’s experiences of fleeing Vietnam after the fall of Saigon, and moving to Alabama.

LINKS FOR MOM AND DAD

We all hope our kids will grow up to be readers. This New York Times article will give you lots of ideas.

How to Raise a Reader

If you’re looking for some titles to capture the attention of even your most active child, these might do the trick.

8 interactive Books to captivate your Restless Reader

I always wanted to make sure my kids’ rooms would entice them to curl up and read. If you feel the same way, you’ll find lots of great ideas here!

Kids Room Ideas from the cutest kids book store ever (really it’s amazing) 

Finally, I want to thank you for inviting me into your Inbox. I realize how busy everyone is, and I really appreciate you taking the time to read about some kids’ books! Have a great week!