Children's books recommendations?

Question

OFF-TOPIC: My 2-year-old daughter loves books, so I'm always on the lookout for good children's books. She particularly likes books with animals, but any recommendations are welcome! If you remember a good book from your childhood, please post it as an answer here!

(I'm hoping to get a diverse set of responses, and excited to see what books international students might mention... although hopefully written in English, or with an English-language translation!)

Answer 1

The Rainbow Fish

Comments

You suggested one that I hadn't seen before -- looks great!

Answer 2

The Cat in the Hat

Comments

Read many times already! Certainly a classic...

Answer 3

Not Quite Narwhal by Jessie Sima (it's a fan favorite, I hear)

Comments

Narwhal -- the unicorn of the sea!

Answer 4

I adored Shel Silverstein's "The Giving Tree," and his poetry anthologies are also superb. Of those, I personally think "Where the Sidewalk Ends" is among his best.

Comments

I also enjoyed Where the Sidewalk Ends as a youth. We do have a copy, and she probably is getting old enough to enjoy it soon!

Answer 5

Two that I remember from my own childhood, though both are fairly common: The Very Hungry Caterpillar and If You Give a Mouse a Cookie

Comments

Yes, these are fun - we have these in our collection, and she enjoys them!

Answer 6

Harold and the Purple Crayon is a good story. A staple of my bedtimes when younger.

Comments

I've heard of that one, but we haven't read it to her yet. Thanks for the recommendation!

Answer 7

Charlotte's Web

Comments

Certainly a childhood classic, but I wonder if she's old enough for it yet...
She likes pigs and spiders, though, so it may be time!

Answer 8

“Green eggs and ham” is great

Comments

One of my favorites too! I like most of the Dr. Seuss books, although some are better than others.

Answer 9

I don't have a book recommendation, but working in the library taught me that we have a large children's book section on the first floor! It has yellow shelf-end labels (as opposed to the normal beige), so it's easy to spot!

Comments

Good reminder that we could be taking advantage of Augustana's library, as well as the local public libraries!

Answer 10

A Dog Named Haku

Comments

You suggested one that I hadn't seen before -- looks very interesting. I like the Nepali connection!

Answer 11

Goodnight Moon is a super relaxing bedtime story.

Comments

Yes, certainly a classic. She especially likes the "cow jumping over the moon" page.

Answer 12

Hop-o'-My-Thumb

Comments

Wow -- I wasn't anticipating a fairy tale written in 1697! Very interesting recommendation!

Answer 13

The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein.

Comments

I've read that one, and it is a touching book... but I confess it also makes me sad, and the relationship in the book feels so one-sided. So I have some reservations...

Answer 14

The story of Ferdinand

Comments

Ooh - that looks like a good one! I appreciate the pacifism over violence message.

Answer 15

I realize I am a little late to this but I really wanted to add "Oh, the Places You'll Go!" which is a great book not only for children but for people our age as well! I read this book recently (got it around my 18th birthday) and it truly has some great meanings behind it and relatability!

Comments

Indeed -- such fun illustrations!

Answer 16

Corduroy by Don Freeman

Comments

She has several other books about Teddy bears, but I hadn't heard of this one before... will have to take a look.

---

I am pretty sure there are several different Corduroy books as well. Like a Halloween themed one Christmas etc.

Answer 17

The Three Little Wolves and the Big Bad Pig and Blue Hat Green Hat were favorites of mine as a kid.

Comments

We haven't read Blue Hat, Green Hat, although we have read some others by Sandra Boynton. The Three Little Wolves one looks like a lot of fun too... have to check it out!

Answer 18

My mom is a daycare teacher and all of those kids love the Llama Llama books.

Comments

Ah, I've heard of these, but not read them. It's hard to go wrong with a llama. We should look into these more...

---

Llama llama red pajama is amazing.

Answer 19

Olivia Saves the Circus. This book always made me and my parents laugh.

Answer 20

clifford the big red dog