Picture Books That I Just Can’t Part With!

There are the picture books that I just can’t part with, even though both my kids are well past picture book age.  Nobody asks me to read the same stories over and over at bedtime anymore, but certain books are here to stay.

Oh, the memories in these books!  I stacked all our favorites on the kitchen table.  My criteria to begin with was that both my daughter and son had loved the book, and it was enjoyable to read.  (You know, not one of those books you hide on the bottom of the stack because you just can’t bear to read it again.)

The kids and I worked together to narrow it down.  Choosing our favorite books is a bit like choosing among our friends, but this is a top ten list so I had to make some tough choices.  I even cheated, by lumping some series and author favorites together.  I just couldn’t help myself!

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1. Amelia Bedelia by Peggy Parish

I clearly remember choosing Amelia Bedelia books from our school library growing up, and I had such fun sharing this delightful character with my children.  We love to notice Amelia-Bedelia-type directions that could confuse someone.

2. Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Tale by Mo Willems

There is so much to love about this book!  One is the creative illustrating style of black and white photos with cartoon images on top.  If your children have a special stuffed animal they’ll enjoy the story of Trixie losing her Knuffle Bunny.  Everyone laughs at the page where Trixie goes “boneless” to show her displeasure.

3. Frances books by Russel Hoban

Frances books are another flashback from my childhood.  She’s a wonderful character with common childhood woes (jealously over a new baby sister or that baby sister’s birthday, fear of trying new foods) and a penchant for making up silly songs.  A Birthday For Frances is one of our favorites because of the song “Happy Chompo to Me.”

4. Julius The Baby of the World by Kevin Henkes

This book is a must read for children with new siblings.  Lilly’s antics after the arrival of her new baby brother are laugh-out-loud funny, and of course there is a happy ending.  We adore so many of Kevin Henkes books: Lilly’s Purple Plastic Purse, Lilly’s Big Day, Chrysanthemum, Weekend with Wendell, and Wemberly Worried.

5.  Hairy Maclary and Slinky Malinki books by Lynley Dodd

The rhyming text and illustrations in these books by Lynley Dodd are endearing.  There are several books featuring the skittish pup Hairy Maclary and black cat Slinky Malinki.  Our favorite character appears in most titles: Scarface Claw, the “toughest tom in town.”  Prepare to hiss and spit as you read the stories which leads to lots of giggles.

6. Corduroy by Don Freeman

I’m sure this beloved story of a little teddy bear looking for his lost button would make many people’s lists.  The happy ending is perfect for sappy book lovers like me.  We also love Earl the Squirrel by the same author, an adorable story of a squirrel learning to be independent.

7.  If I Built a Car by Chris Van Dusen

Chris Van Dusen is a Maine author and illustrator.  This book highlights his wonderful rhyming text and incredible illustrations with a story of one boy’s creative car design.  The Mr. Magee series by Chris is also lovely and features silly Mr. Magee and his pup on some pretty wild adventures.

8. Minerva Louise by Janet Morgan Stoeke

If we ever get chickens one of them is sure to be named Minerva Louise.  Minerva Louise isn’t happy to stay in the coop like the other chickens and this series contains simple text and pictures that show the zany misunderstandings of this quirky chicken.  We’ve enjoyed all the titles: A Hat for Minerva Louise, Minerva Louise and the Red Truck, Minerva Louise on Halloween, and Minerva Louise and the Colorful Eggs.

9. Widget by Lyn Rossiter McFarland

Widget is a homeless dog who finds a home in a house full of cats.  It’s a great story, especially if you love dogs and cats.  You’ll enjoy Widget’s attempts to act like a cat.

10. Officer Buckle and Gloria by Peggy Rathmann

Another great story for dog lovers, this book is about Officer Buckle, a safety-obsessed officer who gives lectures on safety rules at schools.  He gets a new dog, Gloria, and she enlivens his lectures with hilarious behind-his-back antics.  When he first finds out that’s why he’s so popular Officer Buckle is pretty upset, but later learns the very important rule “Always Stick With Your Buddy!”

Do you have a collection of books you can’t part with even though your kids have outgrown them?  What are some of your favorite picture books?

Hop over to iHomeschool network to see more top ten book lists. Every Tuesday for the next 10 weeks I’ll be participating with the other bloggers of iHN in a blog hop of top ten lists.

This blog hop series was inspired by Angie of Many Little Blessings where you’re welcome to link up, too!