So far, I’ve limited my “good reads”* list to books for adults. But,, as my 5-6 year old son has started to expand his capacity for narrative, we’ve been reading longer books and we’ve recently found a few true gems. I’m inspired to offer my dear readers some lovely books to share with a child. Even if it is just your “inner child”……ENJOY!
*Please note that ALL of my “good reads” can be found at the Carnegie Public Library of Pittsburgh. I know because that is where I found them! I just provide some links below to Amazon so you can find out more about the book (you know, I’m friends with a lot of librarians so I know how important an ISBN number can be to some people…….). I’m not suggesting that you buy the books, but I imagine these would make wonderful gifts for a child in your life.
1. The No. 1 Car Spotter by Atinuke and illustrated by Warwick Johnson Cadwell
This was a really amazing book to read outloud to my 6-year old son and I imagine that a 2nd grader would probably be able to read it themselves and enjoy it too. The main character lives in Africa and I was delighted to use this book as an opportunity to talk about Africa, show my son where it is on a globe and talk about culture and language. The stories are interesting and the characters are well-developed so that the stories can be enjoyed by many different ages on different levels. The stories address issues of language, gender, age, social responsibility, political economics and other very complex ideas while also just being “good stories.” The main character is so cute, intelligent and sincere, that I want to reach right into the book, pull him out and give him a big hug.
2. My Father’s Dragon by Ruth Stiles Gannett and illustrated by Ruth Chrisman Gannett
This is a very special story. Magical. Magical and special and full of wonder and delight and adventure. This may be my favorite book that I have read aloud to my children so far. I’m going to buy it and read over and over again. And, the illustrations are so soft, kind and inviting. My six year old son loved it, but my 11-month old daughter paid attention too……..it’s wonderful for everyone.
3. I also recommend the following two board books for the infants in your life:
Recommended by my friend Kate—-and my 11-month old LOVED it is Dear Zoo by Rod Campbell. My daughter especially liked it when she would open the flaps and my son and I would make the sound of the animal behind the flap. She thought that was pretty awesome.
Who’s in the Forest by Phillis Gershator and illustrated by Jill McDonald is beautiful and there’s something about the circular hole in the book that creates a kind of peek-a-boo effect with the illustrations that my 11-month old really appreciated.
Enjoy your good reads kiddos!
Posted by Sharon Fennimore Rudyk, an avid reader, writer, yogini, mother and owner of Yoga Matrika, a boutique yoga studio in Squirrel Hill, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania offering small-group classes, private sessions and workshops for all levels.
