Family Fridays – A Link to a List

Posted by on Aug 2, 2013

It’s been a crazy busy week, so instead of writing my own blog post, I’m going to cheat and use someone else’s.

The Simple Mom is one of the few blogs I follow on a regular basis – occasionally funny, occasionally practical, occasionally sentimental, and almost always a good read. I tend to read it early, early in the morning while struggling to wake myself up and get my baby fed.

A few days ago, the founder of the blog posted this list of “Twaddle-Free” children’s books. It leans pretty heavily towards the classics, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but I think there are some really great contemporary children’s authors out there as well. The list mentioned some books that I vaguely remember from my own childhood that I don’t have yet for my son. I do remember absolutely loving Make Way for Ducklings – I might have to get that one soon! However, it was the second nudge for the Francis books that I’ve had in a week, so one of those might sneak its way into the cart as well.

What do you think of the list? What would books or authors you add to it?

5 Comments

  1. Stori
    August 2, 2013

    Right now we are loving all things Little Critter. LC’s busy, “helpful” personality reminds me of my own little preschooler. And I love the illustrations and the parents’ expessions! Its like Meyer took a snap shot of Nick and I and painted fur all over our faces and bodies. When Isla was little she loved looking for the mouse and spider on each page and now she’s old enough to appreciate and relate to the stories.

    • lectorsbooks
      August 2, 2013

      I haven’t heard of this one, either! I will definitely have to check it out. You are a fountain of great children’s books!

  2. Beth Hennings
    August 3, 2013

    It’s a very good list, but not quite complete without MIKE MULLIGAN AND HIS STEAM SHOVEL. This is one of my all-time favorites; I have a vivid childhood memory of Captain Kangaroo reading this book on his show! Virginia Burton also wrote THE LITTLE HOUSE, another beautiful story.

  3. Beth Hennings
    August 3, 2013

    OK. I went back to read the list aloud to my sister, and realized I had completely missed the paragraph of “also rans.” However, I would pull MIKE out of that list and add Burton’s books to the list of Top Ten! Do we all forever remain passionately loyal to our favorite childhood treasure books? Yes! And when the time comes for chapter books, don’t miss THE WIND IN THE WILLOWS, which I didn’t read until I was a young adult.

    • lectorsbooks
      August 3, 2013

      I agree – nothing stays with you quite as well as a dearly loved ( and often read!) book from your childhood. I’m going to need to start making a list of all the great books I keep having recommended to me for Mr. Baby!