Children's Books that Still Make My Tummy Smile

Besides the fact that I believe "Matilda" was somehow loosely made for me (love for books, Miss Honey's name is Jennifer and she's a teacher...c'mon, it's painfully obvious guys lol), I've loved books for as long as I can remember. The magic of some books have followed me over the years ;-)

As an elementary school teacher, I come across children's lit on a daily basis. I love seeing my students' faces light up with a good story or explode into laughter when authors pen in some humor. Although I have many adult favs, reading some of their favs made me a bit nostalgic. There are countless books that hold a special place in my heart and will always bring a smile to my face. Here are few honorable mentions : 

Are You My Mother? 

This is probably one of the first books I remember reading. We had this in our home growing up and I probably read it aloud 3 times a day. I prided myself on being such an eloquent reader with varying character voices & wanted everyone to know ;) lol 

The Giving Tree

Lean in... a little bit more...ok, right there... I LOOOVE this book. Maybe it's the emo side of me, but this book makes cry, smile, furrow my brow, smile & then smile some more. I remember reading it as a kid, however when I picked it up again 4 years ago, it took on whole different interpretation for me. There's a lot of controversy on the meaning of this book. My view--I see it as a story of unconditional love. I think it shows the power of words and how you don't need complex words to tell a complex story.

[Disclaimer: I don't believe in loving to the point of extinguishing yourself, but you guys catch my drift lol]

 Mufaro's Beautiful Daughters

I vividly remember reading this book for the first time in 3rd grade. As a young West African gal, this was one of the first books I read that I felt truly reflected me. Fast forward two decades plus a couple of feet in height, and the meaning of the book proved to be even more beautiful than I remember. A story about 2 sisters and the importance of being kind. 

Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret

Ok seriously. Who DIDN'T read Judy Blume? Don't worry, I'll wait... Exactly! This was the first chapter book I remember reading and was the timely coming of age story I needed. Anyone remember the "I must, I must, I must... I must increase my bust" chant? LOL!!!! I did it in real life. Don't judge me. I was in 4th grade hahaha #goodtimes

An American Girl Series 

Do you guys remember these books?! I used to blaze through each one! I loved reading about each girl in different time periods and places. Such a classic :) 

 Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone

This list wouldn't complete without the 1997 phenomenon that was Harry Potter! I'm not even sure if this is considered old enough to some but I loved this book. Now having African parents, my dad forbade was a little hesitant to let me read a book about sorcery (if your parents are from another country, you may understand the struggle lol). But alas, I snuck and read it while at school. I promise I was a good girl ...I just loved books! lol  

Which books do you still treasure in your chibrary?

(get it? children's library lol) 

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