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 :
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
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]
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.
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
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 :)
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)
Beautiful post and blog! I love to read so I love this website haha I will be back :)
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Thank you and yay! You're welcome back anytime!
DeleteXOXO :)
I have a 3 year old who loves to read, and you've just reminded me of books I need to add to his collection. I used to be so in love with The Giving Tree. Pretty much anything by Shel is a win, and I have no clue why I haven't purchased any of his work for my little monster. Girl Judy used to be QUEEN back in the day! All I needed was her, Nancy Drew, Goosebumps, and American Girl books and I was good to go lol.
ReplyDeleteLol!! Right! You took me wayyyy back! I loved Nancy Drew and Goosebumps! I almost forgot about An American girl (added!) And yes Shel Silverstein has amazing work. Gotta put your youngster on game ;)
Deletexoxo
I've never heard of Mufaro's Beautiful Daughters and I haven't read Are You There God yet, but as for the others, I completely agree. This was such a fun post, and I love the title. :)
ReplyDeleteShell's Stories
Thanks Shell! Check them out and let me know what you think :)
DeleteThe Tummy Smile is the perfect description for children's books!! I love it.
ReplyDeleteI LOVE THE GIVING TREE AND ARE YOU MY MOTHER AND HARRY POTTER HOLY SMOKES - aaah childhood, I miss you.. This is a wonderful collection of children's books. I'm also enjoying my growing of children books even though I'm 23 - Catherynne M. Valente's Fairyland series are AMAZING.
I have to admit that I have never read Judy Blume... I only know about the chant because a lot of family and friends used to talk about it but I've never actually read it. And now I feel like I'm missing something, hot damn (not the chant but the book)!
I have weird childhood favourites, none of which relate in any given way. I loved the Nancy Drew Series, the Animorphs, Harry Potter (of course), and randomly Island of the Blue Dolphins. I don't relate to Island of the Blue Dolphins in any given way, but I've read it so many times I can still remember all the small details of the island I imagined when I was kid and the library I that I read it in... I was definitely a strange child.
HAHA! Wasn't our childhood amaaaaazing! These youngsters have no clue what they're missing (especially old school cartoons lol)
Deleteand OMG! You took me back with "Island of the Blue Dolphins" and Nancy Drew! I used to love those books. I haven't read Fairyland series. Will have to check that out and definitely check out Judy Blume !
OH man I love The Giving Tree! I am rediscovering some of the books I loved as a kid with my kids now. As they get older I can't wait to share more of those. Great post!!
ReplyDeleteThanks Grace! The Giving Tree is such a sweet story IMO. I just love it! I don't have kids yet but when I do, I will definitely share some of my childhood favs with them :)
DeleteChibrary... I love it so hard! :) I was all about Judy Blume as a kid. Those books were huge for me and are a strong link to my childhood. I also loved everything by Ruth M. Arthur, particularly A Candle in Her Room. And Lois Duncan. As a smaller child, just learning to read, I loved the Beatrix Potter books because my mother would help me choose them at the library and read them with me. :)
ReplyDeleteTanya @ Girl Plus Books
Glad you appreciate my wit haha! and Awww that is so special :) I will have to try some of those out! Thanks for the recommendations Tanya
DeleteGreat post! I love children's books and still read them. Matilda is fantastic, the same goes for Judy Blume's books. Of course I loved Harry Potter and there are plenty of other books I still treasure. Thanks for sharing yours.
ReplyDeleteThanks! I love books that can feel as nostalgic as an old song :)
Delete"Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret" Can you say classic! You've really brought back memories with these book selections. I've actually been feeling really nostalgic lately and have taken to reading old YA horror books from authors like R.L Stine, Christopher Pike, and Richie Tankersley Cusick.
ReplyDeleteThis was such a fun post to read. Thanks for sharing!
Wasn't it? I loved Judy Blume books! Woooow! I almost forgot about R.L. Stine! Throwbacks, indeed :)
DeleteI love all of these books and sharing them with our scholars!
ReplyDeleteAgreed! Will need to bring some of these in soon :)
DeleteAsking me to pick one or even a few is cruel. lol
ReplyDeleteHAHA!! You can do it!! lol
DeleteOMG the American Girl books were my childhood - haha! And I absolutely adore Matilda and The Giving Tree as well. Thanks for sharing and, as always, fabulous choices! <3
ReplyDelete~ Zoe @ Stories on Stage