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A book is like a garden carried in the pocket. ~Chinese Proverb
Kid Lit! aims to share some of the best titles in children's literature, and showcase authors that continue to charm our hearts and open our minds to new possibilities. With the right books, and a dedicated reader, children can be inspired to reach the highest heights. This is a selection of some of the best books for kids, from newborn to 8 years.
Storybook Categories
Give the Gift of Literacy
Story time is one of the most wonderful things about being a child. Whether it's fun and silly, with plenty of 'audience participation', or calm and relaxing, reading with someone you love is what makes books so precious.When you read to a child, not only are you sharing something magical with them, but you are preparing them for all the learning they will do in their lives. Every time you sit down together with your favorite story, you encourage a love of reading - something that they will use forever.
Books are so much more than words and pictures. Each one has a message, as lesson that can help kids make good decisions and have high hopes. They are windows into other places, times and worlds, and can teach us many things.
The very next time you have the chance, read to someone close to you! They'll be glad you did.
Classic Storybooks
Mr. Bump
Mr. Bump (Mr. Men and Little Miss)
Amazon Price: $3.99 (as of 12/19/2009)
The colorful world of Mr. Men and the Little Miss' has been delighting children and grown-ups since the 1970's. The lighthearted story telling of Roger Hargreaves has been a joy to many families, and has taught valuable lessons as well.
Like many children, Mr. Bump is a bit clumsy. He's so clumsy, in fact, that he has trouble finding a job where he doesn't break things and hurt himself. Our bandage clad hero feels bad for having so many accidents, but he just wants to find a place that's right for him. Kids can relate to poor Mr. Bump, and will get a few good laughs from the silly jobs he tries to do!
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Mr. Men and Little Miss Friends
Horton Hears a Who
Horton Hears A Who!
Amazon Price: $10.17 (as of 12/19/2009)
Dr. Seuss' works have been delighting children since the late 1930's. He had a special gift for appealing to young imaginations. In Horton Hears a Who, the theme of "small is powerful" and "every voice counts" is very clear. It also shows us that it's always worthwhile to stick up for your friends, and to believe in yourself.
The classic rhyming style and illustrations of Dr. Seuss are one of the most appealing things about Horton. Even young toddlers and babies respond happily to hearing the fun story about an honorable elephant! There are lots of opportunities to use silly voices when reading out loud to kids, and the characters are very imaginative.
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Dr. Seuss Favorites
Author Theodor Seuss Geisel
Theodor Seuss Geisel was born in 1904, in Springfield Massachusetts. He credits his mother with his gift for rhyme. Henrietta Suess Geisel had worked in a bakery before being married, and had a habit of chanting the daily pie specials to customers. When young Ted had trouble falling asleep, she would sing these pie chants to him. Little did she know that she would inspire some of the most treasured books of all time.
He first used the name Seuss when secretly contributing to Jack-O-Lantern magazine at Dartmouth College. Later he would add Dr. as a tribute to his father, who had hoped that he would earn a doctorate at Oxford.His first children's book, And To Think That I Saw It on Mulberry Street was published in 1937.
Dr. Seuss wrote three more, then used his talents to help the war effort. He returned to children's literature after the war, and would eventually write the books that we all know and love.
Timeless Treasures
Where the Wild Things Are
When Max the wild thing is sent to his room with no dinner, he goes on an adventure to the place where the Wild Things are, and becomes king. But is it the place for Max?
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Amazon Price: $7.00 (as of 12/19/2009)
The Velveteen Rabbit
This timeless tale of love and friendship is sure to touch children and parents alike. A boy's favorite toy learns that magic is real, if love is powerful enough, in this adaptation for younger readers.
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Amazon Price: $12.95 (as of 12/19/2009)
A Fish Out of Water
This hilarious adaptation of Dr. Seuss' "Gustav the Goldfish" is a classic tale that teaches kids how important it is to follow directions - especially when caring for our pets!
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Amazon Price: $8.99 (as of 12/19/2009)
Tikki Tikki Tembo
Will Chang and the old man with the ladder be able to save Tikki tikki tembo-no sa rembo-chari bari ruchi-pip peri pembo in time?
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Amazon Price: $6.95 (as of 12/19/2009)
The Paper Bag Princess (Classic Munsch)
So many young girls felt empowered by this strong, savvy princess story, that it is now studied in feminist literature lectures across North America!
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Amazon Price: $6.95 (as of 12/19/2009)
The Best House Ever
Richard Scarry's Best House Ever
Amazon Price: (as of 12/19/2009)
The works of Richard Scarry have been so popular over the years that his imaginative characters have made their way to the small screen in a popular children's program.
In this story, two mice try time and again to find a suitable house, after a cat steals their sock and turns it into a hat. They find the best house ever, but the pesky cat returns to bother them again! The tale of perseverance is full of beautiful illustrations unlike any other, that kids will remember for years to come.
Richard Scarry Library
Winne the Pooh
The Complete Tales of Winnie-the-Pooh
"Here is Edward Bear, coming downstairs now, bump, bump, bump, on the back of his head..."
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Amazon Price: $26.40 (as of 12/19/2009)
Winnie the Pooh
"...and the only reason for making a buzzing-noise that I know of is because you're a bee."
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Amazon Price: $13.59 (as of 12/19/2009)
The Real Winnie the Pooh
Did you know that Winne the Pooh was inspired not only by A. A. Milne's son, Christopher Robin, but also by a black bear residing at the London Zoo? She was the pet of a soldier from Canada, and was adopted by the Zoo during World War One.Travelling all the way from White River, Manitoba, the bear cub named Winnie would one day become everyone's favorite bear.
Vintage Favorites
The Balloon Tree
The Balloon Tree
Amazon Price: (as of 12/19/2009)
Children love color, and this book delivers every color in the rainbow, in the form of magical balloons. This modern fairy tale is so unique that it deserves a place among the likes of Andersen and Grimm.
Princess Leora must defend her Father's kingdom from her ambitious and mean Uncle. With the help of her friend the wizard, and a generous boy, she plants a balloon that will alert the king and bring him home. It's a wonderful story, gorgeously illustrated, and truly memorable.
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Phoebe Gilman Knows Kids
But Not the Hippopotamus
But Not the Hippopotamus
Amazon Price: $5.99 (as of 12/19/2009)
Sandra Boynton's silly rhymes and stories are delightful, quick reads that you can repeat again and again. Kids love these easy to memorize books, and can even learn a lesson or two along the way.
In a world where all the animals like to do things that rhyme with their names, the poor Hippopotamus feels left out. "A cat and two rats are buying new hats...But not the hippopotamus." In the end, the animals find a way to rhyme with their friend, and everyone is happy. But not the armadillo.
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Reading is Wonderful
A good book can be enjoyed by even the youngest of readers. Especially if it's easy to chew on.
Laugh Along with Sandra Boynton
Remember These?
But No Elephants (Once Upon a Time)
On a cold and snowy night, there's room in Grandma Tildy's house for every kind of pet imaginable - but NO elephants! Or is there?
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Amazon Price: $6.00 (as of 12/19/2009)
Popcorn
A holiday favorite! Sam the bear has a Hallowe'en party, and everyone brings their own popcorn. What happens when they decide to pop it all at once?
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Amazon Price: $6.00 (as of 12/19/2009)
Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs
This weird and wacky tale is about an island where breakfast, lunch and dinner fall from the sky! Kids love the silly story and illustrations.
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Amazon Price: $6.99 (as of 12/19/2009)
The Monster at the End of this Book (Big Little Golden Book)
In this inventive story, Grover does everything he can to stop you from turning the pages. It's so silly and fun that kids can't get enough!
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Amazon Price: $8.99 (as of 12/19/2009)
Bony-legs (Hello Reader Series)
This story teaches kids that being kind even when others aren't can help you when you need it most. Sasha's kindness helps her escape from the "house on chicken feet"!
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Amazon Price: (as of 12/19/2009)
Never Talk to Strangers
Never Talk to Strangers
Amazon Price: $9.99 (as of 12/19/2009)
This memorable tale by Irma Joyce has some of the most unique illustrations ever seen. Created by George Bucket, kids will love to gaze at the silly animals and point out all of the tiny details, like frogs under lily pads and bugs in the flowers.
This short poem has a clear message that is fun to learn - "Never talk to strangers!" It's all about knowing when to keep your distance, and when to meet new people the right way.
Parents' Picks
Don't Forget the Tissues
Guess How Much I Love You
A conversation between a bunny and his baby - who loves who the most? This lovely story is always a hit with dads, and moms, too.
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Amazon Price: (as of 12/19/2009)
Love You Forever
This story was written as part of the healing process after losing a child. Since then it has tugged the heart strings of many, many parents.
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Amazon Price: $5.95 (as of 12/19/2009)
Oh, Baby, the Places You'll Go!: A book to be read in Utero
A wonderful, inspirational poem from the imagination of Dr. Seuss. This book is aimed at babies still in the belly, and is a great start to a lifetime of reading.
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Amazon Price: $6.99 (as of 12/19/2009)
I Already Know I Love You
Another book for expectant parents and grandparents, this poem was inspired by Billy Crystal's first grandchild.
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Amazon Price: (as of 12/19/2009)
Support Your Library
Most library cards are free, and even kids can get their own. This is a great way to teach them about responsibility in a way that you remain involved in. They'll enjoy knowing that the books they borrow are theirs for so many days, and that the librarians are counting on them to bring them back safe.
The library can also be a great place to shop for used and rare books, as many branches sell remainders and donations that they can no longer use. You never know what you might find in the discard section for just a few cents!
To help keep the library open, attend events and fundraisers whenever you can. Many libraries offer programs for kids, like song and story clubs for a small donation.
With your help, libraries can continue to support literacy for everyone, and spread the joy of reading!
Bedtime Best
Somewhere between Bath Time and Bed Time comes Story Time. It's a magical time where little ones get comfy, wind down, and get ready for sweet dreams.While exciting and stupendous stories are great to get the imagination going, some stories were made just for bedtime. They encourage peaceful, restful nights and good mornings. These stories are sure to be bedtime favorites.
The Very Busy Spider
The Very Busy Spider
Amazon Price: $14.95 (as of 12/19/2009)
The works of Eric Carle stand out in a crowd, thanks to his unique artwork. The pictures appeal to kids as much as the poems, which are easy to follow and always end with a smile.
This story is about a spider who blows into the barnyard one day, and begins to build a web. She sticks to her work until the job is done, even though all of the farm animals want her to join in their fun and games. At the end, she falls fast asleep - as will your little ones!
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Eric Carle Classics
Goodnight Moon
Goodnight Moon
Amazon Price: $12.23 (as of 12/19/2009)
This is the essential bedtime book for kids of all ages. It is often the first book that parents and families look for when a new baby arrives, and is a treasured keepsake when kids have grown.
By saying goodnight to everything in the room, a little rabbit keeps bedtime away, but gets sleepier and sleepier. Little readers will find it relaxing, too. This book is reminiscient of traditional bedtime prayers, but is suitable for every kind of family - it's all about the love.
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Sweet Dreams for All
The Real Mother Goose
Mother Goose nursery rhymes have been a part of bedtime for nearly a century. The relaxing poems are the perfect way to end a busy day of play.
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Amazon Price: $9.95 (as of 12/19/2009)
Curious George's Dream
There's no better way to fall asleep than thinking about dreaming. And who better to tell a story about a dream that Curious George?
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Amazon Price: $3.95 (as of 12/19/2009)
Dinosaur vs. Bedtime
Nobody can stop little dinosaur - not even bedtime! Or can it? Perhaps bedtime gets us all in the end...
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Amazon Price: $10.87 (as of 12/19/2009)
Five Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed Big Book
These five little monkeys don't want to go to bed. They want to jump on it! But does the fun stop when someone bumps their head? A great adaptation of the classic kids' song.
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Amazon Price: $16.50 (as of 12/19/2009)
Mortimer
Mortimer (Classic Munsch)
Amazon Price: $6.95 (as of 12/19/2009)
With years of experience as a parent and daycare operator, Robert Munsch knows what kids like. His stories appeal to children, and to parents, with a delicate balance of silly and subtle humor.
This is a story that parents can relate to! Little Mortimer will not go to sleep, no matter what anyone says or does. He just wants to make noise all night long. And every time someone tells him to go to sleep, he just makes more noise! But what happens when everyone starts making noise of their own?
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Much Munsch
Author Robert Munsch
His journey to a career as a children's author is one that can encourage everyone to find their own path. Although he didn't do well academically, he is now one of the best selling authors in Canada. His tribute to parents and lost children - Love You Forever - had sold over 18,000,000 copies by 1999.
Robert Munsch is known for his generosity and love of children. He's a favorite guest speaker, or just plain old guest. Many of his books are based on his experiences staying with families while on book tours. And just has he teaches children with his stories, they teach him valuable lessons as well!
"Where you are depends on how you get there. Which is the story of my life and yours too..."
New Stars that Shine
Though many titles get passed on from generation to generation, and thousands of new books are printed every year, once in awhile something comes along that skyrockets to instant success.These books are the classics of the future, written by authors who grew up reading the same favorites, and are now sharing their own imagination with today's kids.
Walter the Farting Dog
Walter the Farting Dog
Amazon Price: $9.32 (as of 12/19/2009)
Most kids think farts are funny, and if they don't, this book will change their minds. Not only is it a great way to teach kids not to be embarrassed about their bodies, but there's a great lesson about sticking by the ones you love, no matter what.
When Walter wanders into their lives, an unsuspecting family loves him at first sight. But they're surprised and dismayed to discover that he has the worst farts in the world. No matter what they try, he can't be cured. Just as they are about to give up on the stinky Walter, something happens that reminds them what love is all about!
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Future Classics and Bestsellers
The Day Jimmy's Boa Ate the Wash
A class field trip to the farm gets zany when Jimmy's pet boa escapes from the bus and runs amok!
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Amazon Price: $6.99 (as of 12/19/2009)
Alice The Fairy
Little Alice shows us what imagination is all about when she becomes a magical fairy that can do all kinds of magic.
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Amazon Price: $11.55 (as of 12/19/2009)
Zoom!
This story is exciting and fun for kids, and also teaches the importance of knowing that even though we're all different on the outside, we all have abilities that make us special.
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Amazon Price: (as of 12/19/2009)
Fancy Nancy
Nobody is fancier than Nancy. She has fancy clothes, fancy words, and fancy foods. She loves to dress up and show her family how, too!
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Amazon Price: $10.52 (as of 12/19/2009)
Fancy Nancy Headquarters
If you're already a fan of Fancy Nancy, you'll enjoy this collection of very inspired activities for kids!-
Do You Know a Fancy Nancy?
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Do you have a Fancy Nancy in your house? A Fancy Nancy likes sparkles and glitter, lace and tulle. No amount of jewelry is too much. Tutus, boas, and satin are the latest fashion and she will wear them anywhere. Fancy Nancy is not just for little gi...
Olivia
Olivia . . . and the Missing Toy
Amazon Price: $12.95 (as of 12/19/2009)
Everyone's favorite pig shows us what life is all about with her adventures in smallness. In this story, she discovers that her favorite play thing has disappeared! Whatever will she do?
With big, bold illustrations, Olivia books are a pleasure to look at, and fun to read. Kids will enjoy laughing at some of the silly situations that Olivia gets into. The stories are a great way to teach kids about making good decisions and thinking of others.
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The Best Children's Author Ever
Everyone has a favorite author - a name they trust to provide wonderul, inspiring literature for their family. Who is your 'go-to' writer? What name is on the cover of your favorite books?
Family Time Fun
Reading books and playing games are great ways to get the family together.-
Kid Lit! Holiday Story Books
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There are so many ways to make a holiday special, from decorations, to treats, to music. One of the most wonderful ways to make a holiday exciting and memorable for children is with a cherished story book. These classics that come out once a year wil...
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Top Ten Tabletop Games
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Entertain your family this summer with some classic board games and tabletop games! If you're planning a party or gathering, or just want to spend some quality time with special people, tabletop games are just the thing. Whether you're entertaining...
Reader Favorites
Add your favorite story book to the list and share your love of reading!
Just Me and My Dad (Look-Look)
This well-loved Little Critter picture book has be more...1 point
The Berenstain Bears and the Trouble with Friends (First Time Books(R)) by Stan Berenstain, Jan Berenstain
The new cub in the neighborhood, Lizzy Bruin, is t more...0 points
Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! by Mo Willems
When a bus driver takes a break from his route, a more...0 points
It's All About the Kids!
Oxfam America is an international relief and development organization that creates lasting solutions to poverty, hunger, and injustice. Together with individuals and local groups in more than 120 countries, Oxfam saves lives, helps people overcome poverty
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Do you have an all time favorite book? If you don't see it on this list, share it here! There's always room for more wonderful children's books!
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- RuntFarmSeries RuntFarmSeries Oct 19, 2009 @ 9:33 pm
- This is a very helpful lens. You've shared some great information. I'd love for you to visit my lens when you have the chance.
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- SaraMu SaraMu Apr 12, 2009 @ 3:43 pm
- It's nice to see all (at least many of them) the classics listed in one place. Thanks for the lens.
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- Child_Health Child_Health Mar 19, 2009 @ 8:37 pm
- You have put together a wonderful collection of children's books and resources here. This is a great lens! I have a lens on children's books related to health issues, and would love it if you'd stop by and say hello when you have a chance.
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- only1bub only1bub Mar 2, 2009 @ 11:19 am
- Great content - lensrolling you to my page: Favorite Childrens Books!
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- jp1978 jp1978 Feb 8, 2009 @ 4:11 am
- I love the Winnie the Pooh stories. It's sad to see the way Disney has treated them.
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