Sunday, September 30, 2012

Great Children's Book Classics, Reprise


Have a look at several books that are worthy of a reprise.  These have weathered time and children's ever changing tastes reflected by society at large. 


My Father’s Dragon by Ruth Stiles Gannett

This stylish series is about the very resourceful Elmer Elevator, who sets off to rescue a baby dragon.


Madeline, Ludwig Bemelmans

“In an old house in Paris, that was covered with vines, lived twelve little girls in two straight lines… the smallest one was Madeline.”  A charming, timeless story for generations of children, Madeline is just whimsical enough to satisfy kids' wishes and dreams.


Frog and Toad, Arnold Lobel

This is the most interesting pair of storybook friends I know, and their friendship is endlessly appealing.  In fact, they remind me of a classic British book or film about two friends who are so comfortable with each other that everyone wants to be their friend, too!  Frog, who is eternally friendly and Toad, endlessly grumpy, entertain and amuse folks of all ages. 

Winnie-the-Pooh, A.A. Milne

In my opinion, this is the loveliest children's book out there.  Traditional and timeless, this whimsy is genius in every way.  Kids relate to its simplicity and to the characters and to the marvelous illustrations.  A book for every child for all time.  

Mrs. Piggle Wiggle, Betty MacDonald

Mrs. Piggle Wiggle is a woman who lives in an upside down house in a town filled with misbehaving children.

Luckily, Mrs. Piggle- Wiggle is the proud owner of a magical chest left to her by her pirate husband, which contains a variety of peculiar cures for things like bad table manners and truancy.


Little House on the Prairie, Laura Ingalls Wilder

Once again, every little girl's wish--to be placed in that Conestoga wagon and ride into Little House adventures!  How cool is that?  For that reason alone, this is one of my favorites.  It timelessness, believability and character strength of the people who inhabit the pages make it an on-going delight to young and older.

Do yourself a favor, and have another peek at some or all of these books.  Yes, they can be cross-over reads for kids and parents.  Give it a try!

12 comments:

  1. These are all wonderful books.

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  2. Couldn't agree more, Susanne. Thanks for visiting!

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  3. Good mix Nancy. If I had to add one my kids always loved, it would be, Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs. There are so many great children's books. I love Frog and Toad, and what could be better than the stories of the Little House on the Prairie? Thanks for getting us thinking! You always have creative posts.

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    1. Thanks again, Susan, for your kind comments. I think Frog and Toad are the very best, too. It's always so nice to have you visit!

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  4. I love these books, and all of these classics bring back memories of snuggling up and reading them to my children. It's great you reminded us how precious these stories are! Had to tweet your blog today. Thanks!

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    1. Thank you, Jo, for your lovely comment and your Tweet! I remember doing the same thing with my mine when they were little.

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  5. Those are some of my favorites too. I read Frog and Toad to a homework group last week.

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    1. Sounds like fun. Did the kids love it as much as the last generation? Would like to know...

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    1. Thanks for your comment, Linda. I appreciate your stopping by!

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  7. Great list, Nancy. I would add anything by Tomie de Paola and Bruce Coville. My kids loved the Frances books and The Little Witch books (not sure if that's the correct name of the series).

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  8. Oh, so nice, too. Did you know that Bruce Coville is speaking at our Miami Conference? Are you planning on going, I hlpe?

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