Children’s Books I Recommend
I love reading children’s books. Here are some of the best I’ve come across:
A Life Like Mine: How Children Live Around the World - unicef (5 and up – especially good for 9-12)
Respectful and affirming while opening children’s eyes to the diversity of human life around the globe.
The Three Questions - Jon J. Muth (based on Leo Tolstoy’s short story of the same name) (5 and up)
The New York Times book review called this book “quietly life-changing” and indeed it is; every class I’ve read this book to – though diverse in ages – has been touched by the profound simplicity of living a giving life.
Mouse Soup – Arnold Lobel (4 and up)
This is one of my all-time favorite authors for the ages 5 to 7 set. Simple, fun and will have children covering their mouths giggling. Other fave authors for this age group: James Marshall and Russell Hoban.
Nana Upstairs & Nana Downstairs and Now One Foot, Now the Other – Tomie dePaola (7 and up)
These are both extremely touching stories which explores loving inter-generational relationships. They must be read with sensitivity to children as the first involves death and the second, the physical regression of a grandfather.
Bagesl From Benny - Aubrey Davis (6 and up)
This book is pure story (and a riveting one at that) with the beautiful lesson of how by providing for others, we are thanking God for providing for us. What I especially love about this book is that its encouragement of piety and God-mindfulness is woven into such an engrossing tale.
Pete’s A Pizza – William Steig (3 and up)
A loving, cuddly story of a grumpy rainy day turned into a giggle-fic time by loving parents. They’ll ask for it to be read over and over and the great thing is that you won’t mind. I promise you.
More More More Said the Baby – Vera B. Williams (2 and up)
Another loving, cuddly, giggle-fic story. And again, the same promise as above.
Sylvester and the Magic Pebble – William Steig (5 and up)
Such an old book (from the seventies) but such a magical experience to see the faces of children as they listen to this quietly emotional roller coaster of a story. There’s also the magic of young listeners discovering that real magic is the love of one’s family – not the ability to make wishes come true at will. (They’ll actually sigh with relief when the “magic” of the pebble is traded for the warmth of family).
Diary of a Worm – Doreen Cronin (5 and up)
Very cute, very very. The illustrations and story go hand in hand to present a humorous tale kids will want to pore over for a long time. There’s also Diary of a Spider and the newly published Diary of a Fly (these 3 are all buddies).
Insha’Allah, I’ll be adding more titles in the future. Also, if you have recommendations, please drop me a comment.
Salams
Why I didn’t know about this lovely page is a mystery to me. JazakiAllahu khairan to Sadia for forwarding the link. AND JazakiAllahu khairan S for this list of books for kids. There are so many books nowadays that it’s hard to choose!
Love you lots forever and always!
Mona