Childrens Bestsellers

Books Of Lessons

Although I seldom read children’s books any longer, there are some books that have remained burned in my childhood memories. Books that I hope will carry on from generation to generation; each child in my family hopefully feeling the same thing about these stories as I did. The Berenstain Bears series decorated my book shelves and the lives and lessons of the characters danced through my mind.

Mama, Papa, brother and sister bears lives jotted down through the lyrical rhymes of the author. Each book providing valuable lessons to the readers. I remember reading about stranger danger, the dentist, lying, manners, watching too much television, cleaning, fighting…essentially anything you can think of that can apply to children.

There are hundreds of thousands of children’s books out there. Each and every day, there appear to be more and more released. Sifting through each to find those to purchase for your collection or to add to someone else’s, can be a challenge in and of itself. Given the sheer magnitude of books, I rely on word of mouth and reviews of new ones to guide me.

With that being said, I personally recommend the Berenstain Bears books; currently there are over 300 titles to choose from, allowing you to pick those that seem most pressing to your family. These books teach lessons and through their bear characters, decrease fears surrounding various scary topics (ie. The dentist). Books are for entertainment, yet our children learning lessons along the way, is far more important. What better than to combine entertainment with lessons children can take with them.

The Lorax

Dr. Suess has been in my heart and on my bookshelves for years. Green Eggs and Ham will always hold a special place in my childhood memories. The books are clever, unique and often a little strange – yet that oddness tends to be one of the best ways to hold the readers’ attention. Recently, the television is inundated with previews of the Dr. Suess Lorax movie. The characters have snuck into The Voice commercials, childrens’ store, etc.

Given the popularity and excitement surrounding the movie, I looked into the book – for me, books have a tendency to always be a bit better than the movie. The Lorax by Dr. Suess, is a great children’s book – filled with the usual lyrical banter of the characters and a childrens’ level explanation of pollution, the effects we have on Mother Earth, and the role we each play in making the world a better place.

For anyone with children, reality is, seeking books that have a meaning and an overall lesson can be a challenge. Yet, these books seem to be the best fit – occupy my child’s time, allow them to continue practicing their reading skills, and get them to learn something along the way. Dr. Suess captures all of these things within the letters of each word in this book.

Enjoy the movie…I have faith that it will be great. But take a moment, sit down with your children, read the story through the lines of the characters, and teach them not only the value of reading, but also the importance of the lesson Dr. Suess is conveying.

Dr. Suess - The Lorax

All Things Fancy

Everyone enjoys a little fancy in their lives – whether that involves a nice dinner, a great piece of art, our well kept china that only comes out for special occasions…even a good book. For children, a lot of the world is fancy. They are often mesmerized by simple things…things that most of us overlook. They are constantly learning various aspects of the world. Learning skills, words, colors, and the general workings of the world itself.

An author of childrens’ books has captured the art of fancy – utilizing words and the life of a young girl to teach children about all things “fancy”. Fancy Nancy, written by Jane O’Connor details (in various books), the life of Nancy, who believes her family lead a dull life. She in turn, leads the complete opposite. Nancy spends her days using big, fancy words – dressing in fancy outfits – having fancy meals and tea parties. Crowns, boas and gowns dance across the pages. Words like “bonjour” and “exquisite” flow through the literary chatter of Nancy herself.

There are numerous Fancy Nancy books that have been written, so you have quite the selection to choose from. My niece loves these books, as I am certain many children would agree. She is like a mini version of Nancy – a young child enthralled by tiaras, tutu’s, jewelry, all things pink, and just about anything she can use to dress up as something/someone else. The best thing about these books, is simply their ability to teach. Their ability to teach fancy things – fancy words and how to accurately swing them into a child’s vocabulary. The tactful and unique manner in which the author has written these books, makes for, not only a fun read for or with your child, but also an educational experience for the both of you.

Three Is Not A Crowd

"This book stirred up quite the debate, given that the two penguins featured, are male penguins."

And Tango Makes Three is a children’s book written a few years ago; not necessarily a book that everyone may know about, but a book worth reading, none the less. Written by Peter Parnell and Justin Richardson, this book features a story about the life of two penguins – living in the Central Park Zoo in New York. The interesting component to this book, is that it is based upon a true story – the life of these two penguins and their journey once given an egg to raise.

This book stirred up quite the debate, given that the two penguins featured, are male penguins. The debate stemmed from the on-going controversy regarding homosexuality, gay marriage, same sex couples and adoption.

Reality is, this is a story that simply explores these animals ability to hatch an egg and raise it. Yes, there are two male penguins, but the book isn’t necessarily a podium for gay rights. Research of the behaviors of these animals in the zoo, showed that they did not engage in sexual behaviors – and did demonstrate heterosexual behaviors, yet the two seemed to have bonded and actually attempted to hatch a rock – that they believed was their egg. It is a heartwarming story showing the nurturing impact of animals.

It is often sad that such undertones are assumed and things cannot simply be a genuine story. However, if you must roll with the notion that this book was designed to promote homosexuality, it may be wise to remember that children all over the world are going to experience this in their lives – they will encounter individuals who are gay, straight, curious, etc. This book may offer an easy means of explaining these concepts to your children. If you are not captured by the controversy, this book is an enjoyable read…a loving story and one that most children are likely to enjoy.

Llamapalooza

When most children begin learning about animals, they often are taught about cats, dogs, lions, bears, birds, and elephants. There are books and toys that show pictures of all of these animals. They help children learn what each looks like…the sounds they make…where they live. We all know the world is filled with animals, the popular, unpopular, ugly, cute, aggressive and nurturing. Yet, not all of those animals make the cut – so many interesting animals remain in the shadows, waiting for someone to bring them to life…to tell their story.

An amazing author has done just that. Anna Dewdney has managed to tap into an animal who has sat on the sidelines for a substantial amount of time. The llama. Ironically, I have always loved llamas – their odd nature and even stranger appearance, drew them close to my heart. So, when the Llama Llama series surfaced, I couldn’t have been happier.

Llama llama books have been a hit since they hit the shelves. The thing is, the way the books are written are creative and engaging, and I can only imagine that children enjoy them just as much as I do. Llama llama red pajama, llama llama mad at mama, llama llama misses mama, llama llama holiday drama and llama llama home with mama are the five books so far in this llama series.

Essentially, each story involves the same little llama, his mother and their day to day adventures. It is written in rhyme, is simple enough for children to understand, and its clever humor is woven throughout the pages. Each book also has a general lesson, which is captured by the end.

The books are suited for children two and up and I personally own each and recommend a trip to your nearest book store to nab them for your family.