Dear reader • NOT THAT YOU ASKED.
But since I am an advice columnist — an advice columnist, in fact, who has another grandchild on the way — I asked a group of booksellers and children’s writers to identify classic picture books every child should have on his or her shelves. A few of our combined suggestions follow.
“Where the Wild Things Are” written and illustrated by Maurice Sendak
“The night Max wore his wolf suit and made mischief of one kind and another... “ Thus begins the most perfect picture book ever written. In less than 500 words, Sendak takes his hero on a journey that allows young Max to acknowledge and ultimately tame his jungle of emotions. Seriously. Every kid should have this book. And possibly a wolf suit, too.
“Goodnight Moon” by Margaret Wise Brown, illustrated by Clement Hurd
I wasn’t familiar with this classic until I had children of my own and the first time I read it I went WHAT?! THIS IS SO LAME! But the more I read it, the more I fell under its strange hypnotic spell ... and my kids did, too.
“Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?” by Bill Martin Jr., illustrated by Eric Carle
Rhyme and repetition make this classic a lot of fun to read aloud. It’s also great for helping young children identify animals and colors. Speaking of Eric Carle, his “Very Hungry Caterpillar” is a must-have, too. Also, check out “I Went Walking” by Sue Williams, which is pretty much a shameless rip off of “Brown Bear, Brown Bear,” but the art by Julie Vivas is fabulous. (Incidentally, Vivas’ “Nativity” is my favorite Christmas picture book.)
“We’re Going on a Bear Hunt” by Michael Rosen and illustrated by Helen Oxenbury
What happens when a family goes on a bear hunt ... and actually finds a bear? Let’s just say there’s a lot of swishing and swashing and splashing and sploshing involved. If you want a book that invites children to stand up and actively participate in a story, look no further!
“The Little Mouse, the Red Ripe Strawberry and the Big Hungry Bear” by Don and Audrey Wood
Let’s say for a minute that you’re a little mouse. A mouse with a strawberry. A mouse with a strawberry that a big old scary bear wants. What are you going to do? This book will present you and yours with the perfect solution. (“The Napping House” and “King Bidgood’s in the Bathtub” by the same author and illustrator are also excellent choices.)
“Each Peach Pear Plum” by Janet and Allan Ahlberg
This gentle I-Spy book features characters from Mother Goose rhymes who are hiding (almost) in plain sight for young children to find. Enchanting!
“Ten Little Fingers and Ten Little Toes” by Mem Fox and Helen Oxenbury
This lovely book celebrates the birth of children all around the world. I give this as a baby gift every chance I get.
“The Snowy Day” written and illustrated by Ezra Jack Keats
Is there anything more magical than the season’s first snowfall when you’re young? Keats’ classic book beautifully captures a child’s sense of wonder when the world outside turns suddenly white.
“A Sick Day for Amos McGee” by Philip C. Stead, illustrated by Erin E. Stead
First published in 2011, “A Sick Day for Amos McGee” hasn’t been around for as long as the other titles mentioned. HOWEVER! This sweet-natured story about an elephant, a tortoise, a penguin, a rhinoceros and an owl who worry about their zookeeper when he misses a day of work has every sign of becoming a classic.
Oh, I could just keep on going. But I won’t. I’d love to hear about your picks, too.
Ann Cannon is The Tribune’s advice columnist. Got a question for Ann? Email her at askann@sltrib.com or visit the Ask Ann Cannon page on Facebook.
