Kids' Books: Six New Classics

If you've ever read a book to a kid, you know how the favorites get into rotation and how difficult it can be to break in something new.  However, for the love of every person who is tired of reading Green Eggs & Ham for the gazillionth time, here are some new books that will stand the test of time AND repetition.  As I wrote before, I like these books because of they provide a great tool for discussing our values with our kids. If you're not familiar with the work of Saxton Freymann & Joost Elffers, put How Are You Peeling on your short list of purchases to make.  This picture book shows foods that are given emotions such as jealousy, shyness, and loneliness.

I love Not A Box by Antoinette Portis because of how it encourages creative thinking.

Emily's Balloon by Komako Sakai is a beautifully illustrated book perfectly designed for younger kids to talk about imagination, friendship, and loss.   I don't think there's a sweeter, more beautiful book on our kids' shelves.

If you're familiar with Knufflebunny or any of the Elephant & Piggie books, you've seen the work of Mo Willems.  My kids dig all of his work, but the Pigeon series is a particular favorite.  I like reading them because they give me fodder for talking about making wise decisions and understanding how disobedience and consequences are linked.

Max's Words by Katie Banks is a wonderful story because it illustrates the fun you can have with words and provides material for the importance of sharing.

Speaking of sharing, Duck & Goose by Tad Hills is a fantastic story about a couple of fowl "enemies" who learn how to accept each other and find common values.

As with my post last week on forgotten classics, this isn't a thorough list, but it will add some extra spice to your reading rotation.

What am I missing?!  Let me know!