The 5 Best Written Children's Books
(For Kids 6 months to 18 months)
A list based purely on writing. Forthcoming lists* include "Best Illustrated Children's Books," "Best Story," "Most Catchy" "Best Children's Books For Parent's," "5 Books My Kid Loves That I Can't Stand," and more!
Dr. Seuss books are excluded from this list, because they are on another level. Another level they're on.**
Basically these are the best written board books out there. If you have a 6 month old baby, get them. You'll be reading them for at least a year. They also make great gifts.
1. LITTLE BLUE TRUCK - Alice Schertle and Jill McElmurry
Like good poetry, its rhymes feel natural and effortless, with each line moving the story along to its inevitable, rewarding conclusion.
Like good poetry, its rhymes feel natural and effortless, with each line moving the story along to its inevitable, rewarding conclusion.
2. THE GOING TO BED BOOK - Sandra Boynton
Sandra Boyton is, dare I say, the modern master of board books for babies. With this one, Boynton has created a slow and gentle rhyme that goes through the bedtime routine. In other words, it's the perfect book for going to bed. Thus, she gets bonus points for aptly naming her book as well.
Sandra Boyton is, dare I say, the modern master of board books for babies. With this one, Boynton has created a slow and gentle rhyme that goes through the bedtime routine. In other words, it's the perfect book for going to bed. Thus, she gets bonus points for aptly naming her book as well.
3. BIG RED BARN - Margaret Wise Brown and Felicia Bond
New Mom loves this book and considers Brown a true poet. New Dad on the other hand, thought it was a little slow at first, but after eight or ten readings, oh yeah, I see what she means now. Really, it's a good one.
4. BEAR SNORES ON - Karma Wilson & Jane Chapman
Great rhyming in a cute story, with clever lines you'll find yourself repeating throughout the day. ("We can pop more corn, we can brew more tea!") Especially if you're sleep deprived. (Who is typing these words?)
New Mom loves this book and considers Brown a true poet. New Dad on the other hand, thought it was a little slow at first, but after eight or ten readings, oh yeah, I see what she means now. Really, it's a good one.
4. BEAR SNORES ON - Karma Wilson & Jane Chapman
Great rhyming in a cute story, with clever lines you'll find yourself repeating throughout the day. ("We can pop more corn, we can brew more tea!") Especially if you're sleep deprived. (Who is typing these words?)
5. GOODNIGHT MOON - Margaret Wise Brown and Clement Hurd
Yes, another Margaret Wise Brown book. Did I mention New Mom considers her a great poet?
At first rereading of this classic, New Mom and I felt we had been duped. Is this all there is to GOODNIGHT MOON? One room, with descriptions of each item in the room?
After dozens of readings late at night, during the day, and any time baby boy was in the mood, we came to appreciate its well-crafted simplicity.
I mean, creating a classic by essentially describing what's in one room? Now THAT takes some writing skills.
Seriously.
Yes, another Margaret Wise Brown book. Did I mention New Mom considers her a great poet?
At first rereading of this classic, New Mom and I felt we had been duped. Is this all there is to GOODNIGHT MOON? One room, with descriptions of each item in the room?
After dozens of readings late at night, during the day, and any time baby boy was in the mood, we came to appreciate its well-crafted simplicity.
I mean, creating a classic by essentially describing what's in one room? Now THAT takes some writing skills.
Seriously.
-ND
P.S. Hope that list helps you get started - or fill in some gaps - with your children's book collection. Of course, there are many books that nearly made the list, and so many great baby books out there. There really are more "Best Of" lists in the works, but if you can't wait that long, drop me a line or comment. I'm alway up for discussing kids' books. Always.
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* The meaning of "forthcoming" should not be interpreted as if progress has been made in the creation of such lists, but in the sense that the titles of these list have been written in italics at the top of a blog post.
** Sorry. Turns out, it is NOT EASY to write like Seuss. That's why he's the master. Buy all his books for your kids today. Seriously.
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