Recently, I asked my friends and family for some advice. I asked them to send me ideas for books to read to my son. He's three-and-a-half, and he loves reading. A lot. As a former English teacher, one might think I would be thrilled about his love of literature, and I am. What I am not thrilled with is the titanic collection of mindless dribble I find in bookstores. The bookstore shelves are so frustratingly crammed full of lackluster texts for tots that it is nearly impossible to find the few pearls. Scan the list below for the generous suggestions and comments from parents in the know, as well as a few gems I've managed to cull from the crowded bookstore shelves.
Title: I Can Do It By Myself
Publisher: Western Publishing Company-A Golden Sturdy Book
I think all parents can relate to hearing these words. If you haven't heard them yet, you will soon. My super cool aunt raves about this book. She says it was one of our favorites when we were small, and now she reads it to our children. It's really simple to read and nicely illustrated.
2. Title: Amazing Grace
Author: Mary Hoffman and Caroline Binch
Publisher: Dial Books for Young Readers
This story about acceptance and confidence reveals a little girl who wants to play Peter Pan in her school play. One of her classmates says she can't because of her skin color. The little girl's grandmother then takes her on a journey and shows her the first African American prima ballerina in Swan Lake.
Title: I Can Do It By Myself
Publisher: Western Publishing Company-A Golden Sturdy Book
I think all parents can relate to hearing these words. If you haven't heard them yet, you will soon. My super cool aunt raves about this book. She says it was one of our favorites when we were small, and now she reads it to our children. It's really simple to read and nicely illustrated.
2. Title: Amazing Grace
Author: Mary Hoffman and Caroline Binch
Publisher: Dial Books for Young Readers
This story about acceptance and confidence reveals a little girl who wants to play Peter Pan in her school play. One of her classmates says she can't because of her skin color. The little girl's grandmother then takes her on a journey and shows her the first African American prima ballerina in Swan Lake.