I attack library holds with a vigor known only by frugal book lovers. Our family has three library cards (soon to be five!) and collectively, at this moment, we have 103 books checked out and 76 holds ready for pick up! I'm continually amazed at just how many picture books there are in the world and experience a childlike joy in discovering new favorites.
The Seattle Public Library system is the number one way I discover and vet children's books. While there's always a batch that I read once and quickly place in the "meh" bag, ready to return, other books are delightfully flipped through again and again. Every October I like to celebrate another year of parenting by sharing our top reads from the past year. Here's our top 40, selected for their captivating illustrations, re-readability, stories, vocabulary, creativity, and feel-good vibe. These are the ones I'd want to check out again and potentially own :)
Illustrations Only
Anno's Counting Book by Mitsumasa Anno
I is for Immigrants by Selina Alko
One Little Bag by Henry Cole
Sunshine by Jan Ormerod
Best of the Best: Professional Crocodile by Giovanna Zoboli
Playful Fiction
How to Make an Apple Pie and See the World by Marjorie Priceman
Love Is by Diane Adams
Boom Snot Twitty books by Doreen Cronin
Molly & Mae by Danny Parker & Freya Blackwood
Your House My House by Marianne Dubuc
The Two Mutch Sisters by Carol Brendler
A Sick Day for Amos McGee by Philip C. Stead
Best of the Best: The Uncorker of Ocean Bottles by Michelle Cuevas
Construction & Trucks
Construction books by Sally Sutton
Five Trucks by Brian Floca
Little Excavator by Anna Dewdney
Best of the Best: The 'Amazing Machines' Series by Quinn M. Arnold
A Summery Sunday Morning by Margaret Mahy
From Ed's To Ned's by Gideon Sterer
Harry McLairy's Series by Lynley Dodd
Mr. Pumpkin's Tea Party by Erin Barker
The Sun Shines Everywhere by Mary Ann Hoberman
There was an Old Dragon who swallowed a Knight by Penny Parker Klostermann
Best of the Best: One Fox A Counting Book Thriller by Kate Read
Classics
Caps for Sale by Esphyr Slobodkina
Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel and Katy and the Big Snow by Virginia Lee Burton
Ox-Cart Man by Donald Hall
The Napping House by Audrey Wood
Best of the Best: The Tale of Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter
Whimsical or Strong Vocabulary
Rain Makes Applesauce by Julian Scheer
Some Smug Slug by Pamela Duncan Edwards
The Man From the Land of Fandango by Margaret Mahy
When the Sky is Like Lace by Elinor Lander Horwitz
Best of the Best: Bubble Trouble by Margaret Mahy
Favorite Favorites
Are Your Stars Like My Stars? by Leslie Helakoski
Busy Builders, Busy Week! by Jean Reidy
Mr. Postmouse's Rounds and Mr. Postmouse Takes a Trip by Marinanne Dubuc
Pirate Nell's Tale to Tell by Helen and Thomas Docherty
The Three Little Pigs by Bernadette Watts
William's Winter Nap by Linda Ashman
My Top Pick of the year:
Maudie and Bear by Jan Ormerod
Mr. Fleece's Top Pick of the year:
Stone Soup by Marcia Brown
NLW's Top Pick of the year:
Frog and Toad Series by Arnold Lobel
EDW's and CCW's Pick of the Year:
Jungle Animals by Xavier Deneux
Family Runners-Up:
The Tale of Custard the Dragon by Ogden Nash and The Three Billy Goats Gruff by Jerry Pinkney
I read with my children for the shared enjoyment, togetherness, learning opportunities, language acquisition, expanded vocabulary, and to pass the time!
We have a lot of favorites,
- SJW
You can find favorites from 2020 here:
