I’ve just started a class on library materials for children, and it has me recalling a few children’s books I’ve enjoyed. You’re welcome to share your recommendations below!
1. One of my favorite books as a child was Robert Lopshire’s Put Me in the Zoo, which my grandma would read to us in her house by the river. I liked how the leopard changed his spots, and felt sad for how much he wanted to be a zoo creature… until a few children give him a better suggestion!
2. And one of my favorite children’s books is Patricia Wrede’s Dealing with Dragons. More for older elementary school students, it’s a story about a princess who runs away from the princes to work as a dragon’s assistant, and focuses on great relationships between the princess, her wry and sarcastic dragon, and a helpful witch. It’s fun, lighthearted, and there are four books in the series.
3. Finally, I’ve recently read The Cazuela That the Farm Maiden Stirred, a winner of the Belpre Award for Hispanic books. Rafael Lopez creates intense and vibrant illustrations for a story about a farm girl gathering the ingredients for rice pudding, with her animal friends. The illustrations are the best thing about the book, but the bilingual words are great as well.