Kiddy Litter

I Just Forgot (A Little Critter Book) By Mercer Mayer

Little Critter is trying hard to do all the things he's supposed to do and trying hard to do them right.  But, sometimes little critters just forget!  He gets it almost right over and over, like when he remembers to take a bath, but forgets to use soap.  Kids will relate to Little Critter's forgetfulness and parents will feel like maybe their little one isn't the only one of his kind.  The entire Little Critter series is worth a look.  Full of great illustrations that kids love with lots of little details and creatures to spot.

There Is a Bird on Your Head! (An Elephant and Piggie Book) By Mo Willems

Elephant and Piggie are besties!  They have lots of different adventures together.  This is a fabulous series for new readers and also great for reading aloud to tots.  My 2 year old ran around the house for months saying "fly, fly, fly, fly..." after we read Today I Will Fly.  I chose There Is a Bird On Your Head! because I cannot read it without laughing out loud.  The illustrations work so well with the words to create a very definite feeling.  Elephant asks Piggie if he has a bird on his head and Piggie proceeds to narrate all that is happening on Elephant's head.  This includes the bird falling in love, building a nest, laying eggs, and then eggs hatching.  A book to make parent and child happy!

Bark, George By Jules Feiffer

We all know what a dog is supposed to say, but George seems a little confused.  His mom tries repeatedly to get her pup to bark, but instead he moos or quacks or even meows.  A trip to the vet seems to sort things out as he pulls animal after animal out of George.  The illustrations are really cute and you can watch "mom" get more and more frustrated with George.  This is a silly tale that little ones just learning their animal sounds will especially enjoy!

We're Going on a Bear Hunt By Michael Rosen

This is such a fun book to read as a family.  It's got a great rhyming rhythm.  When we read it, I read one line and then the kids repeat it.  They also love to get up and act it out as we read.  The story tells of a family going on an adventurous bear hunt.  As the obstacles appear they discuss ways to get around them.  For instance when they come to the mud, they can't go over it and can't go under it, they have to go through it.  The kids love pretended to tromp through the mud.  We have the pop-up version of this book and it adds a whole other element to the book, but even without any bells and whistles this is a great story that stands on it's own.

Tails By Matthew Van Fleet

If your little one loves the touch and feel books, this is a great choice!  Your child will be introduced to all different sorts of animals and, of course, their tails.  There are flaps to lift, different textures to feel, and tabs to move.  It quickly becomes a favorite because of how interactive it is.  The illustrations are cute and full of personality and it's written in rhyme (which means you, as the parent, will be quoting it in your sleep). 

What to Read When By Pam Allyn

I am changing things up a little today to recommend a great resource.  This book is something every reading parent should have on their shelf.  It gives great tips on how to read aloud to kids and how to help your child become a lifelong reader.  It also has a section that lists different ages and suggests books for each age as well as giving insight into what type of books are best for that age group.  And to add to all that yummy-goodness...it has a list of fifty themes and book lists to go along with all of them, such as, adoption, courage, making a mistake, sleepovers, loving history...to name a few.  It's almost as necessary as kiddylitter :).

Zoo Poo: A First Toilet Training Book By Richard Morgan

If you are in that frame of mind in which you think you might venture into the exciting world of potty training this book is a must.  Even the tiny tot crowd, that aren't quite ready for the toilet, enjoy this one.  The illustrations are bright and simple starring a nearly bald baby visiting a zoo.  The book starts with an intriguing question.  "How do you doo-doo at the zoo?"  Your kids will then get a tour of all different sorts of animal poop.  With easy phrasing and rhymes this will quickly become a favorite.  What kid wouldn't want a book all about animals and their poo!

How Do Dinosaurs Say Goodnight? By Jane Yolen

After reading this book you will be convinced that dinosaurs go to bed much easier than most children.  Dinosaurs don't roar, don't pout, don't throw their teddy bear about...no, they give their mommies and daddies kisses and whisper "goodnight".  The illustrations are brilliant and if you have a dinosaur lover in your house it is helpful to know that every page has the name of the type of dinosaur spelled out somewhere in the picture.  You can show off and act like you too are a dinosaur expert and your kids will be amazed at your superior knowledge (at least until they can read for themselves). 

The Tale of Peter Rabbit By Beatrix Potter

Let us all just admit that Beatrix Potter was a genius when it came to writing whimsical children's stories.  This is probably the most popular of all of her classics.  The tale of a bunny who disobeys his mom and goes into Mr. McGregor's garden.  He loses all his nice clothes and nearly loses more than that!  The illustrations are intriguing to children.  My kids would sit and look through her books even at very young ages transfixed by the little animals all dressed up in clothes.  And her tales teach children the value of obeying their parents and listening to the wisdom of others.  Some of our other favorites are The Tale of Benjamin Bunny, The Tale of the Flopsy Bunnies, and The Tale of Jemima Puddle-Duck.

Guess How Much I Love You By Sam McBratney

If you are looking for a sweet bedtime read reach for this story.  Little Nutbrown Hare is attempting to show how big his love is for Big Nutbrown Hare.  He stretches his arms out and says "I love you this much", but Big Nutbrown Hare does the same and his arms are much longer.  The game continues throughout the book...and, of course, this is a game in which everyone wins.  My kids adore this book and it inevitably prompts a love contest in our house.