This post is about the makers - the writers and artists - who make Kids' books.
As I sit here organizing my thoughts about the Maker Faire, I am also thinking about kids' books. I'm not sure exactly why, but I'd like to list a few of them for you. These are books that have been loved in our family. Read and re-read many times. A few of them are my personal favorites and did not make it to the family favorite list... I think I just got to them too late. I'm sure if I think longer, I will come up with many more... The order does not imply priority.
Where the Wild Things Are by the late Maurice Sendak
I was introduced to this book by a college roommate. I loved the characters so much that, I became Max and made mischief with Moishe one Halloween night. It was one of the first books that my son received and read it aloud so many times that I could recite the words to much of the story.
Mouse Paint by Ellen Stoll Walsh
This is a very early reader's book that is about the accidental mixing of color by some curious mice. Conveniently, there were three mice and three members of our family. I was the yellow mouse that fell headfirst into the pot of paint. I have fond memories of my son and I giggling together every time we read this book.
Parts by Tedd Arnold
This is a hilarous book about a kid who doesn't understand that boogers SHOULD leave the body. How paranoid can a kid be? Read it and see!
Note: There is a second book, More Parts that is just as funny!
Halloween! by Jerry Seinfeld
Whaddaya mean EVERYONE IS JUST GIVING OUT CANDY? This book is pure Jerry Seinfeld, on a topic that is dear to every kid's heart. Definitely on our top reads as a family. The funny thing? We read it all year long!
A Fish Out of Water by Helen Palmer, Illustrated by P.D. Eastman
Now see what happens when you don't follow instructions! Goldfish, when fed too much will grow and grow! I loved this book as a child, but remembered to get it too late for it to be appreciated by the whole family.
A Pocket for Corduroy by Don Freeman
Corduroy is such a sweet little bear, and he has the most touching goal in life of acquiring himself... a pocket! You see... he doesn't have one, and everyone needs a pocket! A well loved family favorite!
Are You My Mother by P. D. Eastman
A little birdie, lost his mom, trying to find someone to call mommy. Not discerning of species or shape or color or size. It just tears your heart out, doesn't it? A little one, just wanting to have someone to take care of him, to love him, desperately seeking his mommy.
The 500 Hats of Bartholomew Cubbins Dr. Seuss
I confess, this is one of my favorites that I again got too late for it to be a favorite family read. It's still on my top 10. Bartholomew Cubbins is in trouble because he can't take his hat off for the King. Every time one is knocked off, another, more beautiful than the last, takes its' place!
A Very Hairy Scary Story by Rick Walton and David H. Clark
Going home late at night, Sarah encounters all sorts of scary shadows. Readers can walk with Sarah night after night in this book, being scared then relieved. Often requested in our home.
Mars Needs Moms by Berkley Breathed
This made a nice Mother's Day gift for me one year. A mom, abducted by aliens from Mars, because there are no mothers on Mars! Which mom wouldn't like a story about moms being appreciated?
Trish writes as for Patch and as Handmade Penguin for the Handmade Penguin blog
