This is going to be the book I will be reading to my preschoolers each night for many nights. We did have a similar collection but it is so well read it is starting to fall apart. This book has been better made than the previous one I bought. Although the selection is smaller, it includes 12 classic picture books, I think I love a far greater number of them. Not only will this book serve as an excellent read aloud, it will be used  for my beginning readers. The stories will be familiar to them but that makes reading more encouraging: They know what those hard words are. They are delighted when they can work out some of the words themselves.

” Caps for sale, 50c a cap!”

As you can guess this is an old book, you certainly can’t buy a cap for 50c and I have not seen a peddler! It was published in 1938.  But it is certainly worth including in your children’s library.

“This easy-to-read story about a peddler and a band of mischievous monkeys is filled with warmth, humor, and simplicity.” Our children enjoy reading about the peddler’s efforts to outwit the monkeys who steal his caps while he sleeps. It has clever use of repetition and action in the story so appeals to both toddlers and those learning to read.

A board book is also available from Fishpond: This books will appeal to a wide variety of ages : the very young 2 years and up, will enjoy the moneys. Mum or Dad can  provide  actions to this lovely story!

A board book edition means little hands can enjoy the book again and again
Copies in Auckland Libraries

Leo Lionni wrote and illustrated more than 40  children’s books. He won the   Caldecott Honor prize four times for  Inch by Inch, Frederick, Swimmy, and Alexander and the Wind-Up Mouse.

An Extraordinary Egg is one of our favourites. The illustrations are charming, the story is humourous, imaginative and memorable. What makes it memorable for my children is that they feel so very clever ( which of course I think they are!) for catching the characters in their mistakes. I love watching them discover the joke for themselves. Perfect for 5-6 years olds I think.

Many of his books are available from Auckland Library.

We have also enjoyed Alexander and the wind-up mouse , Frederick , Mr. McMouse, Swimmy and
Theodore and the talking mushroom. (Theodore and the talking mushroom was not understood by  my youngest son (4years)  but appreciated by 6 year old and up because it deals with belonging and wanting others respect you) .

The book is not specifically Christian but it reminded me of Psalm 8: What is man that You are mindful of him?

It is beautifully illustrated in watercolours and makes a lovely picture book to read together (quietly) perhaps before bed.

Auckland Libraries link here

Don’t you love having a race to see who  can spot Lowly the worm  first?

I think the fact they have been translated into 30 languages, made into movies and sold over 300 million copies speaks for itself.

The books can be found at the Auckland Libraries

and at the National Library

Click on the picture to be taken to the Book Depository.

Here is the link for the series  books at the Auckland Libraries

Click on the image to buy it from the Book Depository

The world economy is a heavy topic but this book isn’t heavy: It is great fun! It teaches children what a million is, and I think does in a very clever, creative way.

Here is the link for the books at the Auckland Libraries

Click on the image to buy it Fishpond.