A few of the toddler books we love

Living with a toddler who loves for us to read her books (repeatedly) inspired thoughts of a post about terrible toddler books.  Terrible in the sense that we cringe whenever the two-year-old thrusts one of these noxious volumes in our direction with an expectant look on her face. That post is coming, but so as not to appear to be cranky 100 percent of the time, I determined to deconstruct the genre to note the differences between good toddler books and, well, the less good. Up front you should know I’m looking at this from the perspective of the adult who reads the book to the toddler and my criteria may be highly subjective. I'm OK with that.  And yes, I agree that any book that holds a kids' interest has some redeeming qualities. But a good toddler book should share elements common to any good book: compelling plot, crisp writing, evocative language, suspense, interesting characters. And illustrations that allow pre-readers to follow the story while also causing pointing and delighted squealing.  After consulting with the toddler in the house, here are a few of our favorites (with author and illustrator):

Penny and Pup/Linda Jennings & Jane Chapman. Both toddlers who are passing or have passed through this house have loved this book about Penny and her new stuffed friend, Pup.  When Pup becomes lost while exploring under a shed that smells of mice and old bones, Penny discovers a new group of non-stuffed friends.  Spoiler alert: before the story ends, Penny and her new friends actually find Pup.  Did not see that coming.

Hippos Go Berserk/Sandra Boynton. Short, snappy, and lots of fun.  All Ms. Boynton's books are favorites in our house.

Green Eggs and Ham, Dr. Seuss.  We are confused by the title: is it green eggs and green ham, or green eggs and regular ham?  But everybody in the house from toddler to nine-year-old to grumpy old parents love Dr. Seuss.  Green Eggs and Ham just happens to be the Seuss flavor of the moment.

  

The Potty Train/David Hochman.  It helped. Enough said.

We're Going on a Bear Hunt/Michael Rosen & Helen Oxenbury. It's catchy with lots of silly words that are fun for kids to say, i.e., "squelch squerch" as the intrepid family slogs through the oozy mud.  The family in the story also confronts a bear in its cave and then races for its life.  Spoiler alert: they survive. Barely.

Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What do You See?/Bill Martin Jr. & Eric Carle. A classic.  The book at our house is tattered at it appears that someone has chewed on one of the corners. 

Chicka Chicka ABC/Bill Martin Jr., John Archambault & Lois Ehlert.  A lively climb through the alphabet jungle with a grand finale.

RCM