Charity Anderson knows a thing or two about books. Every night before she tucks her 14-month old son into bed, she reads him a book; or two, or three. Here are Charity's top five suggestions for children's books for kids of all ages.
1. One Crazy Summer by Rita Williams-Garcia. In this beautiful historical novel, eleven-year old Delphine leaves her home in Brooklyn to visit her mother in Oakland for the summer of 1968. Instead of staying at home, Delphine's mother sends her and her sisters to a mysterious summer camp run by a group called the Black Panthers. Set in one of the most pivotal years of American history, this funny and thought-provoking novel takes readers into the life of a young girl searching for identity. This book won the Coretta Scott King Award, Scott O'Dell Award for Historical Fiction and the Newberry Honor.
2. My Lucky Day by Keiko Kasza. A cute little pig accidentally knocks on the wrong house; the house of Mr. Fox. Delighted, Mr. Fox invites the piglet into his house to bathe him, feed him and prepare him for dinner! This adorable tale is perfect for younger kids looking for a good laugh.
3. When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead. Set in New York City in 1979, this story follows the life and thoughts of sixth-grader Miranda as she faces separation from her best friend Sal. Miranda begins to receive mysterious notes offering to save her life and seem to know her future. She begins to investigate these notes and starts to see a connection between the notes and the book she is reading about time travel in A Wrinkle in Time.
4. I Love You Stinky Face by Lisa McCourt. This adorable and heartwarming book is perfect for a mother tucking in her child. In this book, the inquisitive son asks his mother if she will still love him if he is a ferocious ape, or a smelly skunk, or a meat-eating dinosaur. It has beautifully drawn illustrations that ignite any child's imagination.
5. Pete the Cat by Eric Litwin. Pete the Cat is outfitted in some bright white shoes, which he loves. He struts around town singing about how much he adores his white shoes until he steps in some strawberries that stain his shoes red. Instead of getting discouraged, Pete victoriously sings about his new red shoes. This book is one of Charity's favorite picture books of the year.
Most of these books are on shelves in the Healdsburg Library, but if they are checked out, you can always get on the list to be contacted when they come in. Happy reading!
