Favorite Toddler Books, Currently

Since we live so close to Lakeland, Charlotte and I have started spending a lot of time at the local library. I have found that Charlotte definitely has a preference for some books over others. Here are her, and my, current favorites.

1. Snuggle Puppy Sandra Boynton - This book is a lot of fun to read. It became even more fun when I found a snippet of the song this book belongs too!
2. You and Me, Baby by Lynn Reiser and Penny Gentieu - I love the cadence of this book. The words flow off the tongue and the bright pictures invite Charlotte to interact with the words.
3. Little Monster's Book of Numbers by Frances Thomas and Ross Collins - The main character is so ugly, he is cute. In the first counting book on my list, we go from 10 to 1 using interesting rhyme and bright illustrations.
   
4. Let's Be Honest by P.K. Hallinan - It is never too early to start helping our children build character. She might not understand everything I read from this book, but it is all going somewhere in her brain for me to build on in the coming months.
5. A to Z by Sandra Boynton - Yep, another Boynton book. Another mom at the library recommended her to us and I have to second that recommendation. In this book, she simply goes through the alphabet by describing animals in alliterative ways, like "iguanas itching," and "vicuna violining."
6. Sunshine On My Shoulder by John Denver, Illustrated by Christopher Canyon - I choose this book based purely on the illustrations. They are rich and light at the same time. I just want to jump into the scene every time I turn the page. You can listen to the song here if this song is before your time.
   
7. Snuggle Wuggle by Johnathan London - A nursery "lesson plan" site suggested this book and after reading it I am so glad. With Charlotte's current obsession with hugs, this book, which describes the way all sorts of animals hug, is perfect!
8. A Children's Garden of Verses by Robert Louis Stevenson - One of my favorite childhood poems is in this book, "My Shadow." The artwork that accompanies each poem is classic and simple. These verses made a couple of other board books we checked out seem lifeless and pathetic.
9. 1 is One by Tasha Tudor (abridged, board book version)- This counting book is delightful in its illustrations and simple verse. Each page, alternating between full color and black and white, is bordered with delicate flowers. I enjoy looking at the images over and over again.
10. Beach, an Usborne look and say - What I enjoyed about this book is the tabs on the edges of the page. Charlotte loves to turn the pages herself, often faster than I can get the page pulled up for her tiny fingers. Plus, the illustrations are actually photos of clay models and that is a nice change from the drawings in most children's books.
11. P. Bear's New Year's Party by Paul Owen Lewis - Another counting book. This one uses a clock to show us the numbers. We aren't ready for time telling lessons just yet, but I like the ability to show Charlotte numbers in different patterns. The words are simple... P. Bear is letting his guests in, one type at a time, "1 whale, 2 horses, 3 dairy cows," etc...
12. Hug, Hug, Hug by Emily Jenkins and Tomek Bogacki - This is a Bea and HaHa book that I don't really understand. But I get to say the word hug three times on each page. And since Charlotte loves to sign her word for hug and give hugs, I like this book by default!
13. Annie and the Wild Animals by Jan Brett - Brett does double duty on this one, taking credit for both the story and the illustrations. They are rich, inviting, and beautiful. The story was a little long for Charlotte, but there were enough things for her to look at on each page that we made it through this one several times.

What is your favorite book for toddlers? Would you suggest something for me to add to our library list?

Submitted to Thursday Thirteen.

The winner of last week's Yoplait Kids giveaway is Seesawstar @ My Precious Pennies.