I do a lot of reading with the kids. We currently have three huge stacks of books around the house: in the kids’ room, in my room, and in the family room. And the piles are getting bigger! Over the summer we went to the library twice a week, and while I always told the kids that they can choose two books each, they always convinced me to get a few more, and I was always finding a few that I wanted to bring home too. I adore children’s books. But, there are definitely books and authors that I love more than others. Some I just dread! Is it bad that I… hide them?

I always appreciate book recommendations because there are so many books out there. Here are a six that the kids and I have been enjoying lately.

Annie and the Wild Animals, by Jan Brett.

I love grabbing books by Jan Brett, she tells a lot of classic fairy tales from an assortment of different cultures around the world. The stories are sweet, and just the right length for both Gianna (almost 5) and Caleb (just turned 3)

Strega Nona’s Harvest, Tomie de Paola

This is my absolute favorite right now. I am passionate about gardening and I love this story about an abundant harvest and the sharing of it. The pictures are charming and the characters are endearing. We’ve been picking up other Strega Nona stories since reading this one, some of Tomie de Paola’s stories are too long, but this series is just right.

A Squash and a Squeeze, by Julia Donaldson

A silly story with a cool message about learning to be content. Julia Donaldson’s books make me laugh!

Easy Street, by Rita Gray

And this list wouldn’t be complete without a few truck books. Caleb’s default is to go straight to the “things that move” bookshelf and grab as many truck and train books that I’ll let him.

The Firefighters, by Sue Whiting

This book always finds its way back from the library into one of our stacks. It sparks a lot of imagination in the kids.

The Brambley Hedge Series, by Jill Barklem

I discovered this series through a library book recommendation list. It’s more for older 4’s and up, but Caleb enjoys them too. The books are about a little community of mice that live in trees and the illustrations are so detailed and charming.

I’d love more recommendations for books!