Considering I was a child up until about three months ago, I have decided to do my favorite books pre-middle school. I was an avid reader. In fact, my favorite thing to do with my dad was go to Barnes and Noble and hang out in the kids section. For years our Wednesday night was filled with books and Starbucks. Now, even though I do not has as much time for books, I still love to walk around B&N for hours. So, here are my ten favorite books from my childhood:
1. The Magic Tree House
Even though this was not my first chapter book, it was my first major series. I loved to sit and read the books which took me to far away places and times. I remember falling in love with Italy shortly after the series’ Renaissance book. I attribute most of my love for history from these books. They are definitely a good read for any young kid trying to make the transition from short chapter books to longer chapter books.
2. Twilight
Okay, so I know this book was meant for teens and moms looking for that thrill, but this was my first young adult series book. I remember reading these books over and over again, sometimes way into the next day. My mom actually had to ground me from books several times while I was reading this because I would hide under my covers past bedtime and read them. I know, total nerd problems, but the struggle was so real.
3. Chicka Chicka Boom Boom
So if you never read this book when you were little, I am not really sure how you learned the alphabet (joke). This book offered bright pictures and a funny story to go with the letters I was learning at the time, so it was awesome! Even after I mastered the alphabet, I still read the book because I loved it so much. Definitely a good buy for your favorite pre-k student.
4. If You Give a Mouse a Cookie
We cannot be friends if you did not like this book because who does not love a cute mouse in overalls eating a cookie. Out of all of the spin-offs this one is proof that the OG is the best. This super cute book is great for all of those little animal or cookie lovers.
5. Where the Wild Things Are
This book had to be included because it was so awesome, there was a movie made out of it. I have to admit, I loved it so much that I had the Max plush toy. I was always taught to think outside of the box and what book better illustrates this than Where the Wild Things Are. Young Max escapes his reality to a world where he can be as bad as he wants, but then he realizes he has to go home. This book taught me to push the limits of my imagination, so that is why I would recommend it.
6. Good Night Moon
Most of these books on this list can be read to most kids in elementary school, but this oldie but goodie does not fall under that category. Its playful rhyme scheme and repetitive phasing is perfect for your favorite little kid at bedtime. I know that I loved the book so much I had two copies of it; one hard copy from when I was younger and one paper copy from when I was a little older.
7. Stella Luna
I am from Austin, so bats are a big thing here. This book was perfect because it was from a relatable view of a cute little bat growing up. Also, it was my mom's favorite book to read me as a kid, so it definitely has a special place in my heart because of that.
8. The Mitten
I put this book on this list because of the beautiful artwork it had. I loved that on every page that along with the main illustration there was also a side tapestry like design. I loved reading all of the Jan Brett books because of this. This book is prefect for your little animal lover or artist!
9. Olivia
This was another one of my mom's favorites. We read the entire series and do even to this day. This book is great for your growing daughter.
10. Guess How Much I Love You
I'm ending this list with a book that pulls at your heart strings. This super cute book tells the story of a baby rabbit and a momma rabbit. The baby rabbit wants to know how much his mother loves him and the momma decides to show him just how much. My mom loved reading this to me just as much as I loved her reading it. This book is perfect for the young child you love the most in this world.
I am proud that books were such a big part of my childhood. Books gave me solace, joy, and sadness, but I am forever grateful for those things. Please read to a child in your life, it could mean the world to them.
