Little Books with Big Ideas

My dear friend Nancy invited me to teach a class with her on "Creating a positive atmosphere for learning". She taught us to teach our children Grace. She also shared great games, toys, and activities for families. I got to talk about my favorite thing ever---Children's Literature. We loaded our room with books and games. We had balloons and I shared the book "Harvey Potter's Balloon Farm". It's always fun to share what you love. Below some Pics of all our fun.
Did you have a favorite picture book as a child? What was it? How about a chapter book?

One of my Favorite books was "A Tree is Nice" by Janice May. I also loved all of the Laura Ingalls Wilder Little House Series.

Let me know your favorite.

I gave out this article from BYU Magazine that is one I have saved since 2003 because I thought it was so good.

This is a list I shared with the class of some of my personal favorites:

CHILDREN’S LITERATURE - - A FEW FAVORITES
Books that teach life lessons and values

ARTHUR WRITES A STORY , Marc Brown
Arthur learns the hard way that his own story is best.
DR. DOG, Babette Cole
Learn good hygiene habits, while you laugh out loud.
HARVEY POTTERS BALLOON FARM, Jerdine Nolen
An enchanting tale, with unforgettable characters that will lift your spirits off the ground
HECKEDY PEG, by Audrey Wood
A Mothers knowledge of her children saves them.
GIVING THANKS, Jonthan London
A boy's father celebrates the interconnectedness of the natural world through his daily words of thanks
IVA DUNNIT AND THE BIG WIND, Carol Purdy
A rollicking good tale that is a must have for anyone living in windy Etiwanda.
I LOVE YOU AS MUCH, Laura Krauss Melmex
Celebrate the love between mothers and children with this gentle picture-book lullaby.
KNOTS ON A COUNTING ROPE, Bill Martin jr. and John Archambault
A Native American grandfather tells a blind boy the inspirational story of the child's birth. A rich tale of intergenerational love and respect.
LILLY’S PURPLE PLATIC PURSE, Kevin Henkes,
Lilly gets into trouble at her favorite place, school.
MISS RUMPHIUS, Barbara Cooney
A story about making the world a more beautiful place.
MONEY TREE , Sarah Stewart
People flock to Miss McGillicuddy’s tree to pick off money. What is meaningful in life?
PIGGIE PIE, Margie Palatini
Gritch the Witch can’t find any pigs for her pie on Old MacDonalds farm.
TAR BEACH, Faith Ringgold
A young girl dreams of flying above her Harlem home, claiming all she sees for herself and her family. Based on the author's quilt painting of the same name.
TELL ME ABOUT THE NIGHT I WAS BORN, Jamie Lee Curtis
It’s the best story a parent can tell a child.
TIKI TIKI TEMBO, Arlene Mosel
When your calling for help, a short name is better than a long one.
THE LIBRARY , Sarah Stewart
Beautifully captures the personality of a true reader.
THE MAN WHO WALKED BETWEEN THE TOWERS, Mordicai Gerstein
Read the history, adventure, and breathtaking homage to extraordinary buildings and a remarkable man.
THE NAPPING HOUSE, Audry Wood
A snoozing granny, a wakeful flea, and a big commotion.
THE SNOWY DAY, Ezra Jack Keats
A boy explores the city on a snowy day.
WE’RE GOING ON A BEAR HUNT, Michael Rosen
A fantastic read-aloud romp of a family bear hunt. Was it real or imagined?
WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE, Maurice Sendak
Sent to bed without supper, Max sails to the land of wild things
WILFRID GORDON MCDONALD PARTRIDGE, Mem Fox
A small boy tries to discover the meaning of "memory" so he can restore that of an elderly friend.