Top Ten Tuesday:
Top Ten (favorite) Picture Books:

1. Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle

   I love a lot of Eric Carle's books but this one is my absolute favorite. The illustrations, concepts (days of the week, fruits and lifecycle of a caterpillar) are all very well done. Whenever I use this book in storytime, children love to mention the amount of fruit the caterpillar eats every day. I love to see their joy and excitement when I read this book to them.

2. Chrysanthemum by Kevin Henkes

  This is an adorable picture book about teasing, that is done in a very non-didatic manner. His adorable mouse character, Chrysanthemum gets teased about her name. The ending (no spoilers here) is very fitting and fun.

3. Froggy Series by Jonathan London

  These cute picture books feature a boy frog named of course, Froggy. Froggy is depicted in all sorts of situations such as: going out to dinner, going on vacation, going to the doctor and many more. I love the humor featured in these books.

4. Napping House by Audrey Wood

  This sweet but simple story is one of the best cumulative stories I know. It is fun to use in storytime, because the children love to tell me which animal goes on the bed next. The illustrations are also very adorable too and has a funny ending.

5. Nana Upstairs, Nana Downstairs by Tomie DePaola

  This bittersweet picture book features a boy and his relationship with his grandmother and great grandmother. This book is very touching and reminds me of the great relationship I had with my grandmother.

6. Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats

  This simple but wonderfully illustrated picture book features a young boy enjoying a fun winter day. Through this story, you cannot help but want to be part of his journey and remember your own times as a child enjoying the winter.

7. Lunch by Denise Fleming

  I love the illustrations in this book. This basic but creative book is a great fit for storytime. Children will love to participate and mention the fruits depicted in this book.

8.  The Keeping Quilt by Patricia Polacco

 This moving picture book about family and traditions reminded me a little of my family, who were also Eastern European Jewish immigrants. I love how the quilt brought the family together.

9. Library Mouse by Daniel Kirk

 This sweet book features an adorable mouse who loves books and writing. His stories intrigue the children and his terrific idea encourages the children to write their own books.

10. Harold and the Purple Crayon

 This is a great story about a boy's imagination. I love all of Harold's creations with his "magical crayon".

Next week will feature chapter books for older elementary school children.