by Ellen Carroll on March 17, 2009

Book Reviews, Pre-K, Pre-teen

With millions of kids books in print, it can be hard to choose which to add to your personal library. To make it easier, I’ve selected my favorites from a list of top books chosen by teachers. Some may be familiar and some may be new to you. Either way, they’re worth a read!

Preschoolers:
The Runaway Bunny by Margaret Wise
This story, illustrated beautifully by Clement Hurd, tells the story of a little bunny who decides he wants to run away. His mother says she’ll follow him wherever he goes, but he tries it anyway! She follows and he learns that he can’t ever hide from his mother’s love- its unending!. A sweet story for any young child.
Guess How Much I Love You by Sam McBratney
I love this book! I bought it the minute I found out I was pregnant and have read it to my boys almost every night. The illustrations are magnificent and endearing and the story still makes me melt. This wonderful story of the immeasurable love between a parent and child is touching, to say the least. Every bunny needs this one!
Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?: 40th Anniversary Edition by Bill Martin Jr., Eric Carle
This colorful, imaginative book is perfect for all toddlers! Eric Carle’s unique illustrations help to teach colors and animals in a fun new way! Simple and sweet, it’s a great book for any collection.
Corduroy (Picture Puffins) by Don Freeman
This bright covered book is a classic in so many homes! Corduroy’s longing for a home turns into a great adventure that teaches that not only is love great to recieve, it’s great to give, too!

4-8 Year Olds:
The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales by Jon Scieszka
This one is sure to make your kids (and yourself) laugh like crazy! Scieszka’s twists on familiar nursery rhymes and fairy tales give each a fresh feeling. Each story is cleverly arranged and the illustrations alone will make you laugh!
Stellaluna – Oversize edition by Janell Cannon
This book, besides giving bats a chance at stardom also teaches that its okay to be different! A little bit scary for really young kids, but fits well in this age bracket.
If You Give a Mouse a Cookie by Laura Joffe Numeroff
What a cute story! This little mouse and his obliging human friend are sure to bring a smile to your face and a giggle or two from your kiddo. The only problem: if you give a kid this book, he’s gonna want a cookie.
The Art Lesson (Paperstar Book) by Tommy De Paola
This book tells the story of a little boy who loves to draw, it’s his favorite thing to do! This is a great story for kids who are learning about their interests and skills and shows that you can really grow up to do the things you love!

Pre-teen:
The Giver by Lois Lowry
I remember reading this book in middle school and loving it. It’s a deep (but understandable) book that tells about conformity and rebellion, and the difference between real happiness and blissful ignorance. It is an emotional story that reminds us that happiness comes at a price, if we are willing to pay. Everybody needs to read this. You won’t be disappointed.
The Hobbit: 70th Anniversary Edition by J.R.R. Tolkien
The prequel to the famous Lord of the Rings series, the Hobbit tells the story of Bilbo Baggins and his accidental adventure. He leaves his sheltered home (which hobbits just don’t do) to find fortune in a mountain protected by a savage and cunning dragon. Tolkien’s imagination and detail are beyond comparison. A must read for all ages.
The Boxcar Children (The Boxcar Children, No. 1) by Gertrude Chandler
This series is a great one for any mystery lovers. The Boxcar children are a family of orphaned children that learn to survive on their own and find ways to be content no matter the situation. They are creative, sweet and well-mannered. They are searching for a place to call home and find adventure and excitement along the way.

If you haven’t checked out these books, stop what you’re doing and go get them! They are all classics that your family will love and remember for years! Swing back by each Tuesday for a new list of great books for your whole family. Don’t see one of your favorites? Leave us a comment below and we’ll add it to the list!

No related posts.