I’m so excited to share a guest blog from my friend Amberly Kristen Clowe, author of the soon-to-be-released Teeny Sweeney and the Mustache Cash. I must admit, I got a sneak early read and LOVED it! I can’t wait to get a copy. (You can order your advance copy online now.)
But until then, here’s her Ten Favorite Children’s Books to keep us busy:
- What a Wonderful World by Bob Thiele and George David Weiss.
This book is based on the song by the above lyricists. Many of us can hear Louis Armstrong’s strong, raspy voice in even the title alone. I so enjoy singing this story with my kids at bedtime, and Tim Hopgood’s whimsical illustrations are the perfect compliment to such timeless lyrics.
- The Bubble Who Would Not Pop! By Shelly Roark
Shelly’s book is amazing for many reasons, but the one that is so meaningful to me is the dialogue it prompted from my children. They immediately wanted to discuss God and prayer and the determination of beloved Billy Bubble. When the words of a book do this, you will forever hold them close to your heart.
- Hank the Cowdog series by John R. Erickson
Good ol’ Hank equals childhood to me. I grew up eating this series for breakfast. Erickson’s voice is amazing, full of wit and humor. I’m totally aware that I pretty much picked like fifty books for a single place, but come on. How do I not!
- Fallen series by Lauren Kate
Again, with the series. I am definitely not immune to the swoon that often accompanies YA fiction, and Lauren Kate knows her swoon. This series has such an epic feel. She pulls you in with the characters, and I found myself immediately scrambling to find the next page-turner in the series.
- Itsy Bitsy Christmas by Max Lucado
I love a good Christmas book. Don’t you? And Max Lucado does not disappoint with Itsy and Bitsy in this lovely retelling of the Christmas story but through the eyes of two adorable mice. I cry. Every. Single. Time.
- The Boy and the Moon by James Christopher Carroll
Carroll just seems to get me. When his hilariously quirky animal pals are unable able to save the moon, a boy is so brave and so determined, that only he can save the moon, and with bright, ripe apples, no less! Sigh.
- The Little Bear series by Elsa Holmelund Minarik
Little Bear is such a spunky character and so full of life. He doesn’t at all match his “little” name, and that only makes me love him more. But you know who I love likewise? His mother. As a mom, I know we understand one another. She is always urging him to eat, or dress warm, or sleep, but she does it with such perfection; with just the right amount of love and insistence.
- Oh, the Places You’ll Go by Dr. Seuss
The is a brilliant masterpiece from a brilliant creative. Dr. Seuss’ work of art will always hold a special place in my heart. One of my closest friends from high school gave this book to me as a graduation present. Can you even believe that? Now, fifteen years later (oi), I’m more aware than ever that people like her, they don’t just grow on trees. Nor do books like this. Books that truly want the best for every one of their readers. Books that expand the imagination and seem to actually enlarge a person’s heart. That’s a special kind of literature, folks.
- The Ramona Quimby series by Beverly Cleary
Oh, Ramona Quimby, you are my girl. You are equally hilarious and ingenious. Your outlook on life is just what the doctor ordered for this lady. May I always be a Ramona Quimby at heart.
- Wilfrid Gordon McDonald Partridge
Though this book will absolutely shred your heartstrings, it will also remind you of how beautiful humanity can be. Remember when Jesus told his apostles to let the children come to him? This book reminds me of why. There is so little in this world as spectacular as a child and the way they see life.