Disapearing Act

After looking over several sites again trying to determine the top 10 middle reader books, I was surprised and somewhat disappointed that some of my favorites didn't make the list.  I think that will be the hardest part about this project is sticking to an overall top ten instead of my favorites.

So here is the top ten Middle reader list that I finally settled on:

1. Charlotte's Web by E.B. White
2. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling
3. The Lion, the Witch & the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis
4. Holes by Lewis Sachar
5. The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo
6. The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett
7. From the Mixed Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler by E.L. Konigsburg
8. A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L. Engle
9. Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson
10 Little House in the Big Woods by Laura Ingalls Wilder


I have to admit that I am looking forward to reading a couple of new books, but I am saddened by the fact that James & The Giant Peach, Indian in the Cupboard, Wind in the Willows, etc. aren't included in the list.  I also admit that I did fudge a little bit to squeeze a Laura Ingalls Wilder book onto the list *looks sheepish* I just couldn't help leaving it off.

So after the torment of having to choose this list without including some of my favorites I had to call my mother. After chatting for some time about the books that we wish had been up on this list we came across the subject of the recent library book sale in my home town.  I was shocked when my mom told me about how many children's books were being sold because they just weren't being checked out anymore.  She went on to tell me that there are very few Dr. Seuss books even left in the library, most had been sold or discarded. How can that be? My honest hope is that parents are just buying the books for their children but I have a sinking feeling that there is a possibility that parents aren't reading aloud to their kids.

Now I can't say too much as I am not a mother myself, but it is truly a sad day when parents don't instill that initial love for books.  I am not very comfortable reading aloud myself but if I do have children I fully intend to read to them like my mom did for me. So with that said I think that I shall practice reading out loud while reading through these children's books.  Niko & Valerie may not care what I am saying or even understand the words but I know that they do find comfort and joy when I talk to them.

So with that I bid you a good day and ask anyone who reads this to read out loud to their children furry or otherwise.

~Ang

On the search for childhood

The past few days I have been in the process of gathering a list of the top ten children's books.  I quickly came to the conclusion that this category need to be broken down into young children's books, like picture books, and middle readers, beginning chapter books.  So after looking at five or six different websites giving their picks for the top 10, 50 or 100 books I have narrowed my reading list down.

So for Children's Books:
1. Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak
2. Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown
3. The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein
4. Guess How Much I Love You by Sam McBratney
5. Harold & The Purple Crayon by Crockett Johnson
6. The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle
7. Corduroy by Donald Freeman
8. Curious George by H. A. Rey
9. Green Eggs & Ham by Dr. Seuss
10. Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs by Judi & Ron Barrett

and because it was one of my favorites I couldn't just leave it off the list

11. If you Give a Mouse a Cookie by Laura Numeroff

This was so difficult! Looking over other lists and results from google searches I came across so many books I remember and loved! It was very hard to leave Mike Mulligan & His Steam Shovel off the list and all of the Bernstein Bears Books!  I also think eventually I will have to do an exclusive Dr. Seuss list since I could easily make this entire list his books.

So the Early Children's book list is done! Now I need to start on the Middle Reader list, ugh!  Time for more googling . . .

In the mean time I am planning a little tour of used book stores in the area to start gathering my books, not that my bookshelves can really handle anymore.  Also I have been browsing other book readers blogs and started following many of them.  I have come across a great mini challenge that many other bloggers are attempting.  I may during the next Read -a-thon that they host in the spring but for now I will send you on to the Dewey's Read-a-thon page and hope you can squeeze in a few hours of challenges.

All the best to you!

~Ang