*This post was not sponsored by an Author, nor Usborne. Opinions of these Children’s Books are solely my own unless stated otherwise. Some of these titles may not be available through Usborne. However, I do appreciate what they have to offer and encourage you to take a look.*
I’ve been a bookworm ever since I can remember. It’s my hope that my Son grows to love reading as much as I do. This is why some of the first items I ever purchased for him, were books.
Each night as a toddler, he would choose a bedtime story for us to read. It was the perfect way to get ready for sleep. He would follow along with his finger, and after awhile, he would know it off by heart. The words jumping off of the page and connecting with the story he knew so well. It’s so much more than “just reading”. It’s love, comfort, imagery, a budding imagination- it’s beautiful.
We always say we’ll meet each other in our dreams, and he gets to decide what we are going to do, and where we will be meeting. Some nights, we’d be monkeying around with Curious George. Other nights, we’d be telling others to “Stop Feedin’ Da Boids“. One night, I woke up to hear him laughing in his sleep. He said, “You’re so silly Mommy!”, laughed more, then fell back into a deep sleep.
Needless to say, books hold a dear place in my heart and I hope they continue to be important to my Son. For now, I’m always on the lookout for new books I think he would enjoy. The following is a small list of books that either come highly recommended or, I personally recommend from experience. Some are classics, while others may be newly introduced to bookshelves.
The Golden Quest: Your Journey to a Rich Life
Written By David Deslisle and Illustrated by Travis Hanson
“The Golden Quest is a graphic novel about a young boy who embarks on a Hero’s Journey with his dog Shelby to discover the Golden Rules of Money. While on this adventure, he learns about spending, saving, investing, and giving. He also discovers Money Mindfulness and being aware of what’s truly important to YOU…The Awesome Stuff. The lessons are universal and will teach children of all ages the secret to a rich life. Your journey awaits…”
As an adult, I love the meaning behind this story. It’s a good way to slowly introduce your child to the importance of knowing what truly matters. Not only about how giving to others is important, but that saving for the future can be just as fun as saving for a neat new toy. Basically, it’s a great life lesson, but catered to a younger audience; the message still resonates! The illustrations are also beautiful!
About the Author
David Delisle has been a successful entrepreneur, financial advisor, marketing director, and real estate investor, but most importantly, a dad. He’s been investing since he was eleven and is passionate about passing on the lessons he’s learned to teach kids how to live a rich life and create the freedom for what’s most important to them, the Awesome Stuff.
The Complete Adventures of Curious George: 75th Anniversary Edition
By Margret Rey and H. A. Rey
“Curious George has delighted millions of readers for seventy-five years. Now fans can have all seven of the original Curious George titles in one complete volume. Stories included in this collector’s edition are Curious George, Curious George Takes a Job, Curious George Rides a Bike, Curious George Gets a Medal, Curious George Flies a Kite, Curious George Learns the Alphabet, and Curious George Goes to the Hospital.
This edition also includes an original illustrated map of Curious George’s world, as well as a new scrapbook biography of H. A. and Margret Rey’s creative journey written by the historian Louise Borden. Includes bonus downloadable audio read by the actor, producer, and director John Krasinski. Access code can be found inside the book on page 2.” – Amazon
The Curious George collection is full of books from my childhood. My Son even loved the show as a baby. A book collection wouldn’t be complete without at least one Curious George story. I recommend getting the anniversary collection. Or, at least an edition that contains a collection of stories rather than just one.
I’ll forever be able to hear my Son say a portion of it off by heart, “This is George. He was a good little monkey and always very curious!”
About the Author
“The original series was written by the husband-and-wife team of Hans Augusto (H. A.) Rey and Margret Rey. The Jewish couple fled Paris in June 1940, on self-made bicycles, carrying the Curious George manuscript with them.[2][3] At first, only H. A. Rey was credited for the work in order to distinguish the Reys’ books from the large number of children’s books written by female authors. The first seven books were illustrated by H.A. Rey.[4] Later, Alan J. Shalleck was credited for the illustrations and Hans Rey and Margret Rey for the writing. The Reys produced many other children’s books, but the Curious George series was the most popular. Each book has been in continuous print since it was first published.”
Don’t Tickle The Tiger
By Sam Taplin Illustrated by Ana Martin Larranaga
“You mustn’t tickle the tiger or you might make it roar… but that touchy-feely patch is ever so tempting! Little children will love pressing the touchy-feely patches to hear the animal sounds in this hilarious and charming book.“
The “Don’t Tickle” collection is a touchy-feely sound book with repetitive sentences that help with phonetic learning. They have bright, colorful, sturdy pages, with different themes for every interest.
About the Author
“Sam Taplin grew up in a beautiful valley in Yorkshire, where he dreamed of being a writer, and after three years of reading other people’s books at university he started writing his own for Usborne. He’s been doing it ever since. When he’s not writing about lonely rabbits or inquisitive bears, he likes doing card tricks, writing songs and playing long games of chess by the fire.” – Usborne
What Are Feelings?
By Katie Daynes Illustrated By Christine Pym
“This thoughtful book explores happiness, sadness, anger, fear and worry in a friendly and approachable way for little children. Adorable animal characters experience different emotions, while flaps reveal the answers to important questions such as ‘Why don’t I feel happy all the time?’ and ‘How can I cheer up my friend?'”
About the Author
“Katie has been writing non-fiction children’s books for almost half her life and loves questioning the world from a child’s point of view. She’s developed some of Usborne’s bestselling series, including the See Inside books and Lift-the-flap Questions & Answers. When she’s not writing, she likes drinking coffee, walking on the moors, and playing competitive board games with her children.” – Usborne
Lift-the-Flap First Questions and Answers Why do we need trees?
Author/Editor Katie Daynes Illustrator Daniel Taylor
“Clamber up branches and peek through leaves to discover the wonderful jobs trees do, from cleaning our air and keeping us cool to protecting our planet and providing homes for all kinds of wildlife.”
About the Author
“Katie has been writing non-fiction children’s books for almost half her life and loves questioning the world from a child’s point of view. She’s developed some of Usborne’s bestselling series, including the See Inside books and Lift-the-flap Questions & Answers. When she’s not writing, she likes drinking coffee, walking on the moors and playing competitive board games with her children.” – Usborne
Of course, these are just a couple of books out of a mountain’s worth of literature, stories, beautiful graphics.
I often think back to reading The Cat in the Hat, and other Dr. Seuss books. From Robert Munsch books to The Velveteen Rabbit…. so many stories that make up such wonderful childhood memories.
Which books hold a special place in your heart from your childhood? Which books are your children obsessed with? Let me know!
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Until next time, happy reading!
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