Happy Birthday, America!

Brilliant illustrations make this an interesting read for almost any preschooler. The storyline involves almost every imaginable element of a hometown Independence Day celebration. The day-long description of fun culminates in a fireworks display that is enjoyed by the narrator's entire family. This book has my little ones excited about celebrating America's birthday!

The Mighty Street Sweeper

The Mighty Street Sweeper by Patrick Moore is sure to be a favorite of any kids who like trucks. The book goes through a series of different big trucks and how their abilities far exceed those of a street sweeper. In the end, though, the author lets the reader know that no truck can do the small job the street sweeper does. It's a good message for kids who may feel that their little jobs are insignificant.

Bob & Otto

Bob and Otto by Robert Bruel was what my youngest (age two) chose for his bedtime book tonight. This is a story of a caterpillar and a worm who are best friends. The caterpillar decides to climb the big tree while the worm decides to stay below ground. When the caterpillar becomes a beautiful butterfly, the worm regrets his decision. The new butterfly reminds him that if he had not stayed below ground and helped the tree grow, then he could not have become a beautiful butterfly. This book is a good science lesson and an even better story about friendship.

Too Many Toys

I laughed out loud when I saw the title of this book at the library recently. It sounded like an all-too-familiar problem. Spencer's toy collection rivals that of my toddler and preschooler. His mom is fed up with toys on the floor, toys on the bed, toys spilling out of drawers, toys everywhere. She orders him to get rid of some of his toys. After much arguing and negotiating, she helps Spencer make a pile of toys to donate to other children. She leaves Spencer to pack the toys into a box. When she returns, he is playing with...the box. My boys and I loved this one, and I plan to add it to our own collection soon. The illustrations add to the hilarity of the text, but it's the underlying message and truth that make this one a keeper.

Here We Go!

I absolutely adore reading and am trying my hardest to instill a love of books in my children as well. We own shelves of books ourselves and make regular trips to the library for new finds. Recently a member of our library staff suggested that I create a reading list for other moms. This blog is my attempt to do so. I will regularly list and review what we're reading right now and am anxious for your suggestions too! Please pass this on to other moms of toddlers and preschoolers so that we can all build a great reading list for our kiddos.