Roundup: Children's Books

I decided to tackle a theme that I know well for my second official roundup: Children's Books. I've always been a reader, so the non-official title of this roundup is "Books I read at least 3 times in elementary school."

Number the Stars by Lois Lowry

I went through a big World War 2 kick in 4th & 5th grades.

Ten Kids, No Pets by Ann M. Martin

I know Ann M. Martin is famous for The Babysitter's Club books and I read those too, but "Ten Kids, No Pets" & the sequel "Eleven Kids, One Summer" were my favorites. Especially because I really wanted to be part of a huge family and I loved that the ten kids in this book were named alphabetically.

Love You Forever by Robert Munsch and Sheila McGraw

My mom & I read this book so much that I can probably recite it from memory.

The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein

I haven't read this one in a while but love the sentiment and would love to include it in our wedding somehow.

Starring Sally J. Freedman as Herself by Judy Blume

I read a lot of Judy Blume's books but Sally J. Freedman was the kind of girl I wanted to be friends with.

The Story of Ping by Marjorie Flack & Kurt Wiese

I read Ping weekly as a child.

The Story of Ferdinand by Munro Leaf

Ferdinand was also in the weekly rotation, my parents have the best hardcover copy.

Little House on the Prairie by Laura Ingalls Wilder

I think all elementary aged girls love this series, I wonder if there are women still looking for their "'Monzo."

Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel by Virginia Lee Burton

Who doesn't love a story about the relationship between a man and a machine?

Mr. Popper's Penguins by Richard & Florence Atwater

I still don't understand why they haven't made this one into a movie, especially after March of the Penguins came out.

Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle by Betty MacDonald

If you're like Jus and haven't read Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle go and get it now! Seriously, Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle rocks, she lives in an upside down house and had a pirate for a husband.

Strega Nona by Tomie dePaola

dePaola's illustrations are as wonderful as his stories, and who doesn't love unlimited pasta?

Ramona Quimby, Age 8 by Beverly Cleary

My dad used to read me the Ramona books before bed, I love all of the books, but have always been confused as to why both Ramona and Beezus have such old lady names.

Pinkerton, Behave! by Steven Kellogg

I had a really hard time just choosing one Steven Kellogg book. Somewhere along the way my grandpa got to know Kellogg so Banan & I have dozens of his books autographed to us. Best Friends, The Mysterious Tadpole (which would make a great movie), The Island of the Skog, The Day Jimmy's Boa Ate the Wash and the other Pinkerton books are some of my favorites.

Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak

I know this is very "hip" now, but this is an awesome children's book. The illustrations are beautiful and I have such fond memories of loving this story as a child.

Misty of Chincoteague by Marguerite Henry

I loved stories about animals, especially horses. On spring break of my freshman year of high school my family went to Chincoteague and saw the Beebe's farm and the wild horses of Assateague Island.

The Lorax by Dr. Seuss

I love all of the silly words in Dr. Seuss books and The Lorax is definitely my favorite. Bar-ba-Loots in their Bar-ba-Loot suits & Truffula Trees top my list of all time favorite words.

Matilda by Roald Dahl

I still try to move object with the heat from my eyes from time to time. I love all of Dahl's books: James and the Giant Peach, The BFG, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, and The Witches are all great (even though the movie version of The Witches scared me big time with the purple eyes thing).

Charlotte's Web by E. B. White

I have a feeling this is where my love of pigs began.

Fox in Socks by Dr. Seuss

I'll level with you here, I only started reading this book 4 years ago but it is one of my all time favorite books. I laugh every time I read it.

And Jus wanted to get in on the fun so here are some of his:

Where the Sidewalk Ends and A Light in the Attic by Shel Silverstein

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever by Barbara Robinson

My Side of the Mountain by Jean Craighead George

The Three Billy Goats Gruff

Jumanji by Chris Van Allsburg

What were your favorite childhood books?

PS If you have any ideas for a future roundup email me your suggestions and I'll try to roundup 20 things just for you!