You’re loving your Kindle, and you’re not alone. This holiday season, e-readers are all the rage. And, yet, nothing can replace one of the most magical and treasured traditions of childhood: parent and child curling up in a cozy corner and reading a book together while flipping through the pages. So in honor of preserving this “rite of passages,” we offer a list of entertaining page-turners:
Around the World with Mouk - Parisian comic strip author and graphic artist Mark Boutavant certainly nailed the visuals. The neon hues and adorable little creatures make this sticker book a feast for the eyes. Plus, it’s educational. Mouk travels to Greece, Finland, Libya, Madagascar, China and beyond. Readers learn a little about each locale. Boutavant infuses some sass and personality into this delightful book without coming off as if he’s trying too hard. (Ages 3 and up because of the small stickers.)
Not Last Night but the Night Before - To be chanted to the tune of that childhood jump-roping song, “Not last night but the night before, 24 robbers came knocking at the door …” Every time the young narrator hears a knock at the door, various well-known, fairytale favorites - the man in the moon, the three little pigs, Little Miss Muffet - dash in with presents. Turns out it’s the main (unnamed) character’s birthday. Written by award-winning, London author Colin McNaughton and illustrated by Emma Chichester Clark (of Blue Kangaroo fame), the story concludes with an amusing rendition of “Happy Birthday,” courtesy of some updated lyrics.
Little Blue and Little Yellow - A 50th anniversary edition of author Leo Lionni’s wonderfully simple story about two best friends, Little Blue and Little Yellow. Lionni was a four-time Caldecott Honoree. This special anniversary edition includes an excerpt from Lionni’s autobiography in which he describes how he came up with the story.
Red Ted and the Lost Things - Written by former British Children’s Laureate Michael Rosen, this book tells the tale of Red Ted, a little bear who was accidentally left on a train. Red Ted is given shelter in the train station’s lost-and-found but makes a quick getaway with Crocodile, a lost-and-found shelf-mate he befriends. Red Ted and the new friends he meets along his journey follow the scent of cheese to find RT’s rightful owner.
The King of Quizzical Island - Also coming from across the pond is Gordon Snell’s tale about following your curiosity. The King of Quizzical Island sets out to discover what he’ll find at the edge of the world. His voyage takes him to Jigsaw Land, Vertical Land where rivers stand upright and the Sea of Dreadful Dreams. The King eventually figures out that the world is round. With rhythmic text, this book is perfect for reading aloud. A real tongue-pleaser.
Because you can’t cuddle with your Kindle.