My favorite children's books growing up

Far back into my years as a youngster of the 1990s, reading short but thoroughly interesting stories became a new window of opportunity outside of rotting my brain from watching television shows. So I've compiled some of my most cherished children's books of my Elementary school days for your viewing pleasure. Sorry, no title card this time.

Just Go to Bed - Mercer Meyer

While many readers were introduced to the Berenstain Bears to learn about morals and consequences, my first foray into those dilemmas were from the Critter books, and Just Go to Bed was the first of the series that I'd read. It pretty much defined the limit of combining imagination and fun with the strict schedule of having to go inside the house for the day and well, getting ready for bed!

Caps for Sale - Esphyr Slobodkina

While it's not the most unusual story I'd read, a traveling peddler who sells caps that are firmly stacked on his head sounded like a fun and novel concept on its own, and even more so with the problem that the peddler runs into after taking a nap.

Miss Nelson is Missing - Harry Allard & James Marshall

Being an unruly kid during my younger years was relatable to the students in this book, but seeing a twist on this kind of conflict made for an intriguing read, the distress the kids have in dealing with a supposed substitute teacher with a nasty personality made the story all the more fun, and the reveal at the end was a treat.

Monster Mama - Liz Rosenburg

What if your own mother was a monster? This is how the story of Patrick Edward is told, as he lives a normal life while his mom lives in a cave, taking care of him with a heart of gold. Not only was the story simple, but the illustrations for it kept me entertained.

The Monster at the End of this Book - John Stone

If I went as far back to find the first book that introduced me to fourth wall breaking, this would be it. From the very beginning Grover warns the reader about (you guessed it) a monster at the end of the book. So upon turning each page, he becomes cautious at stopping the reader from turning each page to find out what happens next, only for the silly and unexpected reveal at the end.

If You Give a Mouse a Cookie - Laura Joffe Numeroff

Another tongue-in-cheek book, it isn't a story per se, but a fictional take on what a mouse would do doing common hobbies, while having a beverage of milk and a cookie. What could, or what would a mouse do if you gave a cookie? Read, and find out.

Well it pains me to say this, but this as as far as I go with my personal favorite children's books. If you have any of your own recommendations to share, leave a comment! Until then, see you next article!

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Rabbitearsblog Posted on Aug 18, 2019 at 05:48 AM

I loved reading Miss Nelson is Missing and Monster Mama! They were some of my all time favorite children's books growing up!

Dalek227 Posted on Dec 16, 2018 at 06:57 AM

I loved Little Critter!
A few of my favorite childhood books were More Spaghetti I Say (about two monkeys, one wants to play but the other is too busy eating), Chicken Soup With Rice, those Sweet Pickles books also those Serendipity books.

Hoju Koolander Posted on May 04, 2017 at 04:49 AM

Ditto for me on The Monster at the End of This Book, between that and his Super Grover persona, it's no wonder the little blue guy was my favorite character on Sesame Street. I had totally forgotten about Caps For Sale, that was a great one.

Cyrogenic Posted on May 03, 2017 at 01:05 AM

Of the all the books on this list, I've remember reading Just Go to Bed, Miss Nelson is Missing, and If You Give a Mouse a Cookie. I loved reading If You Give a Mouse a Cookie the most. Miss Nelson's fake substitute teacher creeped me the most, LOL.

Vaporman87 Posted on May 02, 2017 at 11:53 PM

The Monster At The End of This Book was a favorite of mine as well. They reworked it for mobile devices and it's actually very cool. My kids loved it... for a time.

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