Looking back over the reviews that my son and I have done over the past year, a few books stand above the rest. I don't often buy books (we are heavy library users), but there are three authors that are now in our collection and that I recommend for other children, especially in the age range of 3 to 6. Interestingly, all of our favorite new books are a part of a series - maybe this is no coincidence. And the winners are ...
Mr. Putter and Tabby books
by Cynthia Rylant
One of our favorites is Mr. Putter and Tabby Spill the Beans.
These stories are so heart-felt, but also funny. There are some books I've read to my son that I enjoyed because they appealed to an adult's sense of humor (like making funny references to pop culture), but these stories are funny for a 4-year-old. I never thought my son would respond to books about an old man and his cat (and his neighbor Mrs. Teaberry and her good dog Zeke), but this series is one of his favorites. The Henry and Mudge series is also very good. I think we have read them all by now.
Fly Guy books
by Tedd Arnold
My son's current favorite is Buzz Boy and Fly Guy.
My son is starting to read, but he more often likes to be read to. With these books, he is motivated to read himself. I will be buying him Hooray for Fly Guy - he loves sports, so the combination of Fly Guy and sports is a hit. I'm not sure they're all going to be winners for me. (We have read four in the series so far.) But I look forward to reading the rest of them in 2012.
Elephant and Piggie books
by Mo Willems
I don't know about my son, but my favorite by far is We are in a Book.
My son also likes to read these books. The language is simple and repetitive so they lend themselves to early readers. There's usually a pigeon on the back cover of these books, which is so amazingly funny for a 4-year-old to discover.
I'm looking forward to what these authors have to offer in 2012. Happy reading!
