OT: Children's books that adults enjoy too

Submitted by SpazCarpenter on

Reading with my daughter is one of the most enjoyable parts of parenthood. We have been working hard together reading the classics like Winnie the Pooh, The Wizard of Oz and Dr. Seuss. I have now relived a lot of childhood memories and created new memories for the kiddo to share in the future. 

But I'm running out of friggin' material. Going on a beer book run soon!

What are some of your books from your childhood that you would read or have read to your children?

I ask you guys and gals because we share common interests and humor. Also, there are just so many different people on the blog. I'm sure there are tons of books out there that you have read and enjoyed as a child that I haven't. Kid's love books and I have been a happier person since I have been reading children's literature again. Thanks for any recommendations!

Some carpenters can read, but only if the words are short enough and there are pictures.

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NFG

August 2nd, 2015 at 12:48 PM ^

What's that one about a train that takes a kid to the North Pole? They made a movie about it. I like that one. Also, anything with numbers. It keeps me honest.



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bleens ditch

August 2nd, 2015 at 2:15 PM ^

The Wind In The Willow was my favorite to read to my children:

"...A grave round face, with the same twinkle in its eye that had first attracted his notice. Small neat ears and thick silky hair.

It was the Water Rat!

Then the two animals stood and regarded each other cautiously.
`Hullo, Mole!' said the Water Rat.
`Hullo, Rat!' said the Mole.
`Would you like to come over?' enquired the Rat presently.

`Oh, its all very well to TALK,' said the Mole, rather pettishly, he being new to a river and riverside life and its ways.

The Rat said nothing, but stooped and unfastened a rope and hauled on it; then lightly stepped into a little boat which the Mole had not observed. It was painted blue outside and white within, and was just the size for two animals; and the Mole's whole heart went out to it at once, even though he did not yet fully understand its uses."

Well written and cheeky - it's one of the best for adults and children.

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Wendyk5

August 2nd, 2015 at 1:11 PM ^

One of my all time favorites is A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle. I read it in 4th or 5th grade by myself, but it's really a precursor to all the dystopian stuff kids read nowadays. Also, don't forget Nancy Drew books. Girls love these! Probably good for 2nd or 3rd graders. They're a little out of sync with the times so older girls might think they're uncool. But Nancy is smart and resourceful and a good role model because of that. 

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oriental andrew

August 2nd, 2015 at 1:35 PM ^

How old?

We like Pinkalicious, Syd Hoff (Danny and the Dinosaur, Sammy the Seal - although let's be real, Sammy is a Sea Lion, not a seal), Dr. Seuess, Frog and Toad, Beverly Cleary (Mouse and the Motorcycle, Ramona books), Judy Blume (Fudge), Laura Ingalls Wilder Little House on the Prairie series. My niece and nephew really like Boxcar Children. My rising 4th grader was really into Encyclopedia Brown last year. Magic Tree House is always a favorite, and there are something like 50+ books in that series. 

Also stuff like I Want My Hat Back, Extra Yarn, Circus Ship, and others I can't think of off the top of my head. 

They also liked audio books of Black Stallion, Indian in the Cupboard, and some Tinkerbell book (that was written by some British author and less overtly Disney-ish). 

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WestQuad

August 2nd, 2015 at 2:30 PM ^

Here are a few my kids like.

 

The Story of the World by Susan Wise Buaer.   There are four books in the series and I just read the first with my 3,5 and 6 year olds.  You wouldn't think History would resonate, but the stories are short and my 6 year old really dug it.  The 5 and 3 liked most parts but not all.  Plus I actually have a better grasp of the history of the ancient world.  

Magic Tree House  I recommend getting them through a scholastic school program since you can get all [60] for like $60 bucks.  Jack and Annie explore different areas of the world/history through a time travelling tree house.

Star Wars Golden Books--These just came out a few days ago.  I had shown my kids the movies and I've been "reading" them the stories from memory, so these are nice.

Magic School Bus books are fun science books (and a TV show).

My 6 year old daughter love Junie B Jones, but I think the main character is a bad role model.

My boys love Captain Underpants (received in a box of books from my sister), but run around in their underwear 24-7 because of it.

 

 

 

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mgolund

August 2nd, 2015 at 2:41 PM ^

It's about a girl's first game at the Big House. My son and I read it every night for about two months. Because it is fiction, Michigan defeats Ohio State (although they are not named in the book, it is obvious who the opponent is). Incorporates the Victors, the wave, the band, key play, touching the banner. After two months of reading it, though, it gets very old, but it's a fun way to subtly indoctrinate your kiddo. As a kid, my favorite was Miss Nelson is Missing.

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OC Alum91

August 2nd, 2015 at 2:57 PM ^

My 4 and 6 year old loved the Mr. Men series (Mr. Happy, Mr. Greedy, Mr. Nosey).  Your kids might be a tad older already, hard to tell.

Short books, has sense of humor, introduces vocabulary in context, has repitition of big words.  

Not sure it's literature, but educational for kids, and the kids ask for it cause it's silly and funny. I like it because you can finish one in less than 5 minutes, they learn something, and  they like it too.

 

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TheCool

August 2nd, 2015 at 3:34 PM ^

My son really likes Skippyjohn Jones. I think it's cool too. I'm drawing a blank on other books and I'm too lazy to go upstairs. Nah, my daughter's trying to nap and I don't want to disturb her.

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maizemama

August 2nd, 2015 at 4:02 PM ^

The Lemony Snicket series, "A Series of Unfortunate Events" is good. My kids also enjoyed The World According to Humphrey series, about a classroom hamster that solves all the problems of his classroom kids in hamsterish ways.

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Ray

August 2nd, 2015 at 4:14 PM ^

Was a favorite of the now-MGoSophomore. When they were newborns they heard "Catch-22," countless accounts of Civil War and WWII history, and "the Collected Short Stories of Ernest Hemingway."

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notYOURmom

August 2nd, 2015 at 4:52 PM ^

But almost anything by him makes an excellent read-along because the drawings are great and the language is so much fun

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
The Witches
The Twits
The Giraffe, the Pelly, and Me
The Witches (actually slightly scary)
Etc

But the BFG has never been topped in my household

For you here: the Frog and Toad series

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