I’ve always loved reading and stories and colorful drawings especially when it is a book written for children. I earned a B.A. in Literature and, of course, there are many classics I studied through the years but it’s the children’s stories that I hold close to my heart and my pillows and blanket.

#1 Bear’s Magic by Carla Stevens

There are three short stories in this book, the first is called “Wish I May, Wish I Might.” In it, a rabbit wishes nightly on the evening star for a brand new lunchbox.

Many decades later and I still have to stop myself from wishing for a new lunchbox. And believe me, I am often wishing on the evening star (or an airplane, doesn’t matter, still good!).

#2 Chrysanthemum by Kevin Henkes

Chrysanthemum and her parents think she has the perfect name. But when she goes to school the other kids make fun of her for her name. She comes home distraught but her parents help her through it.

“Chrysanthemum felt much better after her favorite dinner (macaroni and cheese with ketchup) and an
evening filled with hugs and kisses and Parcheesi.“

Here is a video version of the story narrated by Meryl Streep which I HIGHLY recommend enjoying. Please!

#3 Maisy Goes Camping by Lucy Cousins

Anyone who knows me knows that I’m a sucker for the word “camp” and anything to do with going to a summer camp, camping and — unrelated to this book — camp-y things like Wes Anderson movies.

In this story, Maisy and her friends pitch a tent and then all try to get inside to go to sleep. I don’t want to spoil the ending but it’s impossible for them all to fit so they all sleep underneath the stars instead.

Mosquito-free!

#4 Emily’s 100 Days of School by Rosemary Wells

Emily’s elementary school counts down to the 100th day of school. Each number is represented with a little blurb about what happened that day (as related to that day’s number).

Now, I’ve never been one for numbers (unless it’s birthdays or phones numbers) but I cannot get enough of each single and double digit entry. Here are some that I like (#92 is my favorite).

And mine is autographed to my daughter!!

#5 The Monster at the End of This Book by Jon Stone

First of all, Grover is my spirit animal.

Secondly, as a child this book slightly scared the hell out of me. I mean, turning the page knowing something scary was at the end was really living on the edge of my comfort zone. But at the end we are reminded that Grover is considered a monster. And he’s adorable!

I think this book should be used in a college course or Omega Institute offering about reframing your thoughts so you see things differently.

Special Thanks

The most special thing about my selection is that each book is either mine from childhood or motherhood.

I remember the feelings I had reading my stories and I will also cherish the moments where I watched my little ones imagining as I read to them.

Special thanks to Carla Stevens, Kevin Henkes, Lucy Cousins, Rosemary Wells and Jon Stone.