Today is International Children’s Book Day so in honor of it, I combed through all of our children’s books in the house and picked out some great ones to share with you.

The Pigeon Wants a Puppy! by Mo Willems

 

This silly tale was a favorite of my youngest daughter when she was around two or so. She would crack up every time I read it (which made me want to read it to her over and over!). And there is a whole series of Pigeon books that are just as funny.

 

 

Another Other Side of the Story by Nancy Loewen, Jessica S. Gunderson, and   Trisha Speed Shaskan 

 

This is a collection of stories — all comedic spins on classic Disney fairy tales. Stories include a Snow White with the attention span of a gnat and a prince who was only acting beastly to get a part in a play, among others. These are a welcome break from reading the same old Cinderella story for the thousandth time.

 

 

The Berenstain Bears’ Bedtime Battle by Stan and Jan Berenstain

 

I loved Berenstain Bears books as a kid and I still do. Maybe even more now that I’m a mom and can see the important lessons and morals the books instill in little ones. This story in particular is one of my favorites just because it is so relatable. I mean, what family hasn’t had a hard time putting their kids to bed?

 

Put Me in the Zoo by Robert Lopshire

 

I remember reading this book often at my grandparents’ house. And now my kids love it too. A fun story about a leopard with magical spots, it also teaches kids colors and rhyming words.

 

 

 

All the Awake Animals Are Almost Asleep by Crescent Dragonwagon

 

This is a wonderful bedtime story that gives an A-Z list of all the animals that are getting sleepy. The alliteration is calming to little ears and the illustrations are dreamy.

 

 

One Bear Lost by Karen Hayles and Jenny Jones

 

A sweet tale about a family of bears. When one gets lost, the rest band together to find their relative. It teaches emotions and counting backward from 10 to 1, has a rhyme scheme, and beautiful illustrations.

 

 

 

Troll…Two…Three…Four… by Steve Smallman

 

This is a cute story about a troll who enters the land of people…and learns that trolls and humans can be friends.  A great book to teach children about acceptance and seeing past each others’ differences.

 

 

The Goodnight Train by June Sobel

 

The Goodnight Train takes your child on a fun ride to dreamland. I love the lyrical flow of the words and the adorable illustrations.

 

 

Just Me and My Dad by Mercer Mayer

 

I’ve always been a big fan of the Little Critter series and this feel-good book is one of my favorites. Little Critter and his dad go on a camping trip, and despite some hiccups along the way, end up having a wonderful time.

 

 

A Night Night Prayer by Amy Parker

 

We actually have two differently illustrated versions of this story — a paperback one like at left with a little child, and a board book featuring a little alpaca instead. But the words are the same. It’s a sweet bedtime poem where the child (or alpaca) says good night to the sun, birds, trees, flowers, puppy, kittens, Mommy, Daddy, and God.

So there you have it, ten of my family’s favorite children’s books. What are some favorites in your house?