Sometimes We Grow Up and Still Fall for Children's Books!

Sometimes We Grow Up and Still Fall for Children's Books!

Sadly, I'm an adult. Old enough to vote, drink and know better. I've learned things the hard way and there's even photos out there somewhere (thankfully we didn't have the internet when I was younger) to prove it.

1980's Day when when I taught 4/5th grade

As a teacher, I get to read and enjoy a lot of different children's books. Children's books that made me weep and children's books that made me laugh. And most of which, I've fallen in love with...even going so far as to buy books for presents for my students, my nieces and nephews and... okay... myself! A girl can NEVER have too many books!

Three of my favorite children's picture books are one's I've bought myself. Each for very unique reasons. 

Bad Day at Riverbend is a hilarious by Chris Van Allsburg. He's written Jumanji and The Mysteries of Harris Burdick, but it's Bad Day that always gets the kids thinking. The story tells the tale of a mysterious problem that comes upon a town one day. The sheriff sets out to try to stop it. I won't spoil the ending for you... but it will leave you smiling!

 Bigfoot Cinderella is also a funny tale but more importantly, it is one that you must read aloud. The words have their own unique sounds to them as we see a fun twist on the classic fairy tale of Cinderella. In this case, Cinderella is a bigfoot who wants to protect the forest, rather than harm it like her evil stepsisters. *Hint...if you love twisted fairy tales, there's so many from Dinorella to The Rough Faced Girl.**

My all time favorite book has to be this one......and I dare you to read it without crying.

In Faithful Elephants we learn about the other losses from war. In this case, three elephants from a Japanese zoo teach us about what true friendship is and how there are two sides to every piece of history. You will never think about war in the same way.

I'd love to hope that throughout my years teaching, I've inspired a few students to fall in love with a book. I'd also love to know that I shared my own love of reading with my students and encouraged them to find laughter, sadness or learning in a book... and that even picture books are to be treasured as an adult. 

Do you have any picture books that you still love or read? Do you have a book that you've shared with your children and/or grandchildren? I'd love to hear about it and add them to my TBR pile!

Thank you for sharing a piece of your day with me. If you want to know more about the books I've written or about myself, please check out my blog at www.melissakeir.com. Until next month... Keep reading!!