Below is my working list of books every child must own (in print copy). They are listed in no particular order...
1.
The Important Book by Margaret Wise Brown (author of Goodnight Moon): This book is written with a repeated text pattern and vivid illustrations. Great for teaching self esteem.
*Idea: If giving this book as a gift, write a note to the recipient in the front using the same pattern the book is written in.
Example:
The important thing about Emily is that she is giving. She is good at helping others and she is friendly, and smart, and she always cares and listens to what we say. But the important thing about Emily is that she is giving.
2. The Jolly Postman by Allan and Janet Ahlberg: The first of 3 Jolly Postman books. A husband and wife duo, Allan authored the books while Janet illustrated them. Titles that succeed The Jolly Postman are The Jolly Pocket Postman and The Jolly Christmas Postman.
*Idea: A great springboard for having your kids write and mail letters!
3. Mr. Peabody's Apples by none other than THE Madonna. I love reading this book to my students. It teaches a great lesson about getting the facts before you speak. Suited for 7 and up.
*Idea: Can be used to talk with your child about bullying or gossiping.
4. Love You Forever by Robert Munsch: A touching story about the circle of life. A must have in every book collection. The story begins with a mother rocking her baby boy to sleep singing, "I'll love you forever, I'll like you for always, as long as you're living my baby you'll be." As the story evolves, the boy, now a grown man, rocks his elderly mother to sleep and then his own child.
5. Oh, the Places You'll Go! by Dr. Seuss: How could we have a children's book list without a Dr. Seuss book?! This is the last book written before Theodor Seuss Geisel's death in 1990. My favorite line in the book, "Will you succeed? Yes, you will indeed. (98¾% guaranteed.)"
*Idea: This is not my own idea, I saw it online here. You buy a book for your child and each year have their teacher write a note to them in the cover. When they graduate, wrap it up for them and give it as a graduation gift! Here is a picture of the book wrapped to give to a parent as a gift to start for their child.
6.
Tikki Tikki Tembo retold by Arlene Mosel: My grandmother used to read us this story whenever we went to visit her. Poor Tikki Tikki Temb
o-no sa rembo- chari bari ruchi-pip peri pembo has an incredibly long name, as custom in China to name their first born with a very long name and their second born with a very short name. When Tikki Tikki Tembo is stuck in a well, it proves best to have a very short name. Kids absolutely LOVE Tikki Tikki Tembo's name and are so impressed when you can pronounce it!
