2024 Picture Books Read #51-100

Thank you to all of the talented picture book imaginators for sharing their whimsical creations with us!

Congratulatory hi-fives to the following book for earning, in my humble writer/reader’s opinion, the honor of being a Five Star Book!

• Fluffy McWhiskers Cuteness Explosion written by Stephen W. Martin, and illustrated by Dan Tavis [Margaret K. McElderry Books, 2021] Hilariously simple yet fun story. Death never looked so colorful!

Tell Me Something: Favorite Books

When the book fair rolled its steel shelves into Hamilton Elementary School, I steered clear of words. Instead, my eyes darted towards the books with drawings, stickers, and photos of my favorite wrestlers. To no avail my mother urged me towards the chapter books to follow my peers by jumping off the bridge of illiteracy.

Thankfully when the school librarian permitted me to come back inside after my constant ‘time-out’s for chattering during storytime, I was able to slurp up some literature. Though most were commercial picture books such as Danger Mouse or easy readers like Roger Hargreave’s Mr. Men series and Mercer Mayer’s Little Critter books. The only non-picture book I recall reading was Roald Dahl’s The Twits. My knowledge of the classics is due mainly to their motion picture adaptians such as Charlotte’s Web, or Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.

I suppose I’ve never stopped reading picture books, but even in that genre my archives are scarce. As I’m currently penning picture books while eyeing an eventual switch to middle-grade fiction the time has come absorb a lifetime of children’s books. And I need your help!

While Barnes and Nobles and Amazon are quick to tell me what should be on every reader’s shelf, I’d rather look to those around me who share similar surroundings, pasts, and pleasures. Please comment below with your favorite children’s picture or chapter books from when you were a mere youngster, a childish adult, or a concerned parent.

I appreciate your generosity and look forward to your contributions!

Lovely Link: 400+ Things That Kids Like

Head on over to Tara Lazar’s blog for a list of 400+ Things That Kids Like. For example, campfires, popcorn, and weekends. The list is both un-scientifically but so-obviously accurate and more importantly, amusing. Instead of checking to see if your project’s topic and characters are on the list, use this list as inspiration for a new story.

In fact, the list was so inspirational, that before I even read a single item, I drowned my journal with a new idea for a children’s book. Working Premise: A boy moves to an upscale neighborhood  where he meets a group his own age. Before he can become one of them, he must pass their test to prove he’s a kid.

You never know where an idea may spring from, but a list of hundreds of things kids like will certainly ignite your creativity engine. If interested Tara also has a list of 79 Things Kids Don’t Like. Happy imaginative driving everyone!