There are a million books for kiddos and families out there, and some that I am incredibly biased toward because my brother wrote and illustrated them. I’ve gushed on Instagram about Louie & Bear because I love them as characters, and I love that my brother dreamed them up. He’s also created Random Acts of Drawness, I’m Getting a Shark, and You’re Missing It! I love and recommend them all.
For years, I have thought it would be fun to get a kids’ book section going on my blog. Um, but it remains on my to-do list (uncrossed off). So rather than wait until I get it all together, I’d like to just start. Here are three books that have been out for years, and very well loved in our home.
The Book with No Pictures written by BJ Novak
Not gonna lie, I wish I had thought of this concept. This book is a wonderful experience to share, and delightfully simple yet brilliant. It was always highly requested at bedtime by our kiddos. The typography makes the designer in me happy, and saying, “BOO BOO BUTT” makes the mama in me happy.
I’m Just No Good at Rhyming and Other Nonsense written by Chris Harris and illustrated by Lane Smith
This book is hilariously witty. Wooch and I love it as much (if not more) than our kids. There is text in a circular paragraph, repeating (identical) art, and a part where you need to whisper and scream about avocados. My absolute favorite to read out loud is, “I’m Just No Good at Rhyming” (page 2).
The Day the Crayons Came Home written by Drew Daywalt and illustrated by Oliver Jeffers
I’m a lover of Oliver Jeffers’ art and his Instagram. And this book is equally beautiful in both words and art. Both are inventive and clever and straight up fun. I have vivid memories of reading aloud, “I HAVE BEEN EATEN BY A DOG AND PUKED UP ON THE RUG, Duncan…” many, many times and have never once made it through the sentence without laughing. Its companion book is The Day the Crayons Quit, which is lovely too.
Photography by Rebecca Sanabria, who is always gifting me lovely books.
