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Original poster

American children's books

58 replies

Twims · 12/07/2009 18:12

My sister is soon going to be moving over to America and thought it would be a good chance to get some new books for my collection - I am a nanny and have bookcases overflowing with books to read to the children I care for.

Obviously books are books, wherever you are but I wondered if there were any American classics or even just some books that American moms are enjoying reading to their children at the moment, that I could note down and make her buy when she goes over.

Thank you

OP posts:
alarkaspree · 13/07/2009 01:44

Skippyjonjones by Judy Schachner is fabulous. (If you can find a version with a CD of someone who can do a spanish accent reading the book, even better).

There are some Maurice Sendak books - Pierre, and Chicken Soup with Rice, which I haven't seen in the UK which are great.

Agree with Katy and the Big Snow and also Mike Mulligan and his Steam Shovel by the same author.

Goodnight Moon (Margaret Wise Brown) is a real classic for young children which I haven't seen in the UK. And the Runaway Bunny by the same author.

Mo Willems has written lots of great books - the Elephant and Piggie series for beginner readers, Knuffle Bunny (the sequel, Knuffle Bunny Too, is better), and the Pigeon books which are very funny.

I'm sure I'll be back with more suggestions, I found so many great children's books since moving to the US.

Earlybird, have you read If you give a mom a martini? I know one of the people who wrote it but haven't read it myself.

Earlybird · 13/07/2009 01:27
jabberwocky · 12/07/2009 23:41

Harold and the Purple Crayon is a good one

Where the Wild Things Are

Kitten's First Full Moon has lovely illustrations

And one that ds really loved but is very, very old - Katy and the Big Snow

Earlybird · 12/07/2009 23:25

Annual awards (called Newbery) are given to children's books for storyline/illustration. Background information here:

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Newbery_Medal

List of past winners here:

www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/divs/alsc/awardsgrants/bookmedia/newberymedal/newberymedal.cfm

I'm sure you'll find some interesting titles, though wish the website was a bit more compelling!

Original poster
Twims · 12/07/2009 23:07

Ooh I'm loving No David and My Daddy is a pretzel looks good too Have put wizard of Oz on the list too as have never read the book!!

OP posts:
jabberwocky · 12/07/2009 22:38

Oh dear, it's hard to think when you're on the spot. We have so many books...

No David was a big hit with both of mine at around 2

Is Dr. Seuss considered "American"? I mean yes, he was but I've always thought they were universal classics...

The Giving Tree

My Daddy is a Pretzel

When Granny went to Market

Hassled · 12/07/2009 22:29

The Wizard of Oz - Frank L Baum. Subtly different to the film, but a great read.

Original poster
Twims · 12/07/2009 22:27
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