In other words, "The Top Four Books I Can Read and Hold the Attention of all Three of my Daughters Without Anyone Being Scared or Confused, or Calling It (or me) Stupid."
Most of these books are also appropriate for boys, but I cannot personally attest to it, just as I cannot attest to what it is like to be able to stay at the table while my spouse takes a child to the restroom at a restaurant. I have three girls, so my perspective is somewhat limited.
Yes, this was originally a "Top 5" list, but it is SO hard to find books that appeal to my "Harry Potter"-obsessed 8-year-old, my comic book and video game loving 6-year-old, AND my silly yet super-girly 3-year-old!! If I was going to honestly share what I think are the ultimate best, I could only come up with four books. There are, of course, others that I could add that are still pretty good, and our favorite chapter books for the older girls, but I wanted to focus on the real stand-outs that work for everyone.
1. "The Paper Bag Princess" by Robert Munch (illustrated by Michael Martchenko). This clever, funny story has the best ending EVER. It is just what is needed in a house with any young girls who are exposed in any way to the fairy-tale obsessed media. I cannot say enough good things about this book. If I had to choose just one all-time favorite picture book, this would be it. Ironically, one of my least favorite books is also by Munch and Martchenko ("Love You Forever"). Go figure.
2. "Chrysanthemum" by Kevin Henkes. Henkes is an all-around great kids author, and a couple of his other books-- "Julius, Baby of the World" and "Sheila Rae, the Brave"-- would certainly be on my Top 10 list. "Chrysanthemum" stands out amongst Henkes works because its message (differences make each person special, and you should be proud of who you are) is important to me.
3. "Skippyjon Jones" by Judy Schachner. This is the name of the original book, but she has written several follow-ups, all of which have the whole family cracking up. Especially when Mommy tries to do a Spanish accent.
4. "Ruby the Copycat" by Peggy Rathman. We all know kids who are a little too eager to fit in, and forget that being themselves can be even more fun than imitating someone they admire. Peggy Rathman poetically illustrates both sides of this sticky situation, and makes it easy for young kids to sympathize with both the copier and the copied. This one is a particular favorite of Ivy, who, as a middle child, spends lots of time fighting the copycat game, from one side or the other!
Can you recommend any books that all your kids like (and will sit still for)? Those of you with both daughters and sons-- how do you do it? Do you have to read with them seperately all the time? We all want to know!!
I know one day soon Sydney will outgrow all of these wonderful books, but soon after that, Isadora will grow into the beloved chapter books and early readers that Sydney read and Ivy is still reading, and it will be time for a new list of our family's favorite books.
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