Lisa Wong

Okay, I admit it. I’m kind of obsessed with kids’ books right now. I was back when I was a kid, and I think I love them even more now as a parent.

Spring Is Here by Taro Gomi. This guys is best known for “Everyone Poops.” I haven’t read that one, but his other books are so beautiful and poetic that you want to cover them in plastic and keep them forever.

Charley Harper ABCs: Skinny Edition by Charley Harper. Not your typical alphabet book. Beautifully illustrated, this is one you’d want to keep on your coffee table.  

Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle. I think this makes everyone’s list. It’s the story of a hungry caterpillar that eats his way to becoming a butterfly.

The Incredible Book Eating Boy by Oliver Jeffers. Henry love books. Not reading them, but eating them! A great, fantastical story that captures kids’ and grown-ups’ imaginations.

More Bears! by Kenn Nesbitt. The writer of this story is not anti-bear, but the audience seems to demand more furry creatures than he is wanting to write about.  

One by Kathryn Otoshi. Another gorgeous book that you can’t imagine is a kids’ book. Beautifully colours, moving story and a simple lesson for kids to learn.

I’ve really been interested in the more beautiful, simple books for babies. Are there any design-y books that you love and recommend?

Adding to my list of favorite kids books:

Boo Hoo Bird by Jeremy Tankard. I love Jeremy Tankard! The illustrations are beautiful and his writing is simple, funny and relatable.

Me Hungry! by Jeremy Tankard. Another great book! Edwin the caveboy is hungry, but must fend for himself when his parents are too busy.

Russell The Sheep Board Book by Rob Scotton. Russell can’t sleep… so he counts sheep.  

Grandpa and Me: A Lift-the-Flap Book by Karen Katz. You’re baking pizza with Grandpa, but have to find everything to make it!  

Where Is Baby’s Birthday Cake?: A Lift-the-Flap Book by Karen Katz. In this story, Baby is looking high and low for her birthday cake. Where has it gone? ;)  

Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?: 25th Anniversary Edition by Eric Carle. A lovely book to learn the colours and names of different animals.  

My Friends by Taro Gomi. I love this illustrator. In this story, a little girl learns all of life’s important things from her friends.  

A Book of Sleep by Il Sung Na. A lovely book about all the animals in the forest and how they sleep at night.  

Where’s Spot by Eric Hill. In this story, it’s Spot the dog that’s missing.

I’ve been raiding the local library and placing tons of holds on baby books. If you’re gonna be reading a book a zillion times, it better be a good one, right?

Here are some more favourites:

Sing a Song of Mother Goose by Barbara Reid. A compliation of old school nursery rhymes. Do kids even learn these anymore?

Grumpy Bird by Jeremy Tankard. A great little story about a Grumpy Bird who finds solace from some good friends.

Where Is the Green Sheep? by Mem Fox and Judy Horacek. I admit it, I’m a sucker for books that rhyme.

Moo, Baa, La La La! by Sandra Boynton. Simple in concept: what sounds do all the animals make?

What do you look for in a good baby book?

I’m currently in the midst of building my daughter’s library. I’ve only picked up a book or two, and the rest have been gifts from friends.

I asked some mom friends on Facebook, checked out a couple of “must-read” lists, and this is what I’ve liked so far. (Being a writer, I’m more influenced by the words than the the visuals.)

Lost And Found - Board Book by Oliver Jeffers. A little boy helps a penguin find his way home.

Tuck Me In!by Dean Hacohen. Okay, this one was just too cute with the little paper blankets to “tuck in” the various animals.

Time for Bed by Mem Fox. Another story about little animals that need to go to bed.

Goodnight Moon An Ed 60th Bb by Margaret Wise Brown. A classic story that still works. I love the cadence of the words.

Are there any other great children’s books you love?