Favorite Books for Kids that I Encountered Last Year

We can’t leave out children’s books! Here are my favorites from last year:

Picture Books

• Every Monday Mable by Jashar Awan: This is the most requested book by Peanut Maximus out of the thousands in our house. I don’t know of a preschooler that I have read it to who hasn’t been completely captivated by it. It captures preschoolers and their garbage truck fascination so well.
• The Verts by Ann Patchett: As an introvert, I felt so seen and understood by this picture book, and I loved the whimsical illustrations.
• Golden Gate by Elizabeth Partridge: I’m always happy to come across a good nonfiction picture book, and this was a wonderful read about the construction of the Golden Gate Bridge.
• A Snow Day for Amos McGee by Philip C. Stead: Amos McGee might be one of my favorite fictional characters. I just want to give that guy a hug! I loved that a city bus appears in every book with Amos McGee, and Peanut Maximus loves that page best too.
• Colin’s Castle by Holly Swain: Unique! I loved the illustrations. I loved the rhythm of the text. This was so fun to read out loud.

Chapter Books

• Scattergood by H. M. Bouwman: This was just a lovely historical fiction story for middle readers. I loved the characters.
• In Aunt Lucy’s Kitchen by Cynthia Rylant: It was such a sweet, sweet story for early chapter book readers. The pencil illustrations are lovely. I’m sad YaYa didn’t experience this one when she was learning to read, because she would have loved it so much!
• Stella and Marigold by Annie Barrows: I loved these sisters! The illustrations were so colorful, too.
• The Hotel Balazaar by Kate DiCamillo: What a story! That’s all I’ll say! Read it!