What are you reading?

I'm always on the lookout for fun books to read to Willa. I don't do a lot of research and most of the time we accidentally stumble upon a gem, and then I go for a few months checking out every library book that the same author has written. Occasionally, someone will give us a book. And then I'll go to the library and check out every other book the author has written. Once I got a book at the Goodwill that we have loved, so now we go to the library and check out every book that that author has written. Catch the library theme?

I realized a year or two into our marriage that I LOVED the library. I've always liked the library, but I think I've figured out why it's even more enjoyable - and stress-relieving - to me now. Before we got married and had a serious budget, I liked shopping. Most people like shopping and buying new things. Once we got married, shopping just stressed me out because I knew that we couldn't/shouldn't afford to buy anything. It was just stressful to walk through the stores and feel like I wanted things but just couldn't have them.

For me, library is like shopping for free. I get a little bit of a high when I walk in there. So many possibilities. I like to walk around, take my time, peruse the shelves. I get to put things in my little bag, check them out, and walk away scot-free. It has fulfilled that "shopping as stress-relief" need that I sometimes feel. Instead of binge-shopping, I binge-checkout at the library. I highly recommend it, very good for the wallet in most cases.

Anyway, I want to remember what Willa likes reading and I also want anyone to chime in with books that I haven't mentioned. Maybe you'll put me onto something new!

Willa loves Richard Scarry. It does my heart good to read these sweet books to her. I remember reading them and searching for Goldbug when I was little. I love the formal but simple language (it's always "mother") and all the fun characters. I especially love Willa using their names and talking about Huckle Cat, Sally, and Lowly.

Lianne sent Willa an Elephant and Piggie book for Christmas. This is what prompted me to write the post. These are the cutest books and I had never heard of them! We've read it many, many times already and have already gone to the library to check out more. Unfortunately, the library was out of all the Elephant and Piggie books, but they did have a lot more by Mo Willems. Current favorite of Willa's is Knuffle Bunny.

We also love Brownie and Pearl books. They get quoted a lot around the house while we are reading them.

Finally, we went through a big 123 - Peas phase about a year ago. Since I just check it out from the library, we don't actually own it - but believe me, there were many checkouts and renewals of this one. LMNO PEAS not as loved, for some reason.

We've tried the Olivia books and they are hit and miss for Willa. I think the good books for us right now are ones that have short, declarative sentences and that deal with issues we're going through. For example, our Elephant and Piggie book is entitled, Should I Share My Ice Cream?.  Every toddler is forced to learn about sharing and every toddler loves candy and ice cream. There is a Richard Scarry book entitled Cake Soup that is also a big hit around here. Does anyone have any other recommendations? Feed my shopping at the library addiction. Help me avoid more Dora and Caillou books!