I made math lessons with fruit, science lessons about observing insects and the butterfly life cycle and health lessons about smart food choices. I remembering being amazed that the caterpillar turned into that huge colorful butterfly! In university, while studying elementary education I chose this book as the literary inspiration for a cross-curricular unit study for grade 1. The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle. Don’t overlook this book just because it’s part of a character franchise. If a character they know has to move too, the unknown isn’t so scary. This is a great book, and is especially powerful for children who are familiar with the characters. I love this book and maybe its nostalgia or maybe it’s because I remember connecting with Brother Bear as he stepped into the unknown. The Berenstain Bears’ Moving Day by Stan and Jan Berenstain has been on my bookshelf as long as I have been able to read.

But in a way that gets kids thinking about what does and doesn’t rhyme. As a teacher and parent, I adore Bemelmans’ rhymes which at times are a stretch. Of my childhood heroines Madeline was right up there with Anne Shirley, Annie, and Brigitta from Sound of Music.

But Madeline hikes up her nightgown and shows it off. Something that little girls are told by society to hide because it makes us less than perfect physically. She wasn’t afraid of anything and what always struck me was how proud she was of her scar. Madeline by Ludwig Bemelmans was a childhood favorite and I remember being a little girl and thinking I want to be just like Madeline because she was so brave. Instead of rain or snow they get hot dogs and a drizzle of soda, or peas and carrots! Things started going wrong in Chewandswallow though and the weather went nuts! I love asking children what food they wished fell from the sky and why after reading this book. See Chewandswallow is a place where the food falls from the sky.

In just a few pages you will dive into the land of Chewandswallow and its magical weather. This book takes you to another dimension in the way usually reserved for longer books or movies. Do you have a favorite that I didn’t list? Add it in the comments so we can keep this list growing.Ĭloudy With a Chance of Meatballs by Judi and Ron Barrett has long been a favorite. There is something extra special about reading books you loved as a child with your own children. Most of these vintage books are favorites from my childhood but are also loved by my children. Reading with my children is probably my absolute favorite thing to do but when I can read books from my own childhood with them it’s even better.

Socks for Supper by Jack Kent