Spine Label

Last May, Betsy Bird of Fuse #8 compiled a list of the Top 100 Picture Books. I love a good list, and since I’m not familiar with some of the titles, I decided to make my way through the list.

101. More, More, More Said the Baby: Three Love Stories by Vera B. Williams

I definitely had a copy of More More More Said the Baby as a child. I think I love the illustrations (gouache paintings) more than the text (which is also charming).

100. Go Away, Big Green Monster by Ed Emberley (1992)

Go Away, Big Green Monster is pretty brilliant. I love the cut-outs and the repetition.

99. Little Pea by Amy Krause Rosenthal (2005)

I love this simple story about a little pea who suffers through eating candy for dinner every night, just so he can have a vegetable for dessert. A little reverse psychology never hurt anyone, right?

98. Anatole by Eve Titus (1956)

This story about a little French mouse named Anatole was unfamiliar to me, but it’s very cute. Anatole doesn’t like the way humans perceive mice so he sets out to find a respectful way to provide food for his family.

97. Where is the Green Sheep? by Mem Fox (2004)

Another new one for me… a cute rhyming story about a missing sheep. It would make a great storytime selection.

96. The Very Quiet Cricket by Eric Carle (1990)

Eric Carle is a genius, yes? I love the cricket facts on the title page and the subtle story of determination.

95. The Gardener by Sarah Stewart (1997)

Yet another title I was unfamiliar with. I love epistolary stories and this one says a lot in a small space. It’s also a Caldecott Honor Book; I’m not surprised as the illustrations are very well done and completely evocative of 1935 (when the story takes place).

94. The Little Mouse, The Red Ripe Strawberry, and the Big Hungry Bear by Don and Audrey Wood (1984)

A short, simple story about a little mouse who is tricked (I think!) into sharing his juicy red strawberry. A perfect choice for storytime.

93. The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein (1964)

Really, what can you say about Shel Silverstein? I love this story because it’s about giving of yourself even when you think you have nothing of value left.

92. Swimmy by Leo Lionni (1963)

One of my favorites! My mom has a soft spot for Leo Lionni books and I suspect we read this more than once together when I was a child. Recently, I used Swimmy for our Parent – Child Book Club. It led to some good discussion on teamwork.

91. Dinosaur Bob and His Adventures with the Family Larzardo by William Joyce (1988)

Dinosaurs are a perennial favorite for children (I don’t quite understand it, but I try to indulge their interest whenever a new dinosaur book pop ups). My Library’s copy is worn, and may warrant replacing with two new copies.

90. Not a Box by Antoinette Portis (2006)

This one definitely makes my list of ‘new classics.’ I love any book that encourages imaginative play (see Book Crush: Meeow) and this one is particularly well done.