Top picks for children's picture books by a soon-to-be mom

By Elsa Lee

November 4, 2005 | Ever since my pregnancy test read positive, all I think about are babies. I am making my husband go insane.

He is beginning to realize that soon there will be another person in our lives for me to devote time to, which means he will receive less of my attention.

One of my favorite places to go shopping for our baby is the book store. Reading has always been a passion of mine and I believe reading books stimulate children's minds. It will be a few years before our child will be able to fully enjoy most of the colorful picture books, but it is never too early to get ahead on building a collection.

There are many new books that came out this year and here are a few that have received much recognition.

Diary of a Spider , text by Doreen Cronin, pictures by Harry Bliss. Ages: 4-8.
(4 stars)

This humorous tale keeps you laughing as the kid spider tells of his day to day life. Your child will no longer be afraid of spiders after getting to know this friendly eight legged friend. In fact, he is more afraid of our big shoes that love to squish, and our vacuums that suck spiders up with no mercy. Unfortunately, the few bully spiders that bite children give all spiders a bad reputation. The story reads quickly and is simple for younger children, but will delight your older kids too. The colorful and bold drawings personify these little creatures with baseball caps, bows and shoes, and put them into a world that we are familiar with.

High in the Clouds, by Paul McCartney, Geoff Dunbar, and Philip Ardagh. Ages: 7 and up
(1 star)

High in the Clouds tells the story of a little squirrel, Wirral, and his friends looking for the island Anamilia where all animals live in peace and without fear. First they must save the animals of the city Megatropolis who are forced into slave labor for the mean Gretsch. Wirral discovers that Gretsch owns the bulldozers that killed his mother and makes it his mission to fight Gretsch and save Anamilia. This mini picture book novel totals 93 pages, and the long sentences are bogged down with difficult words for children like serendipity, fortuitous and sanctuary. Even if your child reads at a higher level, the subjects discussed in this book are more for adults than for children. The cartoon-like pictures are colorful and fun to look at, if you can get through all the reading.

Honey... Honey... Lion!Text and Pictures by Jan Brett. Ages: 4-8
(3 stars)

In Jan Brett's short story, a little bird, Honeyguide, leads Badger all over the African terrain in search of honey. They have traveled long and far until you flip over a pop-up bush to find... a giant, hungry lion waiting for them. This will give children a squeal, over and over again, as they wait in anticipation for the lion to come out and eat them. Honeyguide and Badger run all the way back home where the lion can not harm them. The pictures are detailed and realistic. The complex drawings could make it more difficult to read this book with a group of children, because they may not be able to study the pages. Even for younger children the pictures may be too overwhelming.

If You Give A Pig A Party, text by Laura Numeroff, pictures by Felicia Bond. Ages: 3-7
(4 stars)

If you are familiar with Numeroff's other stories like If You Give A Mouse A Cookie, you will love this one just as much. This short book gives you giggles as this cute little pig continues to ask for more ridiculous requests. Things get out of control when the little girl gives her pig a party. The pig only wants more and more and it never ends. This book is perfect for young children. The bright pictures and simple drawings keep your attention. The text is short and can be read again and again without you getting bored.

Lotsa de Casha, text by Madonna, pictures by Rui Paes. Ages: 6 and up
(3 1/2 stars)

The very rich, but sad merchant, Lotsa de Casha, goes on a quest to find the key to happiness. He esteems himself above everyone else, until one day on his journey he is robbed of his clothes and things. His only hope to get back home to his castle is to work for Mr. Fortilla. Lotsa de Casha finally learns the lesson that "if you share what you have and put others before you, you will find happiness." Although this story is long (about 50 pages), it is enjoyable to read. The characters are silly animals dressed up like humans. Lotsa de Casha even talksa in the most ridiculousa way by adding "a"s to the ends of his words. Not only will your children enjoy this story, but they will be learning a valuable lesson on sharing.

Even if you don't have children, books are an excellent way to indulge yourself. Release that young and bold spirit, and read a children's book while wrapped up in a quilt, drinking a mug of hot cocoa. You will discover that picture books are not just for kids, and can inspire people of all ages.

NW
MS