I've read most of the books on this list; I could say it's because of my children's lit and young adult lit classes in college, but the truth is, I spent a lot more time in the YA section of my university's library than in the stacks. Even now, I will go to my bookshelf and pull a quick read like Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle or Betsy-Tacy if I just need a feel-good book.
I too find it hard to believe that Catcher in the Rye is on the list, but I think that Publisher's Weekly has not clearly defined the line between children's and young adult lit; there are a lot--a LOT--of books on the list that I would never recommend to anyone younger than 12, some of them I wouldn't recommend to anyone who's not at least a freshman in high school.
Then, too, I noticed that several of these books are also well-known for being banned or challenged in school libraries; perhaps that contributes to their popularity?
And I cannot BELIEVE that Anne of Green Gables is not on this list!!!! What is wrong with people??
Thanks for the reminder about how important it is to read to our kids. We've been reading to ours since before they were born although we are hit-and-miss at bedtime. I would like it to be more of an every-night ritual. Thanks again.
I've read 33 - and I agree, where is Anne-with-an-e? I might've read more, all of the Berenstain bear books kind of blend together. "From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler" and "The Witch of Blackbird Pond" were two of my all time favorites. And hey, where's Little Women?
When I examined these lists, I wondered whether the public-domain status of such classics as Little Women or Anne makes keeping stats on their sales difficult (though Montgomery's works are just starting to come into the public domain).
It's also possible that such books are too old to have statistics kept on them. When did booksellers start keeping stats for bestseller lists?
I still enjoy spending time reading with James just before he goes off to sleep.
We usually read a story of some kind before reading a short devotional.
Our son Joseph is still in the womb, but either myself or his mother will read him a Proverb or Psalm everyday.
As for Richard Scarry books, I remember them very well. I even had the one that was pictured.
Scott McClare has a good point about why the classic books didn't show up on the list.
I failed, in my post, to bring up the value of reading Christian books or devotions to the kids. I actually did this often as well. Rodney, that's great. And tlange, you'll never regret reading to your son!
I love Richard Scarry books! I had "Richard Scarry's Busy, Busy World" as a child, and my mom has it in storage somewhere... It's out of print and expensive to get on Ebay or elsewhere. I got it for Caleb through interlibrary loan, but we had to give it back after only a week or two. I think we'll have to get it again. It's still my favorite of all his books. Caleb has "What People Do All Day" and I don't know how many times we've read it!
Cindy, you absolutely have to read "Love You Forever"! It will make you cry! It's such a sweet book - and one you'll have to give to your grandchildren when you have them.
I'll have to read the list in more detail later. I recognize several that I read as a child or have read to Caleb. Maybe I'll post the list on my own blog. It's about time I update...
Thanks for sharing! I love it when you talk book lists!
I am a sucker for children's books!
I loved all the Little House books!!
I started reading Farmer Boy to my son when he was 3--he enjoyed it too.
Amelia Bedelia!! all time favorite--she takes everything literally and always messes stuff up
I think I read all of them.
Heidi and Little Princess were two of my daughter's favorites. We like to go one or two chapters per night with a brief discussion time before the official "tuck in" time. It's a wonderful way to share good literature with children and encourage a love for reading in them.
Oh, I think plenty of parents are still reading to their kids. And I have no doubt that it makes a difference in raising kids who like to read!
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