We usually preferred to read older books to our boys. There's just so much chaos and often a lack of real talent and/or beauty in many modern books.
This is an old, out-of-print book, but I actually really loved reading this to my boys. It's fun and lyrical. I think it's worth chasing down a used copy.
Stop that Ball!
I think it's important for the adult to enjoy reading time as well as the child. So many modern books are just drivel. I really love this one and it has beautiful illustrations!
King Bidgood's In The Bathtub
Our kids loved this book! The characters are a combination of an animal and a food (e.g. radish + shark = Radishark).
Scranimals
This book made me reminisce about my own childhood. There was so much freedom and imagination. Lots of free play.
Roxaboxen
I love this book! There's a Daddy one as well. It just shows children being helpful around the house, which I think is a great concept to introduce as young as possible.
We Help Mommy
This was actually one of MY favorite books as a child. Our kids loved it as well.
Twiddlebugs at Work
This one was definitely on repeat at our house for ages.
Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel
Such a sweet story about making the world a better place.
Miss Rumphius
My husband and I both love this book. Progress is good, but sometimes slowing down is better.
The Little House
Such a precious and beautifully illustrated book.
Make Way for Ducklings
Sweet, slow-paced book.
Blueberries for Sal
Such fun, and teaches about listening.
A Fish Out of Water
Oh man, I have the cutest video of our youngest at around 3.5 “reading” this book. He had memorized almost every page, but obviously not all the words. It's really fun to read!
One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish
This is really sweet at bedtime.
Time for Bed
I love the lesson that sometimes the value people add is invisible.
Frederick
This is a sweet story about family and accepting differences.
No Dogs Allowed!
I love this book, and so did our kids! It's clever and fun to read.
The Gruffalo
Such an amazing life lesson on how everything is relative.
