Speaking of books...

I've been on a search for some great, new children's books lately. My mom has been fantastic about sending books to the kiddos that she gets from her local library sales, so the kids' bookshelf has finally been transformed from countless baby board books to ones more appropriate for their age. And now that we're on a roll updating their literature, I can't stop myself!

I recently ordered the following books from Amazon that I saw recommended on The Martha Stewart Show:

Who Is Melvin Bubble? by Nick Bruel
The Diary of a Fly by Doreen Cronin & Harry Bliss
Not a Stick by Antoinette Portis
The Mysteries of Harris Burdick by Chris Van Allsburg
Could You? Would You? by Trudy White

These books encourage imagination & creativity, according to Books of Wonder owner, Peter Glassman. You can watch his segment on the show here. His passion portrayed for the books is infectious!

While browsing online for these, I also ordered the following books that got great reviews on Amazon:

Not a Box by Antoinette Portis
The Widow's Broom by Chris Van Allsburg
What Do You Do With a Tail Like This? by Robin Page

They are all waiting at my parent's house for the kiddos to open in June. I can't wait to check them out myself!

In addition to the books mentioned above, Sydney's first grade teacher has given me some great recommendations. I will be ordering some of these very soon:

* Wild About Books by Judy Sierra - I read this book to Sydney's class last year & they all really enjoyed it! They were mesmerized! Great book!
* Flotsam by David Wiesner
* Katie Meets the Impressionists by James Mayhew
* Anything written by Julia Donaldson, including a class favorite, The Gruffalo
* Anything written by Kevin Henkes, including one of my kid's favorites, Owen
* Anything written by Tana Hoban, including Look Book
* Anything written by Jim Arnosky, including Rabbits & Raindrops

I love discovering new & exciting books that my kids will enjoy for years to come! So... what are some terrific children's books that you & your kids can't live without? What other great recommendations do you have for my home library? Looking forward to your responses...