Reading for leisure and enjoyment is something I wholeheartedly encourage and nurture at our home. There’s always a book on my nightstand and there’s never a shortage of books in the kids rooms.
Reading develops the brain, offers a window to the world (and beyond) and encourages imagination and critical thinking.
As such, my philosophy when it comes to books and minimalism is that I don’t limit how many books we have as long as they are books we love and enjoy. If it’s being read or appreciated in the house, it stays in the house. If the kids have outgrown the books, I typically do a declutter once a year and depending on the condition of the books, will either sell, give away or donate to the local Food Bank or library so others can enjoy.
In no particular order, here are some of our favourite books that are read often in our home.
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1. Boo Hoo Bird (Jeremy Tankard)
It all started with a love of “Grumpy Bird” (https://amzn.to/320OdYR) and we discovered this gem as well from Tankard. The girls just love this simple story of a bird getting bonked on the head and his friends all trying to help him feel better. In the end, we all feel better. https://amzn.to/3uEmGsh
2. The Very Cranky Bear (Nick Bland)
This book is great at teaching kids that being thoughtful and kind is more important than having a golden mane, antlers or stripes. https://amzn.to/3dOtpJn
3. The Gruffalo (Julia Donaldson)
Such a whimsical and classic book for kids, and equally delightful for adults. The girls really enjoy this as well as The Gruffalo’s Child (https://amzn.to/320OoU1). https://amzn.to/324Mthb
4. The Paper Bag Princess (Robert Munsch)
This is a wonderful story to read to little girls 😉 Chloe likes the part where she calls the prince a bum. I love that the book shows that happily ever after does not require a prince (or clothes). https://amzn.to/2RrQj1X
5. Peppa Pig: George’s New Dinosaur
The kids are OBSESSED with Peppa Pig, especially my 2 year old. I had gotten a used book lot of 10 Peppa Pig books a few months back and they just LOVE them. Best $10 I’ve spent. This is just one of the books but any in the series are great. https://amzn.to/3s62cam
6. I Love You Stinky Face (Lisa McCourt)
This book is just fun and has such fantasy, weird and crazy illustrations. It’s just a joy to read and the kids love it, and I love reading it to them. https://amzn.to/39U6bR5
7. Veggies with Wedgies Present Doin’ the Wedgie (Todd H. Doodler)
This is a fun book about veggies with wedgies. Be prepared to sing the song (Pépère was not prepared to sing the song with a straight face). Aside from the song, it’s a great book to learn about all of the different veggies. https://amzn.to/3gBiMNg
8. What is Poo? (Katie Daynes)
This was initially a library book we took out but the kids ripped the flaps and we ended up buying a new book for the library and keeping and fixing the one we damaged. It’s a fun, interactive book that surprisingly is chop full of interesting facts and tidbits about poo (even for adults, I mean, before this book I didn’t know that whales poo pink poo). https://amzn.to/3my8qP9
The USBORNE books are great for curious minds, also check out:
What are germs? https://amzn.to/3uG2Ehe
What are feelings? https://amzn.to/3a2F4U2
Look inside your body https://amzn.to/3s74nun
Look inside space https://amzn.to/3mxBOVG
Look inside our world https://amzn.to/3fYPs2N
9. Pajama Time (Sandra Boynton)
Sandra Boynton books are a fixture in our home. One of our first books we were gifted was Night-Night, Little Pookie (https://amzn.to/320hvqf) and we’ve been hooked since. This was and still is a bed time favourite for both girls. https://amzn.to/329esvX
Other note-worthy Sandra Boynton books:
The Belly Button Book: https://amzn.to/3a2foqB
The Going to Bed Book: https://amzn.to/3fXXZmu
Dinosnores: https://amzn.to/3t99Jq2
10. Socks For Supper (Jack Kent)
This book was one I’ve had since my childhood that I enjoyed and now I get to read it to my kids who enjoys it just as much. It’s so retro and may not be easy to find in circulation as I don’t think it’s in print anymore. https://amzn.to/3dQg4jU
11. Scaredy Squirrel (Melanie Watt)
This is the book my kid will want to read to extend their bedtime, haha. It’s about a squirrel who finds out he’s no ordinary squirrel, and that the outside world isn’t so scary after all. A great lesson about taking risks. https://amzn.to/322eF4d
12. Ankylosaurus Attack (Daniel Loxton)
This came with a McDonald’s kids meal and my dinosaur obsessed 4 year old LOVES IT. https://amzn.to/2PJAVxr
13. Pizza For Sam (Mary Labatt)
This book is about a hungry puppy who doesn’t want to eat her dog food but wants to eat all the human foods like pie, cake, cookies and then discovers… pizza… I can relate. https://amzn.to/3myUHYl
14. The Monster At The End of This Book – Sesame Street (Jon Stone)
How could I not include a Little Golden Book in here? This one is a joy to read and the kids love to see Grover get all worked up. https://amzn.to/324JDsl
15. Love You Forever (Robert Munsch)
I didn’t know a kid’s book could make a grown adult cry, but this did. Chloe’s favourite part is finding the cat on each page. https://amzn.to/3ndxNpM
16. Bear Snores On (Karma Wilson)
This was a bedtime favourite for a long time. https://amzn.to/3euhH6X
Other Bear books to check out:
Bear Loses Tooth: https://amzn.to/3tMvMU3
Bear Feels Scared: https://amzn.to/2QQAAJt
Bear’s New Friend: https://amzn.to/2QQdO4q
Bear Stays Up for Christmas: https://amzn.to/3nrxhVn
17. I Love Chloe and Indie This Much (Wonderbly)
We got them this book for Christmas last year. The girls really enjoy reading this because the it’s personalized with their names and you can customize the illustrations so it looks like them! Definitely a keepsake and gift-worthy book. BUY IT: https://www.wonderbly.com/ca
