Nona Reads

This is a new favorite of ours and has been read aloud more times than we can count! Written by Kate Banks and illustrated by Naoko Stoop, Pup and Bear is a calm story reassuring us that lost ones are taken care of and that doing good often results in receiving good. 

Vicki Churchill and Charles Fuge have created a classic with this very simple book. Quite perfect for younger kiddos,  older toddlers are fascinated by the Australian animals one doesn't usually see in children's books in America. This includes a wombat, a bandicoot, a koala, an enormous worm, a Kookaburra bird, and more. Worth a listen and with these illustrations, definitely worth getting t...

Written by Sherri Duskey Rinker and illustrated by Tom Lichtenheld, this delightful book will enthrall all genders and all ages! Each of the big rigs is introduced and we peek in as they settle down for the day. A good one to read at bedtime.

Caps for Sale, written by Esphyr Slobodkina, was first published in 1940. It is a delightful read and a favorite of our family. When a peddler encounters a troupe of mischievous monkeys, mayhem occurs. The settling of differences is a pleasant surprise and will bring a smile to your kiddo's face--and yours! 

Dr. Seuss wrote this favorite many years ago and it still pleases children with each read. The exuberance of the book is so perfectly matched by the final statement that you will find yourself smiling--and relating--to the sentiment.

Written by Alice Schertle and illustrated by Jill McElmurry, Little Blue Truck is a happy tale about how a friendly truck and his friends help out a not-so-kind stranger. Succinct and sweet, this book is able to be followed by even the younger set. A definite favorite in our home!

Natalie Marshall brings us this adorably cuddly book--perfect for the younger crowd. Snuggly sweet words create the perfect bedtime book for toddlers to preschoolers.

If you are a fan of the creative duo, Eric Carle and Bill Martin, Jr., then you will not be disappointed in this book. Simple story, illustrations that beg you to find a way to see a hard copy, and the ease of repetition make this a great read for the preschool crowd. And their parents!

The Bill Martin Jr. and Eric Carle duo have once again created a wonderful book for small children in Polar Bear, Polar Bear, What Do You Hear? . It is simple but uses a lovely, lively collection of adjectives and verbs, perfect for young language learners.

Madeline, written by Ludwig Bemelmans, is a delightful book about a rascally little girl at a boarding school in Paris and her appendectomy adventure. Written in such a way that even young children will enjoy this tale. 

Debi Gliori's Goodnight World is a whimsical and lovely round of good-nights from "Goodnight, planet..." to "Goodnight teddies...", and wraps it all up with snuggles with mother.

If Animals Kissed Good Night, written by Ann Paul, is a sweet read with a small child as their world settles down for the night. Filled with whimsical snuggles, it paints a picture of many types of animal family interactions--with moms and dads and papas, etc. 

A new favorite of ours, Mr. Seahorse is a delightful read. Following faithful Mr. Seahorse around the neighborhood, listeners meet his many daddy friends, each of whom is actively involved in raising their own families. As always with Mr. Carle's works, were you able to get your hands on a printed copy, the illustrations will not disappoint you. 

Baby Bear, Baby Bear, What Do You See? , written by Bill Martin, Jr. and illustrated by Eric Carle, is one of a series of books that very young children can truly appreciate. Simple words, repetition, review of colors, and the introduction of (possibly) new animals make this a hit in the nursery and preschool crowd. 

A fun read with children, There Was an Old Lady who Swallowed a Fly engages the imagination of young and old. Listen to it a few times and you and your kiddos will be repeating the list right along with Nona!

Rooster's Off to See the World is a delightful story with a lesson in both contentment as well as foresight for little listeners. As always when listening to a reading of a book by Eric Carle, please take time to view this book. The illustrations are magnificent.

An all-time favorite for kiddos, Go, Dog. Go! bounces through numbers and colors and opposites for wee listeners in such an energetic way that they've no idea that learning is taking place. Sooooo...Listen, kiddos. Listen!  

An incredibly powerful children's book, Little Cub works through the ubiquitous lost/found theme on a young child's level. Perfect for a snuggly read!

A delightful newer book that tumbled into our library, this story simply had to make it onto the podcast! 

A favorite by Eric Carle, it seems a shame to read aloud without the illustrations...but if you just listen, the story itself sparkles as much as a dew-dotted spider web!