My 6 Favorite Children's Books

As any parent knows, not all children's books are created alike. There are many that any child loves as long as it's read to him or her while they're snuggled in mom or dad's lap.

Then there are the special children's books that your child wants you to read to them over and over and over until you find yourself hiding the book to give yourself a break.

The best children's books combine an engaging story line with captivating illustrations.

Here's a list of my all-time favorite children's books:

Widget
Written by Lyn Rossiter McFarland
Pictures by Jim McFarland

This is a wonderful story about a homeless dog who is rescued by a sweet old lady. He thinks he's found the perfect place to live. Then he discovers that living there already are six cats ... who don't like dogs. He has to try to fit in and get them to accept him.

The illustrations complement the story beautifully. This book is definitely a page-turner.

Six-Dinner Sid
Written by Inga Moore
Pictures: Doesn't say, so I assume the author did them.

This is an amusing tale of a smart black cat who has six different homes on the same street. This way he gets to eat six different dinners every night!

But what else do you get six of when each of your families thinks they're the only one? And how long can one cat fool everybody? The story and pictures will tickle you the whole way.

The Grannyman
Written by Judith Byron Schachner
Pictures by the author

This is the story of a Siamese cat who has had a wonderful long life with a loving family. Now he's getting older and thinks his life is over. Then his family brings home a new kitten.

The story is great and the pictures are superb. This book will please a cat lover of any age. But I have to warn you; you will almost certainly cry before you're done as you realize how much this cat and his family mean to each other.

Ginger
Written by Charlotte Voake
Pictures: Doesn't say.

This delightful story revolves around a ginger-colored cat and his little girl. All is well with his world until one day the little girl brings home a kitten. Ginger doesn't want a kitten in the house!

The pictures are simple but charming. They illustrate the story perfectly.

Skippyjon Jones
Written by Judy Schachner
Pictures by the author

This book is written by the author of "The Grannyman," listed above. Ms. Schachner has hit the bull's eye again.

Skippyjon Jones is about a lively Siamese kitten with an extra-active imagination. He is full of adventures and surprises. When he thinks he's a bandito Chihuahua, he almost convinces me!

The pictures are fantastic, but it's the dialogue that really steals the show. This book is best when read out loud, either to a child or to no one at all. Let me say that again. If you don't read it out loud, you're missing half the fun. Try it; you'll love it! In fact, you'll probably find yourself singing parts of it and reading other parts with an accent!

Not Norman
Written by Kelly Bennett
Pictures by Noah Z. Jones

I'm going to break the all-cat theme I've got going here and switch to fish. Norman is a goldfish that a little boy receives as a pet. He is disappointed because he thinks a fish is not a good pet.

This story is about how he tries to trade Norman for a different pet and what he learns along the way. The pictures go nicely with the story. This book is a keeper.