Children's Stories by Various Authors

When we pick out books for children, we often think of a few select authors: Dr. Seuss, Robert Munsch, Mercer Meyer, Eric Carle etc. While the Cat in the Hat, the Paper Bag Princess and the Hungry Caterpillar are all wonderful books, today I'm taking the time to highlight some other greats that may be less familiar.

Five Famished Foxes and Fosdyke by Pamela Duncan Edwards, illustrated by Henry Cole

Image source: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/733013.Four_Famished_Foxes_and_Fosdyke?from_search=true

A friend bought this book for my daughter, choosing it because it had been one of his own favourites. When I read it later, I fell instantly in love with its clever story, fantastic wordplay and oh so important message.

It tells the story of a family of foxes and how they try to feed themselves while mother fox is away. While five foxes fuss over hunting at the farmhouse, Fosdyke flambées, fries and fricassées up his favourite: French food! This loveable story reminds children to be themselves and that they are important, whoever they choose to be. Because: "A fox is a fox, whatever the food!"

Knuffle Bunny by Mo Willems

Image source: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/490867.Knuffle_Bunny?from_search=true

Knuffle Bunny is a hilarious "cautionary tale" about a toddler's favorite stuffed toy getting left behind at the laundromat. But how can Trixie tell her dad what's wrong when she can't talk yet?

Beautifully told with cartoon illustrations on black and white photographs, this simply worded tale is enjoyable for even very young children and toddlers. Parents will laugh at the familiarity of the communication break down between parent and tot, and the antics that inevitably ensue.

Journey by Aaron Becker

Image source: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17262290-journey?from_search=true

A stunning picture book, Journey is about the power of the imagination and is told through illustrations alone. With nothing but a piece of red chalk, a lonely girl embarks on a fantastic adventure through colourful and vibrant worlds.

Adults and children will love picking out details on the large, bright pages and the theme makes it perfect when you're trapped inside on a rainy day.

The Day I Swapped My Dad for Two Goldfish by Neil Gaiman, illustrated by Dave McKean

Image source: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/47693.The_Day_I_Swapped_My_Dad_for_Two_Goldfish?from_search=true

This quirky title tells the story a little boy and his sister as they follow the trail of traded toys and pets to find their father, whom they previously swapped for two goldfish. He may not do much (except read the paper), but their mother wants him back and sends them out to fetch him.

With unique and bizarre artwork by McKean, this is a fun read aloud for parents and children. Or if you pick up the hardcover edition, you can listen to Gaiman read it himself on the accompanying CD.

The Worst Princess by Anna Kemp, illustrated by Sara Ogalvie

Image source: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13559812-the-worst-princess?from_search=true

Princess Sue knows how it works. She grows her hair, and waits in her tower for a prince to come and save her, but when he finally does, she's disappointed to be taken straight to another tower! When the prince objects to her doing anything but " princess" things, she teams up with a dragon to take things into her own hands.

Great for little girls who love adventure, this convention-breaking story questions the classical princess narrative and throws gender roles out the window. With cute illustrations and clever rhymes too!

21 days until Christmas!