Passing on Precious Memories

I recently received an invitation to a baby shower with the most wonderful suggestion. Instead of a card, it said, write a personal message in a children’s book.  I was thrilled when I read that.  I firmly believe that you cannot start building a child’s library too early.  But it also opened a bit of a can of worms where I’m concerned.  By the afternoon that I received the invitation, my shopping cart already had six beloved books in it and I kept thinking of more.  With much difficulty, I narrowed my selection to two books and saved the others for later – my future cousin should expect to get at least one book from me for every Christmas and birthday.  I tried to stick to the classics when coming up with ideas.  Here is part of my original selection:

The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein         

 

A personal favorite

 

 

The Real Mother Goose by Blanche Fisher Wright

 

A staple for any child’s library.

 

Curious George by H.A. Rey  

 

Who doesn’t LOVE Curious George?

 

Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown  

 

A classic.  I didn’t choose this one because I figured the baby would receive like 10 copies.

 

 

The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle     

 

Another classic for every child’s library.

 

Winnie-the-Pooh by A.A. Milne

 

That chubby little cubby all stuffed with fluff.

 

 

The Tale of Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter     

 

Any of Potter’s books would do.

 

 

One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish by Dr. Seuss

 

Because Dr. Seuss is essential and the baby’s mother studied marine biology.

 

 

Yertle the Turtle by Dr. Seuss 

Morris the Moose by Bernard Wiseman      

 

Another childhood favorite.  Morris is still funny 30 years later.

 

 

The Berenstain Bears by Stan Berenstain

 

I love the Berenstain Bears but this will probably be better saved for later.

 

 

The Rainbow Fish by Marcus Pfister

Clovis Crawfish and His Friends by Mary Alice Fontenot      

 

A beloved local author that infuses Cajun French phrases and songs in her works.

 

 

ANY of the Little Golden Books

Literally ANY

Poems and Prayers for the Very Young by Martha Alexander

 

Out of print but a beautiful addition to any child’s library.

 

Hope is a Handful of Dreams by June Dutton (Illustrated by Susan Perl)

Another favorite from my childhood that is out of print but is timeless for its simple message and Perl’s unique and funny illustrations

Where’s Spot by Eric Hill      

 

Interactive and adorable but I was afraid that doors and blankets would be ripped out before too long.

 

If any of you have favorites that you would have added to this list, pass them on.  I would relish more ideas for all of those birthdays and Christmases to come.