A Birthday Book for Addie

Both Heidi and I are suckers for children’s books. We both have amassed HUGE collections (though a lot of mine is in the basement at my parents’ house!) Still I find the need to pick out special books for Adelaide on occassion. Both at Christmas and on her birthday I have been picking out special hard cover books that I want to add to her own collection. But I always have the hardest time choosing which one to get.

She is not one of those toddlers that loves to sit and look at books for ages, especially a long story book. So I try to find something that will appeal to her now, usually because of the illustrations or short text, but will be a treasure on the book shelf for a long time. I think my only “rules” are: no board books and nothing with too much text per page. She will be getting some board books for her birthday, but not as they special book that I will write a note in.

Last year for her birthday I picked out Little White Rabbit by Kevin Henkes because of the sweet illustrations and simple text. I’m especially drawn to sping-ish books for her birthday since she was our Easter baby.

For Christmas I chose Ten Little Fingers and Ten Little Toes by Mem Fox illustrated by Helen Oxenbury. She adores the babies and seems to enjoy the rhythm of the text.

Here are some of the books I’m thinking about for her birthday:

The Quiet Book by Deborah Underwood. I have heard good things about this book, as well as The Loud Book.

Alphabeasties by Sharon Werner. I don’t know if this is quiet the type of book I want for this occasion, but I do think she would get a kick out of it.

Press Here by Herve Tullet. I think this book looks SO clever.

All In a Day by Cynthia Rylant illustrated by Nikki McClure. I think these illustrations are gorgeous.

Mama, Is It Summer Yet? also by Nikki McClure. Again, the illustrations!

All The World by Liz Garton Scanlon illustrated by Marla Frazee. The story looks sweet and simple. The illustrations are breathtaking.

What do you think?? Do your kids have and love any of these books? Do you have another book you think I should go for instead? I’d love to hear your thoughts!