Luisa’s favourite books
After Maurice Sendak’s obituary flew around the Internet yesterday, I tried to get Luisa to read Where the Wild Things Are with me this afternoon. Alas, she is not yet interested in wild rumpuses or year-long boat rides (though she does like it when her supper is still hot). So, here are the books that Luisa will pull off the shelf, time and time again.
Ten Little Fingers and Ten Little Toes by Mem Fox and Helen Oxenbury
We own this one in German and read this book at least once a day. At least. She loves they rhyme-y way this book is written and she loves to wiggle her fingers and her toes every second page. Luisa especially loves the end, when she gets three little kisses on the tip of her nose.
The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle
This book is loved. She loves to turn the pages by sticking her finger in all the little holes the caterpillar has eaten through. And I love it when we get to the last page and I get to announce “And he was a beautiful butterfly!”. It was gifted to us, and my friend who did so said it was her favourite and that “every kid should know where butterflies come from.” Agreed.
Berlin Wimmelbuch: Ausbruch von Zoo by Judith Drews
A Wimmelbuch is a book where you get to find things. Like Where’s Waldo (or Walter, if you want the German edition). This book has no words, so I can “read” it to her in German and Josh in English. You recognize so much of the city from its pages, like this one of Mauer Park. It’s bright, fun, and big. We’re always pouring over it.
Spielen by Leo Lionni
I love Lionni’s paper cut-out illustrations. And this book is perfect for Luisa because each page is short enough that I can read it to her quickly before her attention demands a new one. You can also get his books in English. 
Good Night, Gorilla by Peggy Rathmann
There is one page in the book that is all black and just a wide-open pair of eyes. Flipping to this page is Luisa’s singular most-favourite moment in story telling because that’s when we say “OHHHH! BIG EYES!” and she gasps along with us and giggles. This is our favourite good night book.
Those are the current top 5. What are your favourite children’s books?
