Pete the Cat and other favorite books

I attempt to make reading a priority in our house.  I love reading and grew up loving reading and I hope my kids have the same passion for it that I do.  Because I love reading it should come as no surprise that I love buying good books for my kiddos.  One thing that drives me crazy is bad children's books.  And there seem to be a ton of them.  So, I thought I would share some of our favorites in case you are looking for some good books for your little ones.  And, I would love any suggestions you have for me!

First, Kiss! Kiss! Yuck! Yuck!

We checked this one out from the library and it became an instant hit with the girls.  Now, we own it and we can read it as much as we want!  It is a very cute tale of a boy trying to escape hugs and kisses from his Auntie Elsie.

Next, Pete the Cat's I Love My White Shoes.

The girls love, love, love this book.  It is one of the books we have read so many times that they can "read" it with me.  I really like this book also!  And, it was another book we found by checking it out at the library and then buying it.

We also love the Jesus Storybook Bible.  Like a lot.  This is a must have for every family in my opinion.  We try to read to the girls from this every night.  We don't always get to it, but we have been through the whole book more than once and they don't seem to be tired of it yet!

A couple of books that we love, but have yet to purchase are Duck Tents and Can I Just Take a Nap??

These have been checked out multiple times from the library and when we have them we read them over and over again.  The first is about a group of five ducks going camping and the second is about Aiden McDoodle trying to find a quiet place to take a nap!  Great books!

Molly's favorite book, Everyone Poops.

Isabelle's favorite, Cat in the Hat.

And Lawson's favorite, the only book he sits still for, Goodnight, Goodnight, Construction Site.  (thanks, Rochelle!)

So there you go, just a sampling of the books we love and that we read on a regular basis at our house.  What are your favorite children's books?

Friday Five-On a Saturday

I really meant to post this yesterday.  But I didn't, so here it is today!

Friday Five-Books Edition

I have been reading more this year than I have in probably the last three years combined.  It is pretty awesome, being able to read more.  Turns out once you drop cable tv you have much more time on your hands!!!  So here are the last five-ish books I have read!

1.  The Hunger Games, Catching Fire, and Mockingjay:  Yes, I realize the first is actually three books, not one.  If you haven't heard of this series, it is probably because it is more young adult than adult reading.  I first heard of these books from my step-mom who is a fifth grade teacher.  I really don't know if I should recommend these books or not.  While they kept me reading (I finished each in less than a day), and I was pleased with the ending, you should know that you are reading books that are centered around kids killing kids.  Seems a little crazy to tell someone to read a book about that.  So I won't tell you to read them, I will tell you that if you are looking for a series of books to keep you engaged, these three will do the job.  And, in case you were wondering, Hunger Games is being made into a movie that will be released March of 2012.  I haven't decided if I will see it or not.

2.  Bringing Up Girls.  This is a James Dobson book, a follow up if you will to his book, Bringing Up Boys.  I was very excited to read this considering I am currently raising two daughters.  This was a very informative book, and mostly confirmed what I already knew to be true about raising girls.  A must read for fathers who are raising daughters.  Turns out that in parenting, dads play a pretty major role.  I knew that already, but this book put things into perspective. 

3.  Same Kind of Different As Me.  Great. Book.  This is a true story about two people who become friends despite their overwhelming differences and backgrounds.  I couldn't put this one down either.  After reading this book I had a new perspective on homelessness and how God calls us to love our neighbor as ourselves.

4. Her Mother's Hope and Her Daughter's Dream by Francine Rivers.   I have been on a Francine Rivers kick this year.  I think I have read all but two of her books.  This was not my favorite series of hers, but it was good.  If you are looking for good, Christian, fiction, look no farther than Francine Rivers.  Don't be intimidated by the size of these books, they are pretty quick reads as well. 

5.  Power Thoughts.  This is a Joyce Meyer book and a feel a little like I am cheating by putting it on the list.  I haven't actually finished this book, but am about half-way through.  It is an outstanding book and even though I am not done, I would recommend it.  If you are looking for a book that will help you align your thoughts with what the Bible says about you and your life,  this is the book for you.  You really can't go wrong with Joyce Meyer can you?

So there they are, the last five-ish books that I have read or mostly read.  What are you reading?  I need a new book, any suggestions?