Inspired by Jaime’s great list of Scarlet’s favorite books at 1, here is a list of Clare’s favorite books but I’ll go with age 12-24 months just to mix things up. When I pulled her “best books” together in a pile I was surprised to see how many were classics. Take a look at the list after the jump and let us know what we’re missing from your favorites!
Big Board Books Colors, ABC, Numbers (Bright Baby)
I’m convinced that this book is the reason Clare learned her ABC’s so early, because it couldn’t possibly be genetics (just kidding husband.) She loves to go through ALL of the pages… letters, numbers, colors, shapes etc… it has it all. I suspect that Clare picks this book when she wants to drag out storytime. There is alot of interaction. Nearing 3 years old, it’s still a weekly pick.
Good Night, Gorilla
We have the oversized version of this classic. Clare liked all of the animals and the little toys in their cages and is amused by the mouse’s undying devotion to the gorilla, following behind him just carrying that banana. She enjoys a good “Did the mouse or the gorilla eat the banana?” debate in which she always plays the devil’s advocate.
Whoops! (Sparkle Books)
Andy ant and Lucy ladybug’s adventure through a rain storm. It’s a sparkle book. Need I say more?
WHERE WHALE WENT
This book is also sparkly. A lonely whale is looking for a mysterious friend and meets a bunch of new buddies along the way. I always enjoyed making up ridiculous voices for the band of underwater pals. It has a little pop-up on the last page, Clare goes nuts for anything pop-up to this day.
The Cat in the Hat
You’ve heard of it? It’s a bit long but so much fun to read. And when, out of the blue, your 18month old starts reciting “Thing Two and Thing One! They ran up! They ran down! On the string of one kite we saw Mother’s new gown!” in the back of the car, it might be the cutest thing you’ve ever heard.
The Pigeon Finds a Hot Dog!
Jaime gave this one to Clare for her first birthday, introducing us the the genius that is Mo Willems. This is our favorite of all his books! The favorite of all OUR books! Don’t hesitate. It’s the best!
Polar Bear, Polar Bear, What Do You Hear? (Brown Bear and Friends)
Wonderful Eric Carle illustrations and, as an added bonus, you learn that flamingos flute, zebras bray and walrus’ bellow.
Pajama Time!
This one has gone out of fashion here at the Boneau house (I didn’t hide it, I swear) but I can still recite EVERY. SINGLE. WORD. a year later. That Sandra Boynton sticks with you. It’s really cute for celebrating bedtime, baby will love it!
We have “San Diego” and “Rhode Island.” It’s really fun to introduce baby to the landmarks of a favorite state or hometown. The illustrations are just ok but Clare was crazy for the San Diego book. Somewhere deep down I guess she will always be a California girl. Sigh. I think they have all major cities and the states. Check for yours!
We’re Going on a Bear Hunt (Classic Board Books)
This former favorite still pops up as a request. Unarmed bear hunting, in general, seems like a pretty bad lesson for kids but who am I to judge. You will be nestalgic for the old camp song by the same name. The illustrations are quite pretty.
Guess How Much I Love You
This is a very sweet book. And cuddly and warm and zzzzzzzzzzzz. No, it’s cute and a nice message of a parent’s limitless love (or oneupmanship.) No, it’s sweet, really. And it was wonderful that baby Clare adored such a lovely little book. This makes a nice shower gift, in my experience pregnant people are quite sentimental.
First Sesame Street Library 12 Volume Boxed Set (Board book)
And I have to end with the awesome little set of miniature Sesame Street board books that Clare picked out herself with Grammie. Clare was so attached to these books that she carried 2-3 of them around in a little purse at all times for a whole year. They cover great lessons like, Sharing, Counting, Music, Opposites etc. These days, she pulls them out for potty reading although lately she has taken to yelling “Get me my magazine!” from the bathroom. She’s a 43 year old man.
How about you? Favorites to add to the 12-24 month set?
And as for me, I’m off to pick up Jaime and Scarlet at the airport and couldn’t be more excited!!
