KIDS

By Jennifer in the Youth Services Office

Do you have a favorite book from your childhood? Why not share that story with the little ones in your life? Parents and caregivers are the first role models for behavior, development and interests. Small children observe and copy behaviors to develop new skills and make connections with the world around them. Those relationships make sharing your reading memories one of the most effective ways to instill a love of reading in young people. Stories that impact your life can spark nostalgia, inspire a thirst for more and create a lifelong love of books. The Library has several titles that may have been on your childhood favorites list. Here are a few titles from decades gone by.

1940s:

Blueberries for Sal by Robert McCloskey and first published in 1948

The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry and first published in 1943

1950s:

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe  by C.S. Lewis and first published in 1950

Harry the Dirty Dog written by Gene Zion, illustrated by Margaret Bly Graham and first published in 1952

1960s:

The Mouse and the Motorcycle written by Beverly Cleary, illustrated by Jacqueline Rogers and first published in 1965

The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats and first published in 1962

1970s:

Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry by Mildred D. Taylor and first published in 1976

Why Mosquitos Buzz in People's Ears: a West African Tale retold by Verna Aardema; illustrated by Leo and Diane Dillon, first published in 1975

1980s:

Matilda by Roald Dahl, first published in 1988

If You Give a Mouse a Cookie written by Laura Numeroff, illustrated by Felicia Bond, first published in 1985

1990s:

The Watsons Go to Birmingham by Christopher Paul Curtis and first published in 1995

Grandfather's Journey by Allen Say and first published in 1993

Don’t see your favorite on this list? Ask a librarian for help locating a book to share with your children. When you finish reading, you can share more stories about your childhood.

Questions or need more ideas? Email imagine@thelibrary.org