Top Ten Tuesday: Top Ten Books To Read In A Day

This week’s topic is Top Ten Books to Read in a Day.  Maybe my list should be Top Ten Books To Read Every Day :)  You can read my entire list in a day because they are all picture books.  Who doesn't love a good picture book though?  If you are a parent/teacher of young children or you just enjoy a good picture book, this list is for you!   

1.  Bear Feels Scared.  I could just make this list on Karma Wilson’s book because I adore nearly every one of them.  Bear Feels Scared is part of a whole series of Bear and friends books with a similar text that rhymes and repeats, inviting children to “read” along.  The characters are so endearing that you can’t help but fall in love with them!   
2. Chester.  After finding this series at the library one day, I immediately went out and bought it!  Author Melanie Watt has fun playing with the idea of the narrative.  She has created a self-important but lovable character that keeps my kids giggling.   
3. The Cowboy and the Black Eyed Pea.   I love to read this one out loud because the language and accent are so fun!  Tony Johnston retells The Princess and the Pea in a fresh and modern way, revealing the women are not always damsels in distress but rather heroes in their own way.  
4. Salt in His Shoes.   Michael Jordan’s mother (Deloris)  shares the story of the athlete as a young boy.  He is smaller and less experienced than the other boys on the basketball court.   Applying the work ethic and utilizing the encouragement his mother gives him, he goes on to conquer his discouragement.   
5.  Thunder Rose.  Jerdine Nolan has created a feisty and fun protagonist for this tall tale. The story is full of imagination and exaggeration you will not soon forget.  
6. Stand Tall Molly Lou Melon.  Molly Lou is awkward, clumsy, and small.  Nothing discourages her—not even the class bully.  She wins everyone over with her big smile and contagiously positive attitude.   Patty Lovell’s tale always inspires me. 
7. The Pout-Pout Fish.  This selection and its sequel The Pout-Pout Fish in the Big Big Dark should be in every class and home library.  The colors and illustrations are brilliant.  Deborah Diesen’s use of language is creative and rhythmic, inviting reader participation.  Children (and adults) walk away with a valuable lesson.  
8. The Doghouse.  It was the first book I came across by Jan Thomas (now I am a fan of her work).   I love texts with a recurring framework, playful use of language, and humor.  This one has it all—and some fun animals and irony.   
9. Little Quack.  I just want to squeal with delight when I see one of the books in Lauren Thomson’s Little Quack series.  The illustrations are just too darn cute.  The stories are always amusing and endearing.   
10. My Hands Sing the Blues.  Jeanne Walker Harvey and Elizabeth Zunon have collaborated to created one of the most artistic picture books I have ever seen.  The story and language work superbly with the illustrations to create a melodic and original work.   

For more lists on this Top Ten Tuesday, visit The Broke and the Bookish.