Top 5 Favorite Early Childhood Books

Stories are such a huge part of childhood. Certain ones just connect with us and stay with us well into adulthood. These are the stories we hand down to the next generation. These are the stories that still light up our eyes when we think back on how they made us feel. So here is a list of my five favorites from my early childhood that have a special place in my heart.

Top 5 Favorite Early Childhood Books

Image courtesy of GoodReads.com

1.  The Serendipity Books by Stephen Cosgrove

The Serendipity Books were a series of whimsical stand-alone stories that carried a poignant message at the end of each little paperback book. They were morality lessons told to us by fantastical and adorable creatures, many of whom had several of their own books in the series. The beautiful illustrations by Robin James helped stir the imagination and complement the gentle tales. I was absolutely in love with them as a child, with Buttermilk (picture above) being my favorite. 

2. The Whisper the Winged Unicorn Series 

Written by a number of different authors, this series featured the title character of Whisper, a winged unicorn living in an enchanted land. Much like the Serendipity books, it was a stand-alone series that followed Whisper's adventures with her friends as they all learned lessons. They were charming and heart-warming little stories, and really... what little girl could resist a rainbow-maned unicorn? ...Okay, okay - I STILL can't resist rainbow-maned unicorns.

3.  The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein

I'm sure this is a favorite on everyone's list, but what can I say? It's a classic for a reason. My mother used to read this to me and my brother when we were little. The stark and simple illustrations do such an effective job at evoking the book's core theme of friendship and loneliness. This is still a household favorite and one we all take turns reading to my two little nephews. 

4.  Jellybeans for Breakfast by Miriam Young

I remember being drawn to this one's bright yellow cover with two smiling girls. Jellybeans for breakfast? Sign me up! This early reader story was a prose about one nameless girl trying to convince her neighbor to come over by telling her about all the fantastical adventures they will have together. It was a great book that captured childhood whimsy and wishes. And a great gift to give a best friend.

5.  The Chick and the Duckling by Mirra Ginsburg

This was another book my mom used to read to me as a young child. It tells the story of a little chick who tries to do everything his bigger ducking friend does, with the line "Me too!" said the Chick echoing throughout the story. "Me too, said the Chick" became a common phrase my mom would use every time I wanted follow or imitate my older brother. She still teases me with it to this day.

Top 5 Favorite Authors

Like every writer, I am first and foremost a reader. There have been so many stories, characters and authors who have shaped my own writing. But there are just some authors who I find myself returning to time and time again. Here is a list of my five favorite authors and what it is about their works that keep me coming back for more. Enjoy!

Top 5 Favorite Authors

 

1.  Lloyd Alexander

It’s no great secret that I am an absolute fangirl when it comes to Lloyd Alexander. He is the first author that truly touched my heart and made me love the written word. There is a pure classic quality to his stories that make them feel timeless and familiar. His works are a perfect example of middle grade high fantasy and I’m not sure we’ll ever meet his like again. When I was a young woman struggling to become a writer myself, I would write to him and tell him how much of an inspiration he was to me. He, in turn, always replied without fail and encouraged me to keep following my dreams. His words both in stories and in letters continue to guide me.

2. Peter Beagle

Like most children of the 80’s, I discovered his famed story The Last Unicorn after watching the animated movie version. The movie stole my heart and the book sang to my soul. I was immediately enchanted by his words. Everything about them evoked such a sense of utter sincerity.  Having seen him several times now in person, he is also fascinating to listen to and very kind to his fans. There’s a spark of magic in that man, I swear.

3. Holly Black

I first was introduced to Holly Black’s writing with her Spiderwick Chronicles and have been following her career ever since. I think what I love most about her writing is that she does such an amazing job with integrating fey lore into modern settings. She clearly gets the fey. She has such an obvious appreciation of the lore and pays it full respect. Her characters are always complex and believable in spite of whatever bizarre circumstances they may find themselves in.

4. Jessica Day George

Princess stories have a close place in my heart, so it was only a matter of time before I discovered the works of Jessica Day George. There is no edgy guile to her stories that has started to saturate the market. She simply takes classic elements, tells straight forward stories and still manages to make them all her own. Her characters and their stories are effervescent, innocent and pure fun. She truly has a gift with capturing the joy and magic of childhood, for young and old readers alike.

5. Neil Gaiman

I’m not sure I can say much about Neil Gaiman that hasn’t already been said – the guy oozes imagination from his every pore. He does such a great job at world building and crafting beautiful stories. When I read his works, I really do feel transported to his worlds. He’s another one who really understands fey lore and how to utilize magic in his settings. A master wordsmith and an imagineer to the core, Neil Gaiman is an author’s author.