So, I haven't yet filled in details on the grown-up books that I've been reading. Ideally, I will sort myself out on Good Reads and try to do some reviews (mini) there, since that may venue might be a bit more suitable...
I thought I'd mention a few children's books that I've enjoyed in the last couple months.
1. A Christmas Story by Brian Wildsmith
I love his illuminated illustrations! And I daresay, I have just discovered a horibble, terrible, no good thing--- He has heaps of gorgeous books that I haven't read yet! And the kids are growing up, and my mom's (wonderful!) children's library on campus doesn't have them. I will definitely have to slowly add some to our collection.
2. The Day the Crayons Quit by Drew Daywalt
A clever book where the different color crayons register their complaints with their owner. For example the beige crayon says in his letter; "It's not fair that Brown gets all the bears, ponies and puppies while the only things I get are turkey dinners (if I'm lucky) and wheat, and let's be honest-- when was the last time you saw a kid excited about coloring wheat?" Fun pictures, creative way of thinking about colors and great humor in personifying crayons.
3. A Country Far Away by Nigel Gray
This is a nice book for our kids (probably best for kids age 4-6, mostly illustration), but I think could also be nice for kids who don't live outside the US but want to learn about other perspectives, etc. The author/illustrator go through a day in the life of an American boy (probably between 6-8) and an African boy illustrating that their days and lives have similar content but in different environments/contexts. Nice because its not patronizing or pitying. Mark has begun reading the Narnia Series to Mary and both girls are now beginning to read books on their own which is great. Daniel has started The Diary of a Wimpy Kid and we all are listening to Cressida Crowell's series How to Train Your Dragon that we buy through audible-- a total godsend for the kid's school commute (2 hours a day).
