Favourite Children's Books

     I recently read a perfectly charming retelling of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs by Cynthia Rylant.  It quite surprised me by how good it was, and set me to thinking of all my favourite picture books that I used to read.  I don't read picture books very often, now; I suppose I think myself too grown up for them.  Thinking about it, though, I found that I'm not that grown up, and besides, who is ever too old for charming picture books?  So I thought that I would share some of my favourite children's books, which are enjoyable (in my mind at least) for all.

     I find that I must start my list with The Velveteen Rabbit, by Margery Williams.  I have many fond memories of this book.  We used to have a recording of it, narrated by Meryl Streep, with music by George Winston, and I would fall asleep listening to this every night.  And of course, there are also lovely memories of myself, sitting snuggled up to my parents, as they read this dear book to me.

     Another book that I loved when I was small, and now, was A Summertime Song, by Irene Haas.  I adored the illustrations in this book, and spent much time poring over them.  The soothing, lullaby-like verse that accompanied the wonderful pictures was also very enjoyable to me. 

     The Mousehole Cat, by Antonia Barber, is another of my favourites.  I delighted in the portrayal of a storm as a great cat; I found it fascinating, and still do.  Also the setting of the book--the little fishing village in Cornwall--has always held a great deal of appeal for me. 
 
     I also liked Miss Rumphius.  This charming book, by Barbara Cooney, remains one of my favourites to this day.  From the beginning among the tall masts of sailing ships, to the end in the countryside covered in lupines, I love every word, and cannot remember ever not having done so.

     I have always enjoyed Tomie dePaola's books, and one of my favourites is The Clown of God.  It is a beautiful story, and while when I was young I might not have been able to tell why I liked it so much, I know now that it is because of this.  For who does not find miracles beautiful?
 
     Finally, I loved Dear Mili, a lovely fairy tale by Wilhelm Grimm.  It is illustrated by Maurice Sendak, who provides a delightful background for a delightful tale.  I still love the book, and find the ending even more beautiful than when I was a child.  I was fascinated by the tiny details in the illustrations as well; things of that sort have always interested me.

     I could go on and on, talking of picture books that I read when I was small, that still bring back comforting and happy memories.  But were I to do so, I should, I am afraid, bore my readers to tears with my tiresome lists.  So I shall leave my list at these my favourites of all the picture books I have read.  I hope that if you have not read any of these, you will read them as soon as possible.  May you enjoy them as much as I have.