Rockabye Farm By Diane Johnston Hamm

Book Type: Picture Book

Rating: A+

Recommended For: Toddlers and Early Preschool

Annotation: We have had this book ever since Anderson was a toddler and each of my kids have loved it. A farmer starts his evening by rocking his little baby. When the baby is asleep the farmer rocks the dog, then the chicken, all the way through the farm animals. Finally after everyone is sleeping the farmer rocks himself to sleep. Although the books doesn't rhyme the writing is short and catchy so children can easily repeat the lines on each page. Now, we own the first book shown on this post. I don't know why they changed illustrators (maybe it is because in our book the pig kind of resembles a cow.) This will become an instant favorite for your young child and it has been deemed a classic in our house.

The Boy With A Drum

Book Type: Little Golden Book

Rating: A+

Recommended for: Children who love rhymes and animals

Annotation: A little boy sets out one morning with his little toy drum, "Rat-a-tat-tat-a-tat Rum-a-tum-tum." Along the way various animals join him, making their specific sounds as they go. By evening there is a whole parade headed over the hill. First published in 1969, this was my favorite book when I was young. I keep my copy tucked away to protect its worn, rounded corners and well loved pages. My children have a duplicate copy that they can enjoy...it is that good. In fact...I have a copy that I found at a thrift store last week and if anyone wants to claim it...first person gets it.

Starry Safari By Linda Ashman

Book Type: Picture Book

Rating: Amy gives it an A+

Branson (age 20 months) gives it an A+

Recommended for: 18 months and Up and Up and Up!

Annotation: I LOVE this book. I find myself hoping that Branson will want me to read it to him for a second time. After Cayden (age 12) read it to Branson he said, "Mom, this book is really, really good! It's addicting." I am pretty picky when it comes to rhyming in a child's picture book. I can't stand it when the words don't quite rhyme or the timing doesn't jive. Linda Ashman does a great job both telling a story (that has an adorable and unpredictable ending) and creating an upbeat rhyme that has both you and your child dancing to the beat. As the little girl travels through the jungle Jeff Mack's illustrations are bright and whimsical. Throw in a jeep that beeps, animals that chase and roar and you've got yourself a new classic favorite!