Our Favorite Picture Books: Library Staff Edition

We can all agree there's something magical about children's books. Just opening one can make you feel like a child again, curled up in your favorite armchair or snuggled against your parent or babysitter, and getting lost in the pages of your favorite story. 

In honor of September being Library Card Sign-Up Month, we asked the Avon Grove Library staff members to share their favorite picture books with us. Read their recommendations below, then come check out our children's book section to transport yourself back in time!

---

Winnie the Pooh
A.A. Milne

I would recommend anything Winnie the Pooh. These were my favorites as a child and still are. Pooh is very wise.
​— ​
Sue, Library Board President

borrow this book

---

The House on East 88th Street
Bernard Waber

I have fond memories of my mother reading this book aloud to me as a kid. She was the best at doing the sounds effects at the end. SWISH, SWASH, SPLASH, SWOOSH!
—​
Lisa, Interim Director

borrow this book

---

Pete the Cat (any of them!)
James Dean & Eric Litwin

I love cats and Pete is one of myfavorites! Pete the Cat books take kids on a variety of adventures (a trip to the beach, a new pet, first day of school, cupcake party) and while they are very entertaining, they also teach a lesson that helps kids sort out feelings like facing challenges, being kind, and understanding others. I like to sing the book when I read it at her storytimes because just like Pete…never stop moving and grooving and singing a song “because it’s ALL GOOD!”
—​
Lisa, Youth Services Manager

BORROW THIS BOOK

---

Are You My Mother?
P.D. Eastman

A sweet story about a baby bird on a quest to find his missing mother. This was a book I asked my parents to read over and over again, and they claim I could recite the whole thing by the time I was three. I especially liked saying the word "SNORT!"
—​
​Kati, Public Services Liaison

borrow this book

---

Animalia
Graeme Base

A beautifully illustrated book that features each letter of the alphabet and hidden within each page are lots of items that begin with that particular letter.  Every time I go back & look at the pages, I find something new that I didn't see before.  It's my all-time favorite book.
—​
Rita, Circulation Assistant

borrow this book

---

The Little Mouse, the Red Ripe Strawberry, and the Big Hungry Bear
Don Wood

In this classic tale, Little Mouse will do anything it takes to protect his precious strawberry from the Big Hungry Bear. I remember reading my copy of this one over and over again! The bright colors and simple language make it a great read aloud choice for your little ones. 
—​
Mikayla, Circulation Assistant

borrow this book

---

Sing, Sophie!
Dayle Ann Dodds

I loved reading this book aloud to my triplets when they were little. It's one of those books where you have to let yourself be silly to really enjoy it. Yippee-ky-yee! Yippee-ky-yo!
—​
​Barb, Circulation Assistant​

borrow this book

---

Good Night, Little Kitten
Nancy Christensen

I read this book to my kids at night time. It helps the child to accept it is time to go to sleep, not time to play. Sleep takes over Little Kitten as she is reading a book.
—​
Ellen, Circulation Assistant

Unfortunately this book isn't available in our collection, but you can search our catalog for other bedtime stories for your little one below!

browse catalog

---

You and Me, Little Bear
Martin Waddell

This book is beautifully illustrated. Its endearing story relates so well to the daily life of a parent and child. Litte Bear wants to play, but Big Bear has work to do. This story offers a sweet reminder to parents to make time to play. I read this book with my kids when they were little, and it was always a gentle reminder for me to include them in the work around the house, allow them to learn to play alone, and make special time to play with them even if I was exhausted. I love the ending and still read it with my youngest sometimes. 
—​
Trisha, Youth Program Coordinator

borrow this book

---

Milk and Cookies
Frank Asch

This is a book I read in my childhood and still like as an adult. Plus, who doesn't like cookies?
—​
​Rochelle, Library Page

borrow this book

---

Bonus

Check out this fun throwback photo of our staff member Ellen in her favorite place to read as a child!

---

What was your favorite book to read (or have read to you) as a child? Share it in the comments below!