by Josephine Polifroni

Created on: March 23, 2008

When our children were little, we wanted to start a library for them but books can be very expensive. To save money, we frequented used bookstores and book sales at local schools and libraries. We were able to save money but even more satisfying, we started to find interesting books that were not as well known as more popular books. Some of these became family favorites and while they still may not be well known, used copies are available on various websites.

Hailstones and Halibut Bones by Mary O'Neill and John Wallner; illustrated by John Wallner, 1973 edition. Originally published in 1961 with Leonard Weisgard, illustrator. Both editions are beautiful, with lavish illustrations. There are twelve poems, each about one color, describing color as something that can be heard or smelled or felt as well as seen. This book has an inventive approach that will engage your child's imagination.

Tyger Voyage by Richard Adams, the author of Watership Down, (not a children's book), Nicola Bayley, illustrator, 1976.
Two tigers, a father and a son, go on a journey by ship from Victorian England to various exotic places. The story is told in rhyming couplets with lovely, detailed illustrations.

The Color Kittens by Margaret Wise Brown, illustrated by Alice and Martin Provenson, 1949. Two mischievous kittens try to make the color green by mixing different paints together, making all colors and finally green.

Pussy Willow by Margaret Wise Brown, illustrated by Leonard Weisgard, 1951. Another kitten looks through all the seasons to find the pussy willows that it is named after, finding them when they come back in the spring.

A Child's Garden of Verses by Robert Louis Stevenson, published 1885. This is a wonderful collection of short poems that have obviously stood the test of time, as the author draws on his own childhood experiences. One piece of many follows.
The Land of Nod
The strangest things are there for me,
Both things to eat and things to see,
And many frightening sights abroad
Till morning in the Land of Nod.

Try as I like to find the way,
I never can get back by day,
Nor can remember plain and clear
The curious music that I hear.

The Frog and Toad series and other books written and illustrated by Arnold Lobel; Grasshopper on the Road, Uncle Elephant, Owl at Home, Mouse Tales, Mouse Soup, various publication dates. Arnold Lobel published more books than these, but these were frequently read in our house. I found many of these books hilarious, but other feelings are also explored.

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