Nona Reads

Written by Ame Dyckman and illustrated by K.G. Campbell, we stumbled upon this book through the Dolly Parton program for early readers in Tennessee, and are thankul that we did! It's a delightful read about a bossy little miss and a hungry bear cub and what happens when there is only one cookie left.... 

Caldecott Honor recipient Rachel Isadora's I Just Want to Say Good Night is a beautiful sharing of a little girl's good night ritual...from her good night greeting to the goat all the way to her closing words to her favorite book, every parent has lived a similar progression and can smile (now) in understanding. It is a favorite of ours, to be sure.

The illustrations make if worth purchasing or checking out at the library if you are able. 

Janell Cannon's Stellaluna is a classic that you definitely want in your repertoire. With the anxiety of being lost resolved by a wee little baby fruit bat, all by herself, this tale has just enough "scare" in it to be fascinating to those kiddos just beginning to address these kinds of fears. A beautiful read made better only with a snuggle!

Written by Lisa Mccourt and delightfully illustrated by Cyd Moore, I Love You, Stinky Face is a statement of determination to love a tot no matter what! Whimsical and magical and delightfully daring, this is a sweet read even for tiny kiddos, especially when paired with a snuggle. Do get the book, though, as the illustrations are paired perfectly with the ideas that you will want to see it for yourself.

Rebecca Patterson's My No, No, No Day is a delight for parents and kiddos alike as we have ALL had a no, no, no day from time to time. The most delightful part of all? The book ends with a yes, yes, yes day--the note of hope we all need to get through those more difficult times. 

Written by Amy Krouse Rosenthal and illustrated by Jen Corace, Little Hoot is a delightful read with humor for children and their adult readers. The unfairness of the life of a little owl is the topic and is a sweet reversal of all that a toddler wants at bedtime--to stay up later!

Written by Joshua Karsh and illustrated by Corey Ohayon, this little book tells a secret about a certain red-headed monster...can you guess it before the last page? A perfect read for toddlers and the rest of the preschool crowd.

On the Night You Were Born, by Nancy Tillman, is a delightful read at bedtime with a wee one cuddled in your lap. It celebrates your listener and shares some of the awe there is to be found in the soul of a child.

An all-time classic children's book, Dr. Seuss' The Cat in the Hat is a spunky, fast-paced book that can tie your tongue into knots and tickle your imagination--all at once. The illustrations are classic Dr. Seuss and do not disappoint. If you don't already have this in your library, it is worth ordering.

If I Were A Kangaroo, written by Mylisa Larsen and illustrated by Anna Raff, is a cuddly read with your toddler(s). Calm and quiet, it perfectly sets the bedtime scene for you and your littles.