Reissues are wonderful additions to anyone’s library because these classics, favorites or otherwise wonderful books might be forgotten. Here are some outstanding picture books, as well as fiction reads, that are also terrific read alouds and good for all ages.
Firebird, by Saviour Pirotta, and beautifully painted by Catherine Hyde, is an old Russian folktale that’s been retold in this gorgeous picture book. The king sends his sons in a quest to find the gorgeous Firebird who has stolen the king’s golden apples. The youngest son finds answers from a gray wolf which helps him locate the Firebird – and win the heart of the beautiful princess.
Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel: Travel Activity Kit, by Virginia Lee Burton, is still as good a read as when it was first published back in 1939. Mike Mulligan is going to prove that his trusty steam shovel can preserve and dig through the most difficult situations. This edition includes the paperback book, an activity book and crayons.
And here’s another classic that’s 60 years old and Caldecott winner from the same author: The Little House. This cozy little dwelling survives seasons and cities as it grows old.
Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day, by Judith Viorst, and cleverly illustrated by Ray Cruz, was first published in 1972 and showcases a boy who deals with gum in his hair, friendship problems, no dessert packed in his lunch for school and this is just the beginning. The ink and pencil drawings accent Alexander by coloring him in every picture.
Robin Hood and the Golden Arrow, a classic story retold by Robert D. San Souci, and beautifully painted with watercolors by E. B. Lewis, retells the story of how Robin Hood cunningly tricks the Sheriff of Nottingham with an archery contest.
Imogene’s Antlers, by David Small, is a hilarious and fun story that would be a terrific read aloud. It was first published in 1985 and is about a young girl who wakes up with antlers growing on her head. What takes place and how people react will bring smiles to all who hear or read the book.
The Little Prince: Deluxe Pop-Up Book, by Antoine De Saint-Exupery, is a delightful unabridged tale about a pilot who, after crashing, meets a most interesting little prince who retells his journeys from planet to planet. The pop-up engineering makes this book most captivating and unique!
The Wheels on the Bus: With Movable Parts, adapted and brilliantly illustrated by Paul O. Zelinsky, celebrates 20 years of this fun story that youngsters love to sing. The pull tabs and flaps that lift make the bus move with wipers and babies and more. This book is great fun!
Mr. Popper’s Penguins, by Richard and Florence Atwater, and illustrated sporadically by Robert Lawson, is a charming story about a house painter who suddenly receives a package. And guess what’s inside? This is the perfect read aloud story that won the Newbery Honor award back in 1939.
The Enormous Egg, by Oliver Butterworth, and illustrated by Mark Crilley, was first published in 1956 and still holds an enormous interest for all ages. When a hen lays a huge egg, Nate is surprised when a baby triceratops pops out. And the adventure begins!
The Phoenix and the Carpet, by E. Nesbit, and illustrated by H. R. Millar, and an introduction by Bruce Coville, is a magical story in the tradition of the author that continues the sequel “The 5 Children and It”. When these same 5 children discover a magic carpet, their adventure begins.
The Golden Fleece and the Heroes Who Lived Before Achilles, by Padraic Colum, and illustrated by Willy Pogany, and an introduction by Rick Riordan, was first written back in 1920’s. This classic story is about Jason as he searches for the Golden Fleece.
The following books are part of Candlewick’s illustrated classics series. Tales of Hans Christian Andersen, translated by Naomi Lewis, and illustrated by Joel Stewart, has 13 of his most enchanting tales which includes “The Princess and the Pea”, “The Emperor’s New Clothes” and “The Snow Queen”. Be sure to check out the forward giving an insightful look at the author.
The Jungle Book: Mowgli’s Story, by Rudyard Kipling, and illustrated by Nicola Bayley, tells three stories about how Mowgli was raised by wolves.
Pinocchio, by Carlo Collodi, translated by Emma Rose, and illustrated by Sara Fanelli, tells the story of a puppet becoming a real boy.
The Wind in the Willows, by Kenneth Grahame, and illustrated by Inga Moore, brings to life Mole, Rat, Badger and Toad and their adventures on the banks of the river.
Jonathan Swift’s Gulliver, retold by Martin Jenkins, and illustrated by Chris Riddell, has to be one of the oldest American classics as it was first published back in 1726. The amazing travels of Gulliver as he travels to four different lands stays true to the original story.
Classic Poetry, selected by Michael Rosen, and illustrated by Paul Howard, is a rich perfect anthology with our poetic language geared for kids.
