Jean De Brunhoff / Babar Series

This series of children’s books originated in France in 1931 and has been a huge success over the years. Babar is an elephant who ventures far from the jungle when his mother was killed by a hunter. Babar finds himself in Paris and learns about civilization. Upon his return, he is crowned king of an African country and has his own children from him. The premise of the stories has Babar taking lessons he learned while in Paris and teaching his children right from wrong. There are over 50 books in the Babar series and DVD of the TV version that aired briefly in the early 1990s.

Theodor Geisel (aka Dr. Seuss) / Dr. Seuss Books

Theodor Geisel started out as a political cartoonist, but soon discovered his passion for writing and illustrating children’s books. In the early 1950s he wrote and illustrated “To Think I Saw It On Mulberry Street.” Dr. Seuss books are known for their rhyming patterns, ie “The Cat in the Hat,” “Green Eggs and Ham,” and their imaginative characters who have wacky names, ie. “The Sneezes”. Theodor Geisel died in 1991 and by that time he had written and illustrated 44 children’s books and influenced countless children’s stories. Stuffed animals, DVDs, games, and many other Dr. Seuss items can be found anywhere you turn.

Ludwig Bemelmans/Madeline Series

The Madeline series began in 1934 when Ludwig Bemelmans named his character after his wife and modeled it after their 8-year-old daughter. The premise of these children’s books is based on Madeline’s daily activities in her life. The Madeline series teaches children the basics of life, such as brushing their teeth and going to bed on time. Madeline dolls and DVDs can be found in addition to the book series.

Shel Silverstein

Shel Silverstein was a man of many talents. Silverstein was a playwright, composer, illustrator, poet, and author. His children’s books are full of stories full of imagination and emotion. Silverstein is best known for “The Giving Tree” and “A Light in The Attic,” yet all of his books are masterpieces that not only teach important lessons, but tap into children’s emotions so they understand what is happening. in the story or poem. Silverstein is a must have for all children, and for that matter, adult bookshelf.

Judy Blume

Judy Blume is a writer of children’s and teen books. Blume’s books address topics that can be difficult for children to talk to their parents about, such as low self-esteem, bullies, racism, divorce, and puberty. “Are You There God, It’s Me Margaret” is perhaps her most famous book that touches on the theme of a teenager going through puberty. Judy Blume’s books help children understand important issues that might be occurring in their own lives.

Grimm brothers

Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm were perhaps the best folk and fairy tale writers of the last 500 years. The Grimm brothers were born in 18th-century Germany, and after their father’s death, they lived with their mother and struggled to make ends meet, just like many children do today (even as it’s increasingly popular to donate clothing to non-profit organizations). Children will learn that “Snow White,” “Cinderella,” and “Sleeping Beauty” were all adapted by Walt Disney, but were originally Grimm Brothers’ fairy tales. The complete collection includes more than 200 stories, all of which are written to stimulate children’s imaginations and transport them to another time and place. Many of the stories can also be found on DVD.