Children's Books discussion

(I wasn't sure what folder is right, and I'm not a mod, sorry.)

Or ones that you didn't like, but that most children LOVE...

The first category is The Giver, which I think falls right into 'young-young adult' or 'old middle-grade'...
I hated Chasing Vermeer, but it's gotten raving reviews!

:)

How to choose...

First chapter book that always comes to mind for me is the classic The Secret Garden. I've read it a dozen times and am enchanted every single time.

Smart fun that my son and I both love is The Phantom Tollbooth.

Kites Sail High, Chickens Aren't the Only Ones, and the other language and science picture-books by Ruth Heller are books I've bought for my (still-hypothetical) grandchildren, just to make sure they have a copy of the clear teachings and the amazing art.

The Giver is indeed a wonderful book.

I could go on...

Proof positive of how subjective reading is, and which books/authors one loves or hates.
I loved the Chasing Vermeer, The Wright 3, andThe Calder Game trilogy. But then I absolutely love mysteries, whether written for adults or children.

I also love fantasy novels, which is why the following two series are among my all-time favorites: The Prydain Chronicles, which include:
The Book of Three, The Black Cauldron, The Castle of Llyr, Taran Wanderer, and The High King.
And the Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, Prince Caspian: The Return to Narnia, The Voyage of the Dawn Treader, The Silver Chair, The Horse and His Boy, The Magician's Nephew, and The Last Battle.

And a couple of relatively newer mystery series for children that are fabulous (IMHO):
The Sammy Keyes series, for which there are 14 or 15 entries now; a couple of the titles are:
Sammy Keyes and the Hotel Thief and Sammy Keyes and the Sisters of Mercy.

And The Red Blazer Girl series, which includes:
The Ring of Rocamadour, The Vanishing Violin, The Mistaken Masterpiece, and The Secret Cellar.

My favorite children's book is "Peach and Blue". A fantastically illustrated book that has a great story line and theme involving strong bonds, friendship and love! Great message!