Still thinking about my list of twelve books every kid should read (see post below). All day there’s been a list of my favourite children’s books scrolling through my head. I haven’t narrowed it to a list of twelve yet, but I’m getting closer.

In the picture book category, I’d love to include Ca-a-r Ca-a-a-a-r by Geoff Havel, because it’s the book I most often recommend to people. It is simply hilarious – and hilariously simple. It always brings a smile. I’d also like to see some of Australia’s best picture book authors included – something by Margaret Wild, but which one? She’s written so many beautiful picture books. Perhaps Piglet and Mama, because it has such a lovely message and is one littlies just adore. But then again maybe Fox because it is so thought provoking and will appeal to kids all the way up to twelve (and beyond). On the picture book front I’d also like to include Jackie French (Diary of a Wombat, Too Many Pears…), Libby Gleeson (Amy and Louis and others), and a favourite in my house, Gordon’s Got a Snookie, by Lisa Shanahan. Oh and Pamela Allen (Mister Magee, Waddle Giggle Gargle, Who Sank the Boat and more).

From outside Australia, the Hairy Maclary books, Guess How Much I Love You, a delightful book called Giraffes Can’t Dance, and Owl Babies by Martin Waddell.

Am I past twelve yet?

Then into junior novels, I think every child should read I am Jack, by Susanne Gervay – every adult, too. It is the best book dealing with bullying that I’ve read – and is entertaining with it. Kids love it. The Selby books, by Duncan Ball are also excellent, although I secretly think that Ball’s best work are his lesser known Piggott books – Piggot Place and Piggots in Peril. Glenda Millard’s Naming Tishkin Silk is incredibly beautiful.

For the ten to twelves, Emily Rodda’s Rowan of Rin series is a wonderful introduction to the fantasy genre, whilst Elizabeth Honey’s Stella Street books (and all her other books, too) are accessible and fun and important all in one. Storm Boy and many other Colin Thiele books, for their beauty and because they are just so much part of Australia.

I haven’t mentioned any classics yet. Australian classics – Seven Little Australians, Snugglepot and Cuddlepie, The Magic Pudding and The Muddle Headed Wombat. And from overseas: Alice in Wonderland, Charlotte’s Web, Roald Dahl books.

Gosh, I’ve got a way to go before I get down to just twelve books in my list. More thought is required. Stay tuned.