Our Favorite Kid's Books: Treasuries
I realize that there are many great children book treasuries out there. These lists are composed entirely of treasuries found in my childhood library (a.k.a. my parent’s house). They are my favorites because they are what my what siblings and I grew up reading together. By “Treasury” I simply mean books that are nothing more than a collection of stories about particular characters or have a common theme connecting it as a whole.
George and Martha: The Complete Stories of Two Best Friends, by James Marshall
If you’ve never heard of George and Martha, I highly suggest you take a look. With wit and charm, Marshall gives us peeks into the colorful world of two hippos who are best friends. Personally, I always thought they were married, but it’s never specified what their relationship really is... They play pranks on each other, have fights, get jealous, lie, and even smoke! You would never guess all the trials they are put through, especially when each tale is told in 10 pages, half of which are pictures! It’s easy to read, fun to laugh at and great for any first book.
The Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle Treasury by Betty MacDonald
Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle is a tiny, kind woman who loves children and lives in an upside-down house right down the street! Her husband was a pirate before his tragic death, and left Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle with all sorts of cures and tonics for the different problems children contract growing up. Well, she never had any children of her own, so she gives her cures to the frightened and frustrated parents around her. She has cures for selfishness, never-want-to-go-to-bedders, answer-backers, bath-haters, interrupters, heedless breakers and so much more! I love these books because of how imaginative they are, and because of how much I wish these cures existed!
Scary Stories Treasury by Alvin Schwartz
Who doesn’t love a good scary story around a campfire? These are some classic stories to give you goosebumps and send shivers down your spine. In addition, there are even some fun scary activities you can do at home, or for parties. Some of the stories are humorous, and others, if told right, can keep you up at night. It’s a good book to keep on hand, whenever you want a little scare.
The Adventures of Pippi Longstocking by Astrid Lindergren
Originally in swedish, Pippi Longstocking was published in America in 1950. This treasury has Pippi Longstocking, Pippi Goes On Board, and Pippi in the South Seas. Her father is King of the Cannibals and her mother is an angel in heaven. She and her two neighbors, Tommy and Anika have wonderful adventures together. Pippi, living alone, acts exactly how a kid would act if they were alone. She is bold, brave and always loyal to her friends. Pippi Longstocking is crazy and fun for all ages!
Calvin and Hobbes by Bill Waterson
Technically, this is a comic strip, and not a book. However, I would argue that Calvin and Hobbes has all the literary worth of a children’s book and more. Calvin braves the world as a rambunctious 6 year old with his best friend Hobbes at his side. Calvin is clever, curious and always up to something. I find that reading Calvin and Hobbes as a child, and reading it as an adult are two totally different experiences, both equally wholesome and amazing. It’s a one-of-a-kind occurrence in the literature, and a strange and unique medium for conveying its ideas. I love Calvin and Hobbes and I whenever I meet anyone who hasn’t heard of it, it’s one of the first books I force them to borrow.
Those are five of our favorite children’s treasuries! Please come back soon and we’ll post our favorite children’s novels!
