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One super simple way to support our state is by purchasing books written by local authors. As a mama who is passionate about early literacy, I am constantly looking for fun books to read to my minions. Lucky for me, we have a pool of insanely talented authors right here in our home state.
These are 10 books I think every infant and young child needs to start their Michigan library. These would all make fantastic presents this holiday season 😉
Baby’s Bucket Book by Carol McCloud, illustrated by Glenn Zimmer — This colorful, rhyming board book starts the process of teaching infants that they each have their very own invisible bucket. The book illustrates how happy a little one is with a bucket full of love and light and how sad when something causes that love and light to disappear. You’ll quickly see that the love and light in a baby’s bucket is the joyous result of simple, caring interactions that fulfill a baby’s essential needs for security, love, belonging, independence and fun. {This is my new must-give for showers to start baby’s library!}
See a past review of some of my other favorites from Bucket Fillers Inc. including Bucketfilling from A to Z and Have You Filled A Bucket Today? These are excellent books for kids of all ages!
Daisy and Josephine by Melissa Gilbert {you may know her from Little House on the Prairie. She lives in Michigan!} — Everyone has a favorite person, and Daddy is Daisy’s. But when the two of them are on the road for Daddy’s work, Daisy sometimes feels lonely. So Daddy gets Daisy a surprise: a puppy named Josephine. This charming story of an unlikely friendship, based on actress and New York Times bestselling author Melissa Gilbert’s own childhood and her very own French bull dog named Josephine is one that everyone can relate to. {We adore this book!}
A Moose in the Basement by James Miller and Leslie Kelly — Take a tour of Willoughby’s home full of wild animals. You’ll have fun exploring with Willoughby as he shows you animals you may or may not know exist. {My daughters also both love A Spider Lives In My Belly and A Monstorous Smile by the authors, too! Our copies are very well loved.}
Who I Am, Not What I Am! by Tara Michener — Janelle is a fun girl who discovers the secret to happiness is loving herself for who she is, not for fitting into what others want her to be. Join her on her adventure as she learns that true beauty comes from who she is not what she is. {Such great lessons to be learned here, and we love the colorful illustrations! Check out Tara’s other books for pre-teens too.}
Priscilla McDoodlenutDoodleMcMae Asks Why? by Janet Mary Sinke — This wonderful rhyming storybook is delightfully rich in meaning and simple symbolism. Through the courage of one little girl, the inhabitants of one tiny moon are forever changed when Priscilla dares to ask why. {I absolutely LOVE reading this and the message to stand your ground when faced with ignorance — so perfect for little ears to hear.}
Willow and the Snow Day Dance by Denise Brennan-Nelson and Cyd Moore — Mr. Larch is not a very neighborly neighbor. He avoids everyone and everyone avoids him. But now Mr. Larch has a new neighbor — Willow and her family. She can’t wait for the first snowfall because she has found the perfect hill for sledding, right behind Mr. Larch’s house. Can Willow melt his cold heart in time to enjoy a Snow Day? {Another one I love by her that is specific to infants and toddlers is Little Michigan. So cute!}
The Twelve Days of Christmas in Michigan by Susan Collins and Deb Pilutti — It’s holiday time in the Great Lakes State! Travel with Katie and her cousin to see the Motor City, drive down the country’s first concrete highway, tour some of Michigan’s 115 lighthouses, take a ride in a horse-drawn sleigh and more. Collins also has an adorable board book highlighting the story of Noah’s Ark.
The Twelve Months of Michigan by — Travel through Michigan with a family of field mice, lead by Pirate Paul and Ana Mae Mouse. Learn about state symbols and travel through the unique and beautiful places that make Michigan great all year round. {Read to the tune of the Twelve Days of Christmas. The illustrations are darling!}
A Wish To Be A Christmas Tree by Colleen Monroe and Michael Glenn Monroe — This charming tale of an overgrown pine always being passed by for Christmas, and what his woodland friends do to help him, is sure to become a Christmas classic in your home. {Such a beautiful book!}
Memoirs of an Elf by Devin Scillian {you may know him as a Local 4 reporter in Detroit} and Tim Bowers — It’s Christmas Eve and Spark Elf has the very important job of keeping Santa Claus on schedule as he travels the globe in 24 hours delivering presents. But wait, there’s something left in the bag–but it isn’t a present at all–it’s a family dog! Momma Claus comes to the rescue with a plan to get the dog back to his family. Can Santa return the family’s beloved pooch in time to keep their Christmas merry? {Devin has lots of other books too!}
What are your favorite books to read by Michigan children’s authors?
Detroit Duchess says
This would make a great baby shower gift!
Mrs. Weber says
I agree 🙂 The Baby Bucket book is SO stinkin’ cute!
Sarah Muennix says
Such an extensive and amazing list – thank you for sharing hon!
Crystal says
I actually haven’t read any of those. I will check it out.
Betsy says
What a great list! So many wonderful books!
Nicole @Little Blog on the Homestead says
Love this list! It’s so great to support Michigan authors, plus I have a Little Free Library that really needs some good kids books so I hope I win!
Amber Louchart (Metro Detroit Mommy) says
Thanks for the great list of books!
Mary H. says
Adorable! Love these books & a great giveaway!
Ron Leyba says
I will surely share this giveaway. My friends and followers will surely thank me for this. Thank you for sharing to us! Great stuff for the kids indeed!
Amber @ Love, Laugh, Live Well says
I love all the great book recommendations. Keeping these in mind for my kiddo!
Mrs. Weber says
Yay! I love children’s books so I am sure I will have more future posts with them 🙂