I love Ian Falconer, Kevin Henkes, LeUyen Pham, Brian Selznick, and Mo Willems. I also love the work Save the Children does. I especially love that the illustrators have created Valentine cards for Save the Children’s projects in the United States, including literacy projects!
I am most familiar with Save the Children’s work rehabilitating child soldiers, reuniting families and keeping children safe (out of brothels, etc.) when separated from their families in war zones in Africa. Difficult, but oh-so-important work. They were just ranked #18 by Global Journal’s list of top 100 NGOs. I wasn’t actually familiar with their literacy work in the United States until I saw these cards on Twitter, but that just adds to my enthusiasm.
My boys, however, are teenagers and no longer enthusiastic about handing out Valentines. I still wanted to support Save the Children’s literacy projects and spread the word about these Valentine cards. My cards arrived yesterday and one of you can be the beneficiary.
Just submit a comment telling me your favourite book by Ian Falconer, Kevin Henkes, LeUyen Pham, Brian Selznick, or Mo Willems by midnight CST January 31 for a chance to win this pack of 25 Valentines. The giveaway is open worldwide, but if you are outside the United States I cannot promise you will receive them in time for Valentines Day 2012.
Update: Congratulations, Tami! Lilly and friends are headed your way!
My favorite Kevin Henkes is Chrysanthemum. As the mother of a daughter with an unusual name, this book is very handy.
My absolute favorites are both Owen by Kevin Henkes and Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus by Mo Willems. I don’t know what I’d do without those two!
For sure The Pigeon Wants a Puppy, but second place is We Are In a Book (both by Mo Willems). He’s a rock star!
Oh, how to choose?! I am a huge fan of Mo Willems and it began with Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus. I have some amazing reading experiences related to Hugo Cabret and Brian Selznick. Olivia books are a family favorite, too. But, I must say that Henkes gets my top vote for Lilly’s Purple Plastic Purse. Love most of his work!
Any Elephant and Piggie book by Mo Willems makes me laugh, laugh, laugh! Love his work.
Thanks.
My favorite is still Hugo, bringing to life the tinkering possibilities. Selznick said he thinks in pictures and this book keeps that reading skill alive in older readers, in a totally different way from the graphic novel genre.
Wonderstruck was the most unique book experience I’ve had as a teacher. The discussion inspired by the heavy subject along with the images gave me a new impression of how empathetic my students are.
My middle child — 3 1/2 year old daughter — and I have had many wonderful snuggled up bedtime (and any other time) stories with Ian Falconer’s Olivia books and Mo Willems’ KnuffleBunny and KnuffleBunny, Too. Too hard to pick a favorite among them:)