Growing a Reader: Kids' Books, Tips and More

In addition to the passing of Eric Carle, we're sad to say goodbye to award-winning children's author and illustrator Lois Ehlert this week. She passed away on Tuesday, May 26 at age 86.

Lois was best known for illustrating the colourful, addictive and energetic book, Chicka Chicka Boom Boom. Written by Bill Martin Jr. and John Archambault, this book never fails to get kids up, moving and calling out at a storytime. Originally published in 1989, demand for this book has never diminished — we still own over 100 copies!

Her other well-known books include Color Farm and Color Zoo. With cut-outs in the pages, these books are fantastic for very young children to explore animals, shapes and colours.

The latest addition to our collection, Rain Fish, was published in 2016. It features colourful, mixed-media creations as the illustrations.

My personal favourite is Eating the Alphabet. I was vegetarian for eight years, so I'm a huge fan of eating my colours from A to Z! The book features well-known fruits and veggies, as well as some unusual ones. What do you eat that starts with Q, X, Y or Z? Give it a read to find out!

Lois Ehlert's books will continue to entertain and educate kids for many years to come!