Whenever I go to make a list like this my inner John Kerry kicks in. I waffle and over think it. So, this time I'm not going to think too much:
- Sylvester and the Magic Pebble by William Steig -- An emotionally moving fairy tale with funny animals.
- Harry the Dirty Dog by Gene Zion, illustrated by Margaret Bloy Graham
- Cottonball Colin by Jeanne Willis, illustrated by Tony Ross
- I Am A Bunny by Ole Risom, illustrated by Richard Scarry -- Simple, poetic text with illustrations to match.
- The Stray Dog by Marc Simont
- Harold and the Purple Crayon by Crockett Johnson
- Blueberries for Sal by Robert McCloskey
- It Could Always Be Worse: A Yiddish Folk Tale illustrated by Margot Zemach
- The Animal Fair, a Giant Golden Book by Alice and Martin Provensen -- A big collection of animal stories illustrated in colorful midcentury style.
- How to Heal a Broken Wing by Bob Graham