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By: Grace T. – READ Center Intern, Spring 2026
Over the past few months, I’ve had the opportunity to intern at Central with READ. I have absolutely loved everything, from packing Take & Makes to working on a book display and coming up with stations for the Earth Day Design Time program; my time at Central has been absolutely perfect. I feel really confident in my decision to pursue a career as a Children’s Librarian. Being surrounded by children’s media reminded me of some of my childhood favorites, shared below. You can share your own favorite childhood books at our upcoming program, Rereading Our Childhood. Here are some of my favorite stories from my younger years.
Rereading Our Childhood
Tuesday, Jun. 2 • 6:00 – 7:00 pm
EVPL Central
Childhood Favorites
The Monster at the End of the Book by Jon Stone
“Grover tries to think of ways to keep the reader from turning the pages so no one is scared by the “monster” at the end of the book.”
- Personal Note: I remember spending many days with my grandma, sitting in her lap and laughing as Grover tried crazier and crazier things to get the reader to stop turning pages.
Skippyjon Jones in the Dog House by Judith Schachner
“When his Chihuahua friends hide out from Bad Bobble-ito who has taken over their dog house and left them out in the cold, El Skippito is determined to set things right and so puts a plan in motion to teach Bobble-ito a lesson he won’t soon forget.”
- Personal Note: This was one of my favorite bedtime books. I always had so much fun listening to my dad make the sound effects. This book was one he clearly enjoyed as much as my siblings and I did.
“A little girl who is obsessed with the color pink eats so many pink cupcakes that she herself turns pink.”
- Personal Note: I was absolutely obsessed with this book when I was a little girl; unfortunately I’d still probably eat too many cupcakes.
Froggy’s Baby Sister by Jonathan London
“Froggy hoped for a brother to play with so he is disappointed with his new baby sister, Pollywogilina, but only until she is old enough to start learning from her big brother.”
- Personal note: I loved all of the Froggy books, but this is the one I remember the most. These books were also favorites at bedtime. I can still imagine my parents saying, “Frooooooogy” and “flop-flop-flop.”
I Love My White Shoes by Erin Litwin
“As he walks down the street, Pete the cat sings about his brand new white shoes as they change from red to blue to brown to wet.”
- Personal Note: This was another of my grandma’s favorite books. Although she read it for my little sister, I still absolutely loved reading along and learning to let go of what I can’t control.
A Bad Case of the Stripes by David Shannon
“In order to ensure her popularity, Camilla Cream always does what is expected, until the day arrives when she no longer recognizes herself.”
- Personal Note: I’m pretty sure everyone my age has read this book several times. It teaches an important lesson on being yourself and always made me wonder what Lima Beans tasted like.
Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
“The beloved story of the March girls is a classic American feminist novel, reflecting the tension between cultural obligation and artistic and personal freedom.”
- Personal Note: This book is a little different from the others on this list, but I remember spending summers sitting on the porch with my mom, taking turns reading the pages. This book is super special to me.
“Chrysanthemum loves her name, until she starts going to school and the other children make fun of it.”
- Personal Note: I was required to read this book at school several times, and I always enjoyed it. I always thought Chrysanthemum was adorable, and it taught me how to spell her name without autocorrect.
“Bear and Mole build a kite and take it out on a windy day, but when the weather suddenly turns stormy there are unexpected consequences for some birds.”
- Personal Note: This book isn’t just a bedtime memory, it’s one of my earlier library memories! My mom took my siblings and me to a program where the author talked about his illustrations and signed my copy of this book!
The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn
“When Chester the raccoon is reluctant to go to kindergarten for the first time, his mother teaches him a secret way to carry her love with him.”
- Personal Note: My mom loved reading this book to us. I always had a hard time being away from her, but this book comforted me.
Fancy Nancy Bonjour, Butterfly by Jane O’Connor
“Nancy is furious when she cannot go to her friend Bree’s butterfly-themed birthday party, but her family’s outing might just be extraordinary enough to make her feel better. Includes facts about butterflies.”
- Personal Note: To be honest, I was never super into Fancy Nancy, but I distinctly remember Nancy making invitations and using the Bs in Bree’s name to make butterflies. I thought it was so cool!
Llama Llama Red Pajama by Anna Dewdney
“At bedtime, a little llama worries after his mother puts him to bed and goes downstairs.”
- Personal Note: I always enjoyed this book as someone who was just a little clingy. It’s a super cute book looking back, but it used to scare me when Llama Llama felt lonely.
These are just a few of the many books I grew up reading. I’m super thankful for the EVPL and all the books I’ve borrowed and lessons I’ve learned. If you would like to revisit your childhood favorites and consider lessons we may have missed as kids, make sure to attend our upcoming Rereading Our Childhood program.
