You’ve probably told your child stories about your own adventures (or misadventures as the case may be). But have you shared the books that inspired you as a child? Your genuine excitement about a book can be the necessary spark to encourage your child’s trip down your memory lane. Find your well-worn copy or stop in at your Milwaukee Public Library to track down a beloved title or two. Here are some of the books we remember fondly.
 Miss Nelson is Missing by Harry Allard; illustrated by James Marshall.
When the naughty children of Room 207 are faced with the terrible substitute teacher Miss Viola Swamp, they begin to miss their sweet teacher Miss Nelson. What happened to Miss Nelson? Will she ever return? Will the children of Room 207 be stuck with Miss Swamp forever? The comical trickery and gentle comeuppance of this tale made me giggle as a child and remains a relatable tale for children today.
Karli (Central Library)
 Gregory, the Terrible Eater by Mitchell Sharmat; illustrated by Jose Aruego and Ariane Dewey.
Gregory may seem like an ordinary goat, but when he shockingly requests fruit, vegetables, and other healthy treats for dinner his parents are not sure what to do with such a picky eater. His parents manage to sneak in some delicious rubbery soles and other goat food into his regular food, but when Gregory’s appetite takes off there are unexpected consequences. This book is a humorous tale about “junk” food and a great way to discuss healthy eating for goats and children alike. As a child I always thought the silliness of goat “junk food” was good fun and was a family favorite on our bookshelf.
Karli (Central Library)
 The Day Jimmy’s Boa Ate the Wash by Trinka Hakes Noble; illustrated by Steven Kellogg.
When Jimmy brings his pet boa constrictor along on the class field trip to the farm, mayhem ensues. This entertaining tale mixes in funny cause-and-effect relationships when hens go wild, cows are crying, and boa constrictors get into the wash. Noble’s approach to retelling the events and Kellogg’s skillfully detailed illustrations keep this story feeling fresh more than 30 years later.
Karli (Central Library)
 Mooncake by Frank Asch.
Frank Asch’s adventures of a little bear and the moon still hold a special place in my heart. Whether drawn in by the simple illustrations or the naïve little bear who believed the moon was speaking directly to him, I can no longer recall. But when I come across these books as an adult, I feel a special pull at my heartstrings.
Karli (Central Library)
 Love You Forever by Robert Munsch; illustrated by Sheila McGraw.
Love You Forever is a story about a mother who sings a song to her son every night, as he grows from a newborn, to a man with a child of his own. When my dad would come home from work, before he could even take off his shoes, my siblings and I would be clinging to his side and begging for him to read us a story. He would let us each pick out a book while he changed out of his work clothes and, inevitably, one of us would always pick this one. We loved to snuggle with him on the sofa as he read the story, complete with a tune of his own invention to go with the book’s song lyrics. It’s one of my fondest childhood memories, and I still know the song by heart over 20 years later.
Jennifer (Capitol Library)
 Miss Happiness and Miss Flower by Rumer Godden.
The story of a young girl far from home who is comforted by the arrival of two Japanese dolls really appealed to me. I always wished that I knew someone who could help me build the Japanese doll house based on the plans included in the book and I played around for a while with making kimonos for all my dolls.
Fran (Bay View Library)
 Harry, the Dirty Dog by Gene Zion; illustrated by Margaret Bloy Graham.
Originally published in 1956, Harry the Dirty Dog and his other adventures are still in print today and remain some of the favorite books of adults’ childhood memories. Something about a little spotted dog who is no longer recognized by his beloved family once he is as black as soot speaks to young children. Perhaps the “all’s well that ends well” ending or simply Harry’s charming nature is what pulls us in and makes us love Harry as much as his family does.
Karli (Central Library)
 Berenstain Bears original series by Stan & Jan Berenstain.
2012 marks the 50th anniversary of the first Berenstain Bear book, The Big Honey Hunt. This family of bears, which now includes Mama Bear, Papa Bear, Brother Bear, Sister Bear, and Honey Bear, has struck a chord with many children over the years as the family has tackled important issues and topics that emerge from family life. The family nature of these books clearly stems from the original husband and wife team, and son Mike now collaborates with mom Jan on the new Berenstain Bears books.
 Corduroy by Don Freeman.
Upon seeing the bright red cover, a flood of memories washes over the reader and this beloved book. Corduroy embodies the mystical fascination with toys coming to life. The young girl in her white gloves looked so dainty, and I understood her longing for a toy and the excitement of saving up to buy one with one’s own money. This wonderful story will still ring true about the special bond between a child and his/her favorite toy.
Karli (Central Library)
 Frog and Toad by Arnold Lobel.
Many of us will remember Frog and Toad as we navigated into the world of independent reading. Not only were these books accepted by adults for their excellence, receiving Caldecott and Newbery honors, they also spoke to children by offering a humorous look at the bonds of friendship. The delightful illustrations and the comedic banter between Frog and Toad should still leave new readers content.
 Bunnicula: A Rabbit Tale of Mystery by Deborah & James Howe; illustrated by Alan Daniel.
Inspired by their love of “B” rated horror movies of the 1970s, James Howe and wife Deborah Howe shared the joy of creating Bunnicula, a much beloved book that still draws new readers every year. A story of a bunny that the other animals fear may be a vampire unfolds in a fantastically delightful story. This fun and slightly scary tale is perfect for readers welcoming the world of early chapter books and is a solid favorite among many adults recalling childhood favorites.
Karli (Central Library)
 Freckle Juice by Judy Blume.
Judy Blume’s books have a knack for connecting to the awkwardness of adolescence with humor, yet include subtle undertones of deeper issues that can often help a child understand that they are not alone in their plights. Even Freckle Juice, which was 40 years old in 2011, remains a poignant book for children. If your child has yet to read a book by Judy Blume, we highly recommend giving one of her classic works a try.
Mandy (Central Library)
 Ramona Quimby series by Beverly Cleary.
Beverly Cleary’s books maintain an important space on many a bookshelf. Having no concept of copyright dates as a child, this collection that I received one Christmas seemed brand new. The girl on the cover looked like a reflection, scrawny and gangly with thin brown hair. We bonded over challenges and awkwardness. The connection was so strong I believed I was the inspiration for Ramona. Alas, I have since discovered that the series was published before my time, but the books remain my most memorable.
Karli (Central Library)
 Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH by Robert C. O’Brien.
One day my teacher announced that it was RIF (Reading is Fundamental) day and we would each be able to pick a book to take home. I was very excited and tried patiently to wait my turn. After being led to the gym and shown the table of books I could choose from I started feeling anxious. These were books I’d already read; wasn’t there something new and exciting to try? My teacher pointed out Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH and said she thought it would be perfect for me. “I don’t want to read about a mouse and a bird,” I whined while looking at the cover. “But it’s an award winner,” she replied. I didn’t respond, but Mrs. Pisarski was determined and played the “Well, it’s probably going to be too challenging for you anyway,” card. That got me. I started reading it that day during SSR (sustained silent reading) and fell in love with it. I’ve read it so many times since then I’ve lost count. Today someone told me there’s a movie adaptation too—I had no idea!
Jacki (Central Library)
Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH by Robert C. O’Brien.
This is one of the few instances where I saw the movie (The Secret of NIMH) before I read the book – and wish I still had my old-school metal lunchbox and thermos! While I fondly remember the movie, it is the book I return to time and again. Reading the words helps me conjure a more vivid picture of the farm, the rosebush concealing a secret clan of hyper-intelligent rats, Timothy’s illness, and the sense of urgency. Can the Frisby home be moved to the lee of the stone in time to escape the farmer’s plow?
Mandy (Central Library)
 The House on East 88th Street by Bernard Waber.
This was one of the most memorable books from my childhood. In the first of the Lyle, Lyle Crocodile series we are introduced to lovable Lyle, the beloved pet crocodile of the Primm Family. I can still recite the opening page, “This is the house. The house on East 88th Street. It is empty now, but it won’t be for long. Strange sounds come from the house. Can you hear them? Listen: SWISH, SWASH, SPLASH, SWOOSH….” Oh, the anticipation! I wanted to move to New York so I could live in an apartment like the Primm’s. And the page when Hector P. Valenti, star of stage and screen and Lyle’s rightful owner, reappears to claim Lyle still tugs at my heart.
Victoria (Central Library)
 Harriet the Spy by Louise Fitzhugh.
Harriet M. Welsch is an 11 year old aspiring spy and the child of New York socialites. She keeps a spy route and a notebook to write down all of her observations, including what she REALLY thinks of the kids in her class. When her beloved nanny is let go and her notebook is discovered and read by all of her classmates, Harriet’s world comes crumbling down. I loved this book as a 9 year old and loved it equally as much when I reread it 30 years later.
Kim (East Library)
 The Giver by Lois Lowry.
This story takes place in a future where pain and war do not exist because everyone has converted to “Sameness”. Only one person is charged with keeping the memories of the world as it was before the Sameness. A young man named Jonas is selected to retain these memories, and over the course of the novel the previous keeper, “The Giver”, gives him memories of color, pain and emotion. Jonas (and the reader) must decide if the world really is better since the Sameness, or if they have given up too much for the sake of a safe and uneventful life. The story is both scary and sad, but ultimately it is a hopeful tale about growing up and learning to tell right from wrong.
Jennifer (Capitol Library)
 Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Patterson.
Jesse, a shy and artistic boy, becomes best friends with the new girl, Leslie, after losing to her in a race on the first day of school. Together, Leslie and Jesse build the imaginary Kingdom of Terabithia in the woods behind their houses. Leslie encourages Jesse to be brave and to not be ashamed of who he is. As a dreamy, somewhat awkward bookworm, I devoured this story, and still read it again from time to time. The movie version was a faithful adaptation, but doesn’t quite pack the same emotional punch as the book.
Jennifer (Capitol Library)
 Jayhawker by Patricia Beatty.
Jayhawker is an exciting story that is a drama, mystery, adventure, and spy thriller all rolled into one! Living in Kansas, a free state, at the start of the Civil War, Lije is a Jayhawker, helping to free slaves from neighboring slave-owning Missouri. Soon, Lije is needed for an undercover mission with the Bushwackers, the Jayhawkers Missouri opposites. Lije’s undercover mission is nothing like he expected, and you get to go along for the ride! This was the first piece of historical fiction I ever read, and it made me a life-long fan.
Megan (M.L. King Library)
 Catherine, Called Birdy by Karen Cushman.
Everyone loves a rebel, and when you are a 13-year old girl in medieval England, there is just so much for you to rebel against! Catherine, known as Little Bird or Birdy for her fondness for keeping birds in her room, spends a great deal of her time thinking about all of the things that a lady is not allowed to do, and often trying to do them anyway. The rest of her energy is spent avoiding the potential husbands her father keeps inviting to their manor home. Written in the form of a journal, the story is both fun and hilarious, and offers a captivating glimpse into medieval life.
Megan (M.L. King Library)
 The Little House on the Prairie series by Laura Ingalls Wilder.
I read and reread each of these books so often I believed I had actually lived the pioneer life! Farmer Boy was my favorite by far. The vivid descriptions of family feasts may have inspired my lifelong passion for cooking (and eating). It still amazes me that Almanzo’s family had ice available all summer long, harvested from lakes in the winter and kept cold under sawdust in a time well before refrigeration!
Mandy (Central Library)
 Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls.
To this day I can hear my sixth grade teacher Mr. Henderson howling like a hound dog as he read aloud to our class. Never has a group of 30 tweens been so rapt with attention, nor was there a dry eye in the room at the conclusion. Do read this yourself beforehand so you may determine if your child is ready to deal with the themes of devotion and loss in this book.
Mandy (Central Library)
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