Building a "Lap Library"

Contributed by Lissa Clark, Hive Overland Park

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Sitting with a child to enjoy a book is one of life’s coziest pleasures.  Winter is a good time to cuddle up by the fireplace to read together.  Books to read together should have colorful, meaningful illustrations; a fun, interactive, and easy- to- follow story; and words that captivate, teach, or inspire imagination.  Twice the fun if adults enjoy the story too!  Starting a “Lap Library” with gifts of books is a great idea.  Think about holding a book shower for a new mom or grandmother (or yourself!)  Here are three books that are generation-tested and highly recommended for lap reading.

King Bidgood’s in the Bathtub by Audrey and Don Wood

This is a fun romp that takes place in the King’s bathtub.  He enjoys his baths so much he keeps inviting members of his court to join him for dining, fishing, and battling.  Caught in the middle of this adventure is the poor page, who must continuously bring more hot water and clean up the messes.  Illustrated richly and with humor, this story will be enjoyed by all.

Busy, Busy World by Richard Scarry

Each of Scarry’s books is filled with extremely detailed drawings of the population of this world.  This book contains 33 short adventures all over the world.  Kids and readers can spend a great deal of time on each page examining the various characters’ hijinks and mishaps.  Colorful and imaginative, this (and all of Scarry’s books) will be read over and over. 

Animalia by Graeme Base

This isn’t your grandmother’s ABC book.  Each page of this book is dedicated to a letter and tells an alliterative story.  (“C is for Crafty Crimson Cats Carefully Catching Crusty Crawfish.”)  It uses both common and more difficult vocabulary. The illustrations of these alliterations are humorous and detailed. Be ready to be entertained by this book over and over, discovering hidden gems each time.

The Eleventh Hour by Graeme Base

This interactive mystery book, for kids a bit older, is equally lush and well worth a read! When Horace the elephant turns 11, he celebrates in style by inviting his exotic friends to a costume party. But a mystery is afoot, for in the midst of the party activity, someone has eaten the birthday feast. The intricately detailed illustrations in this book make a visual hide-and-seek. The rhyming text and lavish illustrations each provide clues, and it’s up to the reader to piece them together and decide whodunit.

So – are you ready to start a lap library?  Do you have tried and true books your kids have enjoyed?  Let’s start a Hive Lap Library List!