two picture books worth more than one reading

If your child likes a picture book, there is a good chance you'll be reading it again. So it is nice when you like them too. Here are a couple we've been test driving lately.

"I want to be a cowgirl" by Jeanne Willis with illustrations by one of my favourites - Tony Ross. The little girl explains to her daddy in this rhyming story, " I don't want to be a girly girl, who likes to sit and chat. I want to be a cowgirl, daddy. What's so wrong with that?" My daughter who owns a pair of cowgirl boots and can pretend anything is a horse, latched onto this tale whole heartedly. In a number of the pictures, daddy is repairing the damage his little cowgirl has caused, but in the end he joins in the adventure. The little girl's imagination and determination make this a fun, quick book.

"Leonardo, the terrible monster" is by Mo Willems, who has written a number of award winning books. Leonardo stands out from other monsters in that he is terrible not to other people, but terrible at being scary. He longs to scare the "tuna salad" out of someone. He decides that Sam is the perfect candidate. In the end the perfect candidate for friendship. My daughter loves for me to read Sam's description of his terrible day in one big burst. (You do have to breathe in the middle, but keep going for the best effect.)

Check them out!