I have been around the block in education for most of my life. I was a K-6 librarian, a preschool teacher, a 2nd and 3rd grade teacher, 7th grade reading, middle school library. I have credentials when it comes to children's books. I have been reading them my whole life.
These are my favorites--
1. The Sneetches and Other Stories by Dr. Seuss. I can recite this one almost by heart. As if the treasure which is the over marketed to, prejudicial Sneetches were not enough, that slim also contains Too Many Daves, The Zax, and the Pale Green Pants (with nobody inside them). I love the belly starred Sneetches and all the layered lessons they teach about acceptance and judging and money.
2. Good Night, Moon by Margaret Wise Brown. Such a calm and loving good night story. And the hidden mouse on each page! My son and I used to love to search for that mouse. It is the best good night story ever in my book.
3. Where's Spot? by Eric Hill the original book, not the many updates. My son and I never tired of lifting the flaps to see what was hidden underneath. I have many happy memories of Where's Spot.
4. If You Give a Mouse a Cookie by Laura Joffe Numeroff. This story is such a circuitous plot. I think it prepares young listeners to prepare for longer books that have more things going on.
5. Goin' Someplace Special by Patricia McKissack. The little girl in this picture book is finally old enough to go by herself on the bus to her favorite place. SHe encounters many challenges along the way. This is historical and gives me an opportunity to discuss racism and civil rights as the were in the 1950s. This is a picture book to use with older kids.