Before I 'officially' requested childhood favorites from Seattle Reader, she'd read my blog and reminded me of this book ... a favorite for both of us, although I was a recent college grad when it first came out and she was younger. Stephen Cosgrove has many children's books out, but I like this one for both the story and the location! ;-) The Wheedle liked to sleep but when the white man arrived and started building things and whistling while they did so, that became difficult. The Wheedle on the Needle tells how it all worked out for everyone. And if you think the light on the top of the Space Needle is just an ordinary light, think again! It was wonderful to read this delightful tale again after so many years. Seattle Reader then followed up with a wonderful list of family favorites!

There were so many, actually, that she divided them up, starting with ones that weren't so popular in the larger world, but "became iconic" to Seattle Reader and her parents and siblings,so much so that they still quote favorite bits to each other! The Brave Little Toaster, by Thomas Disch, How Tom Beat Captain Najork and His Hired Sportsmen, by Russel Hoban, The Stupid Family (and sequels), by Harry Allard, Alexander and the Wind-Up Mouse, by Leo Lionni, and The Monster at the End of This Book, by Jon Stone.

Next came those books popular with Seattle Reader, hubby and kids: Bunnicula, by Deborah and James Howe, The Dumb Bunnies (and sequels), by Dave Pilkey, Oscar's Book, by Jeffrey Moss, and Hippos Go Berserk, by Sandra Boynton. One sounded especially interesting ... The Ferry Story, by Terry Lawhead. It is out of print, but Seattle Reader has a copy and has promised to bring it when next she visits.

And finally (drum roll) the all time favorites are the Elephant and Piggie books by Mo Willems (who also wrote Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus). The kidlets are heading into teenagehood and still want to check for more in this series! (Now that is a recommendation)!

Every so often an unexpected email pops up and it's usually Seattle Reader, who, having read my blog, tells me "I read (title) and loved it!" Or, once, was considering a book for her brother, saw it on my post for that day, and went and got it for him! She sends recommendations, too. Connections! :-)

Reading Hermit With Dog