When my nephews were little I used to read Moo, Baa, Lalala by Sandra Boyton to them. I would read it so many times that I almost could read it without having to actually look at the book itself. Now, I need to make sure my great-niece has it so I can continue the tradition of reading to her (and having way too much fun making voices and sounds with her). And I will also be able to add a few new ones (or at least new to me) as well.
We can read A Dance with Santa Claus (currently available, read via an online reader, and will be getting at least a copy for Christmas to the niece). We have a little child (bunny) waiting for the big guy to show up. They sit and they wait and they tell us what they really want for Chrstimas. Not toys, but to dance (no matter how quickly it would be) with Santa himself. It is sweet, funny and silly. It is traditional Boynton all the way. There are rhymes, bold colors and simple details. If this has not already been put to music, it needs to be.
And then in March 2026 (read via an online reader copy) we can do Smooches! Which is perfect for fans of Boynton. It is about how there are different smooches and when they are presented to the recipient. It is one of the less “busy” stories, with its one idea theme, but it is still pure Sandra B! The illustrations are on the simpler side, even for her, but they do not lack anything. And the child in all of us will get a kick out of the child who the smooches are for and from.
Also in March (and also online reader read) is Iguana Miss You! The pun tells you everything you need to know about the joke of the story. It is an interesting story about how one Iguana is going to miss their buddy Iguana. They talk about how they will miss them, and then how wonderful this change will be. It would be good for when a child’s BFF moves away, or even a parent or family member is not there due to conditions (divorce, hospital). The images are even more simple than usual here, and yet, sometimes are terribly busy.
And thankfully When Pigs Fly!: A Song for Dreamers is currently available (it was in later August 2025) but still read via an online reader. Out of the collection of titles I read this is my least favorite, but it is still fun. It is about the potential of things and that yes, even if it seems hard, someday pigs will fly (which I kinda hope not as have you seen pig poo???). Overall it is just a cute and fun as all the others we have come to know and love by this beloved author and illustrator.
