This summer we took part in the summer reading program at our local library. The program at Capital Area District Library in Lansing allowed toddlers like Rosie to trade in minutes spent reading, book reviews and learning activities for points. With enough points, she earned prizes like a new picture book and some very sparkly cat ears. Needless to say, she was thrilled.

We love reading in every season, and so I thought I’d share an updated list of some of Rosie’s current favorites. This is our list of Front Porch Reads.

Leila in Saffron, by Rukhsanna Guidroz and illustrated by Dinara Mirtalipova

I have to be upfront about the fact that Dinara Mirtalipova is my favorite artist on Esty/Instagram and I want to wallpaper my house with the pages of this beautiful book. That said, Rosie loves the story and the colorful illustrations, too!

This is a lovely, sweet story about a young girl, Leila, who is learning to appreciate who she is, told through the journey of a Friday night dinner at her Naani’s house. The stunning book has a glossary of words in the back to explain some of the Pakistani foods or phrases used. Oh, and have I mentioned the illustrations are gorgeous?

Lola Reads to Leo, by Anna McQuinn and illustrated by Rosalind Beardshaw

This was gifted to us as a welcome-baby-Walt present, and it quickly became a favorite in our house. There are a number of Lola books, also available in Spanish, which Rosie reminds me every time we get to the photos on the back of this book, saying, “We have to get all these other books!”

A warm, friendly look at welcoming a new sibling into the family, there are a couple of things I find extra special about this one:

• It’s full of fun, realistic touches like the baby crying a lot, breastfeeding, potty-training, a messy house — plus, the Mom always has a cup of coffee nearby. Rather than glossing over these parts of having a new baby, it celebrates them.
  
• The Mom and Dad in the story both do a lot to take care of the kids and the house, including shared responsibility for diaper changes, laundry and dishes. A family is a lot of work, for everyone!

Everywhere Babies, by Susan Meyers and illustrated by Marla Frazee

This has been one of Rosie’s favorites forever, and continues to top her list of “ones to bring in the car” to this day. We have one hardcover and one board book edition of this rhyming gem. When we first got it, Rosie was one with the babies in the book, clapping when they clap, her toothless grin matching theirs. But now she remembers the words and exclaims “they’re so cute!” as she “reads” the book to herself in the backseat.

The illustrations are so sweet, and do a great job depicting many different-looking babies and families, all appreciating their babies “…just as they are!”

So, what are your front porch reads? Backyard reads? Wagon/trailer/tent/picnic table reads? We’d love to hear!