More Twaddle-Free Books for Preschoolers: The Runners-Up

What is there to say? Few books are as beloved — or as charming — as the story of one curious monkey and the man with the yellow hat.

Harry the Dirty Dog is a sweet and classic story that has been beloved for many years. The story and illustrations are simple, and can be followed by children as young as 2 or 3, but are nonetheless interesting enough to grip an early reader. Who doesn't love dogs going on adventures and getting dirty?

My kids love this book. We have a great time rolling our "terrible eyes," showing our "terrible teeth," and the like. More important is the point of what home is.

A simple, charming look at the many different ways of being brave, big and small.

I read this as a little girl and remember it as my favorite. I remembered that pile of caps on that monkey's head. I wanted one just like it.

If you haven't read this adorable book then you are probably wondering why I included it on a list about cool female characters in children's books. It's because the steam shovel's name is Mary Ann. If you haven't read this charming story, what are you waiting for?

The little house is a great illustration of the old saying "be careful what you wish for." As a young house, surrounded by nature and filled with the love of a family, the little house longed to see the big city. Slowly, the glow in the distance approaches, the city comes closer and closer, until the little house finds itself alone and surrounded by the tall buildings, noise and pollution of the big city, and longing to be out in the country again.

On the plus side, this many-in-one edition seems to have many of the all-time greats like Horton Hears a Who and The Lorax. On the downside, I think combining these books into one edition is a mistake — there's nothing more appealing than looking at a bookshelf full of Seuss titles.