I am the lucky aunt to an absolutely adorable nephew and niece who live across the country from me. In an effort to stay connected to them, (and perhaps bribe them in exchange for love), I’ve started a monthly tradition where I send them a book. I lovingly call it Auntie Katie’s book club. At the ages they currently are (6 and 3), picture books are still just right. I try to send a mix of solid classics and fun new books they may not have seen. Here’s what I sent to them the past year:

January: Who Will Kiss the Crocodile? by Suzy Senior: This book is just adorable. It’s a twist on sleeping beauty, and I frequently give it as a birthday gift.

February: Love Birds by Jane Yolen: For a lightly Valentine’s themed book, I chose this book about children who love to watch birds and eventually have a happy life together as adults.

Also February: The Oldest Student by Rita Lorraine Hubbard: To celebrate Black history month, I included this true story about a 101 year old woman who learned to read. My kids were so touched by this story.

March: Once Upon a Winter Day by Liza Woodruff: This is a story about exploration during a seemingly ordinary snowy day, with lots of animal tracks to look at and discuss.

April: Six Dinner Sid by Inga Moore: A hilarious book, this tells the story about a cat who tricks six different families into feeding him every night.

May: The Boy Who Loved Maps by Kari Allen: This is a sweet story about a boy who is stumped when a friend asks him to draw a map of the perfect place.

June: The Little Mouse, the Red Ripe Strawberry, and the Big Hungry Bear by Audrey Wood: A classic; this is told from the reader’s point of view, who is ultimately trying to convince a mouse to share their strawberry with us.

July: Hotel for Bugs by Suzy Senior: This is a story that largely relies on fun pictures and slices of hotel life. The plot centers on a slug who wants to check in, but is turned away because he’s different.

August: The Camping Trip by Jennifer K. Mann: This is the story of a girl who goes on her first camping trip. I like it because the illustrations have a hint of graphic novel at times, and because the characters are diverse.

September: Cook-a-Doodle-Doo by Janet Stevens: We first discovered this book at the library years ago, and it’s been a staple at our house. It’s about a group of farm animals attempting to make and share a cake.

October: The Last Stop of Market Street by Matt De La Pena: I would call this a modern classic; it’s just beautiful. A boy and his grandma are riding a bus and discussing the people and city around them as they make there way to a very special ending location, ultimately to help others.

November: Thank You, Sarah by Laurie Halse Anderson: This tells the true story of the origins of Thanksgiving as a Nationally recognized holiday.

December: Mr. Willowby’s Christmas Tree by Robert Barry: This might be my favorite holiday picture book! It’s about a too-large Christmas tree that is trimmed and what happens to the trimmings.