Some of our current favorite books, in no particular order:

“The Tao of Rudy.” It’s written by a local author. She also did her own illustrations, which are wonderfully vibrant paintings. She is also an artist. Truly gifted. I have bought this book for just about every child I know, to give to this year’s holiday season. I’ve also bought all of those children the Spanish version of the book. That’s right. The book has no been translated into Spanish. Same inspirational messages, different languages. Simple. Profound.

“Keep Climbing, Girls.” Written by the illustrious Beah Richards. Love, love, love this one. As does Pea. It’s a wonderfully encouraging message about not letting anyone hold you down. And the illustrations are fascinating. They remind me of paintings that you’d expect from outsider art.

“On the Day You Were Born.” I picked this up at a garage sale, of all places. As we were driving by, we noticed stacks and stacks of books. And so, this family of book eaters just had to stop. This book always chokes me up, right at the end. Brings me back to that single moment when I met both of my girls.

“Henry’s Freedom Box.” A heart-breaking story of slavery and freedom. The cover art alone is simply and devastatingly beautiful. Written in such a manner that a child can follow it. Enough said.

“Incredible You!” Written for children, by Mr. Inspiration himself, Dr. Wayne W. Dyer. I know I’ve written about this book before, I love it that much. We read it regularly. “10 Ways to Let Your Greatness Shine Through.” Who doesn’t want to teach those lessons to their kids?

“Don’t Let the Pigeon Stay Up Late!” Written by Mo Willems. He’s the genius behind “Knuffle Bunny.” The text is hilarious. I’m telling you, someone was a fly in the wall in my daughter’s bedroom one night, and overheard the print in this story. I’m sure you’ll recognize it, too.

” Toot & Puddle’s ABC.” The full-page illustrations of the 26 letters in the alphabet are frame-worthy.

“The Dot.” Every child is an artist. I believe that. And so does the author.

“Someday.” The story is sweet, but the illustrations? I want to crawl into the pages of this book and live in them.

“Wild Horse Winter.” You know me, anything at all about horses, and I’m in. Simple story, gorgeous watercolor illustrations. Based on the Dosanko horses of Japan. Almost too good to be true. Perhaps, a fable?

“Zen Ties.” I love the giant Panda bear that’s the main character. There are a couple of these books, but this one is by far my favorite. It’s a story of friendship, bridging the gap between the young and the old. It’s inspirational. The illustrations are amazing, particularly of the old woman. It chokes me up when I turn to that page.

“The Lonely Moose.” Hysterical. A crotchety old moose and the bird that turns it all around.

Next up? Classic children’s books…