We just got a bunch of new children’s books in our home, and the timing was perfect. Even with what has to be the hundreds that we already have, I get bored…

These are among the titles that are currently in rotation, once bedtime rolls around:

“Different Like Coco.” This one is based on the life of Coco Chanel. I adore it. I wasn’t sure how the girls would take to it, since it’s written more as a timeline of her life that’s been turned into a story that a child can follow. But I read it to my Coco, and then read it again later on to Pea, and they both loved it. Pea was especially fascinated by the simple artwork, and she loved the theme that it’s awesome to be different. I think it’s going to quickly become a favorite. And for the record, I’m also sending a copy to my mother, a Chanel fanatic. I know she’ll get a kick out of it, and it’s the kind of book that’s going to be very amusing, sitting out on her coffee table, which is where I know it’ll find it’s home.

“The Girl in the Castle Inside the Museum.“  Reviews have called the story-line ‘clunky.’ My own mother says it seems more like it’s been translated from another language. I don’t find it to be either. I just find it adorably appealing. There’s nothing wrong with the story, but there’s really nothing wrong with the artwork. And that’s the real reason that Pea can’t (or won’t?) put this book down: the illustrations are just breathtakingly, mesmerizingly dazzling.

“Hansel & Gretel.” I don’t know how you feel about reading Hans Christian Anderson’s dark fables to your child, but after being bombarded with Disney crap during the day, I don’t mind one bit, settling into Pea’s bed with her, and reading her a tall tale that, while not as light and fluffy as Disney, still has a happy ending. And the artwork in this book is, once again, just beautiful.

“Kaito’s Cloth.” As soon as I saw this one, I just knew it was meant for little Coco. It’s a sweet little fable, with beautiful illustrations. I mean really, really beautiful. That’s the only word to describe it.

“The Lonely Doll.” Another cherished book from my own childhood. If you read the reviwews, you probably won’t order it. But you know what I say? Lighten up. It’s a book for kids. Who cares that the author was a tortured soul? It’s simple and clever, all wrapped into one little package. Don’t read into it, okay? Just read it.

“Pippi Longstocking.” Fond memories of reading this story with my own mother, coupled with Lauren Child’s (of “Charlie & Lola” fame) charming illustrations, are making this a very satisfying nighttime read with Pea. It’s a chapter book, which I didn’t know when I bought it, but it’s working out nicely. We read the first two chapters last night, and while she had an adjustment there, for a brief moment, over the pages that don’t have pictures, she came around and figured it all out. She’s now bookmarked the beginning of the third chapter, set aside for tonight’s bedtime story, and has it sitting on her pillows, eagerly awaiting 8:30 pm.

“Waking Beauty.” Hysterical. Pea refers to this one as “the princess with the stinky breath book.” Is your interest piqued?

“When You Were Small.” It’s short, it’s sweet. It’s also very charming and has the girls rolling into fits of giggles at the little boy who ripped all of his Daddy’s shirt by hanging out in his pocket.

As I’m looking back over this list, it occurs to me that it’s generally the illustrations that sell me on a story. But I think that’s only because with little kids, it’s all about the visual. So it’s nice that while they are enjoying the illustrations, I am able to be taken in by them, as well.

What books are you reading your kids? Any favorites you care to share?