Tom

Written by: Tomie de Paola

First line: Tommy's grandfather always used to say, "We're named after each other, Tommy."

Why you should read this book: The special relationship between a small boy and a loving grandfather comprises this charming memoir about a couple of cut-ups and the trouble that a love of pranks and access to the butcher's discard pile can cause. Big Tom is a joker, but he probably doesn't anticipate the shenanigans that Little Tommy will find himself in when his grandfather shows him the world of possibilities inherent in a couple of chicken feet. A rollicking story that throws small children into paroxysms of laughter.

Why you shouldn't read this book: Fear of meat.