The Frugal Family: Priceless Lessons from Favorite Authors of Children's Books

I'm not sure where I would be as a parent without books. Reading with my son has been a true sanity saver through difficult phases in our bedtime routine and in the midst of potty training. I am forever grateful to the clever authors out there who have helped me parent better during these trying times. Not only do many of these authors assist me in teaching my son about various concepts, but they do so with a sense of humor that helps me retain mine.

Mo Willems, who is best known as an animator and writer for Sesame Street, has a series of books starring a persistent pigeon who won't take no for an answer. Don't Let the Pigeon Stay Up Late and Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus give toddlers and preschoolers a chance to be the ones saying "no." When Willems is not writing about pigeons, he offers up gems showing that monsters can be nice (in Leonardo the Terrible Monster) and the sense of accomplishment that comes along with using the potty in Time to Pee.

When bedtime is an issue, Jane Yolen comes to the rescue with How Does a Dinosaur Say Goodnight? which sends a subtle but effective message that bedtime is not the time for a tantrum. Amy Krouse Rosenthal uses reverse psychology in her bedtime book Little Hoot. Yolen and Rosenthal carry their themes into books for picky eaters and kids who need lessons in cleaning up their rooms, as well.

The creator of the beloved Mutts comic strip, Patrick McDonnell, offers his heartwarming view of kindness toward others in Hug Time and The Gift Of Nothing. Doreen Cronin goes where few children's authors dare with Click Clack Moo: Cows That Type and Duck for President. Click Clack Moo demonstrates the art of negotiation, while Duck for President introduces politics during a lesson about chores.

I credit Elizabeth Verdick with keeping my cat's tail intact with Tails are Not for Pulling, and I recently passed Teeth are Not for Biting on to a teething one year old. Diapers are Not Forever is next on my list from Verdick's "Best Behavior Series."

Besides the endless entertainment and constructive messages they provide, another great thing about books is that they can be found at the library for free. For those looking to invest in a household library, used book stores provide a rich cache and deals abound in big box stores, as well (for example--there's an Amazon deal where you can buy three, get one free as part of their Four-for-Three promotion).

What authors do you rely on to pass on lessons to your kids? Where do you find the best deals on books?

Crystal Ritchie lives and blogs in San Francisco with her preschooler son Jack and her partner in crime/fiance David. She loves to share stories, tips, and tricks related to the parenting gig. When she is not parenting, writing as the San Francisco City Guide Editor for Savvy Source and on her personal blog, Ewokmama.com, or scoping out awesome deals, she can be found working at a software company in her favorite city.