The Favorite Book

PreS-Gr 1–Despite the somewhat misleading title, this story does not address favorite books per se but instead focuses how one chooses a favorite item among many, whether it’s a color, hat, plant, animal, or musical instrument to name a few. Told in rhyming couplets, each page features a large cast of children faced with making a choice in a particular area. While some “inspect, measure, and weigh,” others “follow [their] heart” or opt to forego having a favorite altogether; some follow the group while others “start [their] own trends.” An open-ended conclusion allows for changing one’s mind and looking forward to “the many things in this world [one] can love.” Murguia’s colorful watercolor, pen and ink illustrations are somewhat reminiscent of books by Amy Krouse Rosenthal or Peter H. Reynolds, the cartoon line-drawn protagonists relatable and appealing.