It’s Day 56 in my journey to 100 Days, 1000 Books. I’ve read 574 books so far and I’m loving it. Mostly. Here are some of the books that are making this adventure a joy.

Part II of the best of reads brings my favorite picture books for the sophisticated, jet-setting, caviar munching, seen-it-all 4 to 8 age group. These books usually have more story, more humor, and more layers. When this added complexity manages to hang on to its clear focus and simplicity, magic happens.

Nini Here and There by Anita Lobel
When the suitcases come out, your pet’s heart fills with dread. This wonderful story turns the traumas of having to travel with your pet into a imaginative adventure.

Zuzu’s Wishing Cake written by Linda Michelin and illustrated by D. B. Johnson
Zuzu is a fantastically creative, eccentric, and active main character. The distinctive style of the illustrations and fun story draw you in and make you fall in love.

Great Big Guinea Pigs by Susan L. Roth
The collage style pictures really work with this unusual guinea pig tale of natural history that brings you straight into prehistoric times.

Chicks and Salsa written by Aaron Reynolds and illustrated by Paulette Bogan
The chickens are tired of their plain old feed. And who can blame them? They want salsa! Keep your eyes out for the enterprising and very funny rats.

Rainstorm by Barbara Lehman
A wordless picture book that spins a quietly magical tale of secret passageways on a rainy day.

Peanut by Linas Alsenas
The ridiculous pictures play counterpoint to the understated illustrations, making this one of the funniestpicture books I’ve read.

That Rabbit Belongs to Emily Brown written by Cressida Cowell and illustrated by Neal Layton
Emily Brown and her rabbit, Stanley, are unstoppable. A great stuffed animal story with hilarious pictures and outspoken main characters.

Special Mention: Pssst… by Adam Rex
I’ve already exclaimed about this imaginative book, but I just couldn’t leave it out!