"Brush" is my favorite "little boy" book, although it's perfectly wonderful for little girls too. I buy it in bulk when it's available in print (it's sometimes very hard to find) and give it as presents whenever I can. "Brush" reaffirms the magic of childhood and gently reminds parents that they really don't know it all.

When a little boy's naughty dog misbehaves, his parents insist he give it away (that is still the harshest part to swallow). Heartbroken, the little one searches for a replacement among his family funriture. He finally settles on an old scrub brush, which he adopts as his pet. He inists that it is real and takes it (on a leash) everywhere with him. The grown ups in his life balk at this charade and chide him for his frivolous imagination. But he does not despair. One evening when his family is in danger, Brush saves the day, proving that things are not always what they seem. Fortunately, the parents admit their shortsightedness and embrace Brush as one of their own. I love this book because it is at once kooky, sweet, funny, and poignant. We grown ups don't know it all. And listening to our children opens up worlds of wonder that we might never experience if we don't really listen to what they have to say.