When Anita Silvey spoke at our Children’s Literature Conference at Butler University several years ago, it was quite a thrill for those of us who share her enthusiasm for well-written books. The former editor of “The Horn Book Magazine,” wore one of her signature hats and sat casually on the edge of the stage and chatted with us.

Her 2004 book 100 Best Books for Children has been one of my most trusted references, as I chose these 75 books for your independent reader. She tells us in her bio for these books, that she estimates she has read 125,000 children’s books in her lifetime. I chose eleven of her classic recommendations to review for you in this book. Here are six of these not-to-be missed titles: Betsy-Tacy; The Incredible Journey; The Cricket in Times Square; Sarah, Plain and Tall; Stone Fox and Tom’s Midnight Garden.