Knitting-Themed Books...for BOYS

In a previous post, I added my voice to the chorus of Harry Potter fan-fiction [Chapter 3 3/4:  Hagrid Knits, July 2009], but have not yet addressed books which involve knitting and are of interest to YOUNGER boys.  I was reminded of this when I read of the recent publication of a lovely new children's book, Phoebe's Sweater, which even includes a pattern ...and considered buying it until I realized that I would have to Gorilla glue my son's south-sides to the chair to engage them with such an estrogen-soaked book.

So, for those of you with sons...here are my suggestions for books that will keep both you AND your boys interested until one of you falls asleep:

CATEGORY:  
Best Illustrations:  Pre-and beginning reader- Crab Cab:  Flip a Word by Harriet Ziefert with darling Japanese anime-style illustrations by Yukiko Kido

Best Illustrations:  Classic:  Fin M'Coul:  The Giant of Knockmany Hill by Tomie de Paola

Best Illustrations:  New:  Russel the Sheep by Rob Scotton

Most Educational, Theme: Warm as Wool, by Scott Russel Sanders [despite the cover illustration, this does feature some boys]

Classic, Theme:  Crictor, by Tomi Ungerer.  [Snakes always work for boys  ;-)  ]

Best New, Theme:  Ice Harbor Mittens , by Robin Hansen (originally published WITH pattern in Piecework, Jan/Feb 2010)  About boys lost at sea utilizing "Compass Mittens" to find their way home.

Best Overall, Theme: ...Most hilarious and book most beloved by all three of my sons:  Traction Man is Here!, by Mini Grey.  This photo series will give a pretty good synopsis.