I have a special fondness for well executed wordless children’s books. I love the fact that such a book can serve as a powerful catalyst for meaningful discussion. Sidewalk Flowers is a winner filled with gentle acts of kindness by a little girl using the small flowers found in the cracks of the sidewalk that so many others would simply ignore or view as weeds that are a nuisance.
The Penderwicks series was a delightful recent find during a library visit. This series which features the Penerwick sisters reminds me a great deal of Little Women. The stories focus on the adventures of the girls and their very distinct personalities. There is a wholesomeness about these books that is really refreshing.
The Year of the Book is excellent. As the mother of a little girl who loves books, finding a book character who shares the same sort of love helped make this a quick high interest text for her. The story tackles the subject of young girl friendships and does an excellent job. The author provides the reader with the opportunity to see the characters grow socially throughout the text.
Finding a good friend is harder for some than others, but there is a good friend out there just waiting for everyone. Hug Me shares the story of Felipe the Cactus who searches high and low before successfully finding just the right friend. This is a fun read with pictures that truly enhance the text .
This little gem of a book would make a lovely graduation gift. Only One You highlights the parental advice given to Adri the fish who is about to venture out on his own. Beautiful illustrations and deceptively simply text provide the reader with a profound message of self acceptance, encouragement, and the charge to make the world a better place. This is a new favorite!
The Invisible Boy is an amazingly powerful picture book. Brian who is shown in black and white as the book begins is simply invisible to his classmates as well as his teacher. He always behaves well in class and doesn’t demand his teacher’s attention for re-direction, but sadly, he doesn’t have any friends. The arrival of a new student in class provides the opportunity for friendship for Brian. As he starts to connect with his new friend, Brian’s image becomes full color to match the rest of the illustrations in the book.
This book would make a terrific read-aloud for little kids or big kids. It would be a great starting point for discussion about showing compassion and kindness to others.
I came across this favorite at the library earlier this week and thought it was worth sharing again. It really is that good!
The Clever Stick is an enchanting tale. Who would ever imagine using a stick as the main character of a children’s picture book?! I found this one on the new picture book shelf at our local library and quickly realized I had found a winner. The expressive pictures couple perfectly with the smart text.
The stick is clever in countless ways from solving problems to enjoying poetry, but since he cannot speak his cleverness is not fully known. The stick’s journey of self-discovery takes the reader to unexpected places that ultimately delight.
This book is a perfect to share as a read aloud!
Stick and Stone is a great book about friendship. The friendship begins when stick helps stone deal with a prickly pinecone, and their relationship is tested when stick ends up getting stuck. A great book to start a discussion about friendship with little kids or big kids. This one is a winner!
In honor of Teacher Appreciation Week, I am featuring a few of my favorite books about the impact and influence of teachers.
Beautiful pictures coupled with simple text provide a powerful message. Mrs. Spitzer’s Garden highlights the impact and influence teachers have in helping children to grow. Mrs. Spitzer is a teacher and is given a packet of seeds at the beginning of the year by the principal. The reader is then able to follow the journey the seeds take with Mrs. Spitzer. Just like real children in the classroom each seed is different and requires specialized care and attention to blossom. This book shares an important message in a lovely manner.
I continue to be reminded just how awesome this version of the Bible is for young children as our daughter doesn’t want to put it down!
If you are looking for a Bible that your child will truly enjoy reading, this is it! Set up using a graphic novel format and featuring beautiful illustrations, this Bible has been a real winner in developing a desire to read the Bible daily for our daughter.