"Guys, you can't argue with these books." Isaac, age 4
One of my favorite places to "while away the hours" is on the floor of the children's section in a bookstore. I pick titles at random, paying particular attention to the illustrations, and wait for the moment that the story starts to sing inside me as I read along. I'm very particular about the books I choose to take home with me; they need to be written wisely, crafted beautifully, and have absolutely no moments of "this is SO not written by someone who understands children".
Thankfully, there are some really intuitive, creative people writing children's books these days. Here are a few of my favorites. Most of the titles below were found on my bookstore afternoons. Some of them were given as gifts,
often with the words "This is such a Valerie book."
(Whenever possible, read a children's book by yourself first. Young children need to hear something repeatedly before they can assimilate the learning, and if you don't like a book the first time you read it, you definitely won't be enjoying it the 147th time.)
Thankfully, there are some really intuitive, creative people writing children's books these days. Here are a few of my favorites. Most of the titles below were found on my bookstore afternoons. Some of them were given as gifts,
often with the words "This is such a Valerie book."
(Whenever possible, read a children's book by yourself first. Young children need to hear something repeatedly before they can assimilate the learning, and if you don't like a book the first time you read it, you definitely won't be enjoying it the 147th time.)
|
The Robot and the BluebirdA gorgeous, hopeful story that I find myself quoting quite regularly. "My heart was broken, you know."
|
|
The Little Bit Scary PeopleA sweet story about looking beyond the surface of scary things and seeing the tenderness below.
|
|
Jacob's New DressA book affirming the right to be, and wear, whatever you want.
The Tin Forest"There was once a wide, windswept place, near nowhere and close to forgotten..." And a man who never stopped dreaming it could be different.
|
|
Rosie Revere, EngineerA young engineer whose first big failure almost stops her from ever trying again. Almost.
The Black Book of ColorsA book for the sighted to get a sense of blindness, this book has textured black pages and braille above the expertly descriptive text.
King and KingA falling in love story, prompted by a grouchy Queen who wants her only son to marry so she can have some time off.
|
Wordless Books
(I really enjoy the wordless books, but not everyone does.
I like to turn the pages slowly and silently, listening to how the children interpret the pictures for themselves.)
I like to turn the pages slowly and silently, listening to how the children interpret the pictures for themselves.)
|
JourneyAn extraordinary adventure, and the first in a trilogy.
WaveSimple charcoal lines, a sea of watercolor blue, and a curious little girl.
Time FliesA lightning storm in a natural history museum. Bird meets dinosaurs. Everybody wins.
|
Other Books I've Mentioned
