Self Discovery

Most of us have certain things about ourselves which we love, and other things we wish we could change.  As adults, we realize that our relationship with ourselves is often very complicated and fraught with anxiety.

Life was much simpler when we were children, but many of us have long lasting impressions of ourselves based on what we were told as children.

I Like Myself is a book that children will find amusing and fun to read, and adults will quickly notice the deeper meanings embedded in the words and illustrations.  The overall message of the book is that it's good to be happy with who you are, and the person you are is not dependent on the things that people see on the outside.   It's what's inside you that makes you who you are, and it's a good thing to appreciate and LIKE yourself!

A Toddler Favorite

Every child can relate to the anticipation of eating a delicious looking treat.  Most children enjoy being frightened just enough to put them on edge without leaving their comfort zone.

The narrator in this story has an ongoing conversation with a mouse about eating the red, ripe strawberry pictured on the cover. The only character pictured is the mouse and the reader never discovers who the narrator is, or if the scary bear is real.

The illustrations capture the emotions of the mouse and delight readers young and old. The words lend themselves to reading in many different voices.  Adults may soon memorize the whole story as children will love for it to read to them over and over.

Family

During summer time many of us spend time traveling to visit family and enjoy visits with extended family.  It has become an annual tradition for us to stay with my sister and her children, and all year long my children look forward to the special time with their cousins.

Cynthia Rylant understands.  In her book The Relatives Came extended family descends upon a house and there are plenty of hugs and laughter and people sleep on any space available.  Sure it's crowded and chaotic, and the families may not be similar in every way, but they have great fun until it's time to go home.  Then suddenly the house seems oh so empty and quiet.

This book can be read and enjoyed at any age, keeping the memories alive of poignant time spent with family.

I didn't know it, but the town I'm visiting for a few weeks this summer has a picturesque library that was featured in a fun picture book which has won many awards.   Bats at the Library  is a about some bats who, much to their delight, discover that the window to the library has been left open.  They make their way in and enjoy a night filled with adventure and stories.   Children love the illustrations and rhymes as well as trying to identify the different classic stories alluded to in the illustrations.  "Goodnight Sun", "Peter Bat-bit", "Little Red Bat-inghood" to name a few.  Apparently, there are other bat books by the same author and I'm anxious to check them out!

I'm Angry!

Sometimes, kids become angry.  Really, really angry.  Sometimes grownups don't know how to handle anger, whether it be the kids' anger or their own.  Maybe, if children learn how to identify and deal with their anger while they are still children, they will be able to better manage and work through their anger as adults.

Sophie becomes very angry in this story.  In fact, she is filled with such a rage that it threatens to take her over and make her do things she shouldn't.  The good news though, is that Sophie handles her anger in a positive way. 

This picture book is nicely illustrated with bright, colorful pictures, and in no way feels like a "preachy" or "instructional" book on feelings.  Both children and adults can relate to Sophie's feelings and her process of calming down serves as a good teaching tool for children and a a healthy reminder for adults on how to channel their anger for good.

It's OK to be angry, but it's not OK to hurt yourself or others while you're angry.

A Classic

Most of us recognize the cover, and some have seen the movie or the cute cartoon on tv, but how many can quote the rhymes from the original book?  Those of us who know and love the story of Madeline, who lives in Paris, in a house covered with vines, and walks with the 12 girls, in two straight lines.

Madeline is a fearless little girl who lives at her boarding school along with her friends and then one day she has to be rushed to the hospital to have her appendix removed.  The story and the illustrations are simple, but the rhyme and rhythm are catchy and enjoyable to children.

I often find myself even years after having read the book to my children saying,  "Goodnight, goodnight, I hope you sleep well," with the echo in my ear of "Goodnight, goodnight, dear Miss Clavell."

Just for fun

I accidently stumbled upon Mo Willem's books when my daughter brought home There Is a Bird On Your Head! (An Elephant and Piggie Book).  The simple drawings and few words on each page did little to alert me to the brilliance hidden within its pages, but I soon realized this was no ordinary children's book.  We must have read the book five to ten times each day that week we had it, giggling and laughing each time.  Since then, I have searched for other books by Mo Willems at libraries and bookstores, and most libraries are stocked with several.

My students also love books by Mo Willems as he captures their feelings, conversations and taps into their humor.  The pigeon books are especially popular in kindergarten, requiring countless read-alouds complete with enthusiastic choral reading of the words and pages the children remember.  Look for images of the pigeon in other books by the author as well!

Social Issues Children Face

What do you do when you really, really like and respect someone and then they let you down?  How do you react when someone disappoints you?  What if you impulsively do something to hurt them back, and then you regret it later because maybe they won't like you any more, and you really, really still want them to like you?

These are the dilemmas Lily faces in this story by Kevin Henkes.  Children of all ages will be able to relate to Lily and her good intentions gone bad and the range of emotions she experiences throughout the story.