The Passing Down Kind

Perusing the aisles at Barnes or my local library, there's quite a range of kids books. Some add new forms of naughty to my kids' bulging bag of tricks. Some are snoozers. Some have no direction. But once in a while, I find a book that's remarkable on multiple levels...fantastic artwork, beautiful wording, humor, positive lessons. For the grown-up wanting to share something wonderful with a child, here are ten of my favorite books and a bit about them.

1 - Just Like My Mom, David Melling

This is the one I discovered for the baby shower and the artwork on every page is as expressive as the cover. Downright lovey. It's humorous - poking fun at how drowsy we mommies can be first thing in the morning, which is precisely the mix of tongue-in-cheek and heartwarming I love. 

2 - How Are You Peeling? Foods with Moods 

This book explores and names emotions. It was so popular with my toddler twins, I hid it a while because I couldn't take the fighting. The photos are vivid and the message is, Feelings are okay. I've come to see them as signs our bodies give us, much like symptoms, that clue us in to our soul's condition. They're a huge part of their experience, so I want my kids to learn about them.

3 - The Relatives Came, Cythia Rylant

This is a young child's experience of a visit from relatives who live far away. My favorite line from the book is, "We were so busy hugging and eating and breathing together." It captures the simple joy of being near people you love.

4 - Koi and the Kola Nuts, Verna Aardema

I'm not proud of it, but sometimes I have trouble relating to folk tales from cultures very different from my own. This story values acting mercifully rather than selfishly, even when life seems unfair. And the onamonapia is breathtaking. 

5 - Hurry Up, Franklin, Paulette Bourgeois

This book had me thinking it was your run-of-the-mill kid struggles with said temptation and because he gave into it, this negative consequence happened. Little Franklin is dawdling all through the book and you feel failure looming. But then he catches himself, changes what he's doing and gets the result he wanted. Inside myself I whooped, "And that's how it's done!" At last, an author who thought a positive example would go the distance, and left fear tactics in the dust.

6 - Best Friends for Francis, Russell Hoban

This book deftly tackles the leaving-people-out challenge. You can count on Frances to be honest about how she feels even if it's not terribly tactful, but her sass is partly why I like her so well.

7 - Tatum and her Tiger, Andy Nash

Meant to be the first in a series of books about traits children are born with, this one focuses on passion. It speaks positively about a characteristic that could be construed negatively. Seeing our traits as gifts means we can harness our energy and propels us toward the abundant life God has for us. The artwork is gorgeous and unique, mimicking the depth of field of a camera. 

8 - Thidwick the Big-Hearted Moose 

Dr. Suess nails boundaries in this book, showing the delicate balance between caring for others and caring for yourself. Other Suess favorites: The Lorax (which rolls off your tongue in a delightful way) and Oh! The Places You'll Go (which addresses life's ups and downs that seem altogether fickle sometimes.)

9 - Uncle Remus Stories 

I enjoyed this book in my childhood. It's pricey because it's no longer in print and rare, but it's a collection of several stories told in the dialect spoken by negroes in the south and southwest. It's rich. I'll never forget my mom reading it to my sisters and me.  

10 - The Little Mouse, the Red Ripe Strawberry, and the Big Hungry Bear 

I love this book. My scrutiny may be impaired by the fact that it was the first book my son learned the words to. He'd tell it to himself in baby words when I wasn't reading it to him. For some reason, it always makes me smile. 

Hope you found something new to enjoy and I'd love to know what your favorites are!





        


P.S. Just so you know, I get a small commission if you follow these links to buy the book.