A Dog Provides a Life Lesson
Have you ever read a book with no words? What??? Picture books without words allow the reader to “write” their own story. As children are beginning to learn to read, they provide the opportunity for them to feel successful because there are no words to sound out but they accomplish “reading” to their parent or sibling or even to themselves.
One of my favorite wordless picture books is Found by Jeff Newman and Larry Day. The story begins with a little girl who has lost her dog. She finds a stray when she’s out for a walk. He comes home with her and she begins experiencing all kinds of emotions: joy in not being alone, sadness in still missing her dog, anger that this dog was playing with her dog’s toy, etc. She is eventually confronted with a decision when she runs into a boy who is missing his dog, which happens to be the stray she found. What will she do?
Life is all about teachable moments. No matter our age, we learn each and every day. Are you open to what might happen along your journey?
The illustrations in this storybook are incredible yet simple. It was published in 2018 by Simon and Schuster Books. ISBN #9781534410060
Emotion Overload
Emotions are something we all have and plenty of them. As children, it is oftentimes difficult to know how to express our emotions. Kids may know they feel frustrated, hurt, angry, or worried but do not understand how to put words to their feelings.
As parents we may not know the best way to talk with our young children. Books and lap time readings offer an easy conversation starter for discussing emotions, especially difficult ones like worry or jealousy. Children with special needs may struggle in different ways with emotion and how to deal with them in a constructive way. Reading aloud together promotes understanding between parent/child or teacher/child and can create a safe place.
One of the most critical aspects is to accept that your child is having an emotional reaction to something or someone. It’s also important to love them as they need to be loved. Some may prefer snuggle time as they work through their feelings. Others may require a constructive hands-on way of expressing their emotions.
Below are ten picture books that will help foster communication and understanding of the feelings and emotions each of your little ones experience.
Why Do We Cry? By Fran Pintadera (new in 2020)
A poetic story that uses metaphors and imagery to share
that it’s okay to cry and everyone does.
Places to Be by Mac Barnett (2017)
With simplicity, this book celebrates emotions and the
adventures that come along the way.
The Color Monster by Anna Llenas (2018)
Using colors, monster learns social-emotional growth
after waking up to a day of mixed up feelings.
Duck & Goose, How Are You Feeling? by Tad Hills (2009)
Simple illustrations from some favorite characters
that help preschoolers identify basic feelings.
Ruby Finds a Worry by Tom Percival (2019)
A poignant story about how worry can grow bigger
but teaches how to talk about hidden anxieties.
This Beach is Loud by Samantha Cotterill (2019)
The beach is a great place for senses but can be
overload to some with sensitivities. This story has
a trick of how to handle over-stimulation.
How Do Dinosaurs Say I’m Mad? by Jane Yolen (2013)
With warmth, wisdom and some humor, this story helps
ease conversations about feeling angry.
I Am (not) Scared by Anna Kang (2017)
Fuzzy friends giggle through a day at an amusement
park with scary rollercoasters and how to overcome.
Plenty of Love to Go Around by Emma Chichester Clark (2016)
Learning there’s enough love for everyone when an
unexpected pet moves in next door.
Smug Seagull by Maddie Frost (new in 2020)
Unforgettable characters have to learn patience
and the need for sharing in this delightful tale.
The Big House
From the first page, the writing felt like home. Though I was swept up in the story, I had to read it in small doses so I could appreciate the personal journey. It is down to earth yet intricately nostalgic. Similar to sitting down and having a long conversation over a cup of coffee, it created an urgency for white space and a chance to breathe. After having completed the reading of “The Big House”, it felt as if I had gotten to know author, George Howe Colt, as a friend. If you are looking for a book that will trace your life steps like walking through the rooms of a summer home on Cape Cod, look no further. This memoir is a special treat to be enjoyed one piece at a time. Trust me, you will wish to return to its pages for reflection…maybe every summer.
A Treasury of Thoughts
Trademark humor and moments of wit make “The Maeve Binchy Writers’ Club” a simple pleasure for adorning your bookshelves. “…I taught confidence, to tell them that they were responsible for their own lives,” Binchy taught her students and her readers. Whether you are looking for a gentle nudge as a new writer or a measure of encouragement to a seasoned author, this sweet collection of letters from Maeve, interwoven with helpful insights from other authors, is worth keeping close by.