Four months into the COVID-19 pandemic, those of us with children are scraping the barrel for activities to keep our kids engaged, inspired, and learning. Even the most diligent readers among us are weary of the same old stories. With many libraries closed, looking for new picture books to buy can be daunting.
Have no fear, Swallowtail Books is here with a list of some truly wonderful children’s books that you should be reading with your kids. Some may be familiar. Hopefully a few will be new to you.
Without further ado, here are ten top picture books you should be reading with your kids:
10. Simon and the Big, Bad, Angry Beasts: A Book About Anger (Ian De Haes)
Simon and the Big, Bad, Angry Beasts: A Book About Anger is a fantastic children’s book that masterfully describes what anger looks and feels like to children and those around them through various animals and beasts. The book follows Simon through several instances when he became angry, each time his anger growing stronger and more powerful. Finally, when his anger begins to be so strong that it begins to negatively impact his relationships with family and friends, Simon explores what he can do to tame his anger and make his angry beasts go away. Clever, creative, and insightful, this is a great book for any child struggling with anger or tantrums.
9. I Like Myself (Karen Beaumont/David Catrow)
I Like Myself is a simple and sweet book about embracing our own uniqueness. This is a great book to introduce healthy self esteem to younger children. Through playful verse and colorful illustrations, the book encourages children to love themselves in all of their silliness, quirkiness, and beauty.
8. All the World (Liz Garton Scanlon/Marla Frazee)
This Caldecott Honoree, All the World, walks through the day in the life of a family. It highlights the importance of all things great and small to the whole of the world. From the tiniest seashell or tomato plant to a sweeping sunset or ocean, we all are one in this world. It is beautiful in its simplicity and profound in its meaning.
7. Beautiful Oops (Barney Saltzberg)
Beautiful Oops is an interactive book that teaches that it’s okay to make mistakes. Even more, the book shows kids that some of our mistakes can be transformed into works of art. Mistakes are the best opportunities for creativity and discovery.
6. I’m Not (very) Afraid of the Dark (Anna Milbourne/Daniel Rieley)
I’m Not (very) Afraid of the Dark is a fun book about one of the classic childhood fears: the dark. With creative illustrations, the book talks about all of the places where darkness lurks and the fear it causes. More importantly, the book talks about the beauty of the dark and how without the darkness, we could never see the stars.
5. Can I Join Your Club? (John Kelly/Steph Laberis)
Can I Join Your Club? is a funny and clever book about acceptance and friendship. In a playful way, the book addresses hard issues kids face with making new friends, finding a place where they belong, embracing differences, and being a good friend.
4. Pandora (Victoria Turnbull)
In this beautifully illustrated book, Pandora, we follow a little fox named Pandora who lives alone “in a world of broken things.” This book follows her on a journey toward connection, healing, and renewal. It is a book of few words but profound meaning.
3. Stand Tall, Molly Lou Melon (Patty Lovell/David Catrow)
Stand Tall, Molly Lou Melon is a charming book about being yourself. Molly Lou Melon is short, has buck teeth, and can’t sing, among other quirks. This doesn’t stop Molly Lou. She lives her life fully, taking to heart some important advice from her grandmother. Just like Molly Lou’s grandmother, this book holds valuable wisdom to encourage confidence, acceptance, and courage. It’s a must read.
2. The Wonderful Things You Will Be (Emily Winfield Martin)
Through playful rhyme, The Wonderful Things You Will Be captures all of the love, hope, and dreams parents feel for their children. The book walks through the many dreams we have about what our children may do in their lives and the people they will become. Encouraging kindness and creativity, the book provides a great opportunity to encourage our kids to find their voice and to affirm our love for them.
1. When God Made Light (Matthew Turner/David Catrow)
Beautiful and profound, When God Made Light is about the power of light to change the world. The book walks through the many forms of light in the universe, culminating in the spark of light in each child. Through rhyming verse and colorful illustrations the book encourages children to shine their light and change the world.
There you have it. A list of ten truly wonderful picture books to read with your kids. What books would you add to this list? Comment below.
Looking for more ideas if great picture books? Be sure to check out our titles at Swallowtail Books:
