The two picture books and one early middle grade series I’m recommending today are fairly eclectic, but utterly fabulous. One book is on perspective and persistence, the next is wacky and hilarious with a refrain kids will love to shout, and the last is a series that has finally gotten my reluctant reader excited about books!!! (Can you feel my excitement??? I’M BURSTING!)
PETRA (ages 3-7) words and pictures by Marianna Coppo: The name Petra comes from the latin word for stone. This picture book is about a proud and powerful rock. She feels as mighty as a mountain, as courageous as a cliff, until she realizes she is actually just a puny pebble. But no matter! She maintains her mindset of positivity and possibility. Despite the different places she is put and roles she must play, nothing can get Petra down. This is a great book to read with little ones to teach flexible thinking. The sweet and simple illustrations will endear this book to even your youngest kids.
LEAVE ME ALONE! (ages 2-6) words and picture by Vera Brosgol: The main character of this hilarious story might be a grandmother, but even children (and especially their moms) can relate to the need for some me-time. Sometimes, you just need a minute. The grandmother in this story has some very important knitting to do, but her dozens of grandkids keep getting in the way! She sets off in search of solitude only to be driven further and further away. Ultimately, she gets her quiet time but discovers she can’t wait to get back to the chaos of her home. The folksy art will charm you while the text tickles your funny bone. This book makes me laugh out loud every time I read it, and my toddler loves to shout the refrain: LEAVE ME ALONE!!! (We’ve all wanted to shout that from time to time, am I right, moms?)
The WHO WAS? series (ages 8-12, depending on reading level): Hallelujah! AT LAST!!! I have found a series my reluctant reader enjoys! If your elementary/middle school reader hasn’t fallen in love with fiction, give a few of these books a try. There are over 200 to choose from in this series. They cover scientists, politicians, athletes, artists, and more. Kobe Bryant, JK Rowling, Marie Curie, Walt Disney, Michelangelo. With this big a list of subjects to choose from, you’re almost guaranteed to find something to interest your child. My 9 year old is on a big basketball kick right now, so I hooked her with the Michael Jordan and LeBron James books. But now she is reading Einstein. Next on the list is Sitting Bull. If you’ve struggled to help your son or daughter fall in love with reading, grab a few of these. The options for readers of fiction seem limitless while good nonfiction books can be hard to locate. Here is a treasure trove of nonfiction content. Get ready to fall in love with reading, kids!
