On the Shelf: These books bring a bit of joy and gentleness amid tough topics
There will be no shortage of smiles as parents and children read the wonderful books hitting the shelves this month, even when they deal with tough topics. Each of these brings a welcome bit of joy and gentleness.
“A Year of Good News” by Martin Smatana (Union Square Kids, ages 7 and older, available April 23)
Bad news is so easy to find. This treasure of a book has a good news story for each week of the year, each accompanied by one of Smatana’s fabric art illustrations. Many of these stories are mined from the worst days of the pandemic, when ordinary people created extraordinary good simply by treating others well. Reading and talking about one of these stories each week – maybe make it a part of a Friday night family dinner – is a terrific way to teach children (and remind ourselves) to look for the helpers, as Mister Rogers said.
“Finding Calm in Nature: A Guide for Mindful Kids” by Jennifer Grant, illustrated by Erin Brown (Beaming Books, ages 9 – 13)
With gentle, easy introductions to concepts like handling anxiety, calming breaths, celebrating differences and much more, this lovely book is ideal for late elementary students learning to find their way in the world and entering a new season of growth and change. There are good reminders for parents, too, and real connection to the natural world that can foster meaningful discussions outdoors this summer.
“Big Truck Playdate” by Laurie Carmody, illustrated by Jennica Lounsbury (Beaming Books, ages 3 – 8)
Every child is different. For Corey, a big truck playdate at school can quickly becoming overwhelming when a crowd of kids creates a different kind of traffic jam. This gentle book is ideal for classroom story time and can help children learn to include everyone, no matter what their needs.
“The Bright Side” by Chad Otis (Rocky Pond Books, ages 4 – 8)
Inspired by his own childhood, Otis writes about what it is like to live in an old school bus and turn bread and ketchup into “pizza toast.” Courage, creativity and the power of imagination are front and center in this book, and it can open the door to talking with children about what it means for people to be unhoused.
“The Loud Librarian” by Jenna Beatrice, illustrated by Erika Lynne Jones (Atheneum Books for Young Readers, ages 4 – 8, available April 11)
Penelope enthusiastically takes on the role of student librarian, and she brings her own personality and her very loud voice to the job. This fun tale shows that everyone has a place in the world and can contribute something meaningful and memorable along the way.
“The Astronaut’s Guide to Leaving the Planet” by Terry Virts, illustrated by Andres Lozano (Workman Publishing, ages 10 and older, available April 25)
Learn what it takes to go to space, from personal preparation to the science behind space travel, straight from someone who dreamed it and then accomplished it. NASA astronaut and ISS commander Terry Virts spent more than 200 days on the space station. Here, he answers questions, offers activities, and engages readers with more than a smattering of history, science, and pure delight.
This article originally appeared on Greenville News: On the Shelf: A bit of joy and gentleness amid tough topics
