On the Shelf: Be careful, these books might bring giggles ... or tears
This month, feelings abound in story time tales. You might get the giggles as read some fun books with your littles, shed a tear as you softly read your baby to sleep, and find inspiration as you help kids name their feelings and help others.
This month, feelings abound in story time tales. You might get the giggles as read some fun books with your littles, shed a tear as you softly read your baby to sleep, and find inspiration as you help kids name their feelings and help others.
“A Bucket of Questions” by Tim Fite (Atheneum Books for Young Readers, ages 4 – 8, available March 7)
Kids have questions – all day, every day. What if you gave them silly answers, giggly answers, answers that make no sense? That’s the premise here. It is a bucket (well, a book) of questions and all the answers an imagination can create. And it’s perfect for eliciting a round a giggles.
“How to Talk Like a Bear” by Charlie Grandy, illustrated by Alex Griffiths (Flamingo Books, ages 3 – 7, available March 14)
Who better to make kids laugh than a writer who makes adults laugh? Charlie Grandy, a dad and a former writer for Saturday Night Live, The Office and more, has created a complete gigglefest that is destined to turn story time into a roaring good time for littles.
“I Love You More Than You'll Ever Know” by Leslie Odom, Jr. and Nicolette Robinson, illustrated by Joy Hwang Ruiz (Feiwel & Friends/Macmillan Publishers, ages 3 – 6, available March 28)
From parents and stars of stage and screen, Leslie Odom, Jr. (“Hamilton”) and Nicolette Robinson (“Waitress”), this sweet rhyming book has gentle illustrations and a sing-song text that can help little ones drift off to sleep knowing that they are loved and treasured. Snuggle up for a bedtime story that children will want to hear again and again.
“Even Superheroes Get Scared” and “Even Superheroes Have Bad Days” by Shelley Becker, illustrated by Eda Kaban (Union Square Kids, ages 3 – 5)
Little kids can have very big feelings – and that’s OK. Even superheroes can be nervous or afraid. They can frown and cry. When superheroes (and kids) learn to express their emotions and say what they need, those big feelings don’t have quite as much power over them. And they just might save the world.
“Nila’s Perfect Coat” by Norene Paulson, illustrated by Maria Mola (Beaming Books, ages 5 – 8)
Yes, spring is coming, but that means it is time to clean out closets and pass along clothes and coats to others who might need them next fall. This sweet book offers kids inspiration and even step-by-step instructions for holding a coat drive or a school fundraiser to ensure that every child can stay warm.
This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times: On the Shelf: Be careful, these books might bring giggles ... or tears
