On the Shelf: A little magic and much more with these new children's books
“My Safe Place” by Brittney Brackett, illustrated by Brooks Brackett (Palmetto Publishing, ages 4 – 12, available on barnesandnoble.com and amazon.com)
“When my heart aches or if I’m SCARED, I tune in to my soul so I’m fully AWARE…”
When life is hard, practicing mindfulness can help children focus on the present and find a path away from anxiety about the future. This book, from the founder of The Outstanding Youth Awards Initiative, was created as part of a grant from the South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services to help address rising rates of anxiety in children. With compelling text, bold illustrations, and tools to help ground children in times of distress, the book brings much needed positive support to kids. All proceeds benefit The Outstanding Youth Awards Initiative. Learn more at outstandingyouthawards.com.
“A Beginner’s Guide to Being Human” by Matt Forrest Esenwine, illustrated by Andre Ceolin (Beaming Books, ages 4 – 8, available Oct. 18)
What do we need right now? A whole lot of kindness. This book might be the start of something wonderful. It focuses on empathy, family, and all the best parts of humanity. Soak this one it, read it over and over again to little ones, and be a part of a revolution of kindness.
“Boo Stew” by Donna L. Washington, illustrated by Jeffrey Ebbeler (Peachtree Books, ages 4 – 8)
Finding folks who appreciate her cooking takes a little work from Curly Locks, but the Scares of Toadsuck Swamp know a good Boo Stew (even with powdered beetle and lizard spit) is beauty in the eye of the right beholder. This fun tale will have little ones giggling and shouting the Scares’ favorite phrases.
“Witch Hazel” by Caldecott Honoree Molly Idle (Little, Brown and Company, ages 4 – 8, available a Oct. 11)
Whew, parents, read this one yourself first or you might not get through it with your little ones. This is a gorgeous, beautiful story, filled with love and memories and survive from one generation to the next. If you remember, no one and no time is ever truly gone.
“Spellbound: An Enchanting New Arrival” by Jess Townes, illustrated by Jennifer Harney (Sterling Children’s Books, ages 3 – 5)
When a new sibling enchants everyone he meets, his older sister’s magic gets overlooked. But she definitely won’t let him charm her. Nope. No way. For big brothers and sisters, this tale is reassurance that they now have someone who thinks they are the most magical of all.
This article originally appeared on Greenville News: On the Shelf: A little magic and much more with these new children's books