Reading continues to play a major role in our household. Not a single day goes by that we don’t read several books. (We had to implement a six-book cap before bed.) Almost every Saturday morning includes a trip to the library for a refresh and a way to discover and test out new books/authors. Finn has started growing out of some of these, but some picture books really do have a long shelf life with positive messages and strong vocabulary.
Just like the last roundup, diversity is top of mind, and I prioritize a moral or message.
- Finn’s Little Fibs: The bright pink cover initially caught my eye at the library and when I realized the name of the main character, I had to grab it. I love the illustrations and it has a great message about telling the truth. These Tom Percival books are generally great, with a diverse set of protagonists that explore complex emotions like jealousy and worry.
- Roll Roll Little Pea: Translated from French, this is nice introduction to both animals and synonyms/action words. We actually had this one during the last roundup of books, but I forgot to include it. (It’s for the younger side.)
- NO is All I Know: Another one I forgot to include in the last list, think of this as Green Eggs and Ham but without rhyming and a bigger emphasis on imagination.
- The Donut Chef: For anyone who loved the acronym KISS (Keep It Simple, Stupid)
- Strictly No Elephants: A sweet book about being welcoming.
- Dalmartian: We LOVE Lucy Ruth Cummins and this is a fun one about home being where your family is – even if your family is an alien space dog.
- Otto & Pio: I initially got this because Finn’s middle name is Otto, but loved watching these two creatures bond, even after one of them is reluctant. Kinda like how I felt becoming a parent – I couldn’t help but love that kid once he was in my life.
- Saturday: Finn is BIG on routine and plans, so this book about a mother/daughter duo whose plans get thrown off track hit home for him. We’re also big fans of Oge Mora’s other book, Thank You, Omu.
- Sam with Ants in His Pants: The number one descriptor for Finn has always been “busy,” so this book about a kid who can’t just chill for naptime was perfect.
- Millie Fleur’s Poison Garden: Being an individual is cool.
- King Lion: Great illustrations and good to explain how sometimes some people just need to feel seen and heard.
- Gustavo the Shy Ghost and Leila the Perfect Witch: This kooky cast of mister characters is all about supporting each other.
- Umami: Trying new foods is awesome.
- PJ Funnybunny: Unlike other books in the Dr. Seuss label, these teach lessons like loving yourself and being considerate. (For the younger end.)
- The Smeds and the Smoos: Another great one from the creators of The Baddies (and Room on the Broom…and The Gruffalo…and many more).
- Books about dumplings/bao: Finn loved the Academy Award-winning Pixar short, Bao…and he loves eating them. He continues to enjoy books on the subject:
- Dim Sum Palace: I included this one in the last children’s book roundup, but it continues to be a fave.
- Amy Wu and the Perfect Bao: Sometimes a little shift in perspective is all you need to find perfection.
- Dumplings for Lili: While helping her own grandmother make bao, Lili hangs with all the other grandmas in her building so they can make their own dumplings because every culture has one. It’s a celebration of both community and the mix of cultures that make that community tick.
- Holiday Books
- Larry’s Latkes: Less about religion or even the holiday of Chanukah, this book might expand your little one’s palate. Sometimes it’s nice to try new things – you might be inspired to create a new tradition.
- Latkes for Santa Claus: This is so great for our interfaith family. When it comes to holidays, traditions don’t have to be one or the other – it’s totally possible to create something new that’s inclusive and custom to your family’s unique blend.
- How Do Dinosaurs Say Merry Christmas?: This book, packed with silly dinos, goes through all the celebrations that make the holiday fun and special. Note: we got this as a gift, bundled with How Do Dinosaurs Say Happy Chanukah? and I love that as gift for families that celebrate both.
- Daddy Christmas and Hanukkah Mama: This sums up our family’s interfaith makeup and I love that there’s room for all traditions.
- Gingerbread Dreidels: Even the grandparents join in on the holiday fun in an interfaith household.
- Tyrannosaurus Tsuris: Nobody wants to come to the T-Rex’s Seder because they think he’ll eat them.
- How The Grinch Lost Christmas: I think we like this sequel more than the original?!
Peaches to Apples 