Welcome to my obsession with children’s books–especially the ones that deal with everyday challenges in a fun and compelling way. I’ll share old classics, new gems, and everything in between to help support you and your kids (or just your kids if they like to read solo). Sign up and you’ll get my top-pick resources, delivered to your inbox each month on the full and new moon.
The Book of Mistakes Corinna Luyken (Dial Books, 2017)
We all make mistakes. But do we have to let them frustrate us or set us back? In this beautifully drawn picture book, Corinna Luyken demonstrates how mistakes can be used to create something new and innovative. Ink spots, a neck that’s too long, a cat/frog can be turned into… Read More
It Began with a Page: How Gyo Fujikawa Drew the Way Kyo Maclear (Tundra Books, 2019)
In 1963, Gyo Fujikawa published her children’s book Babies. It was revolutionary. The book depicted racially diverse children interacting together—for the first time. The following year the Civil Rights Act was passed and segregation became illegal. This is the story of the rule breaking Japanese-American picture-book creator, Gyo Fujikawa. Gyo… Read More
Outside In Deborah Underwood (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2020)
Are you feeling called to go outside? Or maybe you’re feeling stuck indoors with no escape? It’s time to listen to the outside. The outside is beckoning you to play. “Once we were part of the Outside and Outside was part of us. There was nothing between… Read More
I Talk Like a River Jordan Scott (Neal Porter Books, 2020)
Ever felt like you don’t fit in? Or there’s something about yourself that you don’t like? Waking up each day, the author shares how the word sounds get stuck in his mouth. He describes the feeling of having roots inside his mouth that tangle his tongue and stick in the… Read More
We are Water Protectors Carole Lindstrom (Roaring Book Press, 2020)
Did you know that water remembers our ancestors? Water affects and connects us all on this planet. Yet the Indigenous people foretold that the black snake would come and destroy the earth and the water we drink. We must work together to protect and preserve our water. Water is sacred. Read More
Stella, Queen of the Snow Marie-Louise Gay (Groundwood Books, 2000)
Do you remember your first snowstorm? It could be that snow has lost its allure this winter. I guarantee that Stella, and her little brother Sam, will change the way you see it. Marie-Louise Gay, one of Canada’s leading children’s book authors and illustrators, captures the playful hearts and minds… Read More
Contrary Mary Anita Jeram (Candlewick Press, 1995)
Have you been waking up in the morning feeling contrary lately? Do you find your child wants to wear their clothes backwards some days? Mary’s a sweet little mouse, who wants to do everything backwards and upside down on this particular day. She eats dinner for breakfast, rides her bicycle… Read More
The Girl and the Wolf Katherena Vermette (Theytus Books Ltd., 2019)
Have you ever felt scared, lost and unsure of what to do? The girl has wandered away from her mother in the woods, only to be met by a tall grey wolf with white teeth. The girl is wearing a red dress, but this wolf isn’t a scary wolf. Katherena… Read More
I Am Love: A Book of Compassion Susan Verde (Abrams Books for Young Readers, 2019)
When you or a friend are feeling hurt, afraid, sad or angry, what do you do? Ask yourself, “What can I do to help let the light back in?” “I put my hands on my heart and listen. And that is where I find the answer.” Susan Verde and… Read More
You Are Never Alone Elin Kelsey (Owlkids Books Inc., 2019)
You are never alone. The natural world looks after you and provides you with gifts every day. How does the earth provide for us? This big beautiful planet is alive, generously creating water, food, air, trees, rainbows, and an abundance of gifts. When you’re feeling alone, it’s essential to sense… Read More