The New York Times Book Review section of Jan. 16, 2021 had an article by Sydney Smith on two new books about dealing with grief, a topic often difficult for parents to talk about with their children.
One is Bear Island by Matthew Cordell. Mr. Cordell “Speaks eloquently and respectfully to the universal experience of loss and recovery.” We follow the journey of a girl, Louise, after the death of the family dog.
Whats the Matter, Marlo? by Andrew Arnold follows a child and her best friend Marlo who it is hinted at has lost his dog. The story is a model of compassion as to how children show empathy for each other during times of loss. After all, that is the true role of what a best friend is.
The Startup Squad by Brian Weisfeld is a new series that will include at least three books. The goal is to inspire girls to start their first business and empower them. The author’s intention is to also to help girls realize their potential regardless of the path they choose.
Books that Teach Empathy –
Wilfred Gordon McDonald Partridge by Mem Fox
The Hundred Dresses – Eleanor Estes (middle grade)
Sam’s New Friend – Theirry Robberecht
Books that Teach Friendship
Stick & Stone – Beth Perry
The Invisible Boy – Trudy Ludwig
The Pout Pout Fish – Deborah Diesen – (Great example of a rhyming picture book)
Amos & Boris – William Steig
Books that Teach Trustworthiness
Swimmy – Leo Lionni
The Little Engine That Could – W. Piper
Books that Teach Compassion
The Hundred Dresses – Eleanor Estes
The Rainbow Fish – Marcus Pfister
The Little Fir Tree – Margaret Wise Brown
Little Big Girl – Claire Keane
Carmela Full of Wishes – Matt de la Pena
Books that Teach Respect
Zero and One by Kathryn Otoshi (two books)
It’s Okay to be Different – Todd Parr
Giraffes Can’t Dance – Giles Andreae
You’re Mean Lily Jean – Frieda Wishinsky
Books that Teach Courage
Courage – Bernard Waber
Sheila Rae, The Brave – Kevin Kenkes
Scaredy Squirrel – Melanie Watt
Only One You – Linda Kranz
Brave Irene – William Steig
Books that are Just Plain Fun
Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus – Mo Willems
I Don’t Want to be a Frog – Dev Petty
Mr. Tiger Goes Wild – Peter Brown
Imogene’s Antlers – David Small
The Day the Crayons Quit – Drew Daywalt
If You Give a Mouse a Cookie – Laura Numeroff
Miss Nelson is Missing – Harry Allard and James Marshall
Oldies but some of the best picture books ever
The Velveteen Rabbit – Margery Williams
Goodnight Moon and Runaway Bunny – Margaret Wise Brown
The Secret Garden – Frances Hodgson Burnett
Where the Wild Things Are – Maurice Sendak
The Little Engine that Could – Watty Piper
Writing for Children 