Brenda’s Top Pick Books For Kids
Little Excavator by Anna Dewdney (Reading Age: 2+ years)
In this delightful story, Little Excavator, the smallest construction vehicle, is eager to help the big trucks with their important tasks. However, due to his size, he struggles to keep up and often ends up in the way, causing frustration for the other vehicles.
As the story unfolds, parents can find several valuable themes related to speech and language skills. Little Excavator's challenges provide an excellent opportunity to teach children about perseverance and communication. Parents can discuss how asking for help when faced with difficulties can lead to better outcomes, and how effective communication is crucial in a team environment.
Parents can engage in interactive reading, asking questions about the story and encouraging children to describe the illustrations and events, thus promoting language development and comprehension skills.
Overall, "Little Excavator" is not only an entertaining tale but also a valuable resource for parents to support their child's speech and language development while fostering important life lessons such as persistence and effective communication.
The Noise Inside Boys by Pete Oswald (Reading Age: 2+ years)
It’s a perfect day at the beach until two older brothers begin to tease their little brother. Soon the little brother is overwhelmed with complicated feelings that he just wants to push away. Emotions can be confusing, whether they bring about smiles or tears. So Dad decides to talk to his son about how feelings can be managed by naming and understanding them. “The Noise Inside Boys” offers insight and wisdom that all kids will take to heart. The paintings in the book show emotions in real-life situations, and the final page features kids representing different moods, making it easy to talk about big feelings.
Beautiful Oops by Barney Saltzberg (Reading Age: 2+ years)
In this imaginative and interactive story, Saltzberg turns mistakes and accidents into opportunities for creativity and growth.
This book encourages children to embrace and celebrate mistakes rather than feeling discouraged by them. Each page features a “mistake” or a seemingly random blot, smudge, or tear. However, when the reader interacts with the page, these “mistakes” transform into something beautiful and unexpected.
As it relates to parents, “Beautiful Oops" serves as a valuable tool for teaching resilience and problem-solving. It encourages parents to foster a positive mind and growth-oriented mindset in their children when faced with challenges or errors. Rather than getting upset over mistakes, the book encourages children to see them as opportunities for creativity and innovation.
Regarding speech and language skills, the book can be used to spark discussions about emotions and self-expression. Parents can engage in interactive reading, encouraging their children to describe the transformed “mistakes” and share their thoughts and feelings about each page. It also offers a chance to expand vocabulary as children explore different shapes, colors, and objects that emerge from the “oops.”
Don’t Hug Doug (He Doesn’t Like It) by Carrie Finison and Daniel Wiseman (Reading Age: 2+ years)
Meet Doug, an ordinary kid who doesn't like hugs, in this fun and exuberant story which aims to spark discussions about bodily autonomy, consent, and sensory differences that we all have.
Doug doesn't like hugs. He thinks hugs are too squeezy, too squashy, too squooshy, too smooshy. He doesn't like hello hugs or goodbye hugs, game-winning home run hugs or dropped ice cream cone hugs, and he definitely doesn't like birthday hugs. He'd much rather give a high five--or a low five, a side five, a double five, or a spinny five. Yup, some people love hugs; other people don't. So how can you tell if someone likes hugs or not? There's only one way to find out: Ask! Because everybody gets to decide for themselves whether they want a hug or not.
Waiting by Kevin Henkes (Reading Age: 3+ years)
In this beautifully crafted story, the book follows the lives of five toy figurines who are patiently waiting on a windowsill. As the seasons change, the toys observe the world outside their window and share their thoughts and dreams.
Parents can use "Waiting" as a valuable tool to teach young children about patience and the concept of time. The book's gentle storytelling approach allows parents to discuss the idea of waiting for things and how different experiences can be enjoyed while waiting.
Additionally, the book can help develop speech and language skills by introducing simple conversations and expressions of emotions. Parents can engage with their children while reading the story, encouraging them to talk about what they see in the illustrations and what the toys might be thinking or saying to each other. The illustrations can spark children’s imagination in creating a unique personality for each character.
Overall, "Waiting" not only captivates young readers with its charming illustrations but also offers an opportunity for parents to discuss patience, emotions, and communication skills with their children. It serves as a lovely reminder that waiting can be a time of reflection, imagination, and understanding the world around us.
Stand Tall Molly Lou Melon by Patty Lovell (Reading Age: 3+ years)
The story follows a young girl named Molly Lou Melon, who is unique in many ways. She has buck teeth, a voice that sounds like a bullfrog, and is much shorter than her peers. Despite facing challenges and teasing, Molly Lou Melon is confident and embraces her individuality.
The book emphasizes the importance of self-acceptance and resilience. Molly Lou Melon's grandmother gives her valuable advice, encouraging her to believe in herself and stand tall, both figuratively and literally. Molly Lou Melon takes this advice to heart and faces her challenges with courage and positivity.
As it relates to parents, "Stand Tall, Molly Lou Melon" provides a wonderful opportunity to teach children about self-confidence, self-acceptance, and the importance of embracing one's uniqueness. Parents can use this book to encourage their children to be proud of who they are and to stand up for themselves when faced with difficulties or negative comments from others.
Regarding speech and language skills, the book's narrative and lively illustrations offer an engaging experience for interactive reading. Parents can discuss with their children the emotions and thoughts of the characters, explore new vocabulary, and encourage storytelling and self-expression.
Chrysanthemum by Kevin Henkes (Reading Age: 3+ years)
The story follows a little mouse named Chrysanthemum, who starts her first day of school with excitement and enthusiasm. However, she soon faces difficulties when her classmates make fun of her because of her unique and lengthy name.
Chrysanthemum's self-esteem begins to waver as she internalizes the negative comments from her peers. She becomes distressed and loses confidence in herself. However, with the unwavering support and encouragement of her parents, Chrysanthemum learns to appreciate her name and individuality once again.
As it relates to parents, "Chrysanthemum" offers an important lesson in supporting children through challenging times and helping them build self-confidence. The book provides an opportunity for parents to discuss the impact of teasing and bullying on a child's self-esteem and ways to foster a positive self-image.
Regarding speech and language skills, the book's narrative and expressive illustrations engage young readers, making it a valuable tool for interactive reading. Parents can encourage their children to express their feelings and thoughts about the story, identify different emotions experienced by Chrysanthemum, and discuss the importance of treating others with kindness and respect.
Additionally, the book introduces children to the concept of unique names and helps expand their vocabulary as they learn about the flower name "Chrysanthemum" and other words related to emotions and self-identity.
Overall, "Chrysanthemum" is a heartwarming tale that parents can use to promote empathy, self-acceptance, and speech and language skills in their children. It encourages open communication and provides a platform for meaningful discussions about bullying, individuality, and the importance of embracing and celebrating our differences.
The World Needs Who You Were Made to Be by Joanna Gaines and Julianna Swaney (Reading Age: 3+ years)
This book celebrates the uniqueness and individuality of each child and encourages them to embrace their true selves.
The story revolves around a group of children who are exploring their world together. They encounter various challenges and uncertainties, but they come to realize that their differences make them special and valuable. The book emphasizes the importance of self-acceptance and the idea that each child has a unique purpose in the world.
As it relates to parents, “The World Needs Who You Were Made to Be” provides a touching opportunity to instill self-confidence and self-esteem in children. Parents can use this book as a platform to discuss the importance of embracing one’s strengths, talents, and quirks, fostering a sense of belonging and self-worth.
Regarding speech and language skills, the book offers an engaging narrative with vibrant illustrations, providing parents with an excellent tool to encourage interactive reading. Parents can prompt discussions with their children about the character’s feelings, the challenges they face, and how their difference contribute to the group’s collective success. Additionally, the book can help expand vocabulary as children encounter various emotions, experiences, and descriptive language throughout the story.
My mouth Is A Volcano by Julia Cook (Reading Age: 4+ years)
The story centers around a young boy named Louis, who has a habit of interrupting others when they are speaking. His words often erupt like a volcano, making it difficult for others to have a chance to express themselves.
As the story progresses, Louis realizes the impact of his constant interruptions on those around him. With the help of his teacher and a little guidance, he learns strategies to control his impulsive urge to speak out of turn. He discovers the importance of listening to others and waiting for the right time to share his thoughts.
This book addresses important speech and language skills, particularly the concept of turn-taking during conversations. Parents can use this tool to teach their children about the value of patience and active listening. It can also provide an opportunity to discuss social skills, empathy, and the impact our words can have on others. Parents can use this book as a starting point to initiate conversations about communication etiquette and empathy towards others’ feelings in various social situations.
Friends by Daniela Sosa (Reading Age: 4+ years)
There are friends you have from the start. Friends who are near and those who are far. Friends who make you feel brave. Friends who make you laugh. And some friendships come out of nowhere when you need them most of all. Daniela Sosa’s author-illustrator debut will resonate, delight, and find its way into your heart. With joyful, sweet illustrations, it is the perfect celebration of friendships of all kinds. Parents can use this book to support speech-language skills, kindness, diversity, and inclusiveness.
My Must-Have Mom by Maudie Smith (Reading Age: 5+ years)
Jake’s mom is not like most moms. Say there’s a dumpster in the street, most moms will pass right by without a second glance. Not Jake’s mom. “Look at this, Jake!” She’ll shout. “We must have this! We must have this, too! And we simply must have this!” That’s Jake’s mom for you. She’s a must-have mom.
Soon Jake begins to worry that his mom will want to change him too. Should he be this way? Or that way? Or another way altogether? A heartwarming story about the unbreakable bond between a mother and her son, and a little boy who learns that he is perfect just the way he is.