Media Matters

 Picture book by Emily Pearson. This is a storybook version of the idea of paying it forward. All it takes is one ordinary person choosing to do something kind, and it can create a snowball effect. This book could be a great way to start a discussion with kids about people they know who might need some extra love, and acts of kindness they could do for them. Activity idea: Do some random (or not so random) acts of kindness together.

 Picture book by Oliver Jeffers. This book employs absurd humor as a little boy does a very poor job of problem-solving how to get his kite unstuck from a tree.  Laugh out loud ridiculousness ensues. This could lead to a discussion weighing the merits of careful, thoughtful problem-solving vs. just throwing things at the problem without thinking through the consequences. Activity idea: Fly a kite together.

 Picture book by Margaret Wise Brown. A simple, rhyming bedtime story perfect for youngest listeners in board book form.

 Nonfiction picture book by Hannah Salyer. This is an interesting, not too wordy, nonfiction book about various animal groups. It makes the point that together we are stronger and better. This could start a great discussion about families, congregations, communities, etc, working together in a common purpose.

 Picture book by Michelle Knudsen. Utterly charming story of a lion who learns to follow the rules and becomes indispensable to the library. Activity idea: Attend your library’s story time together.

 Picture book by Mac Barnett. Hilarious book that is part nonfiction (How a book gets made) interspersed with humorously outrageous fictional tidbits. Definitely giggle worthy and tongue in cheek. Activity idea: Create your own book together.

 Chapter book by Renee Watson. This was a slice of life type book, centered on a sweet and spunky fourth grade girl. One of the things I loved most about this book was the depiction of her family: parents and siblings who love each other, forgive each other, and support one another.

 A nonfiction picture book by Kristen Fulton. The story of a family’s escape from East Germany via hot air balloon (also told in the movie “Night Crossing”). This is simplified for a younger audience, and nicely done. Activity idea: Watch a hot air balloon launch or go for a ride.

 Picture book by Simrat Jeet Singh. I loved this true story of courage and perseverance! Activity idea: Run a 5K race together.

Poetry historical non-fiction book by Lois Lowry. What a gem! This book is written entirely in poetry form and is split into three parts. The first is a memorial to the Americans at Pearl Harbor. The second is a memorial to the Japanese in Hiroshima. The final part tells the author’s experiences of living in Japan as a young girl after the war. It is both somber and hopeful. The only thing that would have made it better would have been having it illustrated by Allen Say, whose story is told in the book. (Definitely read the author’s note at the end.) 

 Picture book by Morag Hood. Very short and simple tale of two friends who don’t have to be the same to have fun together.

 Picture book biography by Candace Fleming. This is the true story of Helen Martini, the Bronx Zoo’s first female zookeeper. It’s a great story told well! Activity idea: Visit the zoo together.

 Book by Chad Morris and Shelly Brown. This is the story of a twelve year old ocean-obsessed girl dealing with the death of her mom. It is a realistic portrayal of grief, bridging the divide between heartbreaking and hopeful. Be prepared to cry and empathize. Activity idea: Go whale watching together.

 Picture book by Carmen Agra Deedy and Pete Oswald. This was a darling book about two best friends learning to apologize.

 Picture book by Jonathan Fenske This is a funny, slightly spooky tale of squid artists sneaking into your house in the middle of the night to draw on your walls. Great rhyming text and atmospheric illustrations! Activity idea: Create some “squid ink” art, but use paper instead of the walls!