Media Matters

A wordless picture book by Mark Pett.  A girl works hard to earn money for a new bike, but when things don’t turn out the way she planned, she buys her little brother a new tricycle instead. Activity idea: Go on a bike ride together.

 A wordless picture book by Pete Oswald.  A boy and his dad spend the day hiking and enjoying nature. Activity idea: Go on a hike together.

 Short novel by Eleanor Coerr. This short book is a good way to discuss themes of friendship and enduring through trials.  Activity idea:  a Japanese brush calligraphy kit or lesson to do together

 Picture book by Diane Stanley. This is a fun retelling of the Jack and the Beanstalk story from the point of view of the giant. Turns out it’s the story of two nice boys who just love their pets!  The nods to all the other Jacks in nursery rhymes is an added bonus. This book is wordy and meant for older children who are already familiar with the traditional story.

 Picture book by Ashley Spires  A cute story of a little girl who keeps tinkering and trying and making until she makes something magnificent. There’s also a good lesson in taking a break when you start getting frustrated, so you can see things with fresh eyes when you return.

 Picture book by Mark Pett and Gary Rubinstein. This is a book to reassure kids that they don’t have to be perfect. It’s more fun to try something new and do it imperfectly, than not try at all. And when a mistake is made and the moment could be embarrassing, learn to laugh at yourself; that way others will laugh with you instead of at you.

 Picture book by Smriti Prasadam-Halls. This is basically an illustrated motivational poem. Lovely illustrations and sentiments, perfect rhythm and rhyme, but no story. It could be seen as an allegory for our mortal journey.