With pockets full of optimism, I moved this bookcase into my living room about two weeks ago.
If you follow me here, you probably already know I have two kiddos who are 5 and 2. This was a bold choice to say the least in hindsight... I think the allure of ripping the books down the second I leave the room has dissipated for my smallest nugget though, so I'm staying the course.
These suckers were all color coordinated and organized by size at first, in typical picky Grindan fashion. Since then, the middle shelf has been broken, and can only hold this small stack in the middle. Taking this photo made me smile, it's just another thing for me to not take so seriously.
These reminders are good, and so is reading to tiny humans! Although part of our collection is missing due to the wonky shelf, we've accumulated quite the kid library! Today, I wanted to highlight three books that my 5-year-old has asked to read again and again. Let's check them out!
Feelings are so HUGE when you are small, and we live in a world that does not often validate the feelings of children.
By not only taking the time to listen to what kids are trying to express, but also giving them better tools to do so, we offer stronger odds for them to become emotionally regulated adults.
This is a book that helps kids identity feelings, and it is a total blast to read!
I can say that for us, it has started a lot of conversations. This is one I like to read after school or at bedtime. Sometimes kids need us to open the door for them to talk about what is on their minds it seems, and this is just the thing!
This story takes us on a journey through the emotions we all experience with adorable flair.
The heart in the center of this book is layered, getting smaller each time you turn the page until you get to this tiny fella at the end.
We are taken through tough feelings, ones that make us want to yell, hide, cry... We also see peace, excitement, anticipation.
The author of this children's book did such a great job at explaining how each of these emotions feel, offering examples that kids can easily relate to.
The art is super cute too, following a little girl along as she navigates this range of feelings with you. If you're looking for an awesome literary birthday gift for a toddler or young kiddo, I'd highly recommend this one.
From the art to the message, it's got a solid 10/10 rating from me!
Okay, let's move on to book number 2. This is a nostalgic one for me, and I wouldn't be surprised to hear I'm far from the only one with fond memories of this gem!
This was hands down one of my favorite things to be read at bedtime when I was my daughter Thea's age. It's full of silly anecdotes and semi-deep thinkers, all in poem format!
In here you'll find a poem about a king who loved peanut butter sandwiches so much that his jaws stuck together, and the kingdom had to band together to save him...
You'll also find ones that address much more serious dilemmas, such as the desire for great adventure, or the feelings of jealousy over what other people have.
This is a book that offers both laughter and lessons.
Somehow Silverstein managed to do that without moralistic assertions, nudging kids to consider all sorts of things beyond everyday life with the freedom to think what they may.
If you're looking for a good laugh in between pauses of reflection, this is a great book to own- kiddos or not! I still get a kick out of it to this day.
Alright, and last up, here is my third recommendation!
This title popped out to me at the thrift store due to a certain love of mine... I'm a total Howl's Moving Castle fangirl- I even have a Calcifer tattoo. For those of you who have no idea what I'm talking about, it isn't relevant to the book.
Now this is one sweet read that leaves behind some serious wisdom!
We meet a little boy who wants one thing more than anything else in the world, to have his own star. It has consumed his thoughts!
As you read along, he tries a variety of different tactics to obtain a star. Failing again and again, we see how some dreams just aren't realistic.
The little boy totally bombs his last ploy on the beach, and is walking away dejectedly...
That's when he sees it! A star, a real star! Waiting for him on the sand is a dried-up starfish, which becomes the star of his dreams in his eyes. I think this is a fantastic book for children, because sometimes the only barrier to our happiness is our expectations; both of the world, and ourselves.
I often think that kids experience something from media that is akin to what women do with the cosmetics industry. Influencer kids flood every app, have merch in stores, and even partner with popular products. They are idols! Sure, I was jelly of Melissa in 2nd grade, because she had light-up Sketchers, and I didn't... There was never this level of other expectations for me though.
With so many unrealistic representations of childhood plastered everywhere to commodify wonder, it good to remember to appreciate what we have. The starfish on the beach is the best star of all, because we can really hold it. So, this book has to be another 10/10 for me!
I hope I've helped others to find some awesome reads to share with the little ones in their lives! Do you and the youngsters in your world have a book that you consider a star of the shelf? I'd love a recommendation in the comments!
You are making memories with your children that will last a lifetime.
Great choice on books!!!
Shucks Momma Bear 🤗 thank you! It's so true- story times last a lifetime imo 😍
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Great post! It's good to hear a parent listen to their kids. My son is grown but it was so much when he was those ages. Where The Sidewalk Ends is one of my favorites since I was a kid, so my son got to know it well! Thanks for sharing!
!BBH
Shucks, thank you very much! It's beyond cool that you also loved Where the Sidewalk Ends as a kid, and went on to share it with your son! I wonder if he has a kiddo if he will pass it on- I sure hope so! It is such a gem. 💚 I appreciate you checking out my post and sharing that with me! 🤗
You're welcome! I hope so too! I was introduced to it by my fifth grade teacher if I recall! Thanks for bringing back those good memoires!
@grindan! Your Content Is Awesome so I just sent 1 $BBH (Bitcoin Backed Hive) to your account on behalf of @thebighigg. (22/50)
All through this month's, I have really been busy with academics that I haven't had time to read books but I am working on it
I hope you are able to find some time soon!! 💚
I always liked:
I love you stinky face- LOLOL!! What a great name for a book 😂
The other two I know and totally adore too, where the wild things are is that JAM 😎
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They're getting a workout and slapped 1/2 possible people today.
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Your recommended books just come at the right time for me as I'm in search of great and appropriate books to get for my a year-old son.
Thank you very @grindan !LUV
That is so so cool to hear! Awe, I love to think of you find one of these bc of Hive, and then reading it to your little one. It's like a connection across the world 💗💃
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Oh! these are awesome recs. My nieces and nephews will have birthday soon and these are terrific options for them.
I'm so glad you thought they were cool too! It makes me smile to think of good reads getting passed along to other littles in other places because of Hive! 😄💚
Lovely selections, they all seem like grand reads for kids. Reading to kids is a great pleasure of mine, what more if I have to read to my kids when the time comes.
Awe that's so awesome to hear! Reading to kids is such a treat... I think my favorite aspect is how they always notice small things that we as adults easily overlook. Reminds me why I started loving books in the first place hehe 💚
I know, right? Their rapped and sincere attention makes one feel like an award winning artist🤩
Interesting picks, I think that reading to your kids and helping them identify emotions is so vital in order to help them build resilience and self awareness
Thank you very much 😄
Absolutely!! I think giving kids the power to articulate themselves, and then taking the time to listen is maybe one of the more important things we can do for them! 💚
I have actually written down the title of the books so I would have valuable resources when I will have my own children hihi
The books seem to be good ones especially the one that helps the kids to identify feelings
I love all the books
The feelings book is close to my heart for sure too (no pun intended haha), thanks for checking out for post! 🤗
These are great choice of books which I strongly believe will be able to learn a lot from it
Thank you! I love bonding with kids over books, it's one of the most fun ways to learn 😄
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Thank you!!
What about THE LITTLE PRINCE?