Picture Books

Tết is the Vietnamese Lunar New Year, filled with traditions and family. This wonderful book goes through all of the traditions from preparing for and celebtrating the New Year in a way children can easily understand. The illustrations bring to life the joy and culture of Vietnam to life. I highly recommend this book if you're looking to pass along your traditions to your child or teach your child about another culture. As the book says, "Tet is a tradition that celebrates family of the past, current, and future," so get with your family and enjoy this book. 

Of all of the books on kindness, this one is probably one of my favorites. Mainly because it visually shows kindness spreading from one person to the next. The book starts in brown and white sketches. With each act of kindness, a character comes to full color. You can actively see the color spread as the story progresses. Just like a game of tag, the joy of kindness touches everyone. For visual learners, this is a great book to show the ripples an act of kindness can create. 

I loved this book! It is a true story about a scientist, Dr. Temple Grandin, who was diagnosed with Autism as a child. She has used her gifts to further innovations in agriculture and educate people around the world. Using lyrical and rhyming text, the author does a great job of explaining the challenges Dr. Grandin faced throughout her life, but more importantly how she overcame them. The quote above is the lesson of the book. Be the best version of yourself, develop your gifts, and don't let doubt hold back your greatness. Such a powerful and inspiring story to share with your young reader. 

Music is my second love (first being books). This is a beautiful story of how one experience can change a life. In this story, a little girl gets to attend the symphony because her uncle gets a cold. The one experience changes her life and opens her mind to music. The gorgeous illustrations bring the story to life. I love reading this at the beginning of the year, BECAUSE it reminds us that new opportunities and possibilities are just an experience away. 

With its beautiful and fantastical illustrations, this book takes you on a journey with Finn. A young boy who lost his grandfather and is remembering the stories he told him of where the ocean meets the sky. He builds his own ship and goes on a journey to find the magical place. A beautiful story to help your young one if they are dealing with the loss of a loved one. We may miss them, but it is important to remember the stories they shared, the lessons they taught us, and the memories we made together. 

This is a wonderful book for bedtime reading. Jessica has done an amazing job of creatively showcasing all the things your child can do and strive to be. They an be adventurous, creative, strong, curious, and of course, brave. The book also emphasizes that it's great to try new things and okay if you don't get it right the first time. It is a quick read and with its lyrical writing, one your children will surely love to read along with you. Her graphics are visually exciting and create opportunities for conversations.