As we approach the holiday season, with the end of 2020 in sight, many of us are holding the hope that 2021 will be a better year. This past year has been full of uncertainty, anxiety, isolation, loss, and grief – and one that we are happy to have come to a close.
Staying positive and finding ways to cope with the challenges of 2020 has required creativity. Zooming – a word that meant something very different to me before 2020 (my energetic 3 y/o grandson comes to mind!) – became a common practice as a way to stay connected. And reading enjoyed a resurgence for many; books offered a respite, a distraction, an escape.
A local radio station began playing Christmas music on November 1, citing the universal need for hope and inspiration. My initial reaction was that it was much too early, but then found myself either flipping to that station or going to my own Christmas playlist. Listening did feel good. It was uplifting.
As I contemplated a theme for this December blog, I wanted to write about books that would bring positive feelings of hope and encouragement. Since late June, I’ve been blessed to spend time almost every day with my grandson who loves books. Reading was a favorite activity with my own children, and in my Blog # 10, Child’s Play, I discussed several classic children’s books that I read to my sons when they were young. I’m happy to say that many of those books are also on my grandson’s bookshelf. But they are mixed with wonderful new picture books that I’ve been thrilled to discover.
Here are a few for you to peruse and share with all the young ones in your life – and maybe even find soothing or inspiring words for yourself as well!
A well-loved book that has spawned more books, videos, and TV shows is Pete the Cat: I Love My White Shoes by James Dean and Eric Litwin. It is a very simple concept in which Pete, who loves his new white shoes, steps in things that stain his shoes, but he is able to summon resilience to stay positive. The song is upbeat and kids love it!
Rory the Dinosaur: Me and My Dad by Liz Climo, follows Rory as he takes off on what he assumes is a solo adventure, unaware that his father is watching over him and helping him manage the obstacles he encounters. Rory emerges with an increased sense of independence, but also gratitude to be home again with his dad.
Peter H. Reynolds explores a similar theme in The North Star. With independence comes the ability to consider what we want as individuals, what path we’d like to take, what dreams we wish to follow. With beautiful ink and watercolor illustrations, the story follows “the boy” from infancy through childhood, where he realizes that his journey is just beginning.
Another more recent book by Peter H. Reynolds, The Word Collector, also explores the theme of self, encouraging readers to find and express their own words. The protagonist, Jerome, collects words, writes poems and songs, and learns the power of sharing his words with the world.
The Dark, by Lemony Snicket (Illustrated by Jon Klassen) offers encouragement to face our fears. A small boy, Lazlo, with bravery and determination, meets and conquers his fear of the dark, offering inspiration to anyone afraid of the darker, scarier aspects of life.
You Can Do It, Noisy Nora, by Rosemary Wells, also illustrates the power of perseverance. Nora’s beleaguered family begs her to stop playing the violin, but she refuses, committed to learning a special song which (spoiler alert) she does in the nick of time.
These are just a few of the wonderful children’s picture books available. I know there are many more that I have yet to discover. What are some of your (or the young one in your life’s) favorites?
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