I’m super excited to start this new series “Four Favorites!” At least once a month, I’ll give you my insight on some of my favorite things for kiddos. Parents are always asking me what books, toys, and games to buy, so I hope that Four Favorites helps you find quality products that you and your littles will love for years to come.
This week’s Four Favorites features some of my absolute favorite picture books. They’re primarily for preschool aged kiddos but don’t worry babies and toddlers! You’ll get your own post soon!
You’ll probably recognize these books from your own childhood. They’ve stood the test of time, continuing to entertain children of all generations. These books will spark valuable conversations that can apply to many of life’s confusing topics. The more you read these books together, the more your children will pick up on their messages of kindness, acceptance, friendship, and bravery.
The Story of Ferdinand by Munro Leaf
Ferdinand is a bull who just wants to smell the flowers, but his reaction to a bee sting leads some men to think he’s the perfect bull to fight the matadors. The moment he arrives in the arena, he plops down to smell the many flowers worn by those in the crowd. Clearly not a fighter, Ferdinand is taken back to his favorite tree where he can enjoy the flowers to his heart’s content. The black and white illustrations feature lots of quirky little details. From the sassy looks Ferdinand serves his mother to his bee sting to the faces of the banderilleros, you’re sure to get a laugh out of this one.
Most of us know the story of Corduroy, a small teddy bear in a big department store. After learning he’s missing a button from his overalls, Corduroy goes on an adventure to find it. Foiled by the night watchman, Corduroy is returned to his shelf. The next day, a young girl named Lisa buys Corduroy and takes him home. She sews a new button onto Corduroy’s overalls and he realizes that he finally has a friend, a bed, and a home to call his own. Corduroy is one of a limited number of children’s books featuring Black characters. Its vivid illustrations master the challenge of light and dark while bringing to life the heartwarming story of Corduroy and Lisa’s friendship.
Leo the Late Bloomer by Robert Kraus
Leo is a tiger who just can’t seem to keep up with his friends. They can do so many things that he can’t. Though his father is worried (and shows up in the background of illustrations to spy on Leo), Leo’s mother reassures him that Leo will bloom when he’s ready. Sure enough, one day, Leo blooms and proudly shows off his newfound abilities. The playful illustrations provide an opportunity to expand on the story with each turn of the page. This book is sure to encourage your own bloomers as they learn new skills.
The story of the greedy Once-ler destroying the environment and The Lorax who tries to stop him is near and dear to many. However, the illustrations are really the icing on the top of this literary cake. The dismal setting from the beginning and end juxtaposition perfectly with the whimsical characters and plants of the middle, especially when children realize it’s the same place. The Lorax’s bravery when standing up to the Once-ler is an admirable trait, one that compels children to talk about what they might do if they saw someone hurting the planet. The Lorax is a much longer picture book so you may have to skip some pages or read it in multiple sessions depending on your kiddo’s attention span but it’s definitely worth adding to your collection.
I hope you and your kiddos enjoy these books as much as I do! Happy reading!
Living Arrows 