New studies suggest that one in five children report suffering from anxiety symptoms, and we’re guessing that we’re not alone in saying “we’ve seen this at home.” We have a whole series dedicated to children’s mental health — it’s an overview of the problem, a primer on recognizing anxiety among children, a breakdown of how worry “works” in our minds, and a tactical guide to helping children cope with anxiety. If you have a child who leans anxious — or even if you don’t! — we hope you check it out…

And in the meantime, we’ve put together a list of our favorite children’s books about anxiety that are great ways to start a conversation with your child. Many of these make for a fantastic introduction to the general problem of anxiety — at a child’s eye level — and also offer wonderful strategies for coping.

Children’s Books About Anxiety & Worrying:

Ruby Finds a Worry, Tom Percival

This simple, approachable story about what happens when Ruby finds a worry — and said worry spirals out of control — carries underlying messages of acceptance and openness, and subtly teaches kids how to overcome their own worries. Publisher’s Weekly adds that “Percival treats worry like a natural part of life, including the idea that sharing worries with others is a good way to ensure ‘they never hang around for long.’”

What to Do When You Worry Too Much, Dawn Huebner, illus. Bonnie Matthews

This kid-friendly, interactive guide to cognitive-behavioral therapy is a step-by-step activity book that walks children through different ways to identify, process, and overcome their anxieties. *Best for older school-aged children.

A note: most families rave about this book and the tools it provides for children, but some parents say the examples throughout actually introduced new scenarios to worry about. There’s so much of value here, but if you’re concerned about this you may want to screen which chapters to work on with your child.

Right Now, I Am Fine, Dr. Daniela Owen, illus. Gülce Baycik

This book focuses on mindfulness and calming strategies as means to overcome big-picture worries — many parents say this was a godsend during the tense stay-at-home months of the pandemic.

What Do You Do With a Problem?, Kobi Yamada, illus. Mae Besom

This beautifully illustrated book about what happens when you encounter a problem and ignore it (and it grows…) touches on emotions, procrastination, and reframing, and it’s seriously encouraging.

After the Fall: How Humpty Dumpty Got Back Up Again, Dan Santat

This inventive and critically-acclaimed children’s book about Humpty Dumpty’s life after the fall — when he’s afraid of heights — is an all-around crowd-pleaser. “More than a nursery rhyme remix,” says Publisher’s Weekly, “Santat’s story speaks boldly to the grip of fear and trauma, and to the exhilaration of mastering it.” 

Guts, Raina Telgemeier

This engaging graphic novel about the author’s own experience with bullying, intense anxiety, and physical illness in later elementary school is extremely relatable, even for adults. We love that it normalizes therapy, too. *Best for older school-aged children.

A great reader recommendation for bedtime worries — Dream Rock, Tammy Hawkins, illus. Sawyer Cloud

This soothing story about using a dream rock (and dream prompting) works to push bedtime anxieties out of the way — and make room for calming, uplifting thoughts. Many parents swear by it, and the book comes with a “real” dream rock.

A Little Spot of Anxiety, Diane Alber

This book from the A Little Spot series is simple but so effective — it teaches kids to identify their feelings and explains various ways to manage them in practical, easy-to-understand language. The imagery — the spot — is also a great visualization tool in itself for kids of all ages.

Brave As Can Be: A Book of Courage, Jo Witek, illus. Christine Roussey

This sweet, die-cut book follows an older sister telling her younger sister about some of her former fears and how she overcame them. It’s not as tactical as some of the other titles on our list, but it normalizes everyday worries and is a great choice for children with low-level fears/anxieties.

How to Draw Animals: For the Artistically Anxious, Faye Moorhouse

This guide includes 40 different animals, each paired with fun characteristics and features kids can choose from — it’s a great calming, meditative activity for children who are currently upset, and the practice of choosing how to depict each animal is a great way for them to get in touch with their feelings. We like using it as a question prompt, too, i.e. “Why do you think the flamingo was daydreaming? What do you think she was thinking about?”

What are your favorite children’s books about anxiety? Let us know in the comments!

The post Children’s Books About Anxiety appeared first on Lucie's List.

Here are a handful of our favorites that touch on emotions — ranging from love to anger, excitement, sadness, and all the rest — that emphasize:

• emotional awareness & literacy (what does it mean/look like/feel like to be “sad”?),
• emotional validity (it’s okay to feel how you feel; no feelings are “right” or “wrong”), and/or
• emotional regulation (strategies for calming, connecting, healthy expression, etc.).

See also: Children’s Books About Anxiety

Books to Read When Your Child Has All the Feels…

Under the Love Umbrella, Davina Bell, illus. Allison Colpoys

This beautiful book conveys that no matter what happens in life, love is always a safety net (or… umbrella).

You Belong Here, M.H. Clark, illus. Isabelle Arsenault

This beautiful, calming book is a reassurance for children who struggle to feel at home — reviewers note that it’s an especially great pick for adoptive families.

The Love Letter, Anika Aldamuy Denise, illus. Lucy Ruth Cummins

This sweet book about what happens when three friends each find (the same) love letter and believe it’s for them is so heartwarming — central themes of friendship, kindness, and individuality.

In My Heart, Jo Witek, illus. Christine Roussey

This adorable and bright picture book explains feelings in simple, imaginative language that really resonates with young children. Many parents love to read it daily to discuss feelings throughout the day and to pull it out during sticky moments as a sort of reference for littles to recognize how they are feeling. We love the whimsical illustrations and cut-out heart design.

Tiger Days, M.H. Clark, illus. Anna Hurley

Tiger Days associates different emotions with different animals and conveys the message that all feelings are valid and “okay” — children really get a kick out of using the animal descriptors to talk about and label their own feelings (i.e., “today I feel like a turtle”).

The Rabbit Listened, Cori Doerrfeld

When Taylor’s tower falls down, Taylor is flooded with big emotions. Animals parade through with suggestions for what Taylor should do to feel better — from getting angry to yelling to ruining someone else’s tower — but none of their ideas help. Only when the snuggly rabbit shows up and just… listens does Taylor begin to feel better. This book carries a lovely message of acceptance and independence.

My Mouth is a Volcano, Julia Cook, illus. Carrie Hartman

Louis has a tendency to interrupt, and here he learns about the value and skill of listening to what others have to say, too.

Love, Matt de la Pena, illus. Loren Long

This book about life’s highs and lows covers some tough issues and cuts across class and race demographics — some say it’s a little heavy for young listeners, but it’s a beautiful book with a universal message about finding love in everyday places.

La Catrina: Emotions Emociones, Patty Rodriguez & Ariana Stein

This simple book with Day-of-the-Dead-inspired illustrations depicts emotions through facial expressions and pairs every feeling with its Spanish translation. A fun bilingual introduction to labeling emotions.

Love Is, Diane Adams, illus. Claire Keane

This story about what happens when a little girl finds a baby duck and proceeds to take care of it is SO sweet, and the pictures are just gorgeous. Watch out: it’s also a metaphorical story about motherhood that may or may not make you cry…

My Heart, Corinna Luyken

This poetic and artistic book is a quieter, gentle read with an empowering takeaway for children: “I get to decide.”

All About Feelings, Felicity Brooks & Frankie Allen, illus. Mar Ferrero

This fun and diverse book is like a kids’ encyclopedia on emotions — and we love it! It’s interactive, approachable, and quite comprehensive. Great for littles and older children alike.

The Invisible String, Patrice Karst, illus. Joanne Lew-Vriethoff

A beautifully written and illustrated picture book that’s perfect for helping young kids manage feelings about loss, uncertainty and loneliness. Note: Marissa’s kids’ pre-K teacher read this story aloud during virtual learning times, and the message about missing one another, yet still being connected by “invisible strings” was beyond touching (point being: you may want to have a tissue ready as you read it).

A Little SPOT of Emotion Box Set, Diane Alber

This set includes little SPOT books on a range of different feelings (each book focuses on a different emotion, and one covers them all using color). Kids really “get” the imagery and each title incorporates usable language, calming strategies, and emotional validation.

The Color Monster, Anna Llenas

This fun book explores the emotional spectrum through the color wheel — and a cute monster! A kid favorite :).

Teach Your Dragon About Feelings, Steve Herman

This clever book puts young children in the driver seat as Drew sets out to teach his pet dragon about his feelings. This is a simple yet fun introduction to emotions that also normalizes feelings and offers some basic management strategies.

What are your favorite kids books about feelings and emotions? Let us know!

More book recs on feelings from readers:

The Feelings Book, Todd Parr

Crocodiles Need Kisses Too, Rebecca Colby, illus. Penelope Dullaghan

The post Kids Books About Emotions appeared first on Lucie's List.

Well — there are SOME!

These books all bring something different to the table — mix and match as you like! 

Best Books for Trying to Conceive: 

Taking Charge of Your Fertility, Toni Weschler — Best for those interested in charting and taking a hands-on approach to achieving conception

This book is basically the Bible of trying to conceive — it covers basic info, cycle charting/tracking (in great detail), “pregnancy achievement,” fertility/infertility, and miscarriages, plus other women’s health topics and natural family planning. Not for the faint of heart!

The Impatient Woman’s Guide to Getting Pregnant, Jean Twenge — Quick and dirty guide on TTC

This slim volume from Jean Twenge (most well known for her work in psychology — most recently iGen, which explores the connection between screens, teens, and mental health) is a surprisingly comprehensive primer on all things trying to conceive, spanning from “before” to after and everything in between. Coverage of age and fertility (also covered in The Atlantic) is especially helpful for those approaching the (false) “deadline” of 35. *Note — the tone of this book is “jokey,” but the banter is *very gender-normative and a-little-too-1950s — some readers find it offensive.

It Starts With the Egg, Rebecca Fett — For nerds who want all the science

This book is packed with scientific research but also offers tons of practical (and doable) suggestions for improving fertility and increasing the chances of conception. A little dense at times, but equally beloved — check out Amazon and GoodReads for reviewers who swear something in this book helped them achieve pregnancy after years of frustration and failure. 

The Art of Waiting, Belle Boggs — For those struggling with infertility 

As The Boston Globe describes: “An eye-opening, gorgeously written blend of memoir, reportage, and cultural analysis. . . Examining infertility and childlessness through the lens of her own struggle to become pregnant, Boggs presents not only a courageous account of her personal experience but an illuminating, wide-ranging study of the medical, psychological, social, and historical aspects of a condition that affects one in eight couples nationwide.”

The Pursuit of Motherhood, Jessica Hepburn — Also for those struggling with infertility

This memoir of one woman’s struggle with infertility is bracing, emotional, and honest. So many readers going through IVF have said this book made for a welcome companion. 

The Trying Game, Amy Klein — Best for those preparing for fertility treatment

The Trying Game is a tell-all book detailing the course of fertility treatment, and all kinds of practical, physical, financial, and emotional considerations along the way. Readers describe this book as part-roadmap, part-girlfriend and part-therapy for anyone navigating fertility treatments. 

The Infertility Cure, Randine Lewis — Best for those looking for a holistic approach to TTC

This book approaches fertility/infertility from the holistic perspective of Chinese medicine, addressing topics such as diet, herbs, and acupressure. The Infertility Cure offers an accessible overview of the science of conception plus complementary strategies to enhance fertility, including everyday changes women can execute on their own. 

Making Babies, Sami S. David and Jill Blakeway — Also great those looking for a holistic approach to TTC

A book that’s as much about health as fertility, Making Babies merges western and Chinese medicine to outline a three-month program for fertility. Women love it for proposing doable lifestyle modifications and alternative strategies for achieving (and better understanding) fertility.

The Argonauts, Maggie Nelson — Best non-traditional book about fertility, conception, pregnancy, and early motherhood

The Argonauts is critically acclaimed from every direction. Here’s what Michael Lindgren, of The Washington Post, wrote about it: “Maggie Nelson’s The Argonauts exists in its own universe. My first reaction to Nelson’s book was awestruck silence, such as one might experience when confronted with some dazzling supernatural phenomenon. Nelson is so outrageously gifted a writer and thinker that The Argonauts seems to operate in some astral dimension where the rules of normal physics have been suspended. Her book is an elegant, powerful, deeply discursive examination of gender, sexuality, queerness, pregnancy and motherhood, all conveyed in language that is intellectually potent and poetically expressive.”

Wishing you all the best, and do let us know if there are other titles that were a help to you at this stage.

The post Trying to Conceive Book Roundup appeared first on Lucie's List.

Even if this is not you, many find the transition to new parenthood to be challenging; from lack of sleep and time to take care of yourself, to adopting the new role of mom or dad and how that can shift one’s sense of self and identity, to losing a sense of freedom and the ability to be spontaneous, to the changes new parenthood can bring to friendships, family relationships, romantic relationships, marriages, and so much more, new parents often need — and deserve — extra TLC and support. 

That’s why we’ve put together this roundup of some of our favorite, tried-and-true books on postpartum mental health for new parents, including how to manage postpartum mood and anxiety disorders. We hope these books can provide you, dear new parents, with an abundance of comfort, guidance and support. Without further ado, here’s our list of books for new parents:

Books for New Parents on Postpartum Mood and Anxiety Disorders

This Isn’t What I Expected by Karen Kleiman, M.S.W. & Valerie Davis Raskin, MD

Written by Karen Kleiman, MSW, director of the renowned Postpartum Stress Center (highly encourage you to check out this organization!), and Dr. Valerie Davis Raskin, psychiatrist and co-founder of the Pregnancy and Postpartum Treatment Program at the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine, this book is a Godsend in helping you identify if you may be struggling with a perinatal mood disorder, and when it’s time to seek professional help. Throughout the course of this book, you’ll learn how to manage the often-debilitating effects of PPD, such as panic attacks, obsessive-compulsive thoughts and urges, negative thinking, and more. It also offers guidance for partners, family and friends on how to be supportive and helpful to the new parent who is struggling. 

Good Moms have Bad Days: Understanding Postpartum Mood Disorders by Eren Simpson

Just because you are suffering from a perinatal mood disorder, and/or may not find every moment of motherhood joy-filled and exhilarating, does not mean you are a bad mom. In fact, you are a good mom who is doing the best you can — and you need and deserve some support. 

According to author Eren Simpson, “This book is intended to arm women and their families with the knowledge they need about what is happening to their minds and bodies during the postpartum period. This book includes information about treatment options, stories from survivors, plus research and movements being conducted across the country to make mental health and maternal mental health a priority.”

Readers say this book is honest, refreshing and the real stories from survivors are poignant and inspiring. For those who want more — a community to connect with — Simpson also created a corresponding website for moms battling PPD and/or PPA to come together and be heard. 

The Mother-to-Mother Postpartum Depression Support Book: Real Stories from Women Who Lived Through It and Recovered by Sandra Poulin 

When you’re struggling with a perinatal mood disorder, sometimes the most helpful thing is to know you’re not alone. This book does that just. Chock full of  stories from women who have suffered and recovered from postpartum depression, The Mother-to-Mother Postpartum Depression Support Book feels like a wonderful warm hug from others who have “been there,” along with the knowledge that you’re going to survive and be OK. 

Down Came the Rain by Brooke Shields 

Model and actress Brooke Shields shares her very honest and raw experience about dealing with — and recovering from — postpartum depression after her daughter was born. Shields’s incredibly candid account has paved the way for so many women to feel comfortable sharing their own struggles, as well as seek help.

Good Moms Have Scary Thoughts by Karen Kleiman, M.S.W. 

Many people don’t realize that over 90 percent of new moms have scary, intrusive, unwanted thoughts about their baby, themselves or new motherhood (“What if I accidentally drop the baby?” “What if I hurt the baby?” “I wasn’t cut out to be a mom.”)

The reason many people don’t know this is because the moms who have these thoughts are too terrified and ashamed to share them — terrified that someone will see them as “unfit” and take their baby away, and ashamed because “good moms aren’t supposed to have these thoughts.”

But, as Kleiman explains in this book, this type of thinking doesn’t make you an unfit or terrible mother. It makes you a mother who loves her baby, AND who is struggling with scary thoughts. Both are true — you love your baby, and you’re struggling.  The good news is that there is help, and if you’re one of the 90+ percent, you don’t have to live in fear or shame anymore. 

This book offers tons of support, guidance and hands-on exercises to help new moms challenge and banish their scary thoughts and begin to feel good again.  

Dropping the Baby and Other Scary Thoughts by Karen Kleiman, M.S.W. and Amy Wenzel, PhD

This is the 2nd edition of an incredibly important and profound book intended to help parents understand where scary and intrusive thoughts come from and how to overcome them. This edition offers updated information about the science behind intrusive thoughts, as well as guidance for parents about how to seek help (and how to work through the stigma associated with admitting to their scary thoughts). It also describes new treatment approaches, and case descriptions from moms who have battled intrusive thinking, and survived.

Workbooks for Postpartum Depression and Anxiety

The Postpartum Depression Workbook: Strategies to Overcome Negative Thoughts, Calm Stress, and Improve Your Mood by Abigail Burd LCSW PMH-C 

This is an easy-to-follow, practical and super informative postpartum depression workbook. All the tools and strategies are based in cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), which works to help you challenge your negative and destructive thought patterns and behaviors, and replace them with more positive, beneficial and productive thoughts and behavioral patterns instead. 

Pregnancy and Postpartum Anxiety Workbook: Practical Skills to Help You Overcome Anixety, Worry, Panic Attacks, Obsessions, and Compulsions by Pamela S. Wiegartz & Kevin L. Gyoerkoe 

I suffered from pregnancy and postpartum anxiety, and this workbook was a lifesaver for me. Like the previously discussed workbook, The Pregnancy and Postpartum Anxiety Workbook also utilizes CBT to help new moms manage their overwhelming feelings of anxiety and panic. 

The easy-to-do exercises and worksheets are meant to “reduce the frequency and intensity of anxious feelings” during the pregnancy and postpartum period. To be honest, I didn’t realize how much my postpartum anxiety was impeding on my happiness and life until I started working through the exercises in this book. It was a helpful tool (among others) in allowing me to get a handle on my out-of-control panic. Plus, it helped my husband understand more of what I was going through, and how to support me. 

Moods in Motion: A Coloring and Healing Book for Postpartum Moms by Karen Kleiman, MSW and illustrated by Lisa Powell Braun 

Adult coloring books are certainly having their day in the sun, and there’s a good reason for that: the process of coloring can be highly therapeutic, and when we’re drawing, we’re focused and totally in-the-moment. Moods in Motion offers something unique — far different from many of the other postpartum mental health workbooks out there.

Each page showcases a scary or intrusive thought a new mom might have, along with a corresponding image to color; then the following page offers a healing statement, along with a corresponding image illustrating that.  According to the book’s description — and I really love this — “Moods in Motion is more than a coloring book which will ease stress. It is an illustrated guide toward recovery which enables any postpartum woman to actively participate in her healing. As you color your way through the symptom and healing pages, you will envision and internalize suggestions that bring you closer to feeling like yourself again!”

Books For Mom’s Overall Mental Health and Wellbeing 

Strong as a Mother: How to Stay Healthy, Happy, and (Most Importantly) Sane from Pregnancy to Parenthood: The Only Guide to Taking Care of YOU! By Kate Rope

This book is one of the only in the postpartum mental health and parenting book genres I could find that focuses solely on Mom’s wellbeing. This is so important — and I wish there were more books like this — because after women have a baby, so often their physical and emotional needs fall to the backburner. After enduring 9 months of pregnancy followed by childbirth (and the myriad of changes to everything from their bodies, to hormones, to relationships, to roles, to careers and lives), they are expected to quickly recover — get their sh*t together — so they can take care of their baby. But moms need support, care and love too, and this book honors that, and gives new mamas permission to prioritize themselves and their needs. 

You are a F*cking Awesome Mom: So Embrace the Chaos, Get Over the Guilt and Be True to You by Leslie Anne Bruce

If the previous book is like your sweet, even-tempered best friend giving you warm hugs and kind encouragement, this book is your sassy, mouth-like-a-sailor sister telling you exactly how it is. In this hilarious, honest and poignant book, Bruce wholeheartedly acknowledges how crazy, chaotic and disorienting the transition to new motherhood can be, while, with an abundance of wit and authenticity, offers loads of inspiration and encouragement to new mamas. 

Books for Fathers/Partners

Sad Dad: An Exploration of Postnatal Depression in Fathers by Olivia Spencer

Did you know that dads can suffer from postpartum mood and anxiety disorders too? It’s true. This book aims to shed light on the male and/or partner experience of postpartum depression, and includes research and interviews with experts in this field. It’s really one of the only books out there (that I know of) that truly hones in on partner PPD.

The Postpartum Husband: Practical Solutions for Living with Postpartum Depression by Karen Kleiman, M.S.W.

This book isn’t so much for dads struggling with postpartum depression, but more about how they can best support their partner who is suffering. It’s written specifically for the dad/partner, so he/she can be as supportive and responsive as possible. The information is presented in an extremely easy-to-read and concise way — bite-sized chapters with bullet points — making it simple for partners to easily and quickly absorb the pertinent info. 

New parenthood doesn’t come easily for everyone, and if this is you — you’re not alone. It didn’t come easily for me, either (you can read my story here). Whether parenthood isn’t exactly what you thought it would be and you’re struggling to take care of yourself physically, mentally or emotionally postpartum, or you think you might be dealing with a perinatal mood and anxiety disorder, there are resources and help available. 

I hope you can find solace in some of these books for new parents — particularly in knowing that you are not alone, and that there are ways to feel better. In addition to the books listed here, I also encourage you to seek additional support — whether through a postpartum mental health professional, a postpartum mental health support group, a new parent group, etc.

In the meantime, good luck new parents! You will get through this time and be stronger for it. Never forget that you’re a good parent — exactly the parent your child(ren) needs you to be. You got this. 

Happy reading. 

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There are all kinds of different approaches to teaching reading to little kids. Probably the one with the best evidence behind it — to the point where some people claim it’s the one-and-only way to do it — is phonics-based instruction. Put simply, this entails focusing on sounds over letters, per se. Phonics-based learning is great! But there are other pathways, too, and you know better than anyone what kind of approach is going to resonate most with your child.

If you haven’t started yet, an excellent precursor to reading lessons is simply to point to words and move your finger along while you read to your child — this demonstrates that the words actually convey something, and gives an indication about the general patterns involved (spoken words correspond to written words, left to right, top to bottom, etc. — it’s called “text awareness”). They might even pick up a sight word or two. It may be tedious, but this preps children for the learning-to-read process.

If you’re ready to begin to teach your child to read (or to supplement their school curriculum), or even if you’re already in the thick of it, Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons is a beloved workbook that parents, educators, linguistic therapists, and academic researchers alike all swear by. It’s easy to follow (it literally includes the dialogue), takes about 15-20 minutes per lesson, and it works! 

Professor John McWhorter described his experience with this book^^ in The Atlantic — which entailed teaching his 4-year-old to read over the course of a summer — and what’s most incredible about his success story is that it’s not outlying. Yes, many parents sing the praises of this book. 

Once you’re on your way — whether you’re in the early learning stages or your child is already reading — it’s always great to have fun options on hand so your child can put their skills to use — and get excited about using them. Below are some of our favorite books for beginning readers — please share your family’s favorites in the comments! 

Happy reading listening, ya’ll!

Best Books for Beginner Readers

Complete Book of Farmyard Tales, Heather Amery, illus. Stephen Cartwright

This book includes 20 cute stories on the farm, and every page includes two reading options — one for beginners (at the top of the page) and one for more advanced readers (at the bottom). You can start by having your little one read the top of the page while you read the bottom and slowly let them work their way towards the more advanced text. Also comes with audio (it’s a CD, though… does anyone still have a stereo???).(Also available here.)

Usborne My First Reading Library

A collection of 50 books that progress from “first reader” to level one then level two. The initial level uses very simple words and short sentences, and by the end, the stories feature longer sentences and stories. Parents agree that this set is a *fantastic tool for reading instruction, and it’s a great value. Yes, this is a standout set when it comes to teaching your child to read, and many parents also say that this helped bring their kids from reluctance to excitement about the whole endeavor. (Also available here.)

Anything & Everything Mo Willems (Like this Elephant & Piggie Collection)

I think we recommend Mo Willems books in pretty much every section of this guide — he’s awesome! These were some of my favorite books to read to my kids; but with big text, simple sentence structure and easy-to-follow illustrations, Mo Willems’s books are also a fantastic launching point for beginning readers. Plus, these are seriously laugh-out-loud for kids and parents alike. 

Peppa Pig Phonics Boxed Set

These short and simple Peppa Pig books (from Scholastic) are perfect for beginners. They are easier than the “regular” Peppa Pig books, and kids who already love Peppa Pig are super into them. Includes ten Peppa Pig storybooks, each of which focuses on a specific sound, plus two phonics workbooks.

Frog and Toad Books, Arnold Lobel

An oldie but a goodie! This set comes with four of the classics that are great for beginners (they’re a level 2 “I Can Read”). These books just have such a pleasant cadence to them too, once your kiddo gets them down.

Jonathan Fenske Books

These early reader titles are funny, simple, and also open the door to talking about emotions with your kids. You can’t go wrong with any of Fenske’s series, but A Pig, a Fox, and a Box and Hello, Crabby! are two good choices if you don’t know where to start.

Henry and Mudge Books, Cynthia Rylant, illus. Sucie Stevenson

These Ready to Read level 2 books about Henry and his huge dog Mudge are so cute. (The series opens with Henry begging his parents for a sibling, and instead they give him Mudge. ) Henry is such a sweet kiddo, and his adventures with Mudge follow lovable, simple storylines that kids love.

Fly Guy, Tedd Arnold

Kids think these books about a boy and a fly who become friends are hilarious. (Boy Buzz adopts fly as pet… ) If you like the first one, check out the set of eleven Fly Guy books.

Jack, Mac Barnett and Greg Pizzoli

This series about Jack the rabbit, who lives in a treehouse and gets into all sorts of mischief, also includes drawing instructions at the end, which is a fun add-on. However, much like with Dory Fantasmagory and Junie B. Jones (see below), many parents and teachers raise concerns that Jack is not exactly the model character, and never seems to learn from his wrongdoings.

You might notice that many books come with just this kind of caveat^^ (namely, characters are less-than-well-behaved). And while yes, on the one hand, this can definitely have the potential to instigate problems, it also offers the opportunity to engage your child in conversations about good or bad choices, kind behavior, responsibility, and the like. People don’t act perfect in real life, either, after all!

Little Bear Series, Else Holmelund Minarik, illus. Maurice Sendak

With illustrations from the beloved Maurice Sendak paired with the classic stories of Little Bear and his daily activities, these books are heartwarming and timeless.

Amelia Bedelia, Peggy Parish, illus. Fritz Siebel, Barbara Siebel Thomas and Wallace Tripp

You remember Amelia Bedelia, right?! Every time I think of these stories I remember the time my grandma put a whole carton of frozen veggies, paper packaging and all, right in the pot on the stove. “It said to put the whole thing in there!” she said. These level 2 “I Can Read” books are so fun — they follow what happens when Amelia Bedelia takes things literally. (Please note: these books were written in the 1950s, so they come complete with 1950s gender stereotypes.)

When you’re ready to take it to the next step:

Jada Jones, Kelly Starling Lyons, illus. Vanessa Brantley Newton

This four-book series kicks off with Jada making a new friend at school after her best friend moves away — we love that the series features a brave female character of color in her everyday life.

Dory Fantasmagory, Abby Hanlon

This funny series about a snarky little girl with a big imagination is a kid and parent favorite. Be warned, though: Dory’s siblings and parents are brutal! Yes, a frequent complaint about these books is that they don’t necessarily model polite, kind family dynamics (or language). If that doesn’t bother you, it’s tons of fun.

Anna Hibiscus Books, Atinuke

This series follows Anna and her family’s life in Africa — the books are beloved for their compassion, engaging stories, and caring depictions of family; plus, they expose kids to another culture to boot. It’s a little more challenging, FYI, so it’s probably best for readers with a little more experience.

Junie B. Jones, Barbara Park, illus. Denise Brunkus

These silly books about Junie B’s school days are a classic — and yes, Junie B is a total brat. To some, she stands in welcome defiance of gender norms; but if you don’t want your kid reading about a rude main character, better steer clear! 

Congrats, parents — how far have we come?!

Let us know what your kids love reading .

See also: Best Board Books and Fun Reads for Adults (from 2020).

The post Best Books for Beginner Readers appeared first on Lucie's List.

With that in mind, you don’t always need to read these books cover to cover. Look at the introduction and those chapters that speak to you, and thereafter, think of them more like reference texts. 

Happiest Baby Guide to Great Sleep: Simple Solutions for Kids from Birth to 5 Years, Harvey Karp

This book was something like the Bible to me when I was a new parent — Harvey Karp’s five S’s for sleep are universally loved by parents everywhere, and even though this book’s focus is technically sleep (also true for most new parents), it gives a pretty full picture of Karp’s overall take on calming strategies and the like for babies. Plus, it will carry you well through the toddler years.

If you prefer a more “big picture” account (albeit specific to babies alone), you can check out Karp’s more general Happiest Baby on the Block. (Or you can watch the video if you don’t feel like reading at all, hah!)

Secrets of the Baby Whisperer: How to Calm, Connect, and Communicate with your Baby, Tracy Hogg and Melinda Blau

Many parents swear by this book — it’s a handy reference text with solid advice from sleep experts. My favorite part: deciding whether my baby fell into the category of Angel, Textbook, Touchy, Spirited, or Grumpy. Because who doesn’t love a good quiz?! (No, not you? I guess you didn’t grow up in the 90s, then…) 

Cribsheet: A Data-Driven Guide to Better, More Relaxed Parenting, from Birth to Preschool, Emily Oster

Anyone who knows me knows that I am a huge fan of everything Emily Oster has a hand in. This book, the logical extension to her book on pregnancy, Expecting Better, is easy to follow and SO helpful. With a clear outline and a no-nonsense breakdown of data on topics ranging from infant feeding and sleeping to child care, starting solids and various other milestones of the toddler years, this is a fantastic text to have around, especially if you are the type to wonder: what does the evidence say?

If you’re the sciency-type, you might also like The Informed Parent and The Science of Mom, which have a relatively similar tack to Crib Sheet. (The Science of Mom is somewhat more academic-y, if that’s up your alley.)

On Becoming Babywise: Giving Your Infant the Gift of Nighttime Sleep, Robert Bucknam and Gary Ezzo

Written by a physician and a sleep expert, this is another long-time favorite in the infancy books department. Melissa says she used this book as a framework for her kids when they were babies, picking and choosing what worked best for each one. (BTW, even though the title implies this book’s sole focus is on sleep, it implicitly addresses things like daytime schedules, feeding, and the like as well.) 

The Wonder Weeks: A Stress-Free Guide to Your Baby’s Behavior, Xaviera Plooij, Frans X. Plooij and Hetty van de Rijt

This book (written by a couple and their daughter!) is a recent addition to the market and we’ve had many readers reach out to suggest it. Its main strength: describing “normal” behavior and development at various stages (the authors call them “leaps,” though, omg ) — which can give insight into effective parenting (but doesn’t necessarily spell out “do this WTR feeding, naptime, etc. etc.” like some others do). (Also pairs with a handy app some folks seem to like pretty well.)

If you must… What to Expect the First Year, Heidi Murkoff

I am not a huge fan of the WTE books, but if you’re the type who doesn’t like “too much information,” this could be nice to have around. Like What to Expect When You’re Expecting, the First Year edition is more of a top-line summary than anything else — with the characteristic WTE fake-cheery spin. 

On Breastfeeding

Nowadays, there’s a ton of amazing and highly practical information about breastfeeding available online — so don’t forget about those resources. 

In print^^, there’s always the The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding, the classic bestseller put out by La Leche League (very informative). We also love our friend Heather’s suggestion, Lactivate: A User’s Guide to Breastfeeding, by Jill Krause and Chrisie Rosenthal. It’s funny, helpful, approachable, and honest.

Hope you pick up something from these! Otherwise it’s this:

HAH. Anyway, let us know if there’s a book you think should be here!

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I fall somewhere in the middle of this proverbial venn diagram, but for better or worse, I’ve read a lot of parenting books. 

Across this guide, you’ll find some of our team’s favorite picks for various ages and stages, ranging from pregnancy all the way through the childhood years. Whether you’re the type who likes data, directives, or a good dose of humor, there’s a book (or two!) for everyone in each category. 

“Best Parenting Books” on…

• Pregnancy
• Infancy/Newborn Period
• Toddlerhood and Beyond 
• Behavior & Discipline
• Raising Adventurous/Environmentally-Conscious Kids
• Kids and Food
• Race and Gender Norms

The post The Best Parenting Books for Every Stage appeared first on Lucie's List.

• General Parenting Books for Toddlers and Kids
• Behavioral and Discipline Books 
• Books About Raising Adventurous and/or Environmentally-Conscious Children
• Books that Address Race and Challenge Gender Norms 
• Books About Kids and Food

By the way — we love hearing your suggestions, especially since we’re constantly updating our picks, so let us know in the comments if there’s something you’d like us to add! 

General Parenting Books for Toddlers and Kids

Bringing Up Bébé: One American Mother Discovers the Wisdom of French Parenting, Pamela Druckerman

It’s hard for me to express how much I love this book. I revisit it so often, honestly. Just read it — you will laugh, I promise, and also learn a lot about how overly anxious American parenting tends to be. [See also: Why (and How) to Be a Just Good Enough Parent.]

The Danish Way of Parenting: What the Happiest People in the World Know About Raising Confident, Capable Kids, Jessica Joelle Alexander, Iben Sandahl 

This is a fun complement to Bringing up Bebe^^ (though it’s not quite as inspirational, IMO), except instead of honing in on cultural parenting norms in France (as Druckerman does), it focuses on — can you guess it? — Danish parenting customs. *It’s not just a gimmick, though — psychological studies actually indicate that children (and people in general, for that matter) in Denmark rank their happiness very highly (especially in comparison to here in the US, sadly, where children’s mental health is a burgeoning crisis…). 

Pssst… another great complement to either/book of these books^^ is French Kids Eat Everything: How Our Family Moved to France, Cured Picky Eating, Banned Snacking, and Discovered 10 Simple Rules for Raising Happy, Healthy Eaters, by Karen Le Billon. It’s seriously entertaining and has tons of applicable tips relative to “food rules” — for everyone in the family. 

A Book about Parenthood

All Joy and No Fun: The Paradox of Modern Parenthood, Jennifer Senior

I’m obsessed with this book — but it’s definitely not for everyone. A journalist’s take on how kids change parents’ lives (a much underexplored topic, IMO), this book is really about parenthood, rather than parenting. It’s rooted in research, interviews, and social science, and offers a (sometimes brutally) honest critique of the current state of being a parent.

Cribsheet, Emily Oster

We’ve already mentioned Emily Oster’s book in our infancy parenting book picks — but I’m mentioning it again here so it doesn’t get lost in the fray, because it’s not just a baby book. It tackles decision-making all the way up through preschool, in fact; and it’s a *highly-recommended resource for people who appreciate the application of data to parenting questions. 

How to Talk So Kids Will Listen and Listen So Kids Will Talk, Adele Farver and Elaine Mazlish

The book that needs no introduction (but I will anyway)… This has been a bestselling classic for four decades now — that kind of lasting success doesn’t just happen by accident. This book has been called “the parenting Bible,” if that tells you anything, and one parent said: actually, kids DO come with a manual — it’s this! With chapters like “Helping Children Deal with Their Feelings,” “Alternatives to Punishment,” and “Praise,” this text combines no-frills explanation with practice exercises and boiler-plate takeaways. If you don’t find something of value in here… you’re the only one.

Behavioral & Discipline Parenting Books for Toddlers and Kids

Much like with books that profess they have the secret to getting your newborn to sleep in 7 days(!!) (incidentally there are also a lot of books that make similar claims about potty training puppies… huh), there are many, many books that spell out various approaches to discipline and how to respond to behavioral concerns. You may read any number of them and think — Yes! This is it! This will be us! — but in reality (and similarly to the books on infancy) most parents borrow from the methods of a few different “techniques” and create their own hodge-podge brand of disciplinary strategy. 

This is what we recommend, too. 

Psst — you can also take a peek at our Behavior Series, which includes a framework for discipline. (And by the way, one thing every book about discipline agrees on? Spanking is harmful.)

Happiest Toddler on the Block, Harvey Karp

Karp’s book is perhaps the easiest in the batch — a quick read with characteristic practical advice on tantrums and behavior management from the renowned pediatrician. 

1-2-3 Magic, Thomas Phelan

This book seems to have a cult following. The basic premise is that implementing a counting system followed by real-time age-appropriate consequences can help reduce and/or interrupt unwanted behaviors. 

Raising Your Spirited Child, Mary Sheedy Kurcinka

We so highly recommend this book if you are the parent of a spirited child — whether they be energetic or “quietly spirited.” Melissa says that a friend and child therapist recommended it to her, and that it’s likely her most coveted parenting book of all time. 

The Explosive Child, Ross W. Greene

This book provides a framework (“the collaborative problem solving model”) for responding to children’s explosions (you know them: kicking, tantruming, screaming, breaking things, yelling, etc.). If you have a child who is prone to overreactions or struggling to control their emotions, this is a frequent recommendation from pediatricians and therapists. 

How to Stop Losing Your Sh*t With Your Kids, Carla Naumburg

I was a fan of Naumburg’s first book, Parenting in the Present Moment; her newest work is funny (ie, chapters are titled things like: “Shit You Have to Do If You Don’t Want to Lose Your Shit”) and eminently helpful. Naumburg’s approach to “discipline” (or whatever you want to call it, exactly), is to focus on US — parents. This makes sense, but it’s not necessarily intuitive (much the same as how our concerns about our kids’ screen time ultimately relate back to OUR screen time). The basic premise is this: “every time you manage to stay calm instead of freaking out, you create space to respond thoughtfully and parent the way you want to — however that looks for you and your family.” Doesn’t that sound nice? 

The Whole Brain Child, Daniel J. Siegel and Tina Payne Bryson 

If you prefer your parenting books served up with a side of brain science, this one is for you — it’s part primer on pediatric neurological development and part disciplinary how-to guide. 

No Drama Discipline, Daniel J. Siegel and Tina Payne Bryson 

The follow-up text to The Whole Brain Child, this book focuses more on the practical side of discipline strategies. Spoiler alert: the authors’ focus is on connection, love, and empathy over punishment. 

Simplicity Parenting, Kim John Payne & Lisa M. Ross

There is something about this book that reminds me of Marie Kondo. It has a sort of spiritual take on “the grace of childhood,” which usually causes me to roll my eyes, but the practical advice here on turning down the crazy-overpacked-too loud-and-distracted family life that seems to burden so many of us is both welcome and refreshing. 

Books About Raising Adventurous and/or Environmentally-Conscious Children

There’s No Such Thing as Bad Weather, Linda Akeson McGurk

This book explores the Scandinavian cultural precept that “there’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing” — a la Bringing Up Bebe. Part memoir, part social science reader and part tactical guide, this is a wonderful read for families looking for more ways to connect with the outdoors. Something we all need, these days. 

Last Child in the Woods, Richard Louv

This book explores how our children’s dwindling relationship with nature and the natural world is problematic — and offers some inspiration and advice for how to reclaim a childhood experience that features the outdoors (to everyone’s benefit). 

How to Raise an Adult, Julie Lythcott-Haims

This book is a manifesto denouncing overparenting. Lythcott-Haims’s overarching argument is that overprotective parenting comes at a heavy cost — for both our children and our society. Rich with research, data, and real-life examples, this book advocates that we jettison our need to raise “successful” children and instead aim to raise confident, capable, independent children. 

Parenting Books that Address Race and Challenge Gender Norms

Unequal Childhoods, Annette Lareau

This is an academic book, and it reads like one — but if you’re up for some heavy lifting in the reading department, it’s incredibly eye-opening. Unequal Childhoods describes the author’s sociological study of children’s upbringing across class lines, and delineates the profound effects of socioeconomic class on childhood. 

Dear Ijeawele, or A Feminist Manifesto in Fifteen Suggestions, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

“A few years ago, Chimamanada Ngozi Adichie received a letter from a childhood friend, a new mother who wanted to know how to raise her baby girl to be a feminist. Dear Ijeawele is Adichie’s letter of response: fifteen invaluable suggestions — direct, wryly funny, and perceptive — for how to empower a daughter to become a strong, independent woman.” Whether you have a daughter or a son, this slim volume is a must-read. (*If you prefer to listen, the audiobook is just an hour — the same length as a longform podcast.)

Parenting Beyond Pink and Blue, Christia Spears Brown

Written by a professor of developmental psychology, this book tackles the ways in which gender stereotypes negatively shape children’s development. Brown argues that though there are some differences, boys and girls are much more similar than most of us think, and that they only grow to be truly different after so many years of imposed gender expectations. One of this book’s greatest strengths is simply to prompt us to recognize our own gender biases and be better prepared to intervene on them.

*Please note — as many readers comment, this book^ does not delve into non-binary and trans children, nor homosexuality. Numerous reviewers take issue with this, but we still think the book is worthwhile as long as you know this headed into it. 

Although it’s a novel, This Is How It Always Is, by Laurie Frankel, truly changed the way I think about parenting and simply existing as a citizen in the world today. A story about a family raising a trans-gender child, it’s touching, powerfully real, and compelling. I think everyone should read it…

We Live for the We: The Political Power of Black Motherhood, Dani McClain

“In We Live for the We, first-time mother Dani McClain sets out to understand how to raise her daughter in what she, as a black woman, knows to be an unjust — even hostile — society.” Reviewers have hailed McClain’s resultant project, this book, as “deeply researched, compassionately reported, and soaring with beauty and urgency”; “more than a reimagining of motherhood… an equally soulful and skillful immersion into the questions of how we go beyond survival in a nation intent on the suffering of Black mothers and their children”; and “a must read for all Black mamas and our allies.”

Motherhood So White: A Memoir of Race, Gender, and Parenting in America, Nefertiti Austin

This book recounts Austin’s story of single black motherhood through adoption. It’s candid, critical, and moving. As KJ Dell’Antonia of the NYT wrote: “Motherhood So White blew me away. Nefertiti’s honest account of her unique journey to parenthood serves as a sharp reminder that in our society, parenting is not a colorblind experience. This is an important book for anyone committed to creating a more equal playing field for all our children.” 

Between the World and Me, Ta-Nehisi Coates

If you haven’t heard of this book, where have you been living? Between the World and Me is an epistolary from Coates to his teenage son. It’s part memoir, part love letter, and part visceral critique of the American “dream.” It’s also historically informed, compelling and emotional. It’s not a parenting book, per se, but we think it should be on every parent’s reading list. 

Raising Cain: Protecting the Emotional Life of Boys, Dan Kindlon and Michael Thompson

Written by two child psychologists, this book highlights the ways in which our culture’s dominant masculine stereotypes strips boys, starting at a young age, of emotional literacy. Raising Cain calls gender norms into question (something which we readily accept as important for raising confident, independent girls, but often overlook when it comes to boys) and promotes cultivating communication skills and empathy among our boys. Though, as many readers point out, the book is better at pointing out problems than at offering hands-on strategies for overcoming them. 

How to Raise a Boy: The Power of Connection to Build Good Men, Michael C. Reichert

This book offers insight and advice on how to raise sons against the grain when it comes to the normative male gender scripts. (As one reviewer described it, this book is a “thoughtful, honest, and ultimately hopeful map for raising a son today.”) Not surprisingly, the book focuses on building healthy, open relationships and resisting the dominant gendered expectation that boys “man up.” 

How to Raise an Antiracist, Ibram X. Kendi

Equal parts memoir, philosophical guide, and how-to book, this new title from Ibram X. Kendi is as honest as it is deeply researched. With straight talk about difficult issues and a call to action that will resonate with every family, this is a compassionate handbook for raising antiracist children.

Books About Kids and Food

Okay, friends, we saved the best for last — food books, hah! I LOVE reading about food and food culture. It’s the best! But even if you don’t share my strange enthusiasm for the topic, most parents find themselves in need of some help/guidance of some sort, at one point or another, when it comes to feeding their kids. These books all focus on the topic of “how to feed our children well,” from a broad range of perspectives. Whether you’re looking for strategies to manage picky eating, want to learn more about what to feed your kids (or how), or you like learning about the science of early childhood nutrition or the food industry, one of these is sure to fit the bill.

We also have our own Toddler Feeding Guide!

Child of Mine: Feeding with Love and Good Sense, Ellyn Satter

Satter is sort of the godmother of the “how to feed your children well” literature. She’s the creator of the “division of responsibility” framework, which says this: parents decide WHEN kids eat, WHAT kids eat, and WHERE to serve it… and children choose all the rest. Child of Mine is a meditative and helpful exploration of both the benefits of this basic principle as well as how to apply it successfully in your own home. (BTW, nearly every one of the “how to” books here borrows from Satter’s philosophy.)

Fearless Feeding: How to Raise Healthy Eaters from High Chair to High School, Jill Castle and Maryann Jacobsen 

Fearless Feeding is an easy-to-use reference text on nutrition from toddlerhood through late adolescence/early adulthood. It’s a super helpful book to have around especially if you have multiple children, because it also delves into how various kids are primed to eat at various ages and stages. (IOW, the authors outline recommended approaches to feeding according to your child’s developmental stage.) 

Cross-Cultural Memoirs That Speak to Feeding Kids 

Each of these three books follows a similar script: a mom moves somewhere foreign, then writes about her experience raising her baby/kids in a completely new culture. They are all funny, relatable, a joy to read, and speak to various elements of childhood food culture. Whether you read just one or read them in conjunction (book group, eh?), they all inspire an overhaul in how we approach food with our kids and for ourselves. Bon appetit. 

The Lost Art of Feeding Kids: What Italy Taught Me about Why Children Need Real Food, Jeannie Marshall

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French Kids Eat Everything: How Our Family Moved to France, Cured Picky Eating, Banned Snacking, and Discovered 10 Simple Rules for Raising Happy, Healthy Eaters, Karen Le Billon

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Bringing Up Bébé: One American Mother Discovers the Wisdom of French Parenting, Pamela Druckerman

Helping Your Child With Extreme Picky Eating, Katja Rowell and Jenny McGlothlin

Therapists frequently recommend this book, and most parents say it’s offered them some useful strategies for overcoming picky eating — for some, it’s just one or two things, and for others it’s a goldmine. If you are struggling with a picky eater, this is definitely worth checking out. 

Kid Food: The Challenge of Feeding Children in a Highly Processed World, Bettina Elias Siegal

Siegal casts a wide net in her investigation into the universal American parenting struggle to feed children well. Her book is equal parts an indictment of certain aspects of the food industry and of food advertising, a thought-provoking call to action, and a how-to for parents invested in changing the way we (all) feed our kids. 

It’s Not About the Broccoli: Three Habits to Teach Your Kids for a Lifetime of Healthy Eating, Dina Rose 

This book from sociologist Dina Rose is as refreshing as it is profound. Rose’s three habits to teach are proportion, variety, and moderation, and her overall take when it comes to eating is that parents should focus on behaviors rather than nutrition. As one reviewer describes, this book “shows parents how to get out of the nutrition trap in order to teach their kids to eat right.” 

First Bite: How We Learn to Eat, Bee Wilson

I so love this book about how humans learn to eat. It packs nutrition science, psychology, cultural analysis, and history all into one to explore how we develop eating tastes, preferences and habits — and how we can relearn them. (Psst— Wilson also appeared for an interview on NPR’s Fresh Air to discuss First Bite, which many people think is a great alternative if you’re not quite ready to commit to the whole book.)

Whelp… this^^ should all keep you busy for a while. Talk to you in five years.

JKJKJK… let us know what you’re reading!

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Books are a window into the world for all of us, and kids are no exception — they convey messages about the way things work, the way people are, the way we live.

According to social scientists, stories that celebrate diversity — that depict people of every color, that portray different ethnicities and cultures, that feature families of all shapes and sizes — can be a springboard for change in your home and an effective way to initiate conversations about race (and the adversity minorities face) for children of all ages, even the very young. 

“All kids benefit from being exposed to diverse books, because they reflect the world and people of the world, teach respect for all cultural groups, serve as a window and a mirror and as an example of how to interact in the world, show that despite differences, all people share common feelings and aspirations, can create a wider curiosity for the world, prepare children for the real world, and they enrich educational experiences.”

~We Need Diverse Books Campaign

Thankfully, numerous media outlets, pre-K and elementary teachers, children’s librarians, and parents themselves have shared some of their favorite racially- and culturally-diverse book picks. We’ve put together some of their shared recommendations.

Children’s books obviously cannot solve our nation’s problems — not by a longshot — but reading them and talking about them together with your children is a start.   

Board Books for Babies

Dream Big Little One, Vashti Harrison 

“Dream Big, Little One is the board book adaptation of a book called Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History. These books tell the true stories of 18 black women who stood up for what was right and accomplished extraordinary things.” ~Woman’s Day 

Mommy, Mama, and Me, Lesléa Newman, illus. Carol Thompson

“Rhythmic text and illustrations with universal appeal show a toddler spending the day with its mommies. From hide-and-seek to dress-up, then bath time and a kiss goodnight, there’s no limit to what a loving family can do together.” [See also this book’s counterpart, Daddy, Papa, and Me.]

A is for Activist, Innosanto Nagara 

“Innosanto Nagara’s ABC board book infuses the alphabet with pictures and rhyming stories about fighting for social justice, environmental justice, civil rights, LGBTQ rights, and what it means to be an ally.” ~New York Magazine 

Woke Baby, Mahogany L. Browne, illus. Theodore Taylor III 

“This board book for babies and toddlers is a hopeful, lyrical tale that offers inspiration on how your baby can grow up to change the world.” ~Woman’s Day 

Once Upon a World Collection, Chloe Perkins (various illustrators)

“Once Upon a World offers a brand-new way to look at classic fairy tales. By placing beloved fairy tale characters in different cultures, and using illustrators who identify with those cultural backgrounds, this board book series offers a fresh spin on the time-honored tales that all readers know and love.”

Love Makes a Family, Sophie Beer

“This fun, inclusive board book celebrates the one thing that makes every family a family . . . and that’s LOVE.”

Antiracist Baby, Ibram X. Kendi, illus. Ashley Lukashevsky

“From the author of the National Book Award-winning Stamped from the Beginning comes this illustrated introduction to nine principals of anti-racism for children, including opening your eyes to all colors, celebrating differences and shouting about policies, not people.” ~Today.com 

It’s not a children’s book, but you may also be interested in taking a look at Kendi’s 2022 release, How to Raise an Antiracist. [See also: our favorite parenting books that address race, diversity, and gender.]

Counting on Community, Innosanto Nagara 

“In this powerful concept book follow-up to A Is for Activist, Nagara tackles counting. Typical urban neighborhood pastimes are depicted with verve and vibrant colors, including working in community gardens and drawing with sidewalk chalk. Young readers will have fun trying to locate an ever-present duck on each spread. Racial and ethnic diversity is celebrated on every page, and the lyrical text will inspire budding and longtime activists alike.” ~School Library Journal

No! My First Book of Protest, Julie Merberg, illus. Molly Egan

“No! My First Book of Protest makes for a wonderful primer for teaching kids about social action, showcasing some of the most famous and impactful protest movements in history… One of the most engaging elements of the book is the repeated refrain of ‘No!’ throughout the text. I’ve yet to meet a toddler (including my own, who loved the book) who didn’t enjoy screaming ‘No!’ whenever possible, and it is welcome and encouraged throughout…” ~Michael Taylor, Smells Like Infinite Sadness

Picture Books for Toddlers, Preschoolers and Kindergarteners 

Mae Among the Stars, Roda Ahmed, illus. Stasia Burrington

Inspired by the story of Mae Jemison, the first African American woman in space, this book is “a love letter to Jemison… The emphasis on Jemison’s lifelong passion for space science will inspire readers to have confidence in the trajectory of their own interests.” ~School Library Journal

We’re Different, We’re the Same, Bobbi Kates, illus. Joe Mathieu

“Elmo and his Sesame Street friends help teach toddlers and the adults in their lives that everyone is the same on the inside, and it’s our differences that make this wonderful world, which is home to us all, an interesting—and special—place. This enduring, colorful, and charmingly illustrated book offers an easy, enjoyable way to learn about differences—and what truly matters.”

We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga, Traci Sorell, illus. Frane Lessac

“The word otsaliheliga (oh-jah-LEE-hay-lee-gah) is used by members of the Cherokee Nation to express gratitude. This is an amazing story that describes a journey through the seasons with a modern-day Cherokee family. Readers learn about Cherokee culture, celebrations, and language. Cherokee history and traditions are also seamlessly woven into the story in a very kid-friendly way. I love that this is an #OwnVoices picture book that helps expose children to Native American perspectives and culture. The back matter includes pronunciations for Cherokee words, a glossary, a Cherokee syllabary, and a personal author’s note.” ~Brightly

The Colors of Us, Karen Katz

“This vibrant, thoughtful book from Katz (Over the Moon, 1997) continues her tribute to her adopted daughter, Lena, born in Guatemala… Bold illustrations celebrate diversity with a child’s open-hearted sensibility and a mother’s love.” ~Kirkus Reviews

Planting Stories, Anika Aldamuy Denise, illustrator. Paolo Escobar

“Denise and Escobar pay tribute to the legacy of librarian Pura Belpré in this vibrant picture-book biography… Planting Stories is a glossy immigration tale of dreams coming true, and the lyrical language lends itself to being read aloud.” ~ALA Booklist

Sulwe, Lupita Nyong’o, illus. Vashti Harrison 

“Sulwe has darker skin than anyone she knows — her family, her classmates. She longs to be ‘bright,’ but one life-changing journey into the night sky proves how beautiful she is in her own skin.” ~Time Out

Dreamers, Yuyi Morales

“Many books about immigration describe the process of making new friends and fitting in; this one describes what it’s like to become a creative being in two languages, and to learn to love in both. ‘We are two languages./ We are lucha./ We are resilience./ We are hope.'” ~Publishers Weekly, 

The Day You Begin, Jacqueline Woodson, illus. Rafael López 

“National Book Award winner Jacqueline Woodson and two-time Pura Belpré Illustrator Award winner Rafael López bring this inspiring story to life about finding the courage to connect. It’s about how sometimes you can feel like an outsider, but sharing our stories can bring us together.” ~PBS

Two Homes, Claire Masurel, illus. Kady MacDonald Denton

“Parents looking for a book about separation or divorce will find few offerings as positive, matter-of-fact, or child-centered as this one. . . . Simple, yet profoundly satisfying.” ~Booklist

Let’s Talk About Race, Julius Lester, illus. Karen Barbour

“The perfect conversation starter for any discussion about race, this lively picture book celebrates what makes us different yet all the same.” ~Motherly 

Stella Brings the Family, Miriam B. Schiffer, illus. Holly Clifton-Brown

“Stella Brings the Family is the kind of book any teacher or parent will want to have by their side when talking about diverse families, love, and acceptance with children.” ~Stacey Shubitz, literacy consultant and blogger at Two Writing Teachers

Hair Love, Matthew A. Cherry, illus. Vashti Harrison

“Written by a former N.F.L. wide receiver and now an Oscar-winning short film, Hair Love tells the story of a black father learning to do his daughter’s hair for the first time and the special bond they share.” ~NYTimes

Last Stop on Market Street, Matt de la Peña, illus. Christian Robinson

“The urban setting is truly reflective, showing people with different skin colors, body types, abilities, ages, and classes in a natural and authentic manner…” ~School Library Journal 

Let the Children March, Monica Clark-Robinson, illus. Frank Morrison

“There are a handful of books written about the thousands of African American children that protested (and got assaulted…and arrested) in 1963 inspired by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. This one is our favorite.” ~Pregnant Chicken 

I Am Enough, Grace Byers, illus. Keturah A. Bobo

“Empire‘s Grace Byers teamed up with artist Keturah A. Bobo to create a lyrical ode for young girls — including those who are biracial like she is — about how to love who they are and respect others. This book for children is about knowing that they have a purpose in life and believing that they’re more than enough. These positive affirmations will carry your little one through life with confidence.” ~SheKnows

Happy in Our Skin, Fran Manushkin, illus. Lauren Tobia

“As these babies grow, their amazing skin does too, enjoying hugs and tickles, protecting them inside and out, and making them special, whether they’re cocoa brown or cinnamon or peaches and cream. A breezy and irresistible picture of the human family, and how wonderful it is to be just who you are.” ~recommended by pre-K teacher Brittany Smith, @wanderingbritt

Many thanks to all the individuals and outlets who are sharing their favorites with all of us — we’d love to hear yours as well in the comments section below.

More children’s books celebrating difference and diversity:

Alma and How She Got Her Name, Juana Martinez-Neal

One Family, George Shannon, illus. Blanca Gomez

My Two Border Towns, David Bowles, illus. Erika Meza

Eyes that Speak to the Stars, Joanna Ho, illus. Dung Ho

*There are also numerous repositories that keep up-to-date lists of new publications in this area — we suggest checking The Conscious Kid for even more picks.

The post Children’s Books About Race, Diversity and Activism appeared first on Lucie's List.

We suggest digging in to all your favorite classics right from day one — because reading to your kids is an incredible gift with all kinds of associated health benefits. The more and earlier children hear words and become familiar with the way books “work,” the better off they tend to fare in the world.

By the time your kiddo hits the toddler years, chances are she’ll be asking for everything on repeat, and all those books you once loved may begin to feel a little… tiresome.

We’ve got you covered! Based on our pooled experiences, friends’ recommendations, thousands of ratings and reviews, various awards and media recognition, and what our kids have to say (!) — we’ve rounded up the best children’s books for different age groups. They’re like Kix (remember Kix?!) — kid tested, mother approved.

Whether you’re just starting out with a new baby, looking for some new titles to add to your toddler’s library, or gearing up for your first read-aloud chapter book, there’s a good book for that.

Read on, parents!

The post Best Children’s Books appeared first on Lucie's List.