Five Picture Books That Feel Like a Breath of Fresh Air
The end of the school year and the start of summer always seem to be jam-packed with events and celebrations. While it is wonderful to celebrate, I find myself with a strong desire to slow things down after the craziness of May and early June. So, this week I’m sharing five great picture books that I reach for again and again when I want an easy change of pace. Each of these books has something special that seems to encourage close snuggles, slow reading, and remembering that life is more than our to do lists.
You Are Special by Max Lucado
This book is near and dear to my heart. I was introduced to it at a new teacher orientation back when I started teaching kindergarten.
Punchinello, the main character, is a Wemmick (wooden person) who doesn’t appear to have any special talents. Because of this, the other Wemmicks constantly give him gray dot stickers, as opposed to gold star stickers. One day he meets a Wemmick named Lucia who is unlike anyone he has ever met before—she has no dots OR stars. The stickers don’t stick on her. As Punchinello begins to visit with Eli, the woodcarver, he learns that the stickers don’t stick on Lucia because she doesn’t care what the other Wemmicks think.
Favorite quote:
“Remember,” Eli said as the Wemmick walked out the door, “you are special because I made you. And I don’t make mistakes.”
Questions to ask while reading:
Have you ever felt like everyone was giving you bad marks? How did it make you feel?
Do Punchinello or Lucia remind you of anyone you know? Why do they remind you of them?
What are some things that make you special?
2. Miss Rumphius by Barbara Cooney
Miss Rumphius is a beautiful book about a young girl who grows up to be an old woman who has decided to make the world a better place. It is told from the perspective of her great-niece, and it is a truly timeless classic. It encourages a sense of wonder about the natural world, as well as inspiring readers to figure out their own ways to make the world a more beautiful place.
Favorite quote:
“You must do something to make the world more beautiful.”
“All right,” I say.
But I do not know yet what that can be.
Questions to ask while reading:
How did Miss Rumphius make the world more beautiful?
What challenges did she face in this story?
Can you think of a challenge you have overcome or a way that you can make the world more beautiful?
3. The Mermaid Moon by Briony May Smith
The Mermaid Moon tells the story of two friends, a mermaid named Merrin and a human named Molly. One night a year, the mermaid moon magic gives Merrin and all other sea creatures the ability to swim through the air and explore the land world. This story captures the magic of childhood and always seems to make us slow down and savor that magic together.
Favorite quote:
There were market stalls, and even a band, and Merrin swum among it all, enchanted.
Questions to ask while reading:
Do you have a best friend?
What makes someone a best friend?
Can you think of a time when you have helped a friend solve a problem or they have helped you?
4. Grandma’s Guide to Happiness by Andrew Daddo
The grandmother in Grandma’s Guide to Happiness is a bit of a free spirit. She encourages all kinds of outdoor play, making messes, and creating magic with her imagination. She is the grandmother making flower crowns with the kids in the backyard or running through the sprinkler with the kids, not caring that her hair and clothes will get soaked. I love this book for the way it encourages silliness and joy.
Favorite quote:
My grandma says the funniest things. She says that you don’t need much to be happy—not really.
Questions to ask while reading:
What kinds of things make you happy?
What is your favorite thing to do outdoors?
What is your favorite thing to do with your grandma?
5. Our Favorite Day by Joowon Oh
Our Favorite Day is special to my heart because the relationship between the grandfather (Papa) and the granddaughter in it reminds me so much of the relationship my dad has with my own kids, especially my oldest. It is the perfect book for grandparents who care for their grandkids regularly. It is also just a beautiful story about the love between grandparents and grandchildren in general.
Favorite quote:
“Thursdays are my favorite days.”
“Mine, too.”
Questions to ask while reading:
What would you like to do on a day with your Papa/grandpa?
Who do you think is happier in this book—the little girl or her Papa? Why do you think so?
What could we make and send to your grandparents to let them know we love them?
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