8 Books Exploring The Human Experience
In my journey as a childcare professional, I had the opportunity to host a weekly book club where, alongside childcare providers, we explored children's literature.
Each week, childcare providers and I came together to share, discuss, and reflect on a book, delving into themes that could be taught to children.
The books I will be sharing are ones that sparked meaningful discussion and cover a range of topics, from social-emotional development and inclusion, to bravery. These stories provide valuable insights that may help children navigate their world and relate to others.
Happy Reading!
Bodies Are Cool (Ages 2-5)
From the acclaimed creator of Dancing at the Pity Party and Roaring Softly, this picture book is a pure celebration of all the different human bodies that exist in the world.
Highlighting the various skin tones, body shapes, and hair types is just the beginning in this truly inclusive book.
With its joyful illustrations and encouraging refrain, it will instill body acceptance and confidence in the youngest of readers. “My body, your body, every different kind of body! All of them are good bodies! BODIES ARE COOL!”
All The Ways To Be Smart (Ages 3-6)
A tender, funny, and exquisitely illustrated picture book celebrating all the unique and wonderful qualities that make children who they are.
With heartwarming rhyming text all about knowing what makes you special, All the Ways to Be Smart is a wonderful introduction to conversations about self-esteem.
Jabari Jumps (Ages 3-6)
Jabari is definitely ready to jump off the diving board. He’s finished his swimming lessons and passed his swim test, and he’s a great jumper, so he’s not scared at all.
“Looks easy,” says Jabari, watching the other kids take their turns. But when his dad squeezes his hand, Jabari squeezes back. He needs to figure out what kind of special jump to do anyway, and he should probably do some stretches before climbing up onto the diving board.
In a sweetly appealing tale of overcoming your fears, newcomer Gaia Cornwall captures a moment between a patient and encouraging father and a determined little boy you can’t help but root for.
When Sadness Is At Your Door (Ages 3-7)
Sadness can be scary and confusing at any age! When we feel sad, especially for long periods of time, it can seem as if the sadness is a part of who we are--an overwhelming, invisible, and scary sensation.
In When Sadness Is at Your Door, Eva Eland brilliantly approaches this feeling as if it is a visitor. She gives it a shape and a face, and encourages the reader to give it a name, all of which helps to demystify it and distinguish it from ourselves.
She suggests activities to do with it, like sitting quietly, drawing, and going outside for a walk.
The beauty of this approach is in the respect the book has for the feeling, and the absence of a narrative that encourages the reader to "get over" it or indicates that it's "bad," both of which are anxiety-producing notions.
Sulwe (Ages 3-8)
From Academy Award–winning actress Lupita Nyong’o comes a powerful, moving picture book about colorism, self-esteem, and learning that true beauty comes from within.
Sulwe has skin the color of midnight. She is darker than everyone in her family. She is darker than anyone in her school. Sulwe just wants to be beautiful and bright, like her mother and sister. Then a magical journey in the night sky opens her eyes and changes everything.
In this stunning debut picture book, actress Lupita Nyong’o creates a whimsical and heartwarming story to inspire children to see their own unique beauty.
The Not So Friendly Friend (Ages 4-7)
How can I help my child deal with a bully? What do I teach them about handling an on-again-off-again, not-so-friendly friend?
My advice to “just be kind” isn’t helping, and my child is still hurting.
Christina Furnival, a licensed mental health therapist and mom, helps answer these questions in this charming and engaging rhyming story about a young child who successfully navigates the complexities of an unkind peer relationship.In The Not-So-Friendly Friend, children will learn an easy and practical lesson about how to firmly and assertively―yet kindly―stand up for themselves in the face of a bully.
By teaching children about the importance and value of setting boundaries for healthy friendships, this book provides children the tools they need to foster their social confidence and emotional well-being.
The What Ifs (Ages 4-8)
What if my dog runs away? What if I forget my homework? What if the sun stops shining? What if my crayon breaks?
Cora is constantly worrying about everything. Because of this, the Whatifs love her. They sneak up to her and give her all kinds of doubts: big or small, silly or frightening, likely or impossible.
As she prepares for an upcoming piano recital, the Whatifs cling on tighter and drag her down, making her anxious about messing up during the concert.
Will she be able to change her worry-filled thoughts into hopeful ones?
Have You Filled A Bucket Today? (Ages 4-9)
While using a simple metaphor of a bucket and a dipper, author Carol McCloud illustrates that when we choose to be kind, we not only fill the buckets of those around us, but also fill our OWN bucket!
Conversely, when we choose to say or do mean things, we are dipping into buckets. All day long, we are either filling up or dipping into each other's buckets by what we say and what we do.
When you're a bucket filler, you make the world a better place to be! This 32-page picture book is perfect for children, parents, grandparents, teachers and people that want to teach empathy, nurture kindness and create a positive environment in their home, classroom, workplace and community.