•New Baby in the Family:
JULIUS, THE BABY OF THE WORLD by Kevin Henkes helps children as well as parents understand the confusing and sometimes conflicting feelings a child has when a new sibling comes home, as Lilly (of LILLY'S PURPLE PLASTIC PURSE fame) struggles with her feelings about her new brother in her typically delightful and unique way.
•Diversity and Tolerance:
CHILDREN JUST LIKE ME by Susan Elizabeth Copsey, et al, celebrates the magnificent diversity of people around the world, and helps develop an understanding that no matter where children are from, they are more alike than they are different.
•Sharing and Cooperation:
ME FIRST by Helen Lester and illustrated by Lynn Munsinger offers a perfectly fun way to learn more about the difficult skill of taking turns.
•Death:
LIFETIMES: A BEAUTIFUL WAY TO EXPLAIN DEATH TO CHILDREN by Bryan Mellonie helps parents, caregivers, and anyone who works with children explain the difficult concept of the natural process of death and dying with language and ideas that children can really understand.
•Physical Activity:
HELLO TOES, HELLO FEET by Ann Whitford Paul and illustrated by Nadine Bernard Westcott allows active kids to be active, and may inspire quieter kids to try more energetic pursuits--when you read this one, encourage your child to tiptoe, march, stomp, and hop right along with the character in the story.
•Developing Skills:
DEAR ZOO by Rod Campbell, the Spot series by Eric Hill, ALPHA BUGS by David Carter, and other lift-the-flap, touch-and-feel, or pop-up books are great choices for helping young children work on hand (fine motor) skills, and practice cause and effect, in addition to providing just plain fun!
Don't stop here--there are hundreds more books out there to help children grow and develop.
