I have always been an artist and avid reader, but my passion for picture books began while reading them with my children. That passion grew into a career as an author/illustrator. For me, the best picture books speak honestly and with integrity. They affirm children’s feelings and help them deal with those feelings. Children are incredibly perceptive and unflinchingly honest. All of my picture books are different, but honest emotions are at their core. After I lost my husband—and my children lost their father—I experienced firsthand how strong and emotionally complex children are. I believe the books on my list effectively and honestly address children’s feelings, and are wonderful resources for caregivers.
The Rabbit Listened is about a child who builds “something amazing” only to have it destroyed in an instant. As the child grieves, various animals suggest ways to solve his problem. Finally, a rabbit arrives who listens quietly as the child shares his emotions surrounding the tragedy. This wonderfully insightful book combines honesty, heart, and humor with a hopeful, happy ending. For the child, this book is a comfort, and a guide for empathy. For the adult, this book is a gentle reminder that we don’t have to fix things or know the perfect words to say to make everything better. Sometimes, and probably most of the time, the best thing we can do is just listen.
With its spare, poignant text and irresistibly sweet illustrations, The Rabbit Listened is a tender meditation on loss. When something terrible happens, Taylor doesn't know where to turn. All the animals are sure they have the answer. The chicken wants to talk it out, but Taylor doesn't feel like chatting. The bear thinks Taylor should get angry, but that's not quite right either. One by one, the animals try to tell Taylor how to process this loss, and one by one they fail. Then the rabbit arrives. All the rabbit does is listen, which is just what Taylor needs. Whether…
One wonderful day, Jim Panzee wakes up grumpy. Although he denies it, and despite the other animals’ attempts to cheer him up, Jim remains grumpy until the end. This book is a rollicking reminder that we all have emotions, and that’s okay. It affirms that we, as humans, (or monkeys, as it were,) are entitled to our own feelings. The book ends with a hopeful blossoming of a new friendship. Children will love the lively illustrations. It’s a fun read that sends an important message with a dash of subtlety and big helping of humor.
Elba drags a dark, heavy block everywhere she goes. Later we learn Elba has lost a friend, and carries that loss like a weight. Her friend Norris, who is always surrounded by butterflies, tries to help. Maybe Tomorrow? is a metaphorical story about how friendship can help lighten the darkness of grief and sadness. Having experienced my share of grief, this book struck so many emotional chords. It speaks with truth and compassion, and is a wonderful resource for kids who are struggling with their emotions, especially grief.
“I’ll always have this block, you know,” said Elba.
“Yes, maybe you will,” said Norris. “But I will help you carry it sometimes.”
Elba has a black block. She's been dragging it around for a long time. Norris is always surrounded by a happy cloud of butterflies. Can Norris and his butterflies help ease Elba's sadness?This tender exploration of loss will resonate with anyone who has experienced hardship or grief, from the death of a loved one or a pet, to a friend moving away, or the transition to a new home or family situation.
This book is spot-on for children dealing with emotions. (And what child isn’t dealing with emotions??) The story revolves around a relatable situation: Sophie has a tantrum after her sister takes a toy. It doesn’t diminish or sugar-coat Sophie’s anger. Kids will identify with Sophie as she explodes, then runs into the woods. Her anger resolves through mindfulness—very helpful for kids when they have tantrums. The natural world comforts Sophie and she returns home in a calm mood, ready to be with her family, who welcomes her home. Ultimately, this is a reassuring story of unconditional love.
Category: Feelings"Oh is Sophie ever angry now!"Everybody gets angry sometimes. For children, anger can be very upsetting. Parents, teachers, and children can talk about it. People do lots of different things when they get angry. In this Caldecott-honor book, kids will see what Sophie does when she gets angry. What do you do?"...Bang's double-page illustrations, vibrating with saturated colors, that reveal the drama of the child's emotions."-SLJ, starred review"...an elegant and thought-provoking book for...children learning how to deal with emotions." -NY Times Book Review
Everybody gets angry sometimes. For children, anger can be very upsetting. Parents, teachers, and children can…
I Am Peace offers steady reassurance for children when swirling emotions overwhelm them. “The thoughts in my head are like rushing water and I feel like a boat with no anchor…” it begins. Then the book leads us through some simple mindfulness and meditation exercises, followed by ways to feel gratitude and peace. In today’s world, I can’t imagine a more important message. Children today are shouldered with more than their share, and this book helps them regain their center and focus on the here and now. A helpful reminder for adults, too!
When the world feels chaotic, find peace within through an accessible mindfulness practice from the bestselling picture-book dream team that brought us I Am Yoga. Express emotions through direct speech. Find empathy through imagination. Connect with the earth. Wonder at the beauty of the natural world. Breathe, taste, smell, touch, and be present.
Perfect for the classroom or for bedtime, Susan Verde's gentle, concrete narration and Peter H. Reynolds's expressive watercolor illustrations bring the tenets of mindfulness to a kid-friendly level. Featuring an author's note about the importance of mindfulness and a guided meditation for children, I Am Peace will…
When Little Dump Truck is in a good mood, she's the happiest member of her construction crew. But when things don't go her way, she becomes Little Grump Truck. This bright, playful book shows kids that meditation and mindfulness can banish even the most serious case of the grumpies.
"Should appeal to all the little grump trucks hauling their feelings about." – Kirkus Reviews
From the time I was a girl, I’ve loved stories that put a lump in my throat even as I’m laughing. As a fiction writer, that funny-sad tone is the one I go for in my own work. I gravitate toward female protagonists of all ages who break the mold—women who are intelligent and strong but who also have unconventional, quirky personalities. Women who can be hilarious, infuriating, and heartbreaking—sometimes all at once. Because they are complex and unique, these women tend to struggle with life’s challenges more than their contemporaries. That’s what makes their stories so interesting, and why I have chosen the books on this list.
When Mar’s husband divorces her, she reacts by abandoning everything in her past: her home, her friends, even her name. Though it's not easy starting over, she’s ready for new adventures—as long as she can keep things casual. Each month, Mar goes from one acquaintance to the next: a fellow gym member down on her luck, a flirty hip-hop instructor, a bossy but comical consultant. . . and a handsome novelist who wants more than she can give. Mar learns from each encounter. But can she open herself up to true connection?
Surrounded by quirky, endearing characters, Mar navigates her…
"A fun, entertaining novel! I can't imagine anyone who wouldn't enjoy this book as much as I did." -Leslie A. Rasmussen, award-winning author
When Mar Meyer's husband divorces her for another woman, she reacts by abandoning everything in her past: her home, her friends, even her name. Though it's not easy to start over, Mar is young-looking, fit, and ready for new adventures-as long as she can keep things casual.
With each passing month, Mar goes from one acquaintance to the next. Among them: a fellow gym member down on her luck, a flirty hip-hop instructor, a bossy but comical…
