Here: I Can Be Mindful, by Ally Condie
Some times are good and other times can be overwhelming. This book helps young children with their excited and out-of-control feelings. When children feel worried or scared they can use the suggestions in this book to take back control of their feelings. They can ask for a hug or say, “I don’t want a hug.” They can take a breath and count. Children can take a minute to slow down, and remember that they are cared for.
Round is a Tortilla, by Roseanne Greenfield Thong
This book is written in English but has many recognizable Spanish words like quesadilla, casa and familia. Children will enjoy looking for the various shapes and listening for the rhyming words. They will begin to think about the next rhyming word. Rhyming words is one of the first steps in learning how to read. Children can give themselves a good feeling by predicting the next rhyming word.
The Tale of Peter Rabbit, by Beatrix Potter
First published more than 100 years ago, this classic is still entertaining and offers a relevant message for young children.
Mother Rabbit was going to the baker. She told Flopsy, Mopsy, Cottontail and Peter that they could go out and play. Mother Rabbit said they should not go to Mr. McGregor’s garden. It wasn’t safe. Peter decide to go to Mr. McGregor’s garden. Mr. McGregor saw Peter and chased him. Peter was worried about getting home. He had not listened to his mother – or to the wise voice inside of him. This book will help children talk about their conscience and how it will help them do the right thing.
How to pick a great children’s book
The selection of books is as important as the selection of toys. Young children have incomplete information for understanding the world around them, which results in what we often refer to as “magical thinking”: explanations for things that don’t make sense to adults. Magical thinking can make it difficult to know what’s going on in a child’s mind, and may lead to unexpected reactions of fear or stress.
Here are some thoughts about selecting appropriate books:
- Look for pictures that may be scary to a young child. Is there a fire? Do the animals have long sharp teeth? Are there depictions of things that you know are troubling to your child specifically?
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- Is the vocabulary suitable? Are the words scary, like yelping, snarling and hissing sounds. Are there references to violence or antisocial behavior – fighting or throwing things?
- Is it developmentally appropriate? Books for young children should be uncluttered and simple with a clear presentation of the important concepts. The first words that children learn are nouns – the objects of everyday life.
For more insights about selecting books and reading with young children, look at our original list of 100 great children’s books.
Book links go to Amazon and generate a small donation to Hanna Perkins Center when used to make a purchase.
Other blog posts that might be of interest:
MAR
2024
About the Author:
Early Childhood Educator Noreen Acierno teaches preschool at Hanna Perkins School, where she has worked since 1999. She is passionate about children's books.