I’m not a gushy gooey love person, but I do deeply value the loving relationships in my life and want to share that value with my kids. I want them to have an inclusive definition of love, and it’s never too early to start! This stack shows loving relationships between family, friends, community, and self.
Little You by Richard Van Camp and Julie Flett is a very sweet book affirming the wonder a baby brings to the world. The adults with the kid here share their joy and their hopes for this new person, acknowledging both the past and the possibilities for it. We love the warm and deep color pallet that is balanced with baby’s bright clothing.
Cedella Marley created One Love adapted from Bob Marley’s popular song and the images create the context of a community, centering a kid and their adults, who are creating a shared public park for all to enjoy. In the book lots of people (and some dogs!) work together to build, shape, and enjoy the space together. I love this one because, especially as we’ve been wearing masks and respecting the needs and preferences of people who are in our bubble, we have been able to use the idea of love as caring for others in our community. We wear masks for the same reason we’d build a community garden- to show love for our neighbors. Of course this idea applies to lots of scenarios, and my kids love all the bright, happy,
My Heart Fills With Happiness by Monique Gray Smith and illustrated by Julie Flett is one we read to introduce the ideas of self care and self love. In this one, simple sources of happiness are shared- from grounding in nature to seeing those we love to smelling delicious food cooking. This book creates an opportunity to discuss which of these experiences of happiness resonate with kids and what they would add to the list. My youngest would definitely addd relaxing baths (me, too!).
Besos for Baby by Jen Arena and illustrated by Blanca Gómez is a fun book with lyrical text that includes English and Spanish words! It shows all the things- big and small- that Baby kisses in a day. From her parents to her puppy to the butterflies in the air, my 4 year old is enjoying learning some of the Spanish words from this book. She is also enjoying counting images on these pages and practicing her colors as we read. It’s so fun and sweet and I haven’t minded reading it many times over.
My kids were given a boxed set of Ollie and Friends books and my youngest especially has loved them. In Ollie’s Valentine, Ollie sees that his friends all have Valentines and he wants one, too. He goes from friend to friend, finally making the reader his valentine- there’s a mirror at the end for the reader to see Ollie’s valentine- themself!
Ok, Todd Parr, just have a whole shelf of to yourself on my bookcase! The I Love You Book is affirms loving people no matter how they show up- happy or throwing a tantrum, healthy or sick, just as they are. Parr’s signature illustration style and bright fun images make this book very fun to read. Both of my kids love it!
The links above go to my Bookshop store. If you purchase a book through my shop, I make a small commission. Thanks in advance!