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JULY 2021 BOOK PICKS: BIG FEELINGS & NEW EXPERIENCES
By: Ibis Teasdale | July 22, 2021
Curated by Ibis Teasdale, these titles focus on big feelings, new experiences, and emotional conversations that kids can relate to. To purchase these titles for your summer reading list click HERE.
THERE MIGHT BE LOBSTERS
By: Carolyn Crim (Candlewick)
Ages 3–7
Lots of things at the beach scare Sukie. Lots. Because she is just a small dog, and the stairs are big and sandy, and the waves are big and whooshy, and the balls are big and beachy. And besides, there might be lobsters. With endearing illustrations and a perfectly paced text that captures a timid pup’s looping thoughts, here is a funny and honest story about how overwhelming the world can be when you're worried — and how empowering it is to overcome your fears when it matters the most.
THE WHATIFS
By: Emily Kilgore (Little Bee Books)
Ages 4 - 8
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: “What if my dog runs away?, What if I forget my homework?, What if the sun stops shining?, What if my crayon breaks?” 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?
THE CAMPING TRIP
By: Jennifer K. Mann (Candlewick)
Ages 3 - 7
Ernestine is beyond excited to go camping. She follows the packing list carefully (new sleeping bag! new flashlight! special trail mix made with Dad!) so she knows she is ready when the weekend arrives. But she quickly realizes that nothing could have prepared her for how hard it is to set up a tent, never mind fall asleep in it, or that swimming in a lake means that there will be fish — eep! Will Ernestine be able to enjoy the wilderness, or will it prove to be a bit too far out of her comfort zone?
ANITA AND THE DRAGONS
By: Hannah Carmona (Lantana Publishing)
Ages 7 - 10
Anita watches the dragons high above her as she hops from one cement roof to another in her village in the Dominican Republic. But being the valiant princesa she is, she never lets them scare her. Then, one day Anita must face her fears and begin life in a new country. Will she be brave enough to enter the belly of the beast and take flight to new adventures?
EVERYONE CAN LEARN TO RIDE A BICYCLE
By: Chris Raschka (Schwartz & Wade)
Ages 4–8
Learning to ride a bike is one of the most important milestones of childhood, and no one captures the emotional ups and downs of the experience better than Chris Raschka. In this simple yet emotionally rich "guide," a father takes his daughter through all the steps in the process—from choosing the perfect bicycle to that triumphant first successful ride. Using very few words and lots of expressive pictures, here is a picture book that not only shows kids how to learn to ride, but captures what it feels like to fall . . . get up . . . fall again . . . and finally "by luck, grace, and determination" ride a bicycle!
BIG FEELINGS
By: Alexandra Penfold (Knopf Books for Young Readers)
Ages 4–8
What should we do when things don't go to plan? We may feel mad, frustrated, or overwhelmed, but by talking it through, compromising, and seeing another point of view, we can start fresh, begin anew.
Podcast Pick
EARTH RANGERS PODCAST
Earth Rangers Podcast is a perfect fit for any kid who likes animals! Imagine the Ranger Rick magazine, but in listening format and that’s what you’ll get in an entertaining 20 minutes including: guess the animal sounds, wild and wacky facts, comparing two critters, and more. The Earth Rangers Conservation Organization is dedicated to educating children and their families about biodiversity, inspiring them to adopt sustainable behaviours, and empowering them to become directly involved in protecting animals and their habitats.
Listen Now
More from this issue:
FOR KIDS TO CARE ABOUT CHORES, TEACH THEM TO BE “FAMILY CITIZENS”
Read >>
FIVE SURPRISING FACTS ABOUT NEWBORNS Read >>
REMEMBERING HOW TO HAVE SMALL TALK Read >>
MOM HACKS: GLITTER JARS & MORE Read >>
HOW TO EASE DIFFICULT CONVERSATIONS Read >>
LISTEN TO THE VOICE IN YOUR HEAD Read >>
Ibis Teasdale Wells is a native to Marin, mom of two young boys, and an educator. She enjoys all things local: hikes, wines and cheeses! After teaching elementary school for over 10 years, Ibis has a deep passion for books and reading, which is why she’s loved working on the book list since 2018. Ibis can be reached at Teasdale15@gmail.com