005: 13 Children's Books with Good Vibes

As I am deep in the middle of writing and illustrating my first children's book, I spend an insane amount of time reading and researching. It is the perfect excuse to throw in a load of laundry, snuggle with my three crazy children and feel incredibly productive.
​Have you ever found yourself at the library with your kids, looking for a worthwhile read but end up coming home with Ninja Turtles and (yet another) Disney Princess book?  Yep, me too. But not to worry, my friends! I have created a list of 13 exceptional children's books full of good vibes and beautiful illustrations. These titles encourage kindness, explain emotions, demonstrate love and boost self esteem. You're going to adore them, I promise. 

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1. Be Kind by Pat Zietlow Miller, Illustrated by Jen Hill

From asking the new girl to play to standing up for someone being bullied, this moving story explores what kindness is, and how any act, big or small, can make a difference―or at least help a friend. I love how it gives tangible examples on how to be kind. Be Kind is so genuine and sweet.
It is a lovely example of how two simple words can change the world. 

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2. Chrysanthemum by Kevin Henkes

Chrysanthemum is a funny and honest school story about teasing, self-esteem, and acceptance. Millions of copies have been sold. It is a rock solid picture book.

On a personal note, I think mean girls suck and pray that we can all learn to lift one another up instead of push each other down.

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3. Dear Girl by Amy Krouse Rosenthal and Paris Rosenthal, Illustrated by Holly Hatam

Dear Girl, is a remarkable love letter; a gentle reminder that girls are powerful, strong, and hold a valuable place in the world. It encourages us to always be ourselves and to love who we are—inside and out.
Any girl reading this book will feel that she's great just the way she is—whether she enjoys jumping in a muddy puddle, has a face full of freckles, or dances on table tops.

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4. If I Could Keep You Little by Marianne Richmond

I have worked with Marianne Richmond and she is an absolute rockstar. If I Could Keep You Little speaks straight to every parent's heart, exploring that powerful feeling of wanting our children to grow up while savoring every moment.
"If I could keep you little,
I'd keep you close to me.
But then I'd miss you growing 
into who you're meant to be!"

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5. In My Heart: A Book Of Feelings by Jo Witek, Illustrate by Christine Roussey

Happiness, sadness, bravery, anger, shyness . . . our hearts can feel so many feelings! Some make us feel as light as a balloon, others as heavy as an elephant. My 4 year old, Loretta, is a perfect example of this rollercoaster. In My Heart explores a full range of emotions, describing how they feel physically, inside. With whimsical illustrations and an irresistible die-cut heart that extends through each spread, this unique feelings book is gorgeously packaged. 

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6. Maple by Lori Nichols

Maple is an irresistible, free-spirited, nature-loving little girl who greets the changing seasons and a new sibling with arms wide open. This books explores different kinds of love and different kids of acceptance. I smile every time I read it and so will you. ;) 

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​7. Someday by Alison Meghee and Peter H. Reynolds

A mother's love leads to a mother's dream - every mother's dream - for her child to live life to its fullest. A deceptively simple, powerful ode to the potential of love and the potential in life. My mother bought me this book years before Josh and I started a family. At the time, it was the only children's book in our home. The sweet words of this story made me cry then and they still make me cry today.  

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8. Spark: Story Bible 

Hands down the very best children's bible available.  It brings God's Word to life through colorful art and rich retellings of 150 of the most popular Bible stories. We received the Spark Story Bible as a gift from our church at Charlie's baptism in 2013. We still love reading it aloud and enjoy the activities and questions that keep our kids engaged with the text.

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9. Stand Tall, Molly Lou Melon by Patty Lovell, Illustrated by David Catrow
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I've learned to tell my kids, "Be yourself like Molly Lou Melon no matter what a bully may do."
​Molly Lou Melon is short and clumsy, has buck teeth, and has a voice that sounds like a bullfrog being squeezed by a boa constrictor. She doesn't mind. Her grandmother has always told her to walk proud, smile big, and sing loud, and she takes that advice to heart. 

The artwork in this book is the bomb dot com.

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10. Strictly No Elephants by Lisa Mantchev, Illustrated by Taeeun Yoo

Pets come in all shapes and sizes, just like friends. Strictly No Elephants is a story of inclusion and helping others. It is uplifting, smart and holds the necessary message "All Are Welcome". 

On a side note, does anyone know where to get an adorable tiny elephant to keep as a pet? Asking for a friend...
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11. The Rabbit Listened by Cori Doerrfeld 

You guys, I am obsessed with this book. Whether you are reading it in wake of a tragedy or as an introduction to comforting others, The Rabbit Listened will soothe any broken heart. 
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12. We're All Wonders by R.J. Palacio

Have you read the Young Adult novel Wonder or watched the movie starring Julia Roberts? Of course you have! Well this book holds that same message of compassion but this time it is geared towards young children. We’re All Wonders may be Auggie’s story, but it taps into every kid's longing to belong, and to be seen for who they truly are. It’s the perfect way for you to talk about empathy and kindness with your family.

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13. Wherever You Are, my love will find you by Nancy Tillman

Love is the greatest gift we have to give our children. It's the one thing they can carry with them each and every day. You'll want to share this book with someone you love ASAP, no matter how near or far, young or old, they are. 

"I wanted you more than you'll ever know,
so I sent love to follow wherever you go"

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