Fisch Tales: Illustration and Inspiration

12 Children's Books With Good Vibes Part II

12/10/2019

If you loved the recommendations found in 13 Children's Books With Good Vibes Part I, this list is right up your alley!

**1. Beautiful Oops by Barney Saltzberg**

My 4-year-old, Loretta, is a very emotional perfectionist. She's an artist like her mama. Beautiful Oops is a wonderful way to let my sweet girl know how loved she is no matter how that painting of hers turns out.

A life lesson that all parents want their children to learn: It’s OK to make a mistake. In fact, hooray for mistakes! A mistake is an adventure in creativity, a portal of discovery. A spill doesn’t ruin a drawing—not when it becomes the shape of a goofy animal. And an accidental tear in your paper? Don’t be upset about it when you can turn it into the roaring mouth of an alligator.

**2. After the Fall (How Humpty Dumpty Got Back Up Again) by Dan Santat**

After releasing my first list of Children's Books With Good Vibes, I was given several outstanding recommendations from Fisch Tales' readers. This one wins...hands down.

Everyone knows that when Humpty Dumpty sat on a wall, Humpty Dumpty had a great fall. But what happened after?
Caldecott Medalist Dan Santat's poignant tale follows Humpty Dumpty, an avid bird watcher whose favorite place to be is high up on the city wall―that is, until after his famous fall. Now terrified of heights, Humpty can longer do many of the things he loves most.
Will he summon the courage to face his fear?
After the Fall (How Humpty Dumpty Got Back Up Again) is a masterful picture book that will remind readers of all ages that Life begins when you get back up.

**3. I Love My Glam-Ma by Samantha Berger**

No other artist has influenced my work more than Sujean Rim. So when she released this adorable children's book in 2019, I joyfully preordered a copy. It is fabulous! The perfect gift to share with the gorgeous grandmother in your world.

A joyful celebration of grandmothers who are young at heart, adventurous, and find a bit of glamour in everything they do. Whether these glam-mas are building sandcastles, riding with dolphins, or turning blankets into reading forts and super capes, they live each day with a playful spirit -- just like their grandchildren.

**4. Alphabreaths: The ABCs of Mindful Breathing by Christopher Willard**

When bedtime turned into a warzone at the Fischer household, I was on a mission to calm the vibrant spirits of my crazy kiddos. I adore this book! I promise that you don't need to be a yogi to fully appreciate its awesomeness. My anxious heart loves this quiet reminder to slow down.

In Alphabreaths, children will learn their ABCs and the basics of mindfulness through playful breathing exercises. Breaths like Mountain Breath and Redwood Breath will connect them with nature, while breaths like Heart Breath and Wish Breath will help them remember to fill their heart with gratitude and send good wishes to others.
Simple, playful, and with delightful illustrations, Alphabreaths is the perfect introduction to mindfulness and breath awareness.

**5. The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn**

I was first introduced to The Kissing Hand at the INDY Foundation's Inaugural Gala in March 2019. Gus Deyaeger, a 6-year-old who recently lost his mother to cancer, included this book in a live auction gift basket created in honor of his mama, Mel. As a favorite bedtime story in their household, Gus wanted to share it's beautiful message with other families going through difficult times. When I first read this book to my children, I couldn't help but picture Mel kissing the hands of her little ones as a reminder that she will always be with them.

Since its first publication in 1993, this heartwarming book has become a children's classic that has touched the lives of millions of children and their parents, especially at times of separation, whether starting school, entering daycare, or going to camp. It is widely used by kindergarten teachers on the first day of school. Stickers at the back will help children and their parents keep their Kissing Hand alive.

**6. The Wonderful Things You Will Be by Emily Winfield Martin**

I love this book so much that I utlilized the illustrations as framed artwork in my reading nook. I truly admire Emily Winfield Martin's artist style and the message in this book is fantastic.

From brave and bold to creative and clever, Emily Winfield Martin's rhythmic rhyme expresses all the loving things that parents think of when they look at their children. With beautiful, and sometimes humorous, illustrations, and a clever gatefold with kids in costumes, this is a book grown-ups will love reading over and over to kids-both young and old. A great gift for any occasion, but a special stand-out for baby showers, birthdays, and graduation. The Wonderful Things You Will Be has a loving and truthful message that will endure for lifetimes.

**7. I Love You All Ways by Marianne Richmond**

Marianne Richmond is a total rockstar in the children's book genre. This is her latest release and it is quickly becoming one of my favorites. It speaks to the unconditional love parents have for their children...grab a tissue.

From the author of Be Brave Little One and If I Could Keep You Little comes I Love You All Ways, an adorable exploration of how love surrounds us, no matter what we do or where we go. From morning to night ― through the happy, playful, and mischievous moments ― I Love You All Ways is a sweet celebration of the never-ending love for a child.

In case you ever wonder,
in the busy of our days,
exactly how you're loved by me,
I think you'll be amazed.

**8. A Is For Awesome! By Eva Chen**

In a world full of mean girls, I love to share the message of "babes support babes" with my daughters. This gem of a book features so many incredible women - including Beyonce. Obviously.

Why stick with plain old A, B, C when you can have Amelia (Earhart), Malala, Tina(Turner), Ruth (Bader Ginsburg), all the way to eXtraordinary You―and the Zillion of adventures you will go on?

**9. Dog Heaven by Cynthia Rylant**

If you have ever owned a dog, wanted a dog or if you have ever seen a dog...you need this book.

Dog Heaven not only comforts but also brings a tear to anyone who is devoted to a pet. From expansive fields where dogs can run and run to delicious biscuits no dog can resist, Rylant paints a warm and affectionate picture of the ideal place God would, of course, create for man's best friend. The first picture book illustrated by the author, Dog Heaven is enhanced by Rylant's bright, bold paintings that perfectly capture an afterlife sure to bring solace to anyone who is grieving.

**10. The 12 Sleighs of Christmas by Sherri Duskey Rinker**

As a first-grader, my son (Charlie) totally gets into the imaginative storyline of this Christmas classic. We love to snuggle in and take turns choosing our favorite elf inventions. It is so much fun to read!

When the elves discover that Santa's sleigh is in a terrible state, they let their imaginations go wild—and soon there are sleighs of every kind, inspired by big rigs, motorcycles, zeppelins, and much more!

The #1 New York Times bestselling author of Goodnight, Goodnight, Construction Site and the celebrated illustrator of Michael Chabon's The Astonishing Secret of Awesome Man, team up for spirited vehicular silliness and classic Christmas cheer in this turbo-charged read-aloud destined to become a holiday classic.

**11. Forever Young by Bob Dylan**

I recently brought this home from Ryman Auditorium in Nashville. I have had the lyrics stuck in my head ever since. Music-lovers will appreciate reading (or singing) this book to children of all ages.

Since it first appeared on the 1974 album Planet Waves, "Forever Young" has been one of Bob Dylan's most beloved songs. Now award-winning artist Paul Rogers gives us a new interpretation of the lyrics. With images inspired by classic Dylan songs and pieces of his life, this is a bold and touching tribute to an anthem whose message will always stay forever young.

SuperHero ABC by Bob McLeod

We stubbled upon this ridiculous book at the library last year. Our whole family laughs while reading it together...it's a keeper!

Silly and zany, and armed with the most unusual skills, the cast of superheroes that fill these pages will make learning ABCs an out-of-this-world experience.
Meet Bubble-Man, who blows big bubbles at bullies; Laughing Lass, who laughs loudly at lawbreakers; and many more hilarious and irresistible characters from renowned comic-book illustrator Bob McLeod.

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