BOOK TASTING: A CONVERSATION ON CHILDREN’S BOOKS
On Wednesday, July 17th we hosted a professional learning session called “Book Tasting: A Conversation on Children’s Books”. During this session our Resource Centre Specialists, Liz and Sara, facilitated a conversation on how they vet books for Strive’s ECE Professional Resource Centre as well as how educators can engage with old and new books in their classrooms. They also created a wonderful brochure to aid in this conversation which can be found here.
After discussing the importance of vetting books, we had a selection of books for participants to explore and reflect on. Folks were able to reconnect with some “classics” as well as be inspired by new books. This blog highlights the books selected for this professional learning session as well as some important information from Array Books in relation to their process of vetting books and the importance of doing so.
If you and/or your colleagues are interested in any of the following books but don’t have the budget to purchase new books, no worries. We’ve got you! You can find and borrow all of these books at our ECE Professional Resource Centre!
The Pronoun Book
by Chris Ayala-Kronos | Illustrated by Marco Tirado
They, she, he…all together, us! Join along in this vibrant board book’s joyful celebration of people and their pronouns.
How do you know what someone wants to be called? Ask!
This lively board book features eye-catching illustrations of a diverse cast of people and simple text that introduces their pronouns, perfect for readers both young and old.
Dear Dad, Love Nelson
by Margarett McBrice | Illustrated by David Wilkerson
A boy’s letters to his incarcerated father help them stay connected even while they’re apart. Dear Dad, Love Nelson is a glimpse into the life, family, struggles, hope, and questions of Nelson - and the more than five million other children in the US who have experienced parental incarceration. Told through letters he writes his father, Nelson shares his feelings, thoughts, wishes, and happenings, from the celebrations they’ve had to the progress Nelson has made in the car they were fixing to how excited he is to have Dad coming home.
Autumn Peltier, Water Warrior
by Carole Lindstrom | Illustrated by Bridget George | Introduction by Autumn Peltier
Indigenous women have long cared for the land and water, which in turn sustains all life on Earth―honoring their ancestors and providing for generations to come. Yet there was a time when their voices and teachings were nearly drowned out, leaving entire communities and environments in danger and without clean water.
But then came Anishinaabe elder Grandma Josephine and her great-niece, Autumn Peltier.
Featuring a foreword from water advocate and Indigenous Rights Activist Autumn Peltier herself, this stunning picture book encourages young readers to walk in the footsteps of the water warriors before them.
20 First Words in 20 First Languages
by Odd Dot
Enjoy the magic of a board book that translates into twenty different languages. Wheels on each page turn easy-to-read and easy-to-say words and phrases such as hello, thank you, dog, and cat into languages such as Spanish, Italian, and Mandarin. Your toddler will adore learning new words and phrases from around the world. Eye-catching photographs throughout the book will prompt sight word learning and language development.
Not a Box
by Antoinette Portis
A box is just a box...unless it's not a box. From mountain to rocket ship, a small rabbit shows that a box will go as far as the imagination allows. This board book edition has sturdy pages and is a good size for the youngest readers.
Inspired by a memory of sitting in a box on her driveway with her sister, Antoinette Portis captures the thrill when pretend feels so real that it actually becomes real—when the imagination takes over inside a cardboard box, and through play, a child is transported to a world where anything is possible.
After reading this book aloud, continue the fun by drawing shapes like a triangle or circle, and asking your child what the triangle is NOT!
City Shapes
by Diana Murray | Illustrated by Bryan Collier
From shimmering skyscrapers to fluttering kites to twinkling stars high in the sky, everyday scenes become extraordinary as a young girl walks through her neighborhood noticing exciting new shapes at every turn. Far more than a simple concept book, City Shapes is an explosion of life. Diana Murray's richly crafted yet playful verse encourages readers to discover shapes in the most surprising places, and Bryan Collier's dynamic collages add even more layers to each scene in this ode to city living.
The Very Hungry Caterpillar
by Eric Carle
Including a special feature, die cuts, this beautiful board book edition, perfect for teaching the days of the week, offers readers an interactive experience.
Why is it important for children to see themselves in books?
“In most educational settings, especially with young children, books are still a primary source of information and entertainment. They are influencing children’s forming opinions and ideas about their world and themselves. What is important? What is valuable? What is expected of me? What could my future look like? A sense of belonging and feeling equally valued as a member of society is fostered by representation in those materials. To build an empowered and empathetic next generation, those highly influential books need to reflect today’s society so that all children feel seen.”
— Array Books
Stick & Stone
by Beth Ferry | Illustrated by Tom Lichtenheld
When Stick rescues Stone from a prickly situation with Pinecone, a friendship is born. But when Stick gets stuck, can Stone return the favor?
With simple rhyming text, subtle messages of kindness and compassion, and Tom Lichtenheld’s signature charm, this delightful story about making and helping friends will enchant readers young and old because it’s never too early—or too late—to stick up for your friends.
I Love You Forever
by Robert Munsch | Illustrated by Sheila McGraw
A young woman holds her newborn son
And looks at him lovingly.
Softly she sings to him:
"I'll love you forever
I'll like you for always
As long as I'm living
My baby you'll be."
My Mummy, My Mama, My Brother, and Me
by Natalie Meisner | Illustrated by Mathilde Cing-Mars
With this gentle refrain, the debut picture book from celebrated author and playwright Natalie Meisner (Double Pregnant) reflects on her own two-mom, two-son family’s early days growing up in Lockeport, Nova Scotia.
Living by the sea offers myriad charms for the two young brothers in this poetic ode to beachcombing. When the fog disappears, the path to the beach beckons, with all the treasures it leaves behind: lobster traps, buoys, fused glass, urchins, a note in a bottle. But best of all is all the neighbours they meet along the way. An unforgettable instant classic for families of all shapes and sizes. Featuring glorious watercolours by Mathilde Cinq-Mars, which capture the warmth and magic of time spent with family by the sea.
Pete the Cat: I Love my White Shoes
by Eric Litwin & Kimberly Dean | Illustrated by James Dean
Pete the Cat goes walking down the street wearing his brand new white shoes. Along the way, his shoes change from white to red to blue to brown to WET as he steps in piles of strawberries, blueberries, and other big messes! But no matter what color his shoes are, Pete keeps movin' and groovin' and singing his song...because it's all good. Pete the Cat: I Love My White Shoes asks the reader questions about the colors of different foods and objects.
Wave
by Suzy Lee
In this evocative wordless book, internationally acclaimed artist Suzy Lee tells the story of a little girl's day at the beach. Stunning in their simplicity, Lee's illustrations, in just two shades of watercolor, create a vibrant story full of joy and laughter.
A Ball for Daisy
by Chris Raschka
This New York Times Bestseller and New York Times Best Illustrated Book relates a story about love and loss as only Chris Rashcka can tell it. Any child who has ever had a beloved toy break will relate to Daisy's anguish when her favorite ball is destroyed by a bigger dog. In the tradition of his nearly wordless picture book Yo! Yes?, Caldecott Medalist Chris Raschka explores in pictures the joy and sadness that having a special toy can bring. Raschka's signature swirling, impressionistic illustrations and his affectionate story will particularly appeal to young dog lovers and teachers and parents who have children dealing with the loss of something special.
These Olive Trees
by Aya Ghanameh
Oraib loves the olive trees that grow outside the refugee camp where she lives. Each harvest, she and her mama pick the small fruits and she eagerly stomp stomp stomps on them to release their golden oil. Olives have always tied her family to the land, as Oraib learns from the stories Mama tells of a home before war.
But war has come to their door once more, forcing them to flee. Even as her family is uprooted, Oraib makes a solemn promise to her beloved olive trees. She will see to it that their legacy lives on for generations to come.
Debut author-illustrator Aya Ghanameh boldly paints a tale of bitterness, hope, and the power of believing in a free and thriving future.
Why is it important to vet out books and authors?
“Books, like all media, are incredibly powerful. They are capable of planting seeds that last a lifetime, whether positive or negative. The world of book publishing is also a vast and unregulated space. Just because something is printed and bound does not mean that it is accurate or appropriate for children. Not all editors and publishers are concerned about inclusion. Anybody can self-publish a printed book and sell it. Additionally, there are now many AI-generated books available that no human being has read before it’s offered for sale. It is imperative to add another level of filter to ensure that these powerful tools are impacting children as an educator intends.”
— Array Books
Our Skin: A First Conversation About Race
by Megan Madison & Jessica Ralli | Illustrated by Isabel Roxas
Developed by experts in the fields of early childhood and activism against injustice, this topic-driven board book offers clear, concrete language and beautiful imagery that young children can grasp and adults can leverage for further discussion.
While young children are avid observers and questioners of their world, adults often shut down or postpone conversations on complicated topics because it's hard to know where to begin. Research shows that talking about issues like race and gender from the age of two not only helps children understand what they see, but also increases self-awareness, self-esteem, and allows them to recognize and confront things that are unfair, like discrimination and prejudice.
A Gift for Amma
by Meera Sriram | Illustrated by Naruiba Cabassa
In this book inspired by the author's hometown of Chennai, India, a girl explores the vibrant rainbow of delights in a southern Indian street market as she searches for a gift for her amma (mother). Endnotes explain all the items on sale and introduce readers to markets around the world.
Don’t Push the Button
by Bill Cotter
There's only one rule in Larry's book: don't push the button. (Seriously, don't even think about it!) Even if it does look kind of nice, you must never push the button. Who knows what would happen? Okay, quick. No one is looking... push the button. Uh, oh.
Celebrate curiosity with this silly monster bookA fun read-aloud and bedtime bookScreen-free fun for kidsMakes a great gift for children!
Shadow
by Suzy Lee
A dark attic. A light bulb. An imaginative little girl.Internationally acclaimed artist Suzy Lee uses these simple elements to create a visual tour de force that perfectly captures the joy of creative play and celebrates the power of imagination. Stunning in their simplicity, Lee's illustrations, in just two shades of color, present an adventure that begins and ends with the click of a light bulb.
Peekaboo Morning
by Rachel Isadora
A toddler plays a game of peekaboo, and you're invited to play too! First there's Mommy to find, with Daddy not far behind. Then Puppy comes peeking around the corner, and a favorite toy train brings the toddler to Grandma and Grandpa. Rachel Isadora's brilliant, joyful pastel illustrations capture familiar and cozy people, toys, and animals that will delight babies, who will love finding out what the toddler sees next.
Counting on Community
by Innosanto Nagara
Counting on Community is Innosanto Nagara's follow-up to his hit ABC book, A is for Activist. Counting up from one stuffed piñata to ten hefty hens--and always counting on each other--children are encouraged to recognize the value of their community, the joys inherent in healthy eco-friendly activities, and the agency they posses to make change. A broad and inspiring vision of diversity is told through stories in words and pictures. And of course, there is a duck to find on every page!
Sweetest Kulu
by Celina Kalluk | Illustrated by Alexandria Neonakis
This beautiful bedtime poem, written by acclaimed Inuit throat singer Celina Kalluk, describes the gifts given to a newborn baby by all the animals of the Arctic.
Lyrically and tenderly told by a mother speaking to her own little Kulu; an Inuktitut term of endearment often bestowed upon babies and young children, this visually stunning book is infused with the traditional Inuit values of love and respect for the land and its animal inhabitants.
What are some things you look out for when vetting out books?
“While we are vetting books, we are reading them with children of a multitude of backgrounds in mind. When a book includes particular scenarios (a cultural event, a socio-economic situation, a physical attribute, a family structure, a mental state, etc.) we think about how a child might feel if what is being described represented them or their family. Is it portrayed accurately and in an empowering manner? Would that child feel seen and feel good about how they were being spoken about? Additionally, we consider how a child with no exposure to that scenario would come away thinking about it. Would that child receive an informed and compassionate viewpoint?
In general when we are vetting we are looking to weed out books that perpetuate negative stereotypes, don’t reflect the current make-up of societies, and don’t treat all members of society with respect and compassion.”
— Array Books
Chicka Chicka Boom Boom
by Bill Martin Jr. & John Archambault | Illustrated by Lois Ehlert
A told B,
and B told C,
“I’ll meet you at the
top of the coconut tree”
In this lively alphabet rhyme, all the letters of the alphabet race each other up the coconut tree. Will there be enough room? Oh, no—Chicka Chicka Boom! Boom!
Countless children—and their parents—can joyfully recite the familiar words of this beloved alphabet chant. Bill Martin, Jr., and John Archambault’s rhythmic text keeps the beat with Caldecott Honor illustrator Lois Ehlert’s bold, cheerful art. This winning combination has made the Chicka Chicka series an enduring classic.
Being You: A First Conversation About Gender
by Megan Madison & Jessica Ralli | Illustrated by Anne/Andy Passchier
Developed by experts in the fields of early childhood and activism against injustice, this topic-driven board book offers clear, concrete language and beautiful imagery that young children can grasp and adults can leverage for further discussion.
While young children are avid observers and questioners of their world, adults often shut down or postpone conversations on complicated topics because it's hard to know where to begin. Research shows that talking about issues like race and gender from the age of two not only helps children understand what they see, but also increases self-awareness, self-esteem, and allows them to recognize and confront things that are unfair, like discrimination and prejudice.
Barnabus Project
by Medeia Cohan Illustrated by Sarah Walsh
Hats of Faith is a simple and striking introduction to the shared custom of religious head coverings. With bright images and a carefully researched interfaith text, this thoughtful book inspires understanding and celebrates our culturally diverse modern world.
Skinnamarink
by Sharon Hampson, Lois Lillienstein & Bram Morrison | Illustrated by Qin Leng
What does "skinnamarink" mean? You may not find its definition in a dictionary, but the meaning is clear to the generations of children who sang along: friendship, happiness, sharing, community and, ultimately, love. This song has been sung in weddings and in classrooms. It can be fun and silly — especially with the accompanying actions! And it has a way of bringing people together. Through Qin Leng's wonderfully imaginative illustrations, this delightful board book tells the story of a community coming together. Young and old, from little mice to a big elephant, people and animals gather into a spontaneous parade as they follow the sound of music.
Holi Colours
by Rain Singh
This Hindu celebration known as the festival of colors and the festival of love signifies the end of winter, the arrival of spring and the victory of good over evil. A time to laugh, play, visit friends and get messy! Little ones will love exploring the colors of Holi through the vibrant photographs and Singh's playful rhymes in this brilliant concept book.
Under My Hijab
by Hena Khan | Illustrated by Aaliya Jaleel
Grandma's hijab clasps under her chin. Auntie pins hers up with a whimsical brooch. Jenna puts a sun hat over hers when she hikes. Iman wears a sports hijab for tae kwon do. As a young girl observes the women in her life and how each covers her hair a different way, she dreams of the possibilities in her own future and how she might express her personality through her hijab.
An ABC of Equality
by Chana Ginelle Eqing | Illustrated by Paulina Morgan
From A to Z, simple explanations accompanied by engaging artwork teach children about the world we live in and how to navigate our way through it. Each right-hand page includes a brightly decorated letter with the word it stands for and an encouraging slogan. On the left, a colorful illustration and bite-size text sum up the concept. Cheerful people from a range of backgrounds, ethnicities, and abilities lead the way through the alphabet.
L is for LGBTQIA. Find the words that make you, you.
N is for No. No means no.
P is for Privilege. Be aware of your advantages.
X is for Xenophobia. Ask questions and you’ll see there’s nothing to be afraid of.
Celebrate your Differences, ask more Questions, share your Kindness, and learn to Understand the world.
Keep the Conversations Going…
As part of this ongoing work, we have also joined The FOLD Kids Challenge!
FOLD Kids is a non-profit organization that supports readers of all ages by showcasing diverse literature and allowing children and educators to learn from writer's and illustrator's amazing stories.
@foldkids creates a reading prompt each month to encourage excitement about diversifying the literature in your practice. You can check out our monthly picks in the @eceresourcecentre!
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