It’s 10,000 degrees outside in Columbia right now, which makes it the PERFECT time to log some quality time at the library, or cuddle up with some iced tea and a stack of great books at home! While we love Llama Llama as much as the next family, I’ve been trying to seek out children’s books with greater social and emotional value for my toddler. Here are just a few that I’m currently in love with:
What Makes A Baby
by Cory Silverberg
We discovered this one in a tiny bookshop in Asheville and fell in love instantly. It’s sweet, medically accurate, and (SHOCKER) completely appropriate for even the youngest toddler! This book is also completely inclusive of ALL types of families: married, single, LGBTQ, adoptive, surrogate, etc. It is so very refreshing. My 3-year-old is constantly asking for “the baby book!”
C is for Consent
by Eleanor Morrison
Children are never too young to learn about consent and bodily autonomy. We read this book almost daily in our home. This message will help our son grow up into a decent human male, as well as protect him from people who don’t respect his autonomy and boundaries.
Happy Birthday Martin Luther King
by Jean Marzollo
While this book is one you may need to mentally edit a bit as you read aloud to the youngest children, it is so very important. Start your child early with knowledge of civil rights, social justice, and the journey of race relations in this country. I personally can’t read it without crying.
Pink is for Boys
by Robb Pearlman
This story is such a sweet way to remind kids of all ages that colors, clothes, and activities aren’t gendered! Children can play with and wear and enjoy whatever it is that makes them happy, and they should be free to do so without societal pressure to only like “boy stuff” or “girl stuff.”
Great list! Thanks for sharing.