Category: Emotions

Featured

The Ocean Calls: A Haenyeo Mermaid Story by Tina Cho

Written by Tina Cho, Illustrated by Jess. X Snow, Published by Kokila, 2020. (Picture book, Ages 5-8)

When I first learned about the diving women in Jeju, Korea I thought that it was absolutely awesome! So I got even more excited to learn that there was a picture book about them! The story is great too. A young girl is scared of her first dive into the ocean, but her grandmother doesn’t downplay her fears and gently helps her to successfully complete a dive.

BACKGROUND

Dayeon wants to be like her grandmother and dive to collect different treasures of the ocean, but when it comes to the actual dive she starts to hesitate. Will the breathing exercises and lessons her grandmother taught her work?

BEST FOR

About a ten minute read aloud that is great for a unit about the ocean, diving, relationships with grandparents, or overcoming fears.

PAIR WITH

Nana Akua Goes to School by Tricia Elam Walker

WHERE TO PURCHASE

The Ocean Calls: A Haenyeo Mermaid Story by Tina Cho

Featured

Fly on the Wall by Remi Lai

Written and Illustrated by Remy Lai, Published by Harry Holt and Company Books for Young Readers, 2020. (Graphic Novel, Ages 9-12)

I don’t see many children’s books with Singaporean protagonists so I was delightfully surprised with this graphic novel narrative. Remy Lai has a very unique voice in the sense that she is not afraid to explore the more awkward and squeamish moments of adolescence while keeping it very entertaining.

BACKGROUND

Remy Lai lives in Australia with his Mom, older sister, and grandmother. Smothered by their attentions he decides to fly solo for the first time to Singapore to visit his father and also answer some life defining questions. No biggie. #Ownvoices

BEST FOR

This middle grade novel/graphic novel is ideal for readers who are looking for an adventure centered around family relationships and school life.

PAIR WITH

Stargazing by Jen Wang

WHERE TO PURCHASE

Fly on the Wall with Remy Lai

Featured

The Sea in Winter by Christine Day

Written by Christine Day, Published by Heartdrum, 2021. (fiction, ages 9-12)

Christine Day is an author that I have been keeping an eye on and she did not disappoint. She has a talent of writing simplistic narratives that capture the complexity of issues and the emotions of her characters. In this particular title she addresses how protagonist Maise must deal with the loss of a dream and finding a new goal to work towards.

BACKGROUND

Native Maise Cannon lives for ballet, so when she suffers a knee injury the pain is more than physical. When her family takes her on a vacation to the Olympic Peninsula in Washington, Maise realizes her need to heal with the support of her community. #Ownvoices

BEST FOR

This middle grade novel is great for readers that love to read about relationships, family, friendships, big life transitions, and dance.

PAIR WITH

Dancing Home by Alma Flor Ada

WHERE TO PURCHASE

Shop your local indie bookstore

Featured

Outside Inside by LeUyen Pham

Written and Illustrated by LeUyen Pham, Published by Roaring Brook Press, 2021. (fiction, ages 3-6)

It was only a matter of time before picture books about Covid and shut downs were going to emerge. I have read a few with varying levels of success, but this one is by far is my favorite. I loved how Pham was able to balance the seriousness of the subject while having an overall hopeful tone. I have always adored her illustrations so it was no surprise that the page spreads in this book are not only engaging and lively, but beautifully poignant as well.

BACKGROUND

Primarily told through the perspective of a young mixed-race girl, a community changes when “Something happened” and everyone who was outside is now staying inside. It didn’t mean that weren’t changes or growth. And it definitely didn’t mean there is any loss in love for one another.

BEST FOR

About a seven minute read aloud perfect for initiating discussions about Covid, shut downs, and the major changes in lifestyles and systems while still offering hope and love.

PAIR WITH

Evelyn del Rey is Moving Away by Meg Medina

WHERE TO PURCHASE

Shop your local indie bookstore

Featured

The Immortal Jellyfish by Sang Miao

Written and Illustrated by Sang Miao, Published by Flying Eye Books, 2019. (fantasy, ages 5-8)

There are some big emotions going on right now, and even though every single person experiences them, feelings are still so hard to talk about. This book deals with grief from the loss of a loved one in such a beautifully unique way. The illustrations are also just captivating. If anything, the story not only models a way to remember a loved one, but gives permission to young readers to use their imaginations and natural wonder to find comfort.

BACKGROUND

While a boy and a grandfather draw together, the grandpa tells the boy about the immortal jellyfish. When it is about to die, it starts life again. When the grandfather passes, the young boy is overcome with grief and cries himself to sleep. It is in his dreams where his grandfather takes him to a fantastical land where souls get to create a new memory for their loved ones.

BEST FOR

About a ten minute read aloud that could be used to open discussions about loss, grief, coping mechanisms, and honoring the memory of loved ones.

PAIR WITH

The Phone Booth in Mr. Hirota’s Garden by Heather Smith

WHERE TO PURCHASE

Shop your local indie bookstore

My Footprints by Bao Phi

Written by Bao Phi, Illustrated by Basia Tran, Published by Capstone Press, 2019. (Picture Book, 5-9)

Some things never change, and one of those things is wanting to be just like everyone else. No matter how advanced our technologies get and socially savvy young kids appear to be, the struggle of feeling different and not fitting in seems like a necessary rite of passage. If there was one piece of wisdom I could have every kid understand is that the very things that make you unique is what makes the world so much more beautiful, embrace yourself for it. I love how that is the main theme of this title.

BACKGROUND

A young Vietnamese American girl is tired of being bullied for being a girl, looking different, and having two moms. Instead she thinks up the most powerful and wonderful creature that can leave a mark in this world. #Ownvoices

BEST FOR

About a fifteen minute read aloud that touches on Vietnamese myths, bullying, tolerance, strength, self-acceptance, asking for help, and family relationships. A guide to figures from Asian mythology is included.

PAIR WITH

When I Found Grandma by Saumiya Balasubramaniam

WHERE TO PURCHASE

Shop your local indie bookstore

Grandpa Grumps by Katrina Moore

Written by Katrina Moore, Illustrated by Xindi Yan, Published by Little Bee Books, 2020. (Fiction, 4-7)

This book brings to the forefront an interesting situation, how can you connect with a family member if you do not speak a common language? I know that this is a reality for many families, because mine was one of them. I only speak English because that was the only common language between my mother and father, as a result, sometimes it was hard to have a conversation with my Yeh Yeh growing up. Yes, you find ways to communicate, but it is important to acknowledge that sometimes it takes a little extra work and patience from both parties.

BACKGROUND

Daisy is so excited that her Yeh Yeh has come to visit from China. However she finds that Yeh Yeh does not act the way she envisioned. Her mother advises her that love can be shown in many ways. #OwnVoices

BEST FOR

About a ten minute read aloud that can be used for a grandparent night. It can also open discussions about family, empathy, communication, and finding common ground.

PAIR WITH

Ojichan’s Gift by Chieri Uegaki

WHERE TO PURCHASE

Shop your local indie bookstore

My Fate According To The Butterfly by Gail D. Villanueva

Written by Gail D. Villanueva, Published by Scholastic Press, 2019. (Realistic Fiction, 9-12)

I loved so many things about this title. Not only does it have a Filipina as a protagonist in a contemporary setting in the Philippines, but Villanueva wasn’t afraid to embrace the diversity within families and tackle tough issues such as addiction and tough political climates with an overarching message of love and forgiveness.

BACKGROUND

Filipina Sabrina, nicknamed Sab, only wishes that her entire family could get together for her birthday. However her mom’s work, and sister and dad’s broken relationship make it unlikely. When a bad omen in the form of a black butterfly appears, Sab decides to challenge fate. #Ownvoices

BEST FOR

A complex and hopeful read that touches on diverse family structure, (mom and dad are separated, mom has a boyfriend, dad has a boyfriend); addiction and healing; and hope.

PAIR WITH

Everlasting Nora by Marie Miranda Cruz

WHERE TO PURCHASE

Shop your local indie bookstore

You Matter by Christian Robinson

Written and Illustrated by Christian Robinson, Published by Atheneum Books For Young Readers, 2020. (Picture Book, 3-6)

youmatter

These are unprecedented times to say the least. However this particular title was just what every member of my family needed to hear right now. The playful illustrations also spark curiosity and wonder. Check out the excellent read along Robinson did for PBS.

BACKGROUND

Big, or small, no matter your place in this universe you matter. #Ownvoices

BEST FOR

About a five minute read aloud with many themes to use to initiate conversations about emotions, STEM and imagination.

PAIR WITH

The King of Kindergarten by Derrick Barnes

I am Enough by Grace Byers

WHERE TO PURCHASE

Shop your local indie bookstore

Something Happened In Our Town by Marianne Celano, Marietta Collins, and Ann Hazzard

Written by Marianne Celano, Marietta Collins, and Ann Hazzard, Illustrated by Jennifer Zivoin, Published by Magination Press, 2018. (Picture book, 4-9)

ShootThere are a lot of families out there that want to talk to their children about race, but don’t know where to start. This book is written by three psychologists who have worked at the Emory University School of Medicine serving children and families in Atlanta. Not only does the story lay out racism in a clear way for children, but the afternote provides detailed information for parents engaging in meaningful discussions with their kids.

BEST FOR

About a fifteen minute read aloud. When a Black man is shot by police two families have an important discussion. The first family is White with a girl asking her parents and sisters why was the man killed. The second household is Black and how their lives are impacted. The next day the two classmates are faced with a choice to make together. #Ownvoices

PAIR WITH

A Sweet Smell of Roses by Angela Johnson

WHERE TO PURCHASE

Shop your local indie bookstore