Patient Parenting for December is always about toys for the holidays. In my research this year, however, I felt so disappointed by the plastic, electronic and lack of any creativity in the toys, I’m writing about books instead. I look for wonder, joy, learning and quality, and I certainly found it in books this year. My fun research took me to the bookstores, the toy store and the library children’s section.
The Day the Crayons Quit, by Drew Daywalt and Oliver Jeffers, is a new picture book for the younger set, a potential Caldecott winner (year’s most distinguished picture book), and New York Times best-seller. Duncan’s crayons just quit coloring, they go on strike and warmly express feelings children can relate to. The illustrations are very amusing.
I fell in love with Little Pea, by Amy Krouse Rosenthal and Jen Corace, a perennial favorite about a pea child who hates candy but must finish it before he can have dessert, which is, of course, spinach. This is a complete reversal of my grandson’s preferences, and probably yours, too. The language is engaging, and the simple, Zen-like quality of the illustrations are charming.
Some great train books include How to Train a Train, by Jason Carter Eaton, an imaginative treat about caring for a pet train and what it eats, where it lives and the best train tricks, even jumping through fire hoops. The illustrations by John Rocco are realistic, yet simple, with train faces emoting and conveying many childlike feelings. Another is Steam Train, Dream Train, by Shem Duskey Rinker and Tom Lichtenheld, a little boy’s fantasy set in poetry with train cars carrying animals, toys, race cars, ice cream, snacks and dinosaurs. It reminded me of The Little Engine that Could. Poetry and rhyming are important for young children to hear; it builds their auditory skills, helps organize sounds and greatly enriches their language experience.
Silly Doggy! by Adam Stower, is a perfect book for Durango kids, as it deals with the antics of Lily adopting a bear she thinks is a doggy. There are the inevitable garbage scenes, and other creatures she adopts until they get “found.” Very funny.
As far as holiday books go, the classic Berenstain Bear’s Joy of Giving shows young kids what the holidays are really about. The princess set will love Fancy Nancy’s Splendiferous Christmas, full of sparkly illustrations yet sending the message of simplicity.
Clement C. Moore’s The Night Before Christmas has been updated by Rachel Isadora in a gorgeously illustrated version that uses collage and oil paints, and adds a very modern twist of a modern Santa leaving traditional African gifts. There is a Dinosaurs Night Before Christmas, The Kvetch Who Stole Hanukkah, Angel Pig and the Hidden Christmas, Olive-the-Other Reindeer, Snowmen at Christmas and so many other interesting and beautiful books for children.
A couple of others than won my heart are Cinders: A Chicken Cinderella, Jan Brett’s new winter tale about Tasha’s magical night that includes a Cinderella cast of chickens, fun and the romance of the classic story, yet with Brett’s fanciful illustrations capturing the grandeur of 18th Century Russia. An Otis Christmas, by Loren Long, also captured my attention, being the beautiful story of Otis the farm tractor. With the farm being decked out at this special holiday time, Otis deals with a Christmas Eve emergency, saves the day (or night) and shares the importance of family, bravery and the true spirit of Christmas.
I also noticed a Little Master Series of classics like “Romeo and Juliet,” Sense and Sensibility, Sherlock Holmes and Anna Karenina teaching opposites, counting and sounds, yet immersing young children is classic literature. Amazing!
Bookstores, toy store and the library are full of wonderful books and some very interesting spin-offs and other educational offerings. There is a whole series of Think Fun, math fun and cooperative games. The Melissa and Doug activities are always high quality. So many gorgeous books, so little time.
Take a couple of hours this busy season and go look at children’s books, both holiday and otherwise. You will be immersed in a world of beauty, learning, richness and joy, I promise.
Martha McClellan has been an early care child educator, director and administrator for 36 years. She currently has an early childhood consulting business, supporting child care centers and families. Reach her at mmm@bresnan.net.
