Building the collections on kids' bookshelves holds a little weight these days.
Parents are more aware of the need to expose kids to different subjects and worldviews. Many people are looking to have more open and honest relationships with their kids than parents in the past may have had.
More parents are also utilizing books as tools for learning complicated subjects. There are some things that are hard to talk to kids about. Luckily, there are a lot of wonderful books out there that can facilitate conversations .
It seems like now more than ever, there's a lot to talk to our kids about. These books address recent topics and topics relevant to recent events. They can help grab the attention of kids who are interested, or explain to younger ones what they need to know. They're also great works in themselves and excellent additions to your kids' bookshelves.
'Corona (the Germ)' by Sophie Morris
This children's book aims to help kids understand their feelings on COVID-19. The book tells the story of Corona, a little germ whose life takes a dramatic turn when he comes into contact with humans for the first time. Through Corona's struggles to come to terms with his changed world, the book explores the healing power of connection, belonging, and the importance of embracing one's true self.
"The idea for the book came out of a discussion with my sister-in-law who asked how she could explain the coronavirus to her three-year-old without frightening him," author Sophie Morris explained.
"So the book began as an attempt to make sense of all that was happening in the most child-friendly way possible and evolved into a therapeutic story which I hope will help children regulate and reintegrate as they return to school."
The other great thing? The publisher is giving 50% of US proceeds to organizations assisting families affected by the pandemic.
'A Little Spark' by Chris Parsons
Everyone's looking for inspiration at this time, and A Little Spark hopes to deliver. The interactive book has QR codes throughout directly linking readers to songs and videos, making it an excellent family read-along book for parents/caregivers with younger children or solo read for children 7 to 10 years old. Each physical copy comes with a free download for the audiobook and musical soundtrack as well.
The book follows a brave young mouse named Spark who steps up to save the world, learning about kindness, forgiveness, and equality along the way.
'An ABC of Equality' by Chana Ginelle Ewing
This board book introduces little ones to complicated concepts surrounding social justice. The book has been recently updated to reflect what's going on in the world today. It's a beautiful way to introduce these concepts to your child at a time when they're taking it all in.
'The Safe Return: Kids Wear Masks for a Safe Return to Fun' by Ashley Wheelock and Arwen Evans
This two-sided children's book hopes to normalize mask wearing for kids. Flip it for a mask-free version of the story when COVID-19 is behind us.
The book takes kids through the ups and downs of a balance bike ride with friends. It explores the fun of childhood while encouraging kids to be responsible for everyone's safety.
'The Breaking News' by Sarah Lynne Reul
Teach little ones about how news can impact people's moods and feelings. A little girl sees her teachers and parents distracted and in a haze after a breaking news alert. She learns about how little steps can help her community in big ways.
'All Because You Matter' by Tami Charles
This beautifully illustrated book shares a Black family's journey to remind their child of all the ways that they matter. From birth throughout life, they explore all the special things that make Black and brown children unique.
'Why?' by Nikolai Popov
Why? explores the idea of war with young readers. When a mouse steals a frog's flower, their friends get involved in the conflict. Things get out of control, and by the time all is said and done, no one understands why this had to happen.
'Mama's Nightingale: A Story of Immigration and Separation' by Edwidge Danticat
A Haitian little girl tries to understand what's going on when her mom is sent to a prison for undocumented immigrants. Saya is able to visit her mom, but it's her Haitian folklore by cassette tape that makes Saya miss her most. On a night filled with sadness and frustration, Saya writes a letter after seeing the adults in her life doing so to help her mom's case. It sets big change into motion, teaching her the power of her words.
'Visiting Day' by Jacqueline Woodson
This book aims to remind kids that people who are in jail are still human beings with lives and families of their own. The story follows a little girl and her grandma on the one day of the month when they get to visit the girl's dad in jail. It's sensitive to young readers' understanding of jail and crime and shares a perspective not represented frequently enough.
'Our House Is on Fire: Greta Thunberg's Call to Save the Planet' by Jeanette Winter
Our House Is on Fire tells the story of young activist Greta Thunberg. Greta was determined to make changes when she felt the grown-ups around her would not. This book not only teaches children about Greta's journey but helps them understand how climate change is changing our world.
'The List of Things That Will Not Change' by Rebecca Stead
This upper elementary/lower middle school read teaches kids a lesson about perspective. After everything in Bea's life feels like it keeps changing, she begins keeping a list of the things that will not change. It deals with tough subjects with so much heart and positivity.
Shop Now: The List of Things That Will Not Change (Amazon, $12.19)
Psst: If you choose to purchase an item on this list, LittleThings may receive a small cut. Each item and price is up to date at the time of publication; however, an item may be sold out or the price may be different at a later date.
