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| Image from the official Peter H. Reynolds website |
My son is going to have a massive library by the time he’s actually old enough to understand the stories I’ve been reading to him since he was just a few weeks old. There are tons of fun books to read to kids. I even loved reading children’s books before I had my own child to regale with my masterful storytelling. There are so many wonderful stories and amazing illustrations.
Right now I’m hooked on books that encourage creativity and the importance of kids being true to themselves. It’s never too early to spread the message that it’s more than okay to be unique and have your own way of doing things.
I was recently introduced to books by Peter H. Reynolds, the perfect author and illustrator of these principles. My husband has a copy of The Dot, which I read once and fell in love with immediately. The main character, Vashti, doubts her artistic ability. With a nudge from an encouraging art teacher, she begins to believe in herself. The second book in Peter’s creativity trilogy is called Ish. Ish begins with the little boy that we meet at the end of The Dot, Ramon, facing some challenges to his artistic self-esteem brought on from his older brother taunting him. He starts to believe that his drawings will never be the way they’re “supposed” to look. However, his little sister has an entirely different way of looking at things which encourages Ramon to let go of so-called perfection and just create. Both of these books are fantastic. I can’t wait for the third one!
So Few of Me is another great book written and illustrated by Peter, reminding us to slow down, stop overscheduling ourselves, and enjoy life. I’ve also read two other books that were illustrated by Peter but written by Alison McGhee. Little Boy (a gift from Nathaniel’s grandparents), a fantastic book about imagination, and Someday (a gift from Mommy), a mother’s wish for her child to experience life to the fullest.
Now on to my wish list. I’ve read The North Star online, but I’m definitely getting a hardback copy for Nathaniel at some point. It’s a great story about following your dreams and choosing your own path in life. Other books that I’m planning to get for him/us eventually are Beautiful Oops!, The Pencil, Iggy Peck, Architect, and Art. I bought How to Be an Explorer of the World: Portable Life Museum for a friend’s son and I think that will be a super cool book for Nathaniel when he is older.
Did I mention that Peter also owns a bookstore? If I ever find myself in Dedham, MA, Blue Bunny Books & Toys is at the top of the my list of places I’d like to visit. Actually, I don’t know anything about Dedham, so it’s the only item on my list so far. :)
Happy reading, everyone!