I'm a big fan of children's books. I always have been. Of course I loved them when I was little. Once a reader, always a reader. But I still have a soft spot for them - the ones I read when I younger, and brand new ones. Don't get me wrong, I really do appreciate all the good grown up books as well, but the kids books seem to have the best messages. There are so many children's book authors out there that just get it. They can write a great story, with beautiful pictures, and spread an awesome message - whether it be a message of creativity, acceptance, or just to have a little fun now and then.
Lately, I've been reading a lot more of them - stemming from the fact that I went to a lot of used book sales and bought quite a few and realizing that there are some major classics (like James and the Giant Peach) I've never read. So add to this my love of theatre, and out pops "Jack & Louisa" - a set of books by some Broadway peeps about 12 year old Musical Theatre Nerds. And I'm loving them!
Both books are just a fabulous mix of fun, theatre and an awesome message to be yourself. Oh and the book is adorable too - great cover art and each chapter is told from either Jack or Louisa's point of view. It's a great story of any little theatre lovers out there, or just theatre nerd parents who want to share the love with their kids. I'm hoping in a few years, I'll have a mini-theatre lover and I just can't wait to share the story with them!
In the maze of my brain, lately it seems that actual topics for blog posts have some how been lost in the labyrinth. I suppose that's just my way of saying I have some serious writer's block. So I jumped on my trusty Pinterest boards of inspiration and found a list for April of Blog Ideas. Perfect, right? Well, actually, kind of not perfect as you'll see what today's idea is. I don't want to take a break, that would ruin my whole darn streak. So I'm stealing one from last month's list mostly because it seems fitting since next week is World Book Night.
My favorite Children's Books:
As a recovering Pre-school teacher and hoarder of all things Kid Lit related, this one might be a bit difficult to nail down. I love lots and lots of books, for lots and lots of different reasons. When I finally do get that Prince Charming and 2.5 kids I'm hoping for, the kids better gosh darn like to read, because I've pretty much filled their entire library already. They will have no choice : )
Anything by Dr. Seuss: I've ALWAYS treasured any Dr. Seuss story. His works are just so much fun for kids. I'm sure I'm not the only one who has tried to read the stories as quickly as possible in funny voices without stumbling over all the craziness. He showed kids that reading wasn't boring,. It was fun and crazy and could be anything you wanted it to be.
"A Midsummer Night's Fairy Tale" by Wendy Froud and Terri Winding: If you know anything about Jim Henson's studios, the name Froud should stick out. She's the wife of Brian Froud who is responsible for all the creatures in "Labyrinth" and "The Dark Crystal". In other words, the Frouds are amazing! The story pretty much mirrors "A Midsummer Night's Dream" so I was already pre-destined to like it. But what I love about this book (and the next 2 in the series) are the photographs. Instead of using illustrations, she created the creatures and their environments, then photographed them. They are stunning and you can just see the influences of Brian Froud's creatures. Also, faeries. What's not to love about faeries?!
"Harry Potter": What kind of anglophile would I be if I didn't mention Harry Potter? I just found the first Harry Potter book on a shelf in a book store by accident before the craze hit and long before there were to be 6 more books. I instantly fell in love with everything about it - the story, the message, the characters, Hogwarts - Everything! Discovering it for myself before the whole world fell in love with it, made it that much more special.
"The Littlest Angel": My most favorite Christmas book is a children's book. The message that even a little person can do big things will always hold a special place in my heart. Not to mention the tradition of my dad reading it each Christmas Eve. I fell in love with books hearing it read each year.
"Paddington", "Babar" and "Madeline": There's just something about the stories that hold up after so much time. I remember falling in love with the bear from darkest Peru in his little galoshes and rain hat then watching the snazzy elephant on PBS each week. My love for Madeline was more recent after discovering her stories while teaching. Who's to say oldies aren't goodies?
I'm a little late to the party on this kid, but now that I've seen it, I'm pretty darn obsessed. It's not only about the cutest video with the cutest kid, but it's such an awesome idea. And of course, as a recovering elementary school teacher, I'm imagining all sorts of fun writing assignments that I'm sure my students wouldn't appreciate as much I do. What do kids need to know starting at their first day on earth? I have to say for a little guy, he's seemingly got it all worked out. He really covers the important ones.
His number one and best advice is to be awesome. Kids aren't told that enough. They should be told that they can be anyone and anything they want to be and whatever that is, it will be awesome. Another thing I would add is for them to be kind always. So many people today are only worried about themselves, but if we had a bit more kindness and love in the world & a bit more caring for the little guy, earth really would be a happier place (I realize that sounds utterly and completely sappy but deal with it - I'm a sap!)
Oh and last but not least, don't forget to have fun! Life is messy, and crazy, and awesome and fantastic with brief moments of sadness and regret, but for the most part, hopefully it's an amazing ride where the awesome outweighs the terrible. If we can teach kids to treat it as an adventure with new things happening around every corner, they'll be happier and more ready for any challenges that come their way.
Long story short, new little humans should have fun with it and attack life with all they can muster. Enjoy it to the fullest and revel in the magic of the everyday. Treat everyone how they wish to be treated and always remember to kill with kindness. Be who they're going to be and stand up for what's right. It might be a little too idealistic, but in today's world, you kind of have to be. It's the only way we can change it for the better!
