Dad's Bookshelf: February 2023
Happy February of 2023, everybody. I hope you and yours had a very happy and memorable Groundhog Day. It feels like it was just yesterday that we were writing Dad’s Bookshelf for January, but, just like Bill Murray, here we are doing it all over again.
But the good news is that it’s not all déjà vu. We actually have 3 wonderful new picture books to highlight that we’ve never shared with you before, and I hope you end up enjoying them just as much as we do in our family.
I like that these 3 picture books run the gamut in terms of ideal age. We have a book here that I think would really work best as a board book for babies - all the way up to a book with a message that even middle schoolers would be wise to pay attention to.
As is almost always the case, I’m sure you’ll notice that I was heavily swayed by some truly spectacular art. Andrew Arnold and Julie Flett illustrated their own stories, and the third book we’re featuring was illustrated by Nahid Kazemi, who is quickly becoming a family favorite that we’ll definitely keep a close eye on going forward.
I’m also pretty happy with the variety of emotions you’ll find in these books. Lots of happy tears and smiles and laughs to be found, but also an exploration of fear - at least of the social variety. You might even count a bit of sadness - if you count pulling at the heartstrings of your nostalgia for the innocence of childhood.
Have a wonderful February, everybody, and happy reading!
Dad’s Bookshelf is a continuing, monthly series featuring the kids books we are most excited about each month. The series is named after the real life bookshelf we have in our home, where I keep all of my favorite picture books of all time. While the books we share on Dad’s Bookshelf are often brand new releases, it’s also not uncommon for us to be excited about an older book we just discovered.
Disclosure: Some of the books in this article were shared with us by the publishers. All thoughts and opinions are our own. Some of the links in this article are affiliate links that will lead you to view the books on Bookshop.org and Amazon.
We All Play
Written and Illustrated by Julie Flett
This is the beautiful book on the list that I was referencing when I talked about one of these books needing to be a board book. If that isn’t in the works yet, it absolutely should be. This beautiful and relaxing little book seems like an absolutely natural fit for a board book for babies. The aesthetic kind of screams Instagrammable nursery, and I just think it’s perfect for little ones.
The structure of this book flips back and forth between children playing and animals playing in nature. There is also a repetition of the phrase “we all play” in both English and in Cree (Kimêtawânaw). This repetition really makes it perfect for a read aloud with young children - not to mention how much they’ll love the truly gorgeous animal illustrations.
Best of all, the comparisons break down the barriers between us an the natural world. Animal lovers everywhere - both young and old - will definitely find the beauty in celebrating the similarities between our children and all of the children of the animal kingdom. Especially through a medium as innocent and powerful as play.
I Have a Question
Written and Illustrated by Andrew Arnold
This brand new picture book from Andrew Arnold has a couple of terrific moments of genuinely hilarious comedy. But the story itself addresses a serious topic that many kids will relate too. And the issue I’m referring to is the fear of speaking up in class and asking a question. This very specific example of social anxiety has probably been plaguing children for centuries, and this is certainly the most helpful (and funny!) way I’ve ever seen it addressed.
The main character of this book is a young student who wants to ask a question about metamorphosis in science class - but they’re afraid that everyone will laugh. Perhaps the very best part of the book is Stevie imagining what the other kids will actually say: “You call THAT a question?” or “Look, Everyone! It’s Silly-Question Kid!”
The absurdity of getting a nickname for asking a question is of course humorous, and kids will get a kick out of how absurd that sounds when you say it out loud. But simultaneously the story will help quell real fears. Luckily, Stevie works through those fears and asks a question in class, and, happily, everything turns out quite well.
Teddy, Let’s Go!
Written by Michelle Nott and Illustrated by Nahid Kazemi
Teddy, Let’s Go! is a beautiful story accompanied by beautiful images, and it’s published by a publisher with one of the very best track records of stunning picture books - Enchanted Lion. A grandmother gives the gift of a self-made teddy bear to her new grandchild, and the story of the next seven years is actually narrated by the bear itself.
The many details in the narration are endearing and heartwarming - and choosing to bring the bear to life as the narrator was a brilliant decision. It brings out powerful emotions much akin to what you probably felt at the end of Toy Story 3. I don’t know what it is about learning that toys have feelings and care about their owners, but it’s certainly a weak spot for me.
Maybe part of it is the reminder of the innocence of childhood, and how beautiful it is to see kids play. And then there’s this sudden suggestion that there’s something even more meaningful behind all of that childhood play that we never even imagined. And perhaps there’s even a fear that we don’t treat those that love us as well as we could.
But the most beautiful part of all is the ending that ties it all together and brings Teddy’s story into a full circle. In the end the little girl in the story, who Teddy calls “My” because it’s her favorite word, gives Teddy to her new baby brother. It’s truly a feel-good book with a healthy dose of childhood nostalgia - and did I mention how good it looks?
Have you read any of these wonderful books yet? What books have you fallen in love with recently? Let us know in the comments!
