Dad's Bookshelf: March 2020
When I gathered up the three picture books for Dad’s Bookshelf this month, I swear I wasn’t thinking of any particular theme at the time. But in the light of the coronavirus pandemic sweeping across the world, it’s hard not to interpret my choices as intentional. But I promise you that it’s just a remarkable, lucky coincidence.
In retrospect, the books I’m going to share with you do indeed seem to have a common thread tying them together. Maybe I was subconsciously drawn to them. But I’ll let you be the judge. I have a book about empathy for others, a book about citizens coming together to save the planet, and a book about a family spending time together in their home. Sounds pretty topical, doesn’t it?
But of course these three books are perfect for any time or situation. They’re beautiful, and thoughtful, and they’ve all made a big impression on us. They’ve all earned a well-deserved spot on Dad’s Bookshelf, and lots of repeat readings. These are the types of books I get excited about sharing with the kids, and I highly recommend tracking them down to share with the kids in your life.
You might be disappointed to discover that this is the very first edition of Dad’s Bookshelf not to include a book by Shinsuke Yoshitake. He had an impressive three-month streak going that will likely never be topped. But don’t get used to his absence, because I’m sure he’ll be back on Dad’s Bookshelf in no time.
I hope you enjoy reading about these great picture books that we’ve been enjoying lately. And I hope you are all safe and sound in your homes. And I sincerely hope that the worst of your worries right now is what books to read to your kids next. Take care!
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 new releases, it’s also not uncommon for us to be excited about an older book we just discovered.
Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. Clicking on those links will lead you to view the books’ listings on Amazon or IndieBound.
Greta and the Giants
Written by Zoë Tucker and Illustrated by Zoe Persico
Greta and the Giants is inspired by Greta Thunberg’s world-famous, real-life stand to raise awareness about climate change. The cartoon illustrations are spectacular, and the story has been turned into a very effective allegory that’s very easy for kids to understand.
In the book, the forest is being destroyed by giants. Perhaps they represent humans, or maybe even big corporations, but the point is that they are cutting down the forest and destroying the homes of all the animals. The really beautiful concept in the book is that the giants take no notice of Greta when she makes a sign and tries to stop them alone. But slowly more people join in, and soon the crowd is too big to ignore.
In the back of the book you’ll also find some basic facts about climate change and helpful ideas for how you can do your part in fighting it. It’s truly a special book, and an important one too for that matter.
When Charley Met Emma
Written by Amy Webb and Illustrated by Merrilee Liddiard
Empathy has always been one of the major pillars of Dad Suggests. One of my favorite lists I’ve ever compiled is The Best Picture Books to Teach Empathy, and you’ve probably noticed that I’ve written several times about how much I try to stress kindness and thoughtfulness with our kids.
Like Trudy Ludwig’s The Invisible Boy, I consider When Charley Met Emma to be required reading for an education in empathy. It’s an important book, and it was expertly crafted to inspire kind hearts and open minds. And it covers one of those topics that really does require intentional lessons and conversations: it’s okay to be different.
When Charley Met Emma teaches kids that different doesn’t mean weird or bad - it just means different. And different is okay. Emma in this story has no hands, and Charley represents every kid out there in the world who wouldn’t know how to react the first time they met Emma - and might even say something hurtful. I’m a big fan of exploring these types of conversations proactively, and I’m thankful for beautiful books like this that lead to meaningful talks and thoughts.
Home in the Woods
Written and Illustrated by Eliza Wheeler
Eliza Wheeler is one of my favorite illustrators, and Home in the Woods is a very personal book she recently wrote and illustrated. It tells the tale of her grandmother - who was six when her father died from cancer, their family was evicted from their home, and her mother had to move into an abandoned tar-paper shack in the middle of the woods with her eight children.
The book very subtly addresses the sadness and emptiness that stems from major change and loss, but the book itself is a real comfort. It also does a wonderful job of conveying the immense importance of family and home. But the unwavering optimism and strength of the mother and the camaraderie on display from all of the siblings are the big triumphs in this book. In the end it’s all very idyllic and actually a feel-good story - despite the circumstances that brought them to the woods.
Wheeler’s touching tribute to her family history is organized through the passing of the seasons, and her illustrations as always are filled with loads of details that really bring the world to life. The charm and adventure here is off the charts.
What picture books have you been reading to your kids this month? Have you already read any of these books on Dad’s Bookshelf? Let us know in the comments!
