Recommended Reading: Eve's Favorite Picture Books

Children’s books are silly but they always manage to send an important message that influences children, and adults, in a way that we don’t realize. For me, a good children’s book is entertaining for adults and children because it can easily connect to our inner child. While it might not seem important, I have learned that a good picture book teaches us new things and while reinventing the old. Children’s books provide a world where we can all escape to but at the same time, learn valuable lessons to use in the real world. As a child, one of the things I enjoyed most was escaping to the a newly developed or reconstructed magical world to fuel my imagination. The four books that I have listed bellow provide all and beyond any children’s book should and are more than worthy for anyone to read for any occasion.

Over and Under the Canyon, Kate Messner

This book is part of a wonderful series of children's books that recognizes the beauty in nature. Over and Under the Canyon takes place with a mother and her child at the Grand Canyon in Arizona. The child in the story questions what is down the canyon as the mother and child proceed down it’s rocky terrain. The mother begins to show them the life that is not visible from above the canyon. The wonderful thing about this book is that it shows children that there is life everywhere in nature with creatures that learn to adapt to the climate. Any guardian looking to expose their kid to life much different than the city, I would highly recommend it. This book is just dying to be in the hands of any adventurous child that wishes to explore the vast varieties the world has to offer.

How Do You Dance? , Thyra Heder

This playful book illustrates there are many goofy ways for everyone to dance. How Do You Dance? shows children that dance is an easy way to express your emotions, no matter who you are. When reading this book many times over as a kid, I was reminded that dance is a way to connect with those around you as well as being in touch with yourself. Sometimes we can get so caught up with the excitement going on in our life that we forget to laugh and unwind using our own, unique bodies. Any light-hearted child would love it. For anyone who needs the reminder that dancing is about being true to yourself and to embrace it, it’s written for you.

Be A Tree!, Maria Gianferrari

Be A Tree! choses to focuses on a group of children playing within and around the trees. It reinstates the beauty and the strength that the trees hold in order to support human life. Trees are often forgotten in the world today but this picture book teaches children that trees are crucial to the environment. Maria Gianferrari points out the stability trees offer to us and to each other. While creatively uses beautiful imagery, it illustrates the mindfulness and harmony between children and nature.

We All Play, Julie Flett

This intricate, illustrated picture book shows children that we all need to play in order to grow. Land and sea, we all expand our minds through being creative, enjoying ourselves. It teaches children to embrace that feeling of pure joy we experience when we were younger, connecting with others in remembering we all are alike in that aspect. In the end, the animals and children fall asleep so this book a perfect addition to a snuggly bedtime story.