(The content below contains Amazon affiliate links. When you buy through these links, Mrs. Ferraris may earn an affiliate commission at no additional cost to you. The Retired School Librarian is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. (These titles can be found on my Amazon Storefront under Death Picture Books–https://www.amazon.com/shop/mrs.ferraris/list/OOMLLW39XJKX?ref_=aipsflist.)
❗This cumulative list grows over time, with the newest books always appearing at the top.❗
What Happens After?
by Diane Namm (Author), Laura Jäger (Illustrator)
Summary: How do we go on after the death of someone we love? This picture book provides answers for young readers to understand and relate to. We may feel sad, mad, or alone. We still do the things that the deceased enjoyed and remember them in our own way.
Comments: This book is helpful for children who are grieving, as it helps them understand that their feelings are valid and guides them on how to move forward without their loved one.
This would make a great addition to any library and one that teachers, parents, and counselors could share.
Rating: 4/5 📗📗📗📗
Details and buying options are on this book’s Amazon page.
*I received a free copy of this book.
Do You Remember?
by Sydney Smith (Author)
Brief summary: A mother and son exchange memories of when the father was still with them. They have moved to a new home in the city where everything is new. They decide that they will begin to make new memories together.
Comments: This book could be shared as a read-aloud between two people. The mother’s voice is in red ink; the boy’s is in blue.
We are not told where the father is or what happened to him. This could be a discussion point with students.
The soft and calm illustrations match the mood of lying in bed and reminiscing.
Rating: 4/5 📗📗📗📗
Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.
Grandpa and the Kingfisher
by Anna Wilson (Author), Sarah Massini (Illustrator)
Brief summary: A young boy and his grandpa visit the river in the spring and discover a kingfisher diving in the water to catch a fish. They come back in the summer to find two kingfishers building a nest.
The boy and his grandfather keep coming to the river over the seasons, watching the birds’ life cycle.
The boy asks questions about the birds while the man answers, paralleling his life.
Comments: This story does talk about death and how nature continues but gently and matter-of-factly so that children can understand.
Wonderful watercolor illustrations.
Rating: 4/5 📗📗📗📗
Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.
The Hare-Shaped Hole
by John Dougherty (Author), Thomas Docherty (Illustrator)
Brief summary: Hertle the hare and Bertle the turtle are best friends and do everything together. The next day, there is only a shadow where Hertle is supposed to be. Bertle looked everywhere for his friend but only had the hare-shaped hole.
Bertle was crying when Gerda the bear cuddled him, sharing how to feel better when losing someone.
Comments: This gentle book would be a great bibliotherapeutic book for remembering someone we lost.
Rating: 3.5/5 📗📗📗1/2
Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.
The Hole
by Lindsay Bonilla (Author), Brizida Magro (Illustrator)
Summary: A boy notices holes in his home, in his parents’, and in himself where his younger brother, Matty, used to fill. He notices that other people have holes who have lost someone too. He finally faces the hole and falls into it to confront his emotions. His friend Nora asks him if he would like to tell her about his brother, which helps him feel better.
Comments: This would make a wonderful book to help students deal with grief.
I like how the boy can fill the hole with good memories of his brother.
The illustrations were created using watercolor washes, colored pencils, and paper collage, all assembled digitally.
Rating: 4/5 📗📗📗📗
Details and buying options are on this book’s Amazon page.
Under Anna’s Umbrella
by Amanda Driscoll (Author), Luisa Uribe (Illustrator)
Summary: Anna was attending her father’s funeral when it started pouring rain, but she felt safe under her large umbrella. Afterwards, she began to carry her open umbrella with her everywhere—both inside and outside. One day, she saw a boy getting soaked in the rain and invited him to seek shelter under her umbrella. How will Anna learn to walk in the sunlight again without her umbrella shading her?
Comments: The journey of grief that Anna experienced before she could walk in the sun again is a touching story that may help children.
The illustrations were created digitally.
Rating: 4/5 📗📗📗📗
Details and buying options are on this book’s Amazon page.
The selected children’s books are chosen by a certified, retired elementary school librarian who passionately reads and recommends picture books to teachers, school librarians, parents, grandparents, and other book enthusiasts.
Most of the books Mrs. Ferraris recommends are checked out from the public library. The only exception is for the complimentary copies that she receives for an honest review, which are duly noted.
(The content below contains Amazon affiliate links. When you buy through these links, Mrs. Ferraris may earn an affiliate commission at no additional cost to you. The Retired School Librarian is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program.)
These titles can be found on my Amazon Storefront under Grief Picture Books–https://amzn.to/3LER5Vo .
❗This cumulative list grows over time, with the newest books always appearing at the top.❗
Our Lake
by Angie Kang (Author, Illustrator)
Summary: Two brothers walk to the lake to go swimming without their father for the first time since he died. The older brother jumps into the water from the cliff and coaxes his brother to join him. Will he be able to jump without the help of his father?
Comments: A beautiful story of two brothers learning how to grieve while moving forward without their father beside them; only in spirit.
The illustrations were created using gouache with additional textures added in crayon and colored pencil.
This is an excellent story to share with students and children experiencing death of a relative. It is gentle and quiet and does not overly emphasize their feelings.
Rating: 5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Details and buying options are on this book’s Amazon page.
Where Are You, Brontë?
by Tomie dePaola (Author), Barbara McClintock (Illustrator)
Summary: Tomie adopted a puppy named Brontë. He grew up to become a beloved dog, always playing, running, and going for rides. Tomie and Brontë even adapted to the dog’s blindness. Eventually, Tomie learned to cope with the loss of his dog.
Comments: This is Tomie dePaola’s last fully written book.
This was created with pens, colored pencils, watercolor and gouache on watercolor paper.
Rating: 4.5/5 📗📗📗📗1/2
Details and buying options are on this book’s Amazon page.
The Invisible Parade
by Leigh Bardugo (Author), John Picacio (Author, Artist)
Summary: Cala’s grandfather has passed away. While everyone in her house and neighborhood is preparing for Día de Muertos, she feels too sad to participate. Reluctantly, she goes with her family to the cemetery. Suddenly, she finds herself separated from them. As Cala searches for her family, she encounters different ghostly riders on horses who help her confront her fears and the concept of death.
Comments: The illustrations were drawn in graphite.
Rating: 4.5/5 📗📗📗📗1/2
Details and buying options are on this book’s Amazon page.
Just What to Do
by Kyle Lukoff (Author), Hala Tahboub (Illustrator)
Summary: A young child strives to bring comfort to various friends, realizing that each one requires support in different ways. One friend, who has lost her grandmother, feels unsure about how to cope. Together, they explore ways to simply be present for each other.
Comments: This is a kind and gentle book that teaches how people grieve and how they need comforting in various ways.
Rating: 4/5 📗📗📗📗
Details and buying options are on this book’s Amazon page.
I Miss You Most
by Charlotte Cheng (Author), Xindi Yan (Illustrator)
Summary: A young girl recalls the many things she misses about her grandfather. Over time, she begins to remember differently, not sadly but reflectively, and realizes he is with her in many ways..
Comments:I found this comforting because it encourages someone to share memories of a loved one, helping a grieving person open up.
Rating: 4/5 📗📗📗📗
Details and buying options are on this book’s Amazon page.
Small Things Mended
by Casey W. Robinson (Author), Nancy Whitesides (Illustrator)
Summary: Cecil steps outside his house after hearing Lily, the little girl next door, playing in her yard. Suddenly, a watch flies out of her pocket and lands in his driveway. He manages to fix the watch and realizes how much he enjoys repairing things. Before long, several other children come to him with their broken toys and items that need fixing. Cecil also invites the neighbors over for lunch in his backyard. As a result, he starts feeling happy again.
Comments: The illustrations were created using gouache, crayons, pencils, and digital media.
The book does not explain Cecil’s melancholy forthrightly, but the empty house and empty chairs could indicate that he is now a widower.
Rating: 4.5/5 📗📗📗📗1/2
Details and buying options are on this book’s Amazon page.
Flora’s Wish
by Fiona Halliday (Author, Illustrator)
Summary: Flora, a little mouse, is friends with Lion, a dandelion. Flora appreciates how Lion makes her feel brave and safe. As Lion’s bright yellow blooms turn to silver, they float away in the wind. In the meantime, Flora finds comfort in a scarecrow, sleeping in its pocket until spring arrives, when everything is good again.
Comments: The illustrations beautifully enhance the story.
Rating: 4.5/5 📗📗📗📗1/2
Details and buying options are on this book’s Amazon page.
A Walk in the Woods
by Nikki Grimes (Author), Jerry Pinkney (Illustrator), Brian Pinkney (Illustrator)
Summary: A boy, whose father passed away a week ago, opens an envelope left for him. Inside, he finds a map of the woods they used to explore together. He decides to follow the path marked on the map, leading him to an old fireplace marked with an “X.” As he discovers this hidden spot, he finds comfort in what he unearths and realizes that his father is still close to him in spirit.
Comments: Beautifully illustrated with sketches and watercolors
Rating: 5/5 📗📗📗📗📗
Details and buying options are on this book’s Amazon page.
Remembering
by Xelena González (Author), Adriana M. Garcia (Illustrator)
Summary: A family honors their beloved dog on Día de Muertos by creating an altar for the deceased, which includes the dog’s collar, toys, sticks, a photo, and other items the dog enjoyed. The family also shares stories about their cherished pet.
Comments: This book was illustrated with acrylic paint.
The back pages provide additional information about the altar and offerings. The author and illustrator share their story of remembering pets.
Rating: 5/5 📗📗📗📗📗
Details and buying options are on this book’s Amazon page.
Willow
by Elisabeth Sophia (Author), Anita Bagdi (Illustrator)
Summary: This anthropomorphic story is about a tree creature standing by a lake going through all of the seasons with the insects and birds that consider her their home. A severe storm breaks her limbs and her soul. A flock of yellow birds helps rebuild her.
Comments: This is such a beautiful metaphor of grief and resilience. Teachers could ask how it feels when a storm comes into their lives. This would be a great book for SEL, exploring the healing process. I think it could also be shared as a way to explain how community (yellow birds) can help heal.
Rating: 4.5 📗📗📗📗1/2
Details and buying options are on this book’s Amazon page.
What Happens After?
by Diane Namm (Author), Laura Jäger (Illustrator)
Summary: How do we go on after the death of someone we love? This picture book provides answers that help young readers understand and relate to it. We may feel sad, mad, or alone. We still do the things that the deceased enjoyed and remember them in our own way.
Comments: This book is helpful for children who are grieving, as it helps them understand that their feelings are valid and guides them in moving forward without their loved one.
This would make a great addition to any library and could be shared by teachers, parents, and counselors.
Rating: 4/5 📗📗📗📗
Details and buying options are on this book’s Amazon page.
*I received a free copy of this book.
The Hole
by Lindsay Bonilla (Author), Brizida Magro (Illustrator)
Summary: A boy notices gaps in his home, in his parents, and within himself where his younger brother, Matty, used to fit. He realizes that other people also have these holes, as they, too, have lost someone. Eventually, he confronts his emptiness and delves into his emotions. His friend Nora asks if he would like to share memories about his brother, which helps him begin to feel better.
Comments: This would make a wonderful book to help students deal with grief.
I like how the boy can fill the hole with good memories of his brother.
The illustrations were created using watercolor washes, colored pencils, and paper collage, all assembled digitally.
Rating: 4/5 📗📗📗📗
Details and buying options are on this book’s Amazon page.
Under Anna’s Umbrella
by Amanda Driscoll (Author), Luisa Uribe (Illustrator)
Summary: Anna was attending her father’s funeral when it started pouring rain, but she felt safe under her large umbrella. Afterwards, she began carrying her open umbrella everywhere—both inside and outside. One day, she saw a boy getting soaked in the rain and invited him to seek shelter under her umbrella. How will Anna learn to walk in the sunlight again without her umbrella shading her?
Comments: The journey of grief that Anna experienced before she could walk in the sun again is a touching story that may help children.
The illustrations were created digitally.
Rating: 4/5 📗📗📗📗
Details and buying options are on this book’s Amazon page.
Mouseboat
by Larissa Theule (Author), Abigail Halpin (Illustrator)
Brief summary: A girl who has recently lost her mother goes on a trip to their lake house with her father. She misses her mother but can not find a connection until she takes out the mouse boat she and her mother built together. She can face her emotions.
Comments: The illustrator captured the mourning girl’s facial expressions and the sad tone of the house of grief with cool, darker colors. Well done.
I could follow the storyline with or without the text, which is an excellent picture book to me. I’d like to see more picture books with this duo. They complement each other well.
Rating: 5/5 📗📗📗📗📗
Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.
Missing Violet
by Kelly Swemba (Author), Fabiana Faiallo (Illustrator)
Brief summary: Mia has a best friend named Violet, with whom she plays and does activities at school. Her friend goes home sick and never returns. Mia works through her grief with a counselor. Her class does activities together to honor Violet.
Comments: This story provides a heartfelt exploration of coping with the sudden loss of a friend. It would be an excellent read-aloud choice for a classroom facing the unexpected passing of a classmate.
Rating: 4/5 📗📗📗📗
Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.
I’ll Say Goodbye
by Pam Zollman (Author), Frances Ives (Illustrator)
Summary: A young child shares the story of Uncle Mike and their time together at the beach. They discovered a hermit crab and decided to keep it as a pet. Uncle Mike was battling cancer and had to remain in the hospital. The child recalls how relatives came to visit, the funeral they attended, and their feelings of wondering where Uncle Mike is now.
Comments: This book was illustrated with mixed media.
Rating: 4/5 📗📗📗📗
Details and buying options are on this book’s Amazon page.
Goodbye, Bear
by Jane Chapman (Author, Illustrator)
Summary: Bear died on Friday. Beaver and Mole comfort each other by remembering their friend. At times, they are angry because Bear died. The forest animals come together to build a tree house in Bear’s remembrance.
Comments: This is a gentle and heartwarming book about friends coming together to honor a memory.
Rating: 4/5 📗📗📗📗
Details and buying options are on this book’s Amazon page.
The selected children’s books are chosen by a certified, retired elementary school librarian who passionately reads and recommends picture books to teachers, school librarians, parents, grandparents, and other book enthusiasts.
Most of the books Mrs. Ferraris recommends are checked out from the public library. The only exception is for the complimentary copies that she receives for an honest review, which are duly noted.
(The content below contains Amazon affiliate links. When you buy through these links, Mrs. Ferraris may earn an affiliate commission at no additional cost to you. These titles may be found on my Amazon Storefront under Abstract Concepts Picture Books– https://amzn.to/48NBD2O .)
❗This cumulative list grows over time, with the newest books always appearing at the top.❗
The Visit
by Núria Figueras (Author), Anna Font (Illustrator), Lawrence Schimel (Translator)
Summary: Little Fox’s mother needs to leave the den and tells her daughter not to open the door for anyone. There is a knock at the door. Silence walks in and soon fills the entire place. Little Fox begins to interact with Silence and concludes that the quietness isn’t so scary.
Comments: This is an allegorical picture book that is an excellent resource for SEL. It personifies silence–an abstract concept–to help kids understand that mindfulness and being alone are not scary.
I think this book could also be beneficial for discussing safety regarding opening the door to strangers despite Little Fox’s mother telling her not to. I would explain how this is a metaphor and not something we would do in real life.
Rating: 4/5 📗📗📗📗
Details and buying options are on this book’s Amazon page.
Together
by Laura Manaresi (Author), Giovanni Manna (Illustrator)
Summary: A lamb is determined to see its dream come true, even if it struggles to express it in words. It sets off on a journey and encounters other animals who share the same dream. Together, they unite their efforts to transform the dream into reality.
Comments: Young readers should focus on the watercolor illustrations to uncover the dreams that everyone aspires to create.
This gentle book fosters the spirit of collaboration, and guiding readers in the process of turning their dreams into achievable realities.
Rating: 3.5/5 📗📗📗1/2
Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.
*This book magically appeared in my mailbox, giving me a nice surprise on a rainy day.
How to Be Brave
by Karl Newson (Author), Clara Anganuzzi (Illustrator)
Summary: A young child encourages and explains that trying something new may be scary at times, but to not give up. There may be setbacks and take the moment to learn from them. Be brave and go forward.
Comments: The child is shown with various animals trying new things.
Optimistic advice and encouragement throughout.
The illustrations were done with pencil and watercolor and digitally colored.
Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.
Rating: 3/5 📗📗📗
Only: The Bird Who Liked Being Alone
by Airlie Anderson (Author)
Summary: In the tree, there are many birds that are loud and chatty. However, one bird named Only prefers to be quiet and spend time alone. The other birds feel sorry for Only and try to include them in their activities, but they end up overwhelming Only.
Only builds a quiet nest. The friends learn about the difference between quiet and loud, gaining a new understanding that some prefer solitude and are not lonely.
Comments: The illustrations were created using cut-paper collages, acrylics, and pencil crayons with some digital finishing.
Rating: 3.5/5 📗📗📗1/2
Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.
There is a companion book to Only titled Neither, a story promoting diversity.
Today
by Gabi Snyder (Author), Stephanie Graegin (Illustrator)
Summary: A young child looks forward to visiting Pop-Pop and cousins. The day has arrived with time that stretches out too long, like the drive to get there, while others go by quickly, such as the fireworks.
Comments: The book reminds young readers to be mindful of the present moment and notice what is happening to help create memories.
The back sections of the book are What is Mindfulness?, Appreciating the Here and Now, When You’re Temped to Fast-Forward, and When You’re Feeling Anxious or Worried.
The illustrations were created in Adobe Fresco, Adobe Photoshop, pencil, and watercolor.
Rating: 3.5/5 📗📗📗1/2
Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.
Hope is the Thing with Feathers
by Emily Dickinson (Author), Tim Hopgood (Illustrator)
Summary: Emily Dickinson’s “Hope is the Thing with Feathers” remains a timeless masterpiece, as it skillfully employs the metaphor of a bird to represent hope.
A brown bird flies across the city, singing and catching the attention of the people below, who smile.
Comments: This would be a poem(and possibly others) the teacher could read aloud while the students drew their interpretation of the words.
The illustrations were hand-drawn using chalk, pencil, and ink and digitally collaged and colored.
Rating: 4/5 📗📗📗📗
Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.
Some Days Are Yellow
by Suzanne Slade (Author) and Michelle Lee (Illustrator)
Summary: There are yellow days that are vibrant and full of positivity, while there are also blue days that seem to be negative and full of disappointment.
Comments: This rhyming picture book portrays several children in different situations, experiencing various types of days. It serves as a reminder that life comes with its fair share of ups and downs, but one thing is for sure – tomorrow is a new day to start afresh.
I think this would be a good book to share with students as a reminder that life is unpredictable.
The abstract idea of yellow and blue days becomes more concrete with examples in vignettes and single- and double-spaced illustrations.
Rating: 3.5/5 📗📗📗1/2
Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.
Here and There
by Thea Lu (Author)
Summary: Dan lives in a small coastal town and owns a cafe where he enjoys welcoming visitors. He prefers staying “here” but wonders what it is like in other places.
Aki travels from place to place and is a sailor who likes to visit and meet new people. He likes to go “there” but has never had a place that he would consider home.
One day, Aki visits Dan’s cafe and enjoys a meal with the many other travelers.
Comments: Although these two men lead parallel lives, they share some commonalities. They both experience feelings of loneliness at times, but upon reflection, they acknowledge the numerous people they have met over the years. This realization helps them to feel less isolated and disconnected from others.
Ink, colored pencil, and collage were used to create the illustrations with a double fold-out page in the back.
Rating: 4.5/5 📗📗📗📗1/2
Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.
*Here and There was sent to me as a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.
All About Nothing (All About Noticing)
by Elizabeth Rusch (Author), Elizabeth Goss (Illustrator)
Summary: Nothing can be so many things around us. Negative space. Nothing can also be something. Young readers will see that nothing can be where ideas come from or just something relaxing. It is all around us.
Comments: Two back sections are About Negative Space and More About Nothing.
Rating: 3/5 📗📗📗
Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.
A Is for Ambitious
by Meena Harris (Author), Marissa Valdez (Illustrator)
Summary: ABCs of descriptive words of empowerment. Aimed towards girls. A “stand up and go for what you believe in” type of book. Inspirationally driven.
Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.
Someday, Maybe
by Diana Murray (Author), Jessica Gibson (Illustrator)
Summary: Children daydream about what future jobs they will have, inventions they will create, and lives they will have when they grow up.
Comments: The back pages talk about some future possibilities.
Rating: 3/5 📗📗📗
Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.
Bear Is Never Alone
by Marc Veerkamp (Author), Jeska Verstegen (Illustrator), Laura Watkinson (Translator)
Brief summary: Bear plays the piano in the forest and comes to his last song, ready for a break. The animals around him start to shout for him to play more. He just wants to be alone, but the animals chase him, demanding for Bear to play more. Will Bear ever be alone?
Rating: 3.5/5 📗📗📗1/2
Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.
Twenty Questions
by Mac Barnett (Author), Christian Robinson (Illustrator)
Summary: There are many questions with many types of answers. Some questions have a simple solution, while others have a profound explanation. Some questions have no one exact answer or even an answer at all. Some may come with emotions.
Rating: 3/5 📗📗📗
Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.
Stanley’s Secret
by John Sullivan (Author), Zach Manbeck (Illustrator)
Summary: Stanley is a shy and quiet boy. He helped the janitor and would tap dance as he swept. One day the principal saw him and encouraged the boy to sign up for the talent show where he could share his gift with others. Will Stanley be able to get over his shyness?
Rating: 3/5 📗📗📗
Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.
Sometimes: A Day Full of Feelings
by Stephanie Stansbie (Author), Elisa Paganelli (Illustrator)
Brief summary: A brother and sister experience everyday feelings that come and go. They learn to recognize their feelings in different situations, realize that another one will come along, and learn how to move through that one too. Emotions are everyday occurrences.
Comments: There is a back page of encouragement to help young readers to get through more difficult feelings.
Rating: 3/5 📗📗📗
Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.
The Bright Side
by Chad Otis (Author, Illustrator)
Brief summary: A boy shares that his family lives in an old school bus until they get a house again. It was hard to leave his friends. His parents encourage him to look on the bright side of things. He gets to take showers outside. Have pizza toast with bread and ketchup. He learns to use his imagination to create something he does not have.
He is nervous about attending a school where everyone knows each other and the routine. Will he learn how to fit in with everyone else?
Comments: The author shares that he did live on a school bus for four years and did not go to school until he was in third grade. I thank him for sharing his story of houselessness.
This book could be shared to help others understand those in poverty and, hopefully, develop empathy and understanding. Written in a way that a child could understand.
Rating: 4/5 📗📗📗📗
Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.
Sometimes It’s Nice to Be Alone
by Amy Hest (Author), Philip C. Stead (Illustrator)
Summary: A young girl enjoys time being alone but can also enjoy a friend’s company. She can sit in solitude eating a cookie but finds it pleasant when a friend visits and eats a cookie with her.
Comments: This comforting book made being alone (not lonely) enjoyable. Having a friend visit was not nerve-racking but a time to share and enjoy the company.
Rating: 3/5 📗📗📗
Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.
Wallflowers
by Mackenzie Joy (Author, Illustrator)
Brief summary: Shy and quiet children who would rather observe and not be in the spotlight are given encouragement to be themselves. They may like to be heard at times, but not in an extroverted way.
Comments: This book celebrates introverts and does not try to change them from being wallflowers but instead bloom with their emotions.
The illustrations are drawn with them looking like the background.
Rating: 3/5 📗📗📗
Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.
Billie and Bean at the Beach
by Julia Hansson (Author), B.J. Woodstein (Translator)
Brief summary: Billie and her dog, Bean, go to the beach. Bean enjoys running around and playing in the sand, while Billie just wants to rest in the umbrella’s shade. Her mother encourages Billie to take a swim, and the girl is stung. After her mother comforts and calms Billie’s emotions, the little girl decides to try the water again with the help of a gift Bean has dug up. The girl enjoys the underwater silence and fish. Billie dives towards the bottom and finds something shiny that makes her resilience worth returning to the sea.
Comments: Will we find out what it is in a sequel? What an excellent discussion to have with the class.
This is a Swedish translation.
Rating: 4/5 📗📗📗📗
Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.
Mouseboat
by Larissa Theule (Author), Abigail Halpin (Illustrator)
Brief summary: A girl who has recently lost her mother goes on a trip to their lake house with her father. She misses her mother but can not find a connection until she takes out the mouse boat she and her mother built together. She can face her emotions.
Comments: The illustrator caught the facial expressions of a mourning girl and the sad tone in the house of grief with cool and darker colors. Well done.
I could follow the storyline with or without the text, which is an excellent picture book to me. I’d like to see more picture books with this duo. They complement each other well.
Rating: 5/5 📗📗📗📗📗
Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.
The Noise Inside Boys: A Story About Big Feelings
by Pete Oswald (Author)
Brief summary: Brothers yell how they feel while playing outside on the beach. One boy is encouraged by his father to take a moment and experience the feeling and name it. Be aware of your emotions and name them to understand them. He is told that a feeling will come and go.
Rating: 3/5 📗📗📗
Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.
You Are Loved: A Book About Families
by Margaret O’Hair (Author), Sofia Sanchez (Author), Sofia Cardoso (Illustrator)
Brief summary: Young readers are talked to by Sofia Sanchez, who explains that a child is loved by many people but most of all by one’s family. There are many different types of families. Sometimes a family is not perfect. There are arguments, sadness, anger, and other emotions. But a family makes up and continues loving one another.
Comments: This is an optimistic book with brightly colored illustrations of all cultures, ages, races, etc. Readers will be able to see and understand that there are families unlike theirs but still have shared love for one another.
Rating: 3.5/5 📗📗📗 1/2
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Children’s book titles are carefully handpicked by a certified elementary school librarian who, although retired, still enjoys reading children’s books, especially picture books, and recommending them to busy teachers, school librarians, parents, grandparents, and other book lovers.
Most of the books Mrs. Ferraris reads before recommending are checked out from the public library, except for those much-appreciated complimentary copies sent to her for an honest review. Those are noted.
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