The Picture Book Antidote

"What the world needs now is love, sweet love. No not just for some but for everyone."
​- Hal David

The election rocked me. It took a few days to work through my feelings and emotions, and during that time I turned to music and picture books. In addition to the song above, I listened to Alicia Keys' Holy War at least a dozen times a day.

Then I turned to social media and appreciated the KidLit community's response - the obligation to create. Create books that teach empathy and tolerance and respect. Books that celebrate our differences and diverse cultures. Books that give children a voice and confidence and hope. Books that instill a love of learning and appreciation for literature. ​Books that heal.  ​

And so, I turned to picture books. Here are some favorites my daughter and I read. 

​Those Shoes by Maribeth Boelts
This was my two year old's favorite. It encourages discussion about wants vs. needs, jealousy, compassion, and kindness. 

One Family by George Shannon
Counting, categorical grouping, and beautiful illustrations by Blanca Gomez make this book appropriate for a wide audience. This book celebrates all types of families and the differences that unite us.

The Smallest Girl in the Smallest Grade by Justin Roberts
Fans of illustrator Christian Robinson (Last Stop on Market Street) will love this one. The observant little girl reminded me of my daughter,  who enjoyed the rhyming text. I loved the language and beautiful imagery evoked. I would use this book to teach treating others with kindness and respect, observation and appreciating everyday beauty, and taking a stand. ​

The Robot and the Bluebird by David Lucas
This beautiful story evokes strong emotion. It has kindness, love, joy, and death as the Robot gives all of himself to help his new friend survive the cold winter. 

​The Night Gardener by the Fan Brothers
A mysterious stranger and his topiary unite a community in this beautiful book. I love the way the artist uses color to show the gradual building of community. 

The Water Princess by Susan Verde
This inspiring, poetic story is based on the childhood of model Georgie Badiel. It encourages discussion about cultural differences, perserverence, and making change, not to mention female leadership! And it was toddler approved!

The Journey by Francesca Sanna
Amazing artwork and incredible story of migration and hope. An excellent book to discuss compassion. Not quite appropriate for my two-year old...yet. 

And after nourishing my soul with books of hope, compassion, tolerance, respect, love, and kindness, I took to pen and paper, and I wrote. 

Check out these additional resources for more books that teach empathy and kindness.  

• Picture Book Den: http://picturebookden.blogspot.co.uk/2016/11/love-loud-love-louder-love-loudest-weve.html
• Waking Brain Cells: Great Picture Books on Compassion
• Book Riot: Picture Books that Promote Empathy and Respect
• Pernilles Ripp: Great Picture Books to Teach Theme

"Maybe we should love somebody. Oh, maybe we can care a little more..."
​- Alicia Keys