Do you need some feel good stories? These books are positive, hopeful, and have a modern take on subjects. Each one ranges in the best age for it, but most ages five and up will be fine.
Chirp!: Chipmunk Sings for a Friend by Jamie A. Swenson This book is a simple story: a little chipmunk is alone and keeps singing for a friend. Scott Magoon illustrates the clever gem of finding the perfect note of friendship. The colors are simple, light without being muted. The feeling of the book is positive, modern, and even a hint of classic.
Sunny-Side Up by Jacky Davis This picture book shows how a little girl can make the best of a gray, dripping kind of day. The illustrators are minimalistic, not simplistic, but still give you the whole picture of what is going on. This is a “day in the life” of a child who is imaginative. Fiona Woodcock uses color and lines to compliment the text.
We Are Better Together by Bill McKibben I might have read/reviewed this book before. However, even if I have, I noticed how bright the illustrations of Stevie Lewis are. They are bold, busy, crowded, but still portray the message of community and environmentalism. This book is obvious with its theme, but not to the extent of being “pushy rude.” It is lush, rich, colorfully presented story.
Let’s Do Everything and Nothing by Julia Kuo is richly illustrated and written by Kuo. The publisher description says caregiver and child, but it acts as a parent or even an aunt that enjoy the special times. In an almost a lullaby format, the beauty of things we can do with each other, show each other, experience with each other comes to life.
