Disclosure: I was sent copies of these books in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Do you know a kid who is anxious or a bit of a scaredy cat? Or perhaps you know a kid who is an introvert. He or she needs time alone to recharge and get energy. My wonderful daughter is both of these. Today I am going to share two new picture books that are perfect for these type of kids. We will start with the one for kids who are easily scared. I know Hazel was scared when she saw other kids breaking a rule. Yes, I sometimes had to turn the tv off when watching Caillou or Curious George because their breaking a rule got her all worked up. She is very empathetic but it also made her very anxious and scared. This first book has a character like her. It is Do Not Go In There! by Ariel Horn and illustrated by Izzy Burton.
This book is recommended for ages 3 to 6 and just came out on the 14th of July. In this book you have two characters: Morton and Bogart. They are best friends but do not always see eye to eye. Bogart is like Hazel, scared of everything. Morton on the other hand sees the possibilities in everything. When they see a door Morton wants to open it. Bogart however doesn't want to go near the door or to have Morton even touch the door. Bogart shares the scary things that could be on the other side. Morton shares the amazing things that could be on the other side. Morton has to share ideas that will hopefully help Bogart take a chance.
I love that the two friends are so different and look at a door so differently. Neither is better or worse it is just different. I think the two friends are how so many kids and friendship is. For older kids it is also a good example of peer pressure. Morton uses his fun ideas to try to talk Bogart into going through the door with him. What do you think is on the other side of the door?
Our next book is A Little Space for Me by Jennifer Gray Olson. It is recommended for ages 3 to 6 as well and was released yesterday (28th of July). This book is great for the kids who want some space to themselves or are introverts. This book is about a girl who feels crowded in her life. She has a large family in a small home and it is loud. She just wants some peace and quiet and her own space. Even on the school bus or at school there are too many people and too much noise. So she starts to take a little space. In this book taking space is literally taking a piece of outer space. She keeps adding to her space until she has as much as she needs and then she realizes she wants people in her space again.
I love how this book is about needing space. There are so many kids who need some space every once and awhile. The images are wonderful with the use of outer space. I love that it gives kids permission to take space when needed. Plus it is great for those kids whose parents or friends may need some space. It is a fun book that explains the needs for downtime and alone time.
I hope you will check out these two books. There are many great lessons in each one.
