“Let’s read it again.” Those are the daily sentiments of my 2 1/2 year old. He loves to read…and I love that about him. Admittedly, there are times when I really wish we could read something different. But connections are being made. So I read him that book again and again to his heart’s content. If you knew…if you really knew what 20 minutes a day could do for your child…you’d never miss a day.
This week, I am starting a new little series called “Read to Me.” Every day this week, I’ll feature a different book (or set of books). My son tends to gravitate to the same handful of books every day. But that doesn’t mean that I stop introducing new books. The opposite is true.
This week, we’re reading three titles from Hammond Publishing. Last spring, the company who is well-known for publishing maps, atlases, and reference materials, launched illustrated nonfiction trade books and story books for adults and children. Here is a bit more information about their children’s books, from the site:
Masterfully crafted to capture a child’s imagination, Hammond’s children’s books blends eloquent text with rich themes of self-awareness, the importance of personal choices and a better sense of place in this world. From love to friendship, royalty to every-day life, Hammond’s children’s books are sure to empower, entertain and inform all of our young readers.
Farewell Sadness, by Roxane Marie Galliez, “details a young boy’s journey to overcome sadness. With a little help from a friend, he not only finds real happiness, but also the inner strength to fend off future sadness.” Lately, our little boy has been expressing his emotions verbally. He’ll tell me “I’m so mad,” when he doesn’t get something he wants…or “I’m sad…I’m crying” when he doesn’t want to take a nap. This book is actually very appropriate for where we’re at right now. My son is adjusting to having a new baby sister. I think this book came at just the right time for us. The illustrations are vivid and appealing and the illustrator is “known for her imaginative illustrations blending drawing with collage.” While the subject of sadness can be very deep, it’s presented in a way that children can understand. The author conveys themes of personal growth and self-awareness. While I do think the book is a bit old for my son, it’s a great way to initiate conversation about such matters.
The Earth Has Caught a Cold, by Roxanne Marie Gallez, addresses environmental issues. As a “green” mom, I strive to reduce my carbon footprint and am teaching my son to do the same. “This poignant tale teaches children about responsibility and about being aware of their world and their place in it.” The book begins on a somewhat somber note. However, I think that comparing global warming to an illness, is an ingenious way of presenting an otherwise complicated topic to children in a meaningful way. One little boy in the book, cares enough to do something. This is important because it emphasizes the concept that each one of us can take important steps to preserve our environment. The book ends on a positive, hopeful note.
In Search of Happiness, by Juliette Saumande, follows a young boy’s journey to find the Land of Happiness. The story is reminiscent of a modern day fairytale and the message is one adults and children will take to heart. “With a wise bird as his guide, [the young boy] travels to very different lands, and each one seems better than the last, with praise and magic gifts offered to him at every stop.” What he realizes is that happiness is accomplished, rather than found. The book is filled with amazing illustrations from world-renowned children’s illustrator Eric Puybaret (Puff, the Magic Dragon). This is a book I’ll save for my son when he gets older, since it deals with more complex topics.
Hammond Publishing offers a wide selection of affordable children’s books with relevant messages and attractive illustrations. You can purchase them directly from the site or on Amazon.
I did not receive compensation for this post. The books were provided to faciliate this review.
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