The Little Bit SCARY People

Jenkins, E. (2008). The little bit scary people. Boiger, A. New York, NY: Hyperion Books for Children. 

Genre: Children’s Picture Storybook (Multicultural) 

A young girl comes across some “scary” people throughout her day. A cranky bus driver, a teen kicking a trash can, and other “scary” people are displayed expressing some kind of emotion but then the young girl shares that if we knew what they played with their children, or loved music, or other things about them, we would know that MOST people are not scary. The young girl knows this because some might say her dad and sister are scary but she knows they are not.

Reaction: LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this story. Not only does this incredible story offer a message that challenges prejudice and encourages understanding of others, it also promotes diversity and confronts stereotypes. For example, a male nurse, an African-American female principal, a female bus driver, a teenage girl playing football, and more. The illustrations are lovely and capture emotion through facial expressions, body language, and color.

My Friend is Sad

Willems, M. (2007). My friend is sad. New York, NY: Disney-Hyperion.

Genre: Children’s Early Reader

Gerald is sad. Piggie dresses up as fun characters to cheer him up...will it be enough to make Gerald happy?

My Friend is Sad by Mo Willems is a great example of a children’s book that could be used to assist an adult in discussing feelings of sadness with a child. The book’s characters (Gerald, a sensitive elephant and Piggie, a dramatic pig) accurately capture the thoughts and feelings of young children. This accurate perspective presents children with an opportunity to more easily express their own thoughts and feelings about sadness (and other emotions). Additionally, this story shares how it feels when others around us are sad. The emphasized lines in the illustrations and simple, easy-to-read text makes this a go-to book for emerging readers.

Mama Do You Love Me?

Mama Do You Love Me?

Joosse, B. (1991). Mama, Do You Love Me? Lavallee, B. San Francisco, CA: Chronicle Books. 

Genre: Children’s Picture Storybook, Multicultural 

Through questioning, a young girl seeks reassurance that her Mama will love her no matter what she does. Mama provides this reassurance and shares the emotions she would feel if her daughter demonstrated the acts in her questions. For example, if the little girl turns into a large animal, Mama would be frightened but would still love her daughter forever.

The illustrations exhibit great examples of body language and tone. On one scene, Mama is angry and her body appears boxed and looms over the small girl but when Mama is expressing her love, she is shaped more roundly and embracing her daughter.  The cultural tie-ins are charming and reminds readers that love is universal. Great book!