Many recent picture book publications have been written to tap into the inquiring minds of young people to help them consider their identities, their place in the world and their relationships with others. Simple texts. Strong messages.
I am offering the following titles, with excerpts from the texts, to help us consider the need for literature to raise questions, to answer questions, to provide comfort and to build compassionate understanding.
WHY AM I ME? Paige Britt, Sean Qualls and Selina Alko
Why am I me…
… and not you?
ONCE IN A BLUE MOON by Danielle Daniel
Once in a blue moon,
skipping in the sun,
I see not one but two rainbows
painted across the sky.
QUESTIONS ASKED by Jostein Gaarder; illus Akin Duzakin, trans. from the Norwegian
How do I talk?
How do I find the exact words I need from all the words in my head?
Can I be sure that all my memories really happened?
WHAT COLOR IS THE WIND by Anne Herbauts
The little giant passes through the town.
What color is the wind?
The color of curtains, laundry, clothes…
But the window disagrees.
It is the color of time.
LOVELY by Jess Hong
Lovely is you.
Lovely is me.
We are all…
Lovely
MOST PEOPLE by Michael Leannah; Illus. Jennifer Morris
Most people want to make other people – even strangers – feel good.
Most people are very good people.
Some people do bad things.
IMAGINE by John Lennon; Illus. Jean Jullien
You may say I’m a dreamer,
but I’m not the only one.
I hope some day you’ll join us,
and the world will be as one.
LOVE THE WORLD by Todd Parr
Love making art.
Love sharing your heart.
Love yourself.
Love the World.
TEACUP by Rebecca Young
Once there was a boy who had to leave his home… and find another.
In his bag, he carried a book, a bottle and a blanket.
In his teacup he held some earth from where he used to play.
SHOUT OUT
HER RIGHT FOOT
by Dave Eggers; Art by Shawn Harris
A fine specimen of nonfiction text.
A sublime tribute to the Statue of Liberty.
A powerful message of acceptance.
“This 150 woman is on the go.”
“Give me your tired. Your poor. Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free.”