Book of the Month: Milo Imagines the World

 

Milo Imagines the World by Matt de la Pena is my Book of the Month pick for so many reasons. Very well-thought-out, this powerful picture book has a much needed message, a surprising twist, and is a thought-provoking read for young and old. Not to mention the great illustrations by Christian Robinson. 

Summary: While Milo and his sister travel to a detention center to visit their incarcerated mother, he observes strangers on the subway and draws what he imagines their lives to be. 

Ages: 4-8 years

"Maybe you can't really know anyone just by looking at their face."

This is what you get when you combine the works of a Newbery Medal winner and Caldecott Honor author with an award-winning New York Times bestseller. Perfection. 

This book is touching and is a lesson for everyone to be learned. That you don't assume and judge someone by the way they look and that we don't know everyone's story and what they are going through. 

From Milo's perspective it proves that even adults can learn from children when in the story, Milo realizes that his assumptions of people he sees on his subway ride could be wrong. He wonders what others may perceive of him and we get yet another lesson. And our smart Milo also realizes that maybe his sister might be having a hard time like him and gives her a break when she gets upset at him. 

Acceptance, forgiveness, and non-judgmental behavior are just some of the lessons in this book. I cannot commend this book enough!

Book of the Month: Laxmi's Mooch

 

This is probably one of the only if not the only picture book that addresses facial hair on little girls. Laxmi's Mooch by Shelly Anand is a book that needed to be written. Well-written and thought out, this book is the book for any girl who is embarrassed about the way they look and needs some confidence and self-acceptance. 

Summary: After Laxmi's friend Zoe points out the hairs on her lip, Laxmi is very self-conscious until her East Indian parents help her to accept and celebrate her appearance. 

Ages: 4-8

"'But, Mummy, I thought mooches were just for boys, like Papa.' 'Nahi! You know, we come from a long line of women with moochay," said Mummy. 'We do? Like who?' 'From Mughal empresses and stately ranis to village girls and city girls. Even your nani and cousin Radha. 'Everyone has a mooch, really.'"

Author Anand incorporates Indian culture with a great, encouraging message that shows that everyone has something they feel self-conscious about and it's best to embrace who you are. This is a great book to read to children for body positivity on a topic that isn't usually addressed--body hair.   

Book of the Month: Unicorn Day

Unicorn Day by Diana Murray, illustrated by Luke Flowers, is such a cute, fun book with the message of acceptance. Of course, I also love how this book rhymes perfectly!

Summary: The unicorns are celebrating their favorite day of the year, complete with rainbows, cupcakes, butterflies, and all sorts of joyful things. But when it's revealed there's an impostor in their midst, the party comes to a screeching halt...

Ages: 4-8 years 

"Sunshine, flowers, fairy wings, today's a day for joyful things! Neigh, neigh, neigh! Dance and play! Happy, happy Unicorn Day!"

This book has it all! Vibrant, beautiful illustrations, rhyming, fun, and a lesson. Any unicorn lover will enjoy reading this picture book! A message of acceptance is inter-woven in the book that is important and can be applied to your child's life as a reminder to friendly welcome others and an understanding to include everyone. This was such a cute one!

Book of the Month: Rock What Ya Got

With a catchy title and good message, I chose Rock What Ya Got by Samantha Berger to be December's Book of the Month. I liked how Viva didn't want to change despite her artist's thoughts at the beginning of the book. The rhyming text also made this book extra cute.

Summary: A child reminds everyone to embrace their own special something in this joyful expression of self-love. When a drawing of a little girl comes to life, she boldly declares that she doesn't want to be erased, or put into a picture that doesn't feel like her true self. Instead, she decides to speak up in a powerful way. 

 Ages: 4-7 years

"Rock what ya got and rock it a lot. Look at what is, not what is not! Find what is yours, and carve out your spot. Take it and own it and rock it-a lot!"

Messages of acceptance are always great for picture books and I thought this was creatively throughout using the perspective of a drawing and her artist. I could see using this book for a one-on-one discussion with a child about their self-esteem and it would also be beneficial for those little artists who tend to overly judge their work.