Social and emotional skills are some of the most important things a young child can learn. The following books cover self-expression, self-belief, understanding your moods, making friends, and learning to be brave.
EARNEST SANDPIPER’S GREAT ASCENT, by Timothy Basil Ering, Candlewick, May 7, 2024, Hardcover, $18.99 (ages 3-7)
The time has come for three young sandpipers to soar, but Earnest seems tied to the ground. He has wings and tail feathers just like his brother and sister; what makes him so afraid? Magic will happen, Mom promises, when he’s ready. But no matter how much she and Dad coach him or his siblings cheer him on, Earnest’s efforts only lead him into danger. Perhaps, with his family’s support and a little trust in himself, they’ll lead him out again. —Synopsis provided by Candlewick
Earnest Sandpiper’s Great Ascent is a charming tale of a bird that’s not quite as ready to take the next big leap as his siblings. His mother’s reassuring words, “We all find our strength at different times,” is something that all kids could benefit from hearing. Author/illustrator Timothy Basil Ering’s story is heartwarming, and his charcoal, ink and acrylic paint artwork is beautiful. Children will love Earnest’s journey.
TERRIBLE HORSES: A STORY OF SIBLING CONFLICT AND COMPANIONSHIP, by Raymond Antrobus and Ken Wilson-Max, Candlewick, May 7, 2024, Hardcover, $18.99 (ages 3-7)
My sister is cooler than me.
I want her friends to be my friends.
I want her things to be my things.
For one little boy and his older sister, fights are always waiting to happen—when he takes something without asking, jumps on her bed without asking, even wanders off without asking. And when they fight, they don’t use words: it’s all push, pull, hurt, hide. To cool off after, the boy retreats to his room to write and draw stories—stories about terrible horses trampling and galloping, while he is a lone pony unable to compete or speak or sleep. One morning, the boy wakes up to find his sketchbook missing, taken by his sister. What now? Will this make things worse, or could it help them to finally understand each other? —Synopsis provided by Candlewick
Terrible Horses is a story anyone with a sibling can relate to. The boy learns to use art and creativity as an outlet for his anger, and by doing so, he helps his sister do the same. This is an excellent exploration of conflict and ways to overcome it.
GRAY, by Laura Dockrill and Lauren Child, Candlewick, May 7, 2024, Hardcover, $18.99 (ages 3-7)
Today I feel gray.
But that’s OK.
Some days you may feel sunshine yellow or orange-balloon bright. Other days you’re gray, or even night-sky black—like a dark scribble on a page, a storm in the clouds, or a puddle in the road. Gray is when you don’t feel like yourself, or like you don’t belong. But however you feel, there are big hugs (red) and loving lullabies (blue) waiting, and even the grayest sidewalk is a canvas for you to fill with the colors you choose. —Synopsis provided by Candlewick
Gray is an exploration of feelings through color. Simple, accessible text is combined with bold art and thoughtful die-cuts, creating a clear understanding of basic feelings. Supportive language acknowledges sadness while assuring children that they are loved.
JUST LIKE MILLIE, by Lauren Castillo, Candlewick, March 27, 2024, Hardcover, $17.99 (ages 3-7)
A young girl and her mother move to an apartment in a new city. Despite her mother’s efforts to take her out, the girl would rather play by herself in their cozy home—she feels just fine on her own. Introductions to children her age have her hiding behind her mother’s legs, and invitations to group activities have her in tears. That is, until she meets Millie, a rescue dog who is not too big, not too small, and kisses her arm when the girl nervously reaches out. With Millie, saying hello to new people isn’t so scary . . . and maybe making a friend isn’t either. —Synopsis provided by Candlewick
There are a lot of things to love about Just Like Mille. One of my favorite elements is the girl’s mom allowing her to take things at her own speed. Just Like Millie is like a warm hug. From Lauren Castillo’s gentle and honest prose to her soft and inviting illustrations, this book is one that children, especially shy ones, will immediately feel at home with.
Copyright © 2024 Cracking the Cover. Unless otherwise noted, all books — digital and physical — have been provided by publishers in exchange for honest and unbiased reviews. All thoughts and opinions are those of the reviewer.
