Turn the Page

How many times have you read the same children’s book again and again and again? How often do you stop and actually listen to the words, the message, and the feel of the book? Admittedly, I’m a full-fledged “book nerd.” I read every single day. Not just my emails, texts, and Twin Cities Moms Blog. 🙂 Books. I read real paper books, for my enjoyment, every single day. Since reading is basically one of my love languages, I knew I wanted to do what I could to encourage my children to find their own love of the written word. While they are only two and four years old and cannot read yet themselves, for them, “reading” is equated to snuggle time, seeing color images splashed across a page and the occasional silly voice from their mom.

I was that mom who would read aloud during maternity leave. I wanted a way to read (for me) and interact with my baby (for them). Figured it was a win-win. That is, until I was reading aloud In a Dark, Dark Wood by Ruth Ware, for example. There were definitely no Velveteen Rabbits or Little Blue Trucks in that storyline so I changed my course. I digress, but to show you just how much I love reading.

While it can be annoying (there, I said it! I know you were all thinking it) to read the same story time and time again, those little minds are soaking it all up. I decided I was going to reframe my thinking about this repetitive story reading cadence. During our nightly bedtime routine, I read two books (three if I’m being played a fool by my two-year old Boss Lady) to each child in their bed. It’s a very grounding time for all of us. It’s one-on-one time I get to spend with each kid before they snuggle in for the night. I savor this reading time with them and hope it lasts for a very long time.

I’ve rounded up a few of our household favorites. In case you’re looking for a new book to read to your little over and over and over again. In case you’re looking for encouragement or laughter or love. In case you’re also a lover of the written word and can’t wait to snuggle your own little one tonight with a book in hand.

I Love You Stinky Face by Lisa Mccourt

This is a classic in our house. The main character is a child who seems to have some potential separation anxiety. Obviously this is fiction because that never happens to children in real life! I used the sarcastic font there. Did you notice? The mom in this story gets a gold star for her level-headed and calm answers to her child’s imaginative worries.

“But Mama, but Mama, what is I were a super smelly skunk, and I smelled so bad that my name was stinky face?”.

“Then I would give you a bath and sprinkle you with sweet-smelling powder. And if you still smelled bad, I wouldn’t mind, and I would hug you tight and whisper in your ear, ‘I love you stinky face’.”

Read this if you’re looking for a story about a mother’s love, assuaging separation anxieties, real or imaginary, and the chance to call your own offspring “stinky face.”

Grumpy Monkey by Suzanne Lang

The title says it all here. This book is about a grumpy monkey. Cool story huh? While the title and storyline seems straight forward, there is a lot more packed into the pages of this book. Jim Panzee spends the day swinging around the jungle, seemingly annoyed that his animal friends relentlessly try and cheer him up. Spoiler alert: Jim and his best pal Norman realize that it’s actually okay to feel grumpy sometimes. And that sometimes you just need to sit in your feelings. In a world of Instagramable moments, this book is a refreshing read for kids and adults alike.

“It’s a wonderful day to be grumpy,” said Norman.

Jim agreed.

Read this if you’re looking for a story about emotions, the pressure to be “happy” all the time, and friends who will sit with you in your feelings, no matter what they are.

The Three Ninja Pigs by Corey Rosen Schwartz

The twist to this timeless classic of The Three Little Pigs involves a heavy dose of girl power and a lesson in hard work. The catchy rhymes in this story will have you rapping them on repeat long after you close this book. The gist is that pigs one and two lack the drive to truly spend time training as they should. The big bad wolf intimidates them both and they go running to their sister’s place, pig three. Pig three saves the day due to her dedicated training and self-confidence.

For months, she’d persisted in earnest until she had paid all her dues. How happy she felt when she earned her last belt. “I’ll make that wolf shake in his shoes!”.

Read this if you’re looking for a story about self-discipline and the rewards thereafter. Oh and a hilarious twist on a classic story.

Pete the Cat: I Love My White Shoes by Eric Litwin

Talk about a cool cat. Pete seriously is the role model for rolling with the punches. Throughout his day he just keeps getting hit with misfortune after frustration after disappointment. All the while, he remains upbeat and doesn’t let external happenings ruin his mood or his day.

Did Pete cry? Goodness no! He kept walking along and singing his song.

Read this if you want an upbeat, cheery book and a feline who models resiliency and positivity!

Even Super Heroes Sleep by Georgia Rucker and DC Comics

This title says it all. Kids love super heroes. If they learn that super heroes sleep, then they too, will sleep. Done and done. *Disclaimer: I have no actual evidence or research on the whole super hero sleeping theory, but it seems logical, no?

Wonder Woman uses a lot of energy fighting villains. All of that running, jumping, and throwing make her very tired. Goodnight, Wonder Woman.

I encourage you to give one of these books a try. And while you’re at it, try and find the message, hilarity, or general glow from your family’s books on repeat. Chances are, our little ones are reaching for these favorites for a reason.

And just so we’re clear, don’t say I didn’t warn you when you find yourself reading them over and over and over again. At least know you’re not alone and I’m there, reading right along with you. Cheers to finding your next page-turner, snuggle-inducing, family classic.