The Way the Storm Stops by Michelle Meadows

Illustrated by Rosanne Litzinger. 32 pages. Holt, 2003.

A girl watches as it starts to rain, and as it rains harder and harder and thunder and lightning begin. This frightens the girl, who curls up under her covers. But Mommy comes and scoops her up, rocking her under a cozy blanket, and she can feel safe again. The storm begins to fade, and the girl can go to sleep. With its creative use of sounds and rhythm, this story reassures children about seeking comfort from a parent when they're scared.

Ages: 2-5
Cultural Context: African American

All the Colors of the Earth by Sheila Hamanaka

32 p., Morrow, 1994.

This poetically worded book celebrates the many colors that children come in, and the many textures their hair can have. According to the author, like children, love comes in many colors. This book promotes acceptance and appreciation of diversity among people.

Ages: 3-7
Cultural Context: multicultural

Mama, I'll Give You the World by Roni Schotter

Illustrated by S. Saelig Gallagher. 34 pages. Schwartz & Wade, 2006.

When a child can count on a parent's empathy and care, they can give each other the world. Luisa's single mother works hard as a hair stylist to save money for Luisa's college education - a way to give Luisa the world. Luisa comes to the salon after school and does her homework, and then entertains herself while Mama works. Mama seems sad in ways that Luisa is too young to understand. Luisa gives her mother a surprise birthday party that helps Mama to reconnect with her capacity for joy - and in doing this, she has given Mama the world. Using Luisa as an example, children will understand that their love is truly meaningful to people close to them.

Ages: 4-8
Cultural Context: multicultural

No, David! by David Shannon

32 pages. Scholastic, 1998.

Rambunctious children often feel that their parents always seem to be saying No to them. In this story, David tracks mud across the living room floor, runs down the street naked, plays elaborately with his food, picks his nose, and plays baseball in the living room. Each time, his mom tells him No! But on the last page, she hugs him and tells him that she loves him. This book might help kids understand that their parents don't stop loving them when they say No. On a more subtle level, it might also help children separate their inappropriate behavior from who they are as individuals, which allows them to change their behavior and still be themselves.

Ages: 2-6
Cultural Context: European American
 

Barnyard Song by Rhonda Gowler Greene

Illustrated by Robert Bender. 32 pages. Atheneum, 1997.

All the animals at the farm come down with the flu and have to go to bed for a week in this rhyming story. Their voices are distorted by the addition of sniffling and sneezing sounds to the usual sounds. After a visit from a doctor and a nurse, the farmer feeds the animals soup. Soon they're all feeling better and vocalizing in their normal way again. Children will enjoy the silly animal sounds, and will understand that the flu will pass after a week or so.

Ages: 1-4
Cultural Context: non-human