Picture books are written for young children, but there is certainly something to be said for those books that give a nod to the parents, whether it’s through humor or tenderness. These three books, nominated in the Fiction Picture Book category for the Cybils Award have all made me smile when reading them to my kids.
While this one may be harder to find in the U.S., Kylie Dunstan’s Because You Are With Me is worth the search. The image of a little girl hugging her daddy on the cover of the book is heartwarming on its own, and one read through this lovely ode to the confidence that a father can inspire in a child will leave parents feeling warm and fuzzy all over. The illustrations, made from handmade paper collage, are visually appealing and match the tone of the story perfectly. With the tons of mommy/child picture books out there, this is a refreshing addition that acknowledges dear old Dad.
Do you have a Martha in your family? I’m pretty sure we all do, at least some of the time. In Martha Doesn’t Share by Samantha Berger, Martha returns as the big sister who is having a little difficulty sharing her toys with her little brother, adamantly declaring everything, “Mine.” Does that sound familiar? The story follows a predictable (for parents) path with a happy conclusion in the final pages, but parents will quickly notice how Martha isn’t completely reformed in her ways, at least not yet. Personally, I found it funny that I could envision the exact expressions on Martha’s face, as illustrated by Bruce Whatley, on my own children– I could definitely relate!
And finally, if you have a new baby in the family, I’ve got the perfect picture book to bring a smile to your face. (Your exhausted, sleep-deprived face.) Marla Frazee’s The Boss Baby is simply hilarious. Picture the new baby as the CEO of the family- stern expression, constant demands, sometimes irrational- can you see it? From his suit-like onesie to his activity center/office, the comparisons are spot-on. New parents will be able to relate to the expressions on the parents’ faces, which are undeniably realistic in Frazee’s signature illustration style. This book would make a lovely addition to any baby shower or new baby gift. (A gift that the parents will appreciate long before the child!)
If you’re looking for more picture books that have been nominated this year, please visit the Fiction Picture Book page and browse the titles. The finalists will be announced on January 1, and I hope to share more from my growing pile in the coming weeks.
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Dawn’s fascination with picture books is indulged each and every day with her kids. Their adventures, bookish and not, can be found at my thoughts exactly.
Love that last one–sounds like a hoot!