Four Wonderful Picture Books with Important Messages

Genre:  Children's Picture Books

Source: I received copies to facilitate my review. The opinions expressed here are my own.

Giant Tortillas Make Me Proud: A Story from Mexico by Jan-Henrik Johansson

This story explores cultural  identity through  the use of Mexico’s giant tortillas. Follow Yej Susen a doll as she and her mice neighbors discuss the giant tortilla and its use in their homes. The book also has some wonderful resources in the back to give you more information on giant tortillas and the making of chocolate from cacao beans.  A wonderful way to learn about different cultures.

Bravo and Elphie - Hagit R. Oron & Or Oron

Elphie receives a pet mouse from his mother. He is afraid to play with him because he is afraid he will step on him. His mom suggests they go to the park. Here we see Bravo climb the monkey bars, which is something Elphie doesn’t do. He’s afraid he will get hurt. Then Bravo climbs to the top of the really tall slide and doesn’t come down. Elphie must find the courage to go up and rescue his new pet. He must face his fear.

Wholesome Together We Can Save the Planet by Grace Nava, Ed.S.

This wonderful book teaches children how to care for the world they live in. A small peach pit sets off on a walk one day. It thanks the soil, rain clouds, bees and other things it encounters for helping it live a happy and healthy lie. Then it comes to the city and sees the opposite happening. Can the little peach pit find anyone who will help? A wonderful story, full of vocabulary, and resources. This is a wonderful tool for any classroom

Storm of Joy by Sherri Sengsouvanna

If you are looking for a book to help you talk to a young one about death and grieving then this book is the one for you.  In this wonderfully illustrated book based on the author's loss of her own son we meet a queen and her son. She heals the earth and makes people all around her feel better. When her son dies she becomes so distraught that she can't help heal anyone or anything.  She only wants to see her son again. It is the visit of her son in a different form that brings new life back to the Queen and at the same time to her kingdom. This is a fairy tale of love and hope after something  tragic.