Great Read Alouds: Love from mom & dad
Of all “the things” a parent can provide a child, love is widely considered the most important. Love is the foundation for your child. And it is what children crave. When a child is loved, it gives them a protective factor and a feeling of safety that are a buffer for stress and adversity, building emotional stability and resilience.
Explore some of my recent favorite books about parental love.
Love, Dad: Inspiring Notes from Fathers to Kids written by Dr. Joel Warsh & Andrew Gardner, illustrated by David Elmo Cooper
This book is written as a series of 18 letters to a child from their father. It conveys the father's hopes and dreams for their child. The love of a father is a constant throughout the story.
“Father definitely knows best –sweet and inspiring.” –Kirkus Reviews
“The book’s tender voice and emphasis on emotional well-being and self-love will resonate with readers. A timely, affirming gift book ideal for Father’s Day shelves and family story times celebrating modern dads.” —School Library Journal
I Love You 100: A Counting Book Full of Love written by Danica McKellar & illustrated by Josée Masse
This is such a sweet book that fuses counting alongside love. A mom counts her way through the day making a positive connection to math. The author, Danica McKellar, is known for her math education books that incorporate math concepts and fun.
“McKellar’s copy thrums with a jaunty rhythm, Seussian in cadence, and the cheerful beat makes for a pleasant read-aloud.” –Kirkus Reviews
Mama Hug written by Emma Straub & illustrated by Stevie Lewis
This is a beautiful illustration of a mother’s love. The story is about everyday moments that will resonate with parents and children alike.
“The arc of a mother and child’s day unfolds in concise, rockaby rhymes and warm-hued, colorblock-likeart in this cozy work for youngest readers. While adults might marvel at the parent’s boundless energy across many wide-awake hours, children will see unconditional love pure and simple.” —Publishers Weekly
“Lewis’ cheery, earth-toned palette of pinks, oranges, browns, and greens radiates the warmth exuded by the contented pair, subtly transitioning to the deep blues and purples of sunset when it’s time for bed. Straub’s spare yet meticulously written text effectively captures each loving moment and leaves room for the illustrations to tell their own, complementary story through details such as a patch of bright sunflowers and a special constellation on the last page. Readers will savor smaller background details as well: a picture of a banana hanging on the wall, stacks of alphabet blocks, and a green toy dinosaur." —Kirkus, starred review
I Love You to the Moon and Back written by Amelia Hepworth & illustrated by Tim Warnesk
Bear and cub show their love throughout a fun-filled day. There is so much to enjoy in this sweet tale. Full of bear hugs and snuggling. This is a story for bedtime and any time. After 10 plus years, this book remains a favorite.
“Enchanting … the perfect bedtime story” –Whispering Stories
“If you’re looking for genuine warmth and joy in a beautifully illustrated read, look no further.” --@theunyoungmum
