Please welcome author Jackie Azúa Kramer today with her picture book list for the nostalgic (like myself) who want to keep our kids little forever! She has a new book out, That’s for Babies, and we are giving away a copy when it releases June 25th! To enter, please fill out the Rafflecopter at the bottom.
That’s for Babies by Jackie Azúa Kramer, illustrated by Lisa Brandenburg
In That’s for Babies, on the morning of little Prunella’s birthday, she announces she’s a big girl, and ready for adventure. But one dark and stormy night, she discovers that growing up is a series of small milestones…two steps forward and one step back.
I loved writing this story that shares it’s okay for big girls to play and imagine, explore and be vulnerable. Out June 25, 2019. Pre-order now!
Let’s Keep Them Little Forever Picture Books
Love You Forever by Robert Munsch
What’s it about: It tells the story of the evolving relationship between a boy and his mother. But more specifically it is about the everlasting love between child and parent and the changing relationship between them.
What I like about it: As a mother I found myself calling my parents after I read it to my children.
[picture book, ages 4 and up]
The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle
What’s it about: It’s just a gorgeous book that makes one appreciate the glories and wonders of all the nature around us, even a little caterpillar.
What I like about it: Hands down the bold and engaging illustrations.
[picture book, ages 2 and up]
Grow up, David by David Shannon
What’s it about: David doesn’t mean to cause trouble, but he just can’t help bugging his big brother. Sometimes he gets away with it, too!
What I like about it: Young children will find David a HOOT! David’s enthusiasm, rebelliousness, and curiosity are contagious.
[picture book, ages 3 and up]
On The Night You Were Born by Nancy Tillman
What’s it about: Rhyming text praises and celebrates the uniqueness of a newborn. “Because there had never been anyone like you…ever in the world.”
What I like about it: I just love reading it, the words feel like they’re straight from the heart.
[picture book, ages 4 and up]
The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn, illustrated by Ruth E Harper and Nancy M Leak
What’s it about: School is starting in the forest, but Chester Raccoon does not want to go. Mrs. Raccoon shares a family secret called the Kissing Hand to comfort him any time he feels scared.
What I like about it: It’s hard to let your children go to preschool or kindergarten. Love endures even when we’re away from our loved ones. Sweet story. Beautiful artwork.
[picture book, ages 3 and up]
Guess How Much I Love You by Sam McBratney, illustrated by Anita Jeram
What’s it about: It’s a sweet story of a baby bunny and its dad, proclaiming who loves who more.
What I like about it: There’s not a wrong note in this tender tale. The illustrations are charming, and the story is a nice, short read for bedtime.
[picture book, ages 3 and up]
The Wonderful Things You Will Be by Emily Winfield Martin
What’s it about: Children are encouraged to be kind, clever, and bold.
What I like about it: Multicultural faces. Sweet artwork that illustrates what one might be like as they grow up. Love that it breaks gender biases, too.
[picture book, ages 3 and up]
Let Me Hold You Longer by Karen Kingsbury, illustrated by Mary Collier
What’s it about: Parents are encouraged to value and savor not only their children’s ‘firsts’—like first steps and first words—but the ‘lasts’ as well.
What I like about it: The story reminds caregivers that childhood is fleeting and to be mindful of missing the last time that our children will ever do something. I wish I had this book when my kids were little.
[picture book, ages 2 and up]
Sleep Like a Tiger by Mary Logue, illustrated by Pamela Zagarenski
What’s it about: When a young girl repeatedly declares that she is not sleepy, her parents remain calm. In her bed wide awake she questions her parents about how things in the world go to sleep.
What I like about it: The art is gorgeous. It’s a lovely story of engaging with your child with patience and creativity. A great model for parenting.
[picture book, ages 4 and up]
Where the Sidewalk Ends by Shel Silverstein
What’s it about: A collection of super silly, funny and insightful poems. A place where you wash your shadow, sisters are auctioned off, and crocodiles go to the dentist.
What I like about it: It’s creative, fun, and can be enjoyed at any stage of life. The drawings are hilarious.
[poetry book, ages 5 and up]
That’s for Babies Picture Book GIVEAWAY!
We are giving away a copy of That’s for Babies when it releases June 25th! To enter, please fill out the Rafflecopter below. We can only mail to U.S. addresses.
Jackie Azúa Kramer studied acting and voice at NYU and earned her MA, Queens College, Counseling in Education. Jackie has worked as an actor, singer, and school counselor. Her work with children presented her an opportunity to address their concerns, secrets and hopes through storytelling. Now she spends her time writing children’s picture books. Her picture books include, the award-winning The Green Umbrella (2017 Bank Street College Best Children’s Books of the Year), If You Want to Fall Asleep and That’s for Babies. Upcoming books- The Boy and the Eight Hundred Pound Gorilla (Candlewick, 2020); I Wish You Knew (Roaring Brook, 2021); We Are One (Two Lions, TBD); Miles Won’t Smile (Clavis, TBD).
Jackie lives with her family in Long Island, NY. When not writing, you’ll find Jackie reading, watching old movies and globe trekking. To learn more about her, visit:
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Fun book list! It can be hard to watch them grow up.
Congratulations to the author on her new book! It looks like another good one!
Although the question asks about war books (which I think is referring to a previous giveaway), I’m going to talk about other books for littles that I love. Today I’m thinking of Helen Oxenbury, from her books for the smallest (I See, I Touch, etc.), to the classic “We’re Going On a Bear Hunt”, which is a hoot to act out, and then the ones closest to my heart which I’d love to see reprinted, the incredibly sweet Tom and Pippo books. How I loved giving those, and reading them to the little ones in our circle. I so wish I could still do that, but they are out of print and hard to find, and the used copies have been loved to raggedy condition. Three cheers for Helen Oxenbury! And for the children’s writers creating the new books children and the people who love them will cherish just as much as those old favorites.
Some of these books are classics! “That’s for Babies” looks super cute too!
I’m not sure you want books on war, but I will also recommend Breadwinner and its sequel Parvana’s Journey by Deborah Ellis. It’s been a long time since I have read this type of book. I always loved Good Night Moon and On the Night You were Born by Nancy Tillman
Love you forever is the best
Some very good books listed for sure.
I miss mine being this small. Luckily my sister has little ones.
My kids love for me to read to them!