Sally Tannen, the Director of 92Y’s Parenting Center, shares some of her favorite children’s book recommendations for parents with little kids. Not only is story time great for bonding, she says, “books are also a gentle way of opening conversation around concerns and issues that come up in the lives of young children.”
SEPARATION
- The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn. A sweet story about a raccoon who is reassured that her mom’s kisses will always be in her hand.
- I Love You All Day Long by Francesca Rusackas. No matter what happens in school – making new friends or making a mess – Mommy will love Owen (a most adorable pig) all day long.
BEDTIME
- Bedtime For Frances by Russell Hoban. Frances needs a lot of reassurance, including that the robe hanging off her chair isn’t a monster.
- It’s Bedtime, Wibbly Pig! by Mick Inkpen. Wibbly uses every possible excuse to avoid going to bed!
INDEPENDENCE
- I Can Do It Too! by Karen Baicker
- All By Myself by Aliki. These books are perfect for toddlers as they work hard to master new skills.
GAINING CONTROL
- Go Away Big Green Monster by Ed Emberly. Children encounter the monster with the yellow eyes and purple hair, and then make it disappear–a great way to help them begin to overcome their fears.
CURIOSITY: Two classics by Eric Carle
- Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do you See? This book has an engaging and rhythmic cadence with richly colored pictures of animals.
- The Very Hungry Caterpillar. This beautifully illustrated book describes the animal eating a different food every day of the week before turning into a beautiful butterfly!
Keep reading to learn more about 92Y and its Parenting Center
