​Did you know that April 21st was chosen as National Tea Day because it’s also Queen Elizabeth’s birthday? Happy birthday, Your Majesty! We can celebrate today’s holiday by pouring a cup of our favorite tea and curling up with a good book. Of course, I have a book recommendation that’s perfect for National Tea Day: 

Terrance Teapot tends to blow his lid over seemingly small problems, but they don’t seem small to Terrance. This story is about how Terrance works to understand his emotions and regulate his reactions to situations throughout a typical day, and how he becomes closer to making a new friend. Readers will enjoy the bright and engaging illustrations, clever tea puns, and relatable storyline. Caregivers will appreciate the book’s themes that are conveyed in an entertaining way, as well as the extensive back matter which includes key terms, questions to “help children relate to the emotional development of the characters” in the story, activity worksheet, and more. If you’re looking for a fun book that addresses emotional identification and regulation, this is the one for you!
 
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​When the pandemic of 2020 shut almost everything down, people’s lives were affected world-wide. Sheltering in place meant isolating away from relatives and friends which not only affected day-to-day living, but how people honored holiday traditions and celebrations. This picture book is about how a girl finds a new way to honor her Passover traditions that brings community together, despite being apart: 

This is the heartwarming story of Mira, who lives in an apartment building in Jerusalem when a virus breakout causes a shut-down. Mira watches the seasons go by from her apartment balcony, missing school, playdates, synagogue, and, her favorite, art class. When Passover approaches, she begins to think about all the others on her street who will be alone during the holiday, and finds a way for no one to feel lonely, even though they are apart. Erica Lyons’ emotional text paired with Jen Jamieson’s charming illustrations will tug on your heartstrings. Young readers of today will identify with Mia’s sense of loss and loneliness brought on by the pandemic, but readers of tomorrow will have a clearer understanding of what it was like to live through a global shut-down. Through a specific setting, holiday, and event, this book addresses general themes of loneliness, community, kindness, and generosity that will have a broad appeal to all readers. Lovely read!
 
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I think it’s important to empower and encourage children in their pursuits. All can be theirs! Here’s a picture book that does just that: 

This picture book is all about empowering and encouraging children to dream, explore, and more! Cindy William Schrauben’s rollicking rhyme paired with Julia Seal’s darling illustrations will engage young readers from the start. Though this story conveys a powerful message (encouraging children to engage in a growth mindset), it doesn’t do so in a preachy way. The book includes back matter explaining the concept and examples of growth mindset as well as potential questions grownups can use to generate discussion with their young ones. I was particularly impressed with Schrauben’s expertly written rhyme and Seal’s diverse illustrations, which represent children of different races, genders, cultures, religions, and abilities. If you’re looking for a feel-good book that empowers children in a fun and colorful way, this is the book for you!
 
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Ramadan is a month-long observance when Muslims fast, attend prayer sessions, spend time with their family, and give to those in need. This picture book, about a girl who wishes for a sister, takes place during Ramadan: 

During this year’s Ramadan season, Zahra prays she will be blessed with a sister. Then, when her beloved teddy bear goes missing, she adds finding Teddy to her prayers. But when she befriends a young girl at a shelter for asylum seekers, Zahra finds herself more grateful than ever for her blessings. This book combines several evergreen topics (child wishing for a sibling, loss of a loved toy, family traditions) with a holiday (Ramadan), universal themes (gratitude, blessings, helping those less fortunate), and does so with lyrical language, colorful illustrations, informative backmatter, and heart. Lots of heart. Bravo to Shamsi and Mirza for creating a beautiful book centered on a Muslim family and holiday that all children will enjoy.
 
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