Oh the joy of reading! Even if the world has turned digital a.k.a. videos and more videos, I find that it’s still important to instill the habit of reading to kids. So, here’s a list of ten new modern books I believe all kids should read. I love how every story is wonderfully and creatively presented! But more than that, I love the lessons the kids will learn from the stories. Hopefully, the kids take the morals they learned and the habit of reading to heart!
1. I Am Jane Goodall by Brad Meltzer
The main message of this book is how everyone can be a hero. How wonderful! This book focuses on Jane Goodall–a scientist and a conservationist who is famous for her work with chimpanzees.
2. Elephants Cannot Dance! by Mo Willems
Now this is a super cute picture book with a simple story of two friends who seem very different! But that doesn’t hinder how their friendship grows.
3. A Sick Day for Amos McGee by Philip C. Stead
This book has such a beautiful message! It tells the story of a man who has two friends who are animals. It’s filled with themes of kindness and belonging.
4. Dragons Love Tacos by Adam Rubin
As you can imagine, this storybook is really funny! A little boy plans a party for his dragon friends who love tacos but can’t eat spicy salsa…
5. Cinnamon by Neil Gaiman
A tale by Neil Gaiman is no less than whimsical! This story is of a little blind girl learning how to speak thanks to a fierce tiger. If that storyline isn’t enough to intrigue you, the illustrations are also beautiful!
6. Dear Pope Francis by Pope Francis
Kids tend to ask a lot of questions, a lot of big questions! In this book, Pope Francis answers questions from thirty kids all around the world. (This is his first ever children’s book!)
7. Please, Mr. Panda by Steve Antony
Manners are very important! It’s good to instill these in kids as they are growing up. Who would’ve thought that a panda looking to have someone eat doughnuts with him could help teach kids manners?
8. Cheeky Monkey Manners: Sorry by Lisa Kerr
This is another book that helps teach kids manners! This book is centered on a monkey who goes to a party and upsets the birthday girl. Find out how he makes it up to her!
9. The Goodbye Book by Todd Parr
This book introduces kids to the idea of loss. It’s a story about a fish who loses his companion. It sounds a bit too heavy as a children’s book, but the way Todd Parr presented his story was every bit hopeful and real.
10. God Gave Us You by Lisa Tawn Bergren
This book is a beautiful way for parents to answer one of the toughest questions posed by kids, “Where did I come from?” Call me a softie, but it’s so easy to shed a tear while reading this one!