Recommendations of some of my FAVORITE family-themed children's books.
Happy Reading! ~~Catherine
Nikki on the Line
By Barbara Carroll Roberts
This is not a picture book but have to suggest it anyway because I just loved it. This chapter book (geared towards ages 8-12 years old) has 13-yr old Nikki who just wants to be a basketball star despite her size. Unfortunately, she has to deal with the stress of friends, school, and family matters she can't change. This is all affecting her self-confidence to play. The story is action packed and funny too! (2019, Little Brown Books for Young Readers)
The Cardinal's Gift
A True Story of Finding Hope in Grief
By Carole Heaney
Illustrated by: Marlo Garnsworthy
Tragedy strikes Rachel's family. Her father died and she is having a hard time adjusting. She loses interest in her friends, school, and finds it hard to get out of bed. Then one morning, she receives an unusual visit and a little encouragement from a persistent cardinal. A book for all ages, it teaches us how Mother Nature gives us hope without forgetting loved ones. (2021, Healing Press)
Our Great Big Backyard
By: Laura Bush and Jenna Bush Hager
Illustrated By: Jacqueline Rogers
Love this story of a young girl looking forward to her summer at home with friends and then to suddenly find out her family has a different plan. They are going on a road trip--across the U.S. visiting national parks. She's not crazy about it but eventually she gives in and can't resist the fun of the great outdoors. (2016, Harper Collins Publishers)
All the Way to Havana
By Margarita Engle
Illustrated by Mike Curato
Let's go to CUBA! This wonderfully illustrated book takes you back in time to simple living with the family piling into their 1950's car, visiting cousins and grandma in the city, musicians playing, and feasting on special-occasion foods. If you like American cars from the 1950s, you'll especially love the illustrations by Mike Curato. (2017, Godwin Books/Henry Holt & Company)
Home In The Woods
By Eliza Wheeler
True story during the US depression of a family who recently lost their father along with his income and their home. Their move into a shack in the woods is hard for this family of nine. Uplifting and delightful, this book shows how resilience, resourcefulness, and happiness brings much joy. (2019, Penguin Random House)
Kamala and Maya's
Big Idea
by Meena Harris and
Ana Ramirez Gonzalez
Lovely story written be Kamala Harris' neice about her aunt and her mother as young girls. The story takes place in an urban setting where the girls show perseverance and resourcefulness for the good of their community. Young girls will find lots of role modeling in Kamala and her sister Maya. (2020, Harper Collins)
Grandpa Cacao - A Tale of Chocolate, from Farm to Family
by Elizabeth Zunon
Beautifully illustrated book where a young girl hears a story about her heritage and her family's cacao farm in Africa. Experience the special bond the girl discovers with her past and ethnic family (2019, Bloomsbury Publishing)
Hey Grandude
by Paul McCartney
Illustrated by Kathryn Durst
Fun story by the beloved storyteller and songwriter, Paul McCartney. "See the compass needle spin, let the magic fun begin." A magical grandfather turns a boring day into a memorable one for his grandchildren. Who doesn't love Paul McCartney! (2019, Random House)
The Relatives Came
By Cynthia Rylant
Illustrated by Stephen Gammell
One of my favorite authors, Cynthia Rylant, tells this story about out-of-town relatives who come for a visit over the summer. Do you have relatives who travel from far away and stay at your house making for days of fun? Winner of several awards including a Caldecott Honor Book. (1985, Bradbury Press)
Abuela
by Arthur Dorros
Abuela -- that's me--a grandmother to two granddaughters. Maybe that's why I like this story so much!! Experience this colorful and magical family story that 'flies' over New York City interspersed with Spanish phrases. Winner of the Parents' Choice Award! (1997, Penguin Random House)
A Family is a Family is a Family
By Sara O'Leary
Illustrated by QinLeng
Clever story about school children telling their class about their families. Warmly told, many of the children worried their family was too different. But as they describe their family, they discover families come in all different shapes, sizes, and affections. They realize that all families are special in their own, unique way. (2016, Groundwood Books)
Of Thee I Sing -
A Letter to my Daughters
By Barack Obama
Illustrated by Loren Long
The former president poetically inspires readers (children and adults) to appreciate the gifts and talents of others while bringing hope for the future. The path ahead is an open book to discover one's self as those before us have done. Beautifully illustrated by Loren Long. (2016, Alfred A. Knopf)