picture book

Will You be Friends with Me?

~ Megan

I recently watched Dr. Katherine Phillip’s Talks@Columbia talk entitled “Why Diversity Matters“. Toward the end of her talk, she challenged her audience to the following: the next time we meet someone new, do not focus on the similarities but the differences between us. She encourages us to celebrate our diversity.

In her book, Will You be Friends with Me, Kathleen Long Bostrom hits on this very idea. It does not matter the style or texture of our hair nor our preferences in art materials. It does not matter the foods we like or the way we consume them. All of these differences are worth noting and celebrating!

Bostrom’s book encourages children to notice the differences between themselves and their friends and celebrate those differences.

The timing of this book, quite frankly, is perfect. This is a great and safe way to talk to your children about differences. It is also a wonderful way to help our children see that differences are not bad, but worth celebrating. The realistic and adorable illustrations help to show what some differences may look like. The illustrations show children participating in fun activities that your child probably does as well.

I encourage you to pick up a copy now and help the children in your life do the very thing Dr. Phillips encourages us to do: note and celebrate our differences!

For more about the author please check out kathleenlongbostrom.com

Library’s Most Wanted

~ Megan

Imagine, walking into the library and seeing your face plastered on the bulletin board! Above it reads: WANTED. That is exactly what happens to Deputy Librarian Libby’s patrons. In an effort to save the books, she scares off her readers creating a veritable ghost town. 

There have been times in my life where I have found it hard to lend books to kids (and adults) because I knew they would not always be returned in the condition I lent them. But as I have gotten older, I, like Libby, have come to understand that books are meant to be enjoyed. And in order for them to be enjoyed, they need to be in people’s hands. Once Libby comes to this same realization, she enlists the help of a toddler to round up her readers again. 

This fun Western-themed picture book is sure to delight both children and adults. I think many of us can relate to Libby’s desire to want to protect books rather than let them loose in the hands of readers. Using fun western quips, Leiloglou has created a book that teaches the importance of putting books into the hands of even the youngest readers. 

Awesomeness:

-The illustrations in this book are so fun! 

-Emphasizes that books are meant to be read and enjoyed. 

*Carolyn Leiloglou is a homeschooling mama and writer. You can find out more about her at housefullofbookworms.com.

*I was asked to write a review for this book. I was in no way compensated and the thoughts and opinions are mine.