WTBA is a collection of and conversation about powerful books that strengthen, elevate, inspire and help to grow powerful, resilient kids. We're a book oriented guide for parents, grandparents, educators, aunts, uncles and anyone involved in nurturing children and caring for friends.
ages 2 to 10 years
I particularly like the spoonerisms page in this great book - it comes with a little story about William Spooner – a teacher who would mix up sounds when he spoke. “One day, he accused a student of missing his history lecture but accidentally said: ‘You hissed my mystery lecture!’” And there's lots more fun to be had!
I'm pretty sure the reason I read this book so many times had nothing to do with the funny story, the cute illustrations or the healthy body image messages. And I’m pretty sure my kids found it totally hilarious that I kept reading the word ‘bum’ out loud. This is a FUNNY book.
ages baby to 12 years
ages 4 to grownup
There is so much that connects the human experience through the passage of time. Here the power of place is powerfully illustrated through the lives of consecutive children living on one plot of land over 200 years. It's a beautifully diverse group of children who are amusing and relatable and individually fascinating.
ages 2 to 8 years
Alison Lester has a gift for writing words that bounce – there’s a rhythm to her words that's easy for the reader to catch and hold onto. The Journey Home isn't a rhyming book, but it does read in a lyrical sort of way. There’s a repeated refrain of ‘come inside and stay’ making this a good early reader.
Age guide: 2 to 8 years ish
This is a simple story about different points of view, forgiveness, mistakes, work and overcoming. Also, it’s funny!
Tom is a little fellow who finds some red paint – then, in the space of just three hours, paints his entire living room red. Including the TV and the cat! He’s quite pleased with the result.
Mum is not, but after a few wild exclamations she gets it together and they undertake a complete revamp of the living room – and finally everyone is happy with the result. Years pass, then one day Tom finds the blue paint.
Read Moreages 4 years to grownup
Heavens this is a beautiful book! It’s a teary one; a lovely wander through the life of a baby girl told through the eyes of her mother. Truly, I get goosebumps every time I read it—it’s my go-to baby shower or pregnancy present for mothers who are expecting girls .
A young mother holds her newborn and kisses her fingers. And she tells the baby of her mother-wishes for the baby’s life. Things like:
Age guide: baby to 8 year old
Princess Beatrice understands her privileges – she’s the daughter of a King and Queen who love their daughter and give her free range of all the castle jewels – and there are many!
But one day, when a rotten robber charges into the castle and spots Beatrice decked out from head to foot in extravagant jewels, it all goes wrong. Being an opportunist, the robber grabs Beatrice and steals the jewels, Princess and all.
However, Beatrice has her head screwed on right and resourcefully tricks the robber into tying himself up in the jewels and Beatrice is free. She loads the robber up on his own horse and hauls him home to her now distraught parents.
Read MoreA conversation about books + kids. A website resource and book reviews for educators, parents, grandparents. The main focus is emotional resilience.
