7 Days of Books, Day 7 A Mish-Mash of Recommended Children's Books

Here were are on the 7th day of books, and I'm sharing some books I've loved for all kinds of different reasons. If you'd like a chance to win a $25 Visa Gift card, or a Starbucks Gift card, or a picture book critique, please leave a comment below about a favorite book, and share this post on social media or RT my posts there. You can find more details on the post for Day 1. Each comment/share gets an entry. Winners will be announced on Dec 28th! 

The Littlest Yak by Lu Fraser, illustrated by Kate Hindley (Peachtree Publishing 2021). Gertie the yak can't grow up fast enough to fill her big feelings and can't get over being small until she accomplishes something that no big yak can do. A wonderful read-aloud that flows seamlessly in an upbeat rhyme.

Itty Bitty Kitty Corn by Shannon Hale and Leuyen Pham (Harry N. Abrams 2021). An "irresistibly adorable" factor carries over from the front cover and builds all the way to the oh-so-good ending. A book about embracing yourself and others that begs for re-reading and sharing.

Cao Chong Weighs an Elephant by Sonju Ma Daemicke, illustrated by Christina Wald (Arbordale Publishing 2017). This wonderful story rooted in a fascinating piece of Chinese history shows the story of how a young boy figured out how to weigh an elephant when traditional scales were too small and wouldn't work. Scientific and mathematical concepts are embedded effortlessly in a way that will be accessible for both younger and older readers alike. This book earned the honor of BEST STEM BOOK by the NSTA in 2017.

The Elephant's Girl by Celesta Rimington (Crown Books for Young Readers 2020).  This middle grade novel is a little bit fantasy, a little bit ghost story, a little bit mystery, a little bit circus, and a whole lot of one girls' quest to discover who she is and where she truly belongs. 

The Refuge by Sandra le Guen, illustrated by Stephanie Nicolet, translated by Daniel Hahn (Amazon Crossing Kids 2020). A story that shows how it is not easy to be the new kid, especially after having taken such a long and dangerous journey, while also showing how to be a friend and accepting to those who are new arrivals in a new place.

Bird Hugs by Ged Adamson (Two Lions 2020). With impossibly long wings that aren't suitable for flying, Bernard wonders what his wings are good for until he meets a sad orangutan in need of a hug. Soon he learns that with friends, anything is possible, even flying. Adorable must read for any child that loves to give hugs as much as receive them.

10 Little Disciples by Sierra Wilson (Emerald House Group 2021). This lovely heart-warming story calls to mind discipleship with a simple countdown rhyme that will engage the youngest readers. Perfect for those learning to read and learning to recognize numbers as well.

What are some of your favorite books to share with the kids in your life?