introducing: the 3x3
three quick lists of three picture books // let's fill up your library holds list 📚
Hi friends!
I’m excited to be in your inbox to launch the 3x3, a new series of children’s literature recommendations for my newsletter. My mom is a retired elementary school librarian, so my childhood was filled with books. Now, as a mom myself, few things brighten my girls’ day like a trip to the library. But it is easy to become overwhelmed sifting through all the options available. I want to read beautiful, well-written books that stir conversation, depict truth, and open our eyes to the beauty of the world around us. I want to create a culture in our home where books are treasured. And I want to help you do the same!
For the past year, I’ve been hard at work behind the scenes, compiling a master list of all my favorite children’s books. Now, I’m ready to spill my secrets. In these short mid-month emails, I’ll share three themed book lists to help you find delightful picture books to connect with the kids in your life. So grab a Post-it note, or log in to your local library account, and let’s fill up your holds list.
Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning that at no additional cost to you, I receive a small commission if you purchase one of the resources from the links here. As always, I only share what I truly love. Thanks for helping fund my massive book wishlist!
books about winter
Katy and the Big Snow, Virginia Lee Burton: A childhood classic about Katy, a red crawler tractor with an important job to do. I have a soft spot for this book because it reminds me of my dad working snow removal for the Highway Department when I was a kid.
Owl Moon, Jane Yolen: With poetic text and mesmerizing illustrations, Owl Moon shows the beauty of a quiet winter adventure.
Sleep Tight Farm, Eugenie Doyle: A lovely description of all the hard work that goes into preparing a family farm for winter, featuring art from one of my favorite illustrators.
books about waiting
Rain, Sam Usher: A sweet story of a young boy with a big imagination, waiting for the rain to stop so he can go outside and play.
Almost Time, Gary D. Schmidt: A young boy waits for sap to start running from the maple trees outside his home as his father patiently guides him through the changing seasons.
Jesus and the Gift of Friendship, Trillia Newbell: When Zeke’s family moves far from his childhood home, he struggles with the sadness of losing his best friend. As Zeke begins to pray for a new friend, the book gently teaches children that sometimes God answers our prayers differently than we imagine.
wordless books
A Ball for Daisy, Chris Raschka: A day at the park turns disastrous for Daisy and her beloved red ball. This story brilliantly fosters conversations about reading emotions and showing compassion without a single written word.
Hike, Pete Oswald: A boy and his father embark on an adventure through the woods, overcome challenges along the way, and participate in a multigenerational family tradition. A story where a picture is truly worth a thousand words.
One Little Bag, Henry Cole: This book follows two life cycles—the creation, various uses, and recycling of a brown paper bag, and the life of the small boy who treasures it. I love the way this author uses color in his illustrations as a storytelling mechanism.
Happy reading friends! May your slow January days be filled with great books.
See you back at the end of the month for my monthly roundup of what I’ve been reading, eating, thinking about, and loving lately.
I love this so much!
How fun is this!!