Children’s Book Review: The Knowing Book: A Book For The Journey Of Life

DISCLOSURE: Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.

---

“Before you forget…look up.”

The Knowing Book by Rebecca Kai Dotlich and illustrated by Matthew Cordell is simply the best children’s book I’ve read so far. I could leave it at that, but, for your sake, I won’t.

Did I say children’s book? It is so much more–a brilliant work-of-art able to be esteemed by even the most listless adult. To limit it to the kid’s section seems to depreciate its universal value. Sure, the cute and almost Hobbit-themed illustrations (just replace Hobbits with rabbits) spur the imagination of the youngest dreamer, but the poetic prose is able to prod the heart of even the most callous scrooge.

It’s so good.

I have to admit: I was on the hunt. Fingering through the scores of children’s books at the Keane’s in downtown Mason, I had already ransacked the bookstore to no avail. Kid’s books seem to be faint echoes of one another after a while. Simple, tedious, and almost condescending.

I suppose that’s why I work to feature the best ones. I believe children can be invited to a life-long appreciation of literature through rich, thoughtful and engaging books. There’s a place for “Baby’s First Words,” but as kids get older, wouldn’t you rather show how words are the wonder by which we wonder? We can do this through children’s books that honor literary elements and excite both parents and young readers–not just anything with a cartoon on it.

I won’t go as far as to say I’ve found the pinnacle of children’s books in The Knowing Book but, man, I’ve hit pretty close. Not only does it teach the mindful practices of exploration, curiosity, and adventure, but it does so in a captivating manner with gems of sagacity for all.

• “Step one step at a time, and don’t ignore a hum and don’t deny a cry. Both are useful and both are good and both will comfort you if you are lost.”
• “Pretend you are someone and pretend you are no one. Pretend you are who you long to be, who you would never want to be, and who you can only imagine being. Know that you will be parts of all of these.”
• “Don’t be too busy to slosh in a puddle or fly a kite, or too important to pick up the lost coin or the common shell.”

These are heartfelt reminders to the parent-reader and meaningful lessons for the child as they grow.

In terms of thoughtful children’s books, this is one of a kind. I guarantee you, The Knowing Book will not only remain on my kids’ top-shelf for years to come, it will be on mine as well. It truly is a book for the journey of life.

---

–You can buy it here on Amazon–

Children’s Book Review: The Book With No Pictures

DISCLOSURE: Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.

---

It may seem impossible to convince a child to ditch a picture book, but The Book With No Pictures makes a persuasive case for imageless entertainment, teaching kids that a book with no pictures can still be fun.

Two Christmases ago, my wife and I bought The Book With No Pictures for my nephew, Shane. I’d be lying if I said it wasn’t in part because I’m a fan of The Office. B.J. Novak, the guy who played the lovable (and distasteful) Ryan Howard, is the author of the instant classic. 

Shane ripped the wrapping paper like only a four-year-old could, and, as he examined the book, I watched his eyes dim to a murky shade of disappointment. He set it aside, muttered a forced “Thank you,” and picked up the book about trains his brother got.

“I want a book with pictures.”

Later that morning, my brother-in-law offered to read it to him. With a shrug of his shoulders and a pair of iron feet, Shane situated himself on his dad’s lap. My brother-in-law began making absurd noises, saying things like “blork” and “my head is made of blueberry pizza.” Shane laughed, and, in the end, asked to read it again.

My sister (Shane’s mom) appreciates the book too but for different reasons. I asked her what she thought.

“I like how the book introduces the concept of words being associated with meaning,” she says. “It shows kids that reading is not just an adult describing pictures but rather saying the words they see and that those words are interesting and fun all on their own.”

I like how the inside cover describes it:

“At once disarmingly simple and ingeniously imaginative, The Book With No Pictures inspires laughter every time it is opened, creating a warm and joyous experience to share–and introducing young children to the powerful idea that the written word can be an unending source of mischief and delight.”

---

BUY IT HERE!

Children’s Book Review: Little Blue Truck

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. 

---

“Horn went Beep!

Engine purred

Friendliest sound

You ever heard.”

These four lines will stick in your head with more devotion than a check engine light. And when kids hear them, they’ll buckle in for a literary ride with Little Blue, a personified beat-up pick-up truck with headlights for eyes and a farm animal crew.

For Isaiah, it’s hard to go wrong choosing a book with trucks and dumpsters; when such vehicles team up with horses, cows, goats, and pigs, it’s over-the-rails excitement and a race to the finish. Meanwhile, my engine purrs for the mature literary elements weaved throughout an engaging kid’s story.

The first of many follow-ups, Little Blue Truck follows Blue on a mission of kindness. From everyday greetings to farm animal pedestrians to the muddy rescue of an inconsiderate and friendless dump, Blue sets the example of compassion for his barnyard pals. The book touches on the importance of friendship, the reward of benevolent foresight, and the nobility of positive leadership.

But, the flexing frog near the end is my favorite.

Little Blue Truck appeals to both father and son with its detailed illustrations, rhythmic rhymes, and a narrative I feel good about sharing with my one-and-a-half-year-old child. Not only is the moral of a high standard, but the book contains the basic elements of a story, equipping me in my mission to help my kids appreciate good narrative.

So, honk if you love this book, and if you haven’t yet parked it on your child’s shelf, I’d recommend doing it.

---

BUY IT HERE!

Children’s Book Review: The Gruffalo

I love me a healthy slice of clever wit, and The Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson cuts a satisfying piece of the pie.

After doing research online and sifting through the bookstore, I opted to introduce my son to a clever mouse whose determination to avoid being a meal led him to the wildest of all beasts. In a classic tale of a protagonist underdog (undermouse?), the tiniest of creatures maneuvres his way past a hungry fox, a starving snake, a ravenous owl, and finally the Gruffalo who has “terrible tusks, and terrible claws, and terrible teeth in his terrible jaws.”

For my 18-month-old son, I found it is a heavier read, but as long he has his attention leashed, we can make it through this double-arched story in one sitting. When his attention does bolt off, dragging him away, I find myself still concluding the book, if even for my own enjoyment.

The rhythm swoops readers up, the ingenious rhymes sink their teeth into memory and the narrative roars with excellence. This beastly book, with a monster amount of creativity, has clawed its way to top-shelf status in my rugrat’s collection, and it will likely do the same in your home.

The Gruffalo is an engaging read for both parent and child, and readers all will appreciate its sneakily subtle message: even a monster is no match for a mouse-sized bit of wit and bravery.

---

Buy It Here

What does your household think of The Gruffalo?

Leave a comment below!

---

Have a book you’d like me to review? Deal! Email me at Doug@DaddingDepressed.com.

 

Children’s Book Review: The Pout-Pout Fish

Even when my son, Isaiah, was only fifteen months old, if we asked him to grab The Pout-Pout Fish, he’d swim through the ocean of children’s books and pull it out by its tail. The picture book is now anchored in our home as a household favorite as it towers over the rest of our library like the Titanic.

With ample rhyme and reason, The New York Times Bestseller The Pout-Pout Fish by Deborah Diesen (illustrated by Dan Hanna) is certainly one to add to your child’s collection.

---

To be honest, I was hesitant to buy it. As a dad who writes about mental illness, I wasn’t convinced that a narrative about a fish “destined to be glum” would convey an appropriate message on how to handle emotion. In parenthood, there has to be some acknowledgment that a child’s feeling of sadness is acceptable. And often a short picture book about how Mr. Fish turns his frown upside down isn’t the answer to preexisting conditions like depression and anxiety.

Ultimately, however, I trusted the book reviews and I’m glad I did. The Pout-Pout Fish doesn’t teach the suppression of emotions as much as it encourages the redirection of energy and attitude. Throughout the book, Mr. Fish is so focused on his own misery that he is unable to fully recognize the gift he has in two swollen lips. He learns in the end that he is a kiss-kiss fish, taking his supposed weakness and using it as a strength in loving others. At the turning point in the book, it reads:

“‘My friends,’ says Mr. Fish,

‘I should have known it all along.

I thought that I was pouty,

But it turns out I was wrong.

I’m a kiss-kiss fish

With a kiss-kiss face.'” 

 

Overall, I give The Pout-Pout Fish two fins up. Dan Hanna’s illustration, the use of literary elements, the narrative, and the moral all come together perfectly to make a staple book worth having in your child’s library.

Plus, if your kid is anything like mine, they’ll absolutely love it and you’ll even get a few extra smooches at the end of the book.

---

Buy It Here