Picture Book Picks for Families With Early Learners! Guest Blogger: Stephanie Guerrero

We asked Stephanie, our More Than Sex-Ed Spring 2022 Intern from California State University Northridge, to get comfy in the picture book section of the children’s library and make some recommendations. Here are some joyful stories we think you will want to read aloud with some youngsters in your life!

“Red, A Crayon’s Story” by Michael Hall—

Who is Red? Well that's the point, Red starts to raise questions about Identity. Red is a blue crayon but with a red label and he just hasn't been feeling himself. Everyone expects him to draw red but no matter how hard he tries, he just can’t. Some don’t get it; they just think he needs practice or that he’s not very smart. Through all of this poor Red is miserable and feels like he is a failure for not being able to draw anything red. But one day when his friend asks him to draw the ocean he is great at it! He finally feels like himself, he's blue not red and he knows his purpose. Once his friends recognize he is a blue crayon, they praise and celebrate him!

Through this heartwarming, amusing, and very colorful book you learn aspects of identity crisis, self-discovery, and personal growth. I think this is an amazing story for early learners to start understanding some of these topics and learn that sometimes there are things we can and can't change about ourselves and that's okay! I think it's also a great way of showing acceptance to our young ones and how to help others in situations like this; to not push them out of their comfort zone but more to support them through their journey of feeling good in their own skin.

“Julian is a Mermaid” by Jessica Love—

A short but sweet story about a boy named Julian who dreams of becoming a mermaid like the ones he sees in a parade. His creative little mind gets him to decorate his hair with long pretty plants and flowers, takes off his shirt, and wraps a long blanket around his waist to emulate a tail. Afraid his Abuela would be disappointed with his new persona, he’s instead met by love and support. She decides to take him to a grand parade with hundreds of mermaids for them to join. His dream came true. This story is perfect for early learners that might resonate with having secret dreams. Teaching young ones about expressing themselves and supporting anyone no matter their desire in life is extremely important for the growing inclusivity of our society.

“Love Makes a Family” by Sophie Beer—

This is one of the shorter, minimally worded books, but it still has very viable information nonetheless. Whether you have two moms, two dads, one parent, or another great caregiver, there is one thing that makes every family and that is LOVE. Although short, simple and sweet there is a bigger meaning behind this small board book, which is that love is one of the most crucial things for creating a thriving family and a thriving world. To love one another is one of the greatest gifts we can give to each other no matter where you're from, who you love, or what you look like. This book is a winner for sure!