Dad's Bookshelf: February 2021
Happy Valentine’s Day, everybody! Outside we have a wind chill below zero and the snow is piling up on the ground. Snow is rare enough for us that it always makes for a special day, so we are in good spirits over here despite the cold.
And on account of the snowstorm and the special day of love today, it’d be fair to guess that Dad’s Bookshelf might be focused on winter and love - but that’s not the case. It’s just impossible to predict what picture books this family is going to be the most excited about at any given moment. No holiday is going to tell me what to do!
But for all the dedicated fans of love out there, make sure to check out our list of our favorite picture books about love. And for the fans of snowy days, we have a snowy list for you too.
Of course that’s not to say that there isn’t love to be found in today’s books. I suppose all three of them truly do feature love in one way or another. Love and loss, love for each other, love of our children and all the children of the world. It turns out we must have been subconsciously feeling lovey dovey this month after all.
I hope you enjoy a closer look at our favorite picture books we’ve been reading lately - make sure to let us know the great finds you’ve made lately!
Dad’s Bookshelf is a continuing, monthly series featuring the kids books we are most excited about each month. The series is named after the real life bookshelf we have in our home, where I keep all of my favorite picture books of all time. While the books we share on Dad’s Bookshelf are often new releases, it’s also not uncommon for us to be excited about an older book we just discovered.
Disclosure: Some of the links in this article are affiliate links that will lead you to view the books’ listings on Amazon or Bookshop.org.
Arno and his Horse
Written by Jane Godwin and Illustrated by Felicita Sala
I wanted to give you a heads up about an amazing picture book that’s releasing next month. It’s being published by Scribble - who have made a name for themselves with their high quality kids books. And Jane Godwin and Felicita Sala have crafted another very memorable work of art in Arno and his Horse.
The story is about a boy who loses the wooden horse his late grandfather made for him. It’s a sweet story about love and loss - as well as our precious memories and how important mementos can be. It very much reminds me of my 8-year-old son, who has an adorable penchant for carrying around the most random objects for days like they’re the most important thing in the world. It’s a very effective vehicle for talking about the people we miss, and it’s visually stunning as well.
It’s always worth noting when I shortlist something for the Dad Suggests Picture Book Awards - and I’ve already made a note to remember this one for the end of the year.
Hello, Neighbor!: The Kind and Caring World of Mister Rogers
Written and Illustrated by Matthew Cordell
It’s absolutely true that Mister Rogers has been everywhere recently - and very deservedly so of course. The documentary, the Tom Hanks movie, multiple amazing books, and even a board game - it’s all been absolutely amazing and I say keep it coming. His mission of talking to kids like they are human beings capable of understanding - as well as providing thoughtful, high-quality, and meaningful entertainment - always was and always will be a noble goal.
This particular picture book is a biography of his life, and it’s done so incredibly well by Matthew Cordell. Old fans of Mister Rogers will delight in the details just as much as the kids will - just like we did when the amazing documentary came out. It’s a great biography, and a wonderful trip down memory lane - and it weaves together meaningful quotes and ideas that makes sharing this book with kids just as special as watching old episodes with them.
Outside, Inside
Written and Illustrated by LeUyen Pham
We recently added Outside, Inside to our list of our favorite picture about the coronavirus pandemic, and shortlisted it as a favorite book of 2021 as well. It’s clearly a masterfully made book with a lot of love poured into it. It touches on the hope that so many books about the pandemic and quarantine try to spread - but it balances it out with a very honest look at some of the darkness of the last year.
The idea being explored is much more than everyone leaving the outside world to go inside all of the sudden - it’s also about how much we’ve changed inside ourselves, both for better and worse. I also love the fact that the pandemic and quarantine and the coronavirus aren’t really named in the book - except for small details and context clues that make the setting clear.
And those small details in the art are one of my very favorite parts about this book. It’s all a very effective exploration of the gravity of the changes that have taken place over the last year, and it includes a great nod to how love and empathy lead us to do the right thing.
Happy day of love, everyone! Have you read any of these great books yet? What have been your favorite picture books this month? Let us know in the comments!
