Great children’s literature tackles complicated and multi-faceted issues that engage a child’s imagination and provide guidance to tough questions. In fact, UNICEF cites access to age-appropriate books as an essential part of a child’s development. Inspired by a blog by Maria Popova, here are six beautifully illustrated children’s books published in 2017:

Big Wolf & Little Wolf: A touching book of friendship and love between two solitary wolves. Big Wolf lives alone by his tree until Little Wolf shows up one day. Little Wolf begins to mirror Big Wolf in all his action, as Big Wolf’s heart slowly warms and opens. One day, when Big Wolf walks to his tree, Little Wolf is missing and he feels loneliness. When the two are reunited at the end of the story, they both learn an enduring lesson about friendship.

The Paper Flower Tree: A restored treasure, The Paper Flower Tree was created and illustrated by Society of Illustrators’ award winner Jacqueline Ayer for her own children. Written while Ayer lived in Thailand, the book’s main character, a young girl named Miss Moon, hopes to grow a paper tree. Her unyielding optimism and joy remain unbroken despite the cynicism of other villagers and in the face of doubt.

Sun and Moon: Sun and Moon is a compilation of ten Indian folk tales illustrated by tribal artists. These stories reveal the magic and mystery of the sun and moon and span grand themes such as time, being and love with a poetic simplicity ideal for children. Created by hand with traditional Indian dyes on silkscreen, this book introduces global artistic traditions to children.

On a Magical Do-Nothing Day: Boredom is a word abhorred in today’s world. However, children can create imaginative and wondrous adventures from nothing. This is precisely what happens to the main character of On a Magical Do Nothing Day. The young protagonist encounters nature, connecting with snails and digging in the dirt to discover small, hidden treasures.

Bertolt: The charming story of a tree named Bertolt and the boy who loved him. From his perch on Bertolt’s branches, the boy watches the secret life of his town unfold as spends many happy hours there throughout the seasons. Told by the boy, a self-described loner, the story takes on issues such as bullying, solitude and loss.

Here We Are: Starting with a view of the universe and zooming in, author Oliver Jeffers provides children with a thoughtful perspective our place within the universe. He shares the diversity of people, animals, and locations with fanciful illustrations that ignite the imagination. The scope of the book embraces all forms of life within the known universe and portrays humanity as a global village whose job it is to care for Earth.

Warm & Fuzzy February Book Drive

The Children’s Foundation of America is currently collecting books to include in our “Warm & Fuzzy February” care packages for children in foster care. To contribute to our book drive, please drop off brand-new, unused books to our office between Monday and Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at 175 N. Indian Hill Blvd. Suite B-200, Claremont, CA 91711 by February 19, 2018. For more information, contact us at 909-426-0773 or email donations@trinityys.org.

---

Kelly Baumann, AmeriCorps VIP Fellow
Kelly specializes in creating and optimizing digital content for the Children’s Foundation of America blog. She has ten years of experience as a marketer and has held a variety of positions including content writer, social media coordinator, public relations executive and content strategist. At Children’s Foundation of America, Kelly focuses on sharing stories and information to educate the public about the issues faced by children that Children’s Foundation of America serves.
Tel: (909)426-0773 | Email: kbaumann@trinityys.org