Todd Parr

“Be who you are! Be proud of where you’re from. Be a different color. Speak your language. Wear everything you need to be you.”  “Be your own family” is illustrated with a spaceship filled with individuals of different colors, genders, and species (there is a dog included), all with alien horns. A simple message is repeated with new examples on each spread. This colorful, energetic book reminds kids that their unique traits are what make them so special and encourages readers to embrace them all. See also It’s Okay to Be Different (opens in a new window)by the same author.

How you get to your destination is half the fun. This sturdy book glimpses ways we travel, using real and imaginary modes of transportation — like an airplane or a magic carpet. Simple language and flatly colored, child-like illustrations make this appropriate to share with the youngest reader.

Bright, child-like illustrations and a straightforward text invite readers to take a look at what daddies do. They work, they teach their children different things, and they love to “hug and kiss you!” Its companion, The Mommy Book (opens in a new window), is equally appealing.

What does the U.S. Census count? Among other things it counts families! Each is different but they are also alike in many ways. A variety of families and their pets are introduced in boldly colored, child-like illustrations and lighthearted glimpse at different kinds of families who all celebrate, laugh, and love.

A heart shaped cut-out on the front cover invites readers into the book in which child-like illustrations in primary colors depict adults’ unconditional love for children. Round-faced, smiling adults love them when they are shy or sharing, stinky or squeaky clean.