Throughout September, we’re shining the spotlight on the best Books About Books. Introducing children to the magic of books and therein instilling a love of reading and literacy is one of the greatest gifts we can impart. The greatest writers are also prolific readers. It’s no surprise that many authors consider reading a crucial dimension of living and have taken to their pages to honour all things books.
We here at @kidlitpicks love everything about books too, so what could be more fun than sharing our favourite bookish books with you? Children love to see parts of themselves reflected in what they’re reading. Let’s find our budding bookworms characters who love to immerse themselves in books and reading, or who celebrate libraries, book clubs, bookstores and anything that explores what we all know -–– that books rule!
Throughout September, we shone the spotlight on the best Books About Books. This thoughtful and creative theme was chosen by Fee from Fee Loves! (Thanks to Fee and to Mel for composing the list, from letstalkpicturebooks.com)
The Good Little Book, by Kyo Maclear and Marion Arbona
“The Good Little Book was an instant hit, as all books by Kyo Maclear are with us, but this one more so than others because we could see ourselves within its pages.” — Summer from @readingisourthing
The Scariest Book Ever, by Bob Shea
“Shea uses colors well, pitting bold colors against each other to help enhance his scenes.” — Mel from @spiky_penelope
I Like Books, by Anthony Browne
“Best for little ones, emergent readers or anyone who, like me, just really LIKES books” — Claire from @alittlebookhabit
Bats at the Library, by Brian Lies
“It is important for young children to see the people in their lives enjoying books and even more special if they see their favorite book characters loving books as well.” — Leah from @astoryaday
Franklin’s Flying Bookshop, by Jen Campbell and Katie Harnett
“Franklin proves that you should always have an open mind and heart.” — Clarissa from @book.nerd.mommy
Books Always Everywhere, by Jane Blatt and Sarah Massini
“It’s a beautiful and fun poem to all little book lovers who doesn’t “book give and book share, books always everywhere”!!” — Kim from @bookbairn
Hooray for Books!, by Brian Won
“Celebrate the joy of reading, and loaning out beloved books (even if you can’t quite recall who currently has your book), with these exuberant characters. Hooray for books indeed!” — Miranda from @bookbloom
Book, by David Miles and Natalie Hoopes
“This unassuming book exemplifies everything we love about books. A place to go, a friend, a teacher, a book is always there.” — De from @books_and_babycinos
There Is No Dragon in This Story, by Lou Carter and Deborah Allwright
“This is a great book to share with kids already familiar with fairytales who will love pointing out their favourite characters in the pictures.” — Carissa from @bookskidslove_
Lucy’s Book, by Natalie Jane Prior and Cheryl Orsini
“This story shows us books can be enjoyed anywhere and are best shared.” — Carissa from @bookskidslove_
The Story Book Knight, by Helen Docherty and Thomas Docherty
“A knight tames a dragon by reading him a story!” — Arielle from @childrensbooksgalore
Surf’s Up, by Kwame Alexander and Daniel Miyares
“Surf’s Up is a wild, adventurous imaginative ride and a glorious tribute to reading.” — Rossa from @curiouslittlepeople
The Cat, the Dog, Little Red, the Exploding Eggs, the Wolf, and Grandma, by Diane and Christyan Fox
“The zany, fun back-and-forth between Cat and Dog celebrates the joy of reading in this story about a story.” — Rossa from @curiouslittlepeople
The Not So Quiet Library, by Zachariah OHora
“This is a hilarious, quirky book that celebrates the power of books and libraries that is also just perfect for story time too.” — Rossa from @curiouslittlepeople
Jill and Lion, by Lesley Barnes
“A charming celebration of friendship and bravery that is cleverly woven through reading and storytelling, Jill & Lion shows it isn’t crowns that make us important it’s what’s on the inside that counts.” — Rossa from @curiouslittlepeople
Franklin’s Flying Bookshop, by Jen Campbell and Katie Harnett
“Beautiful illustrations by Katie Harnett will have readers fully immersed in Franklin and Luna’s adventure.” — Fiona from @fee_loves_
Schomburg: The Man Who Built a Libray, by Carole Boston Weatherford and Eric Velasquez
“Through a series of different poems and gorgeous illustrations, this book tells the story of how the Schomburg Center for Research and Black Culture in NYC came to be.” — Charnaie from @hereweeread
How to Bake a Book, by Ella Burfoot
“Told by a delightfully, cheerful little girl who seems to skip from page to page, the book is a perfect comparison between the acts of baking and story telling.” — Wendy from @homegrownreader
Wanted! Ralfy Rabbit, Book Burglar, by Emily MacKenzie
“A story every bibliophile can relate to.” — Wendy from @homegrownreader
The Jacket, by Kirsten Hall and Dasha Tolstikova“Perfect for discussing book care with littles, this gentle story deals with many subtle themes while the mixed media illustrations employ a beautiful range of emotion to express those themes..” — Heather from @kidlitbookbits
Nibbles, the Book Monster, by Emma Yarlett
“Full of interactive flaps, nibbled pages, and (my favorite!) books within books, your kids will absolutely love this silly tale.” — Anna from @kidlitcrafts
The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr Morris Lessmore, by William Joyce
“This is a tribute to the power of Story and how sometimes we have to be brave enough to give our stories away. This is a reminder that when we leave this Earth, all we take with us and leave behind, are memories and our stories. What Story will you write today?” — Shannon from @ohcreativeday
The Book of Gold, by Bob Staake
“The message of the book is one that grows bigger and bigger with each read.” –– Michelle from @the.book.report
