CMB’s Favorite Children’s Books: Love & Heart Edition {Series}

Here at Cincinnati Moms Blog, we are passionate about literacy and children’s books! (Not only do we all read to our children, but we’ve got one contributor who’s a children’s book author, one contributor who’s a reading teacher, one contributor who’s a consultant for an independent children’s book company, and two who work at a children’s book store!) We pride ourselves on choosing high-quality books for our children that are engaging and contain themes and topics that children both enjoy and need. We use books to empower, encourage, and educate our children, and we are pleased to share our favorite children’s books with all of you!

 In My Heart: A Book of Feelings (Growing Hearts) by Jo Witek
“This is a new book just released at the end of last year and I completely fell in love with it (pun intended). This book explores a full range of emotions and describes how they can physically feel inside. I love this aspect of the book, as it helps young children connect a feeling with the physical attributes. The illustrations are wonderful and there are die-cast cut hearts through each page of the book that only adds to the interest. LOVE this book.” -Jesika

 The Adventures of Beekle: The Unimaginary Friend by Dan Santat
“In this book, the pictures are bright, colorful and interesting. It’s a story in which Beekle feels like an outcast and a misfit and goes on bit of a journey to find somebody to love and appreciate. It’s cute and heart warming and a lot of fun to read.” -David

 Love Monster by Rachel Bright
“I don’t really have a good reason why I like this book beyond the fact that my kids like all things “monster”. It’s a cute story about how the only monster in “Cutesville” finds love when he least expects it, but for us it’s really about the monster.” -Sarah

 Love Monster and the Perfect Present by Rachel Bright
Check out this sequel to Love Monster too!

 The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn
“This sweet story helped my kids (and me!) a lot with separation anxiety at daycare. A kiss on the hand from mama can be with them all day.” -Jen

 Otter and Odder: A Love Story by James Howe
“This is a sweet love story about an otter who falls in love with someone he isn’t supposed to love—a fish. The other otters gossip and chide him for his untraditional relationship–seeing as a fish should be dinner, not a girlfriend–until the wise beaver gives him some advice about the true meaning of love.” -Tara

 My Heart Is Like a Zoo by Michael Hall
“For all the different feelings the heart feels, the author captures a different animal made out of hearts! Such a sweet way to label and explore different types of feelings with our little ones.” -Casey

 The I LOVE YOU Book by Todd Parr
“This book is marketed as celebrating the love between a parent and child, but really it is for any adult who loves any child. It’s a wonderful little book with bright illustrations that reminds a child that they are loved no matter what!” -Jesika

 I Love You, Stinky Face by Lisa McCourt
“This is my favorite, favorite, favorite, favorite book since I’ve become a mom. Yes, it’s another book about the unconditional love a mom has for her child, but the silly presentation in this book is wonderful for moms and children alike. Did I mention it’s my favorite?” -Jesika

 You Are My I Love You by Maryann Cusimano Love
“The sweet, lyrical text about the special relationship between parent and child will charm both parents and kids alike!” -Casey

 Snuggle Puppy! by Sandra Boynton
“A really fun, silly little book that is also a song. I suppose you can look up the author singing and playing the song properly, or you can do what I do, and make it totally ridiculous and bellow it at the top of your lungs. Milo and I have started a number of bed time reading sessions with this book, a reliable standard.” -David

For your littlest loves, author Sandra Magsamen; has some great books that are simple, sweet, and have textures and lift-a-flaps. Here are some examples: