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Have you seen the Capitol One commercial on television?

The narrator asks, “What’s in your wallet?”

In this blogging journey, I’ve visited several blogs that review books and also give a list of the contents of their own bookshelves or bookcases.  I thought it was a wonderful idea!  I think many of us appreciate a heads up about what books to read…we have so little time…why waste it on books that are not worth those precious hours.

If you’ve followed my blog at all, you already know that I am passionate about children’s picture books and using them to uplift and help preschoolers.

Reading is one of the most valuable ways you can spend time with preschoolers.  It engages them in the world between the pages and helps them relate their own experiences to those of the story characters.  Discussions during the reading and afterward can often provide parents with an opportunity to help a child who has concerns or problems.

So here’s my idea for my Wednesday posts: I will choose a picture book, either from those recommended in my new parenting book or from other classic favorites of mine or from the wide array of new books that come out during the year.

As a parent, are you ever overwhelmed by the vast number of children’s books available at libraries or book stores.  I know I was when my children were small. 

The program I developed. during my years as a Head Start and kindergarten teacher, utilized picture books, not only for entertainment and enjoyment, but also to help young children deal with the many challenges they face in those early years.  This unique program included a craft project and a cooking activity for each story read and is the basis for the book I wrote.

So, in addition to the book recommendation, I will also give a story summary and a parenting tip that will help you use the book with your young child. 

Of course, if you don’t want to get these story recommendations one-by-one, and you’d like to extend the learning experience with an easy craft project and a simple child-friendly cooking activity, you can get your own copy of the book. 

Does your child have a bookshelf for his or her own books?

If not, maybe now is the time to get one, because here is the first picture book recommendation, a classic from 1943!  Most of the country has had snow in the last few weeks, so I think this is the perfect choice.

KATY AND THE BIG SNOW

Written and illustrated by Virginia Lee Burton

        No matter what the season, Katy, the crawler-tractor, helped the highway department of the city of Geopolis.  In the spring, summer and fall, she worked on fixing the roads, but in the winter, they changed the bulldozer for a snowplow.  Most of the time, there was not much snow, so Katy spent most of her time during the winter in the garage.  One day, a huge snowstorm caused all of the roads to be blocked, and when the other snowplows broke down, Katy was sent out.  Katy plowed the entire city.  She enabled the police, fire department, and other emergency services to continue helping people.

When it comes to mastering tasks and skills, Katy certainly takes first prize.  By the end of the story, you and your child will be cheering for the hardworking tractor! 

WE ALL NEED A CHEERING COMMITTEE AND PARENTS ARE A CHILD’S MOST IMPORTANT FANS!

As your child takes on new challenges and learns new skills, celebrate his successes with him and encourage him when he falls short of his goal.

If you are interested in getting a copy of the book, please stop by my website for the SHARE THE LOVE BOOK BOGO EVENT WITH FREE PRIORITY SHIPPING.