Beautiful Books for Kids

1. Beyond The Spiderwick Chronicles: The Nixie’s Song, A Giant Problem and The Wyrm King by Tony DiTerlizzi and Holly Black
These books were such a pleasure to read.  I have always found that whatever book I come across by Tony DiTerlizzi it is always a beautiful book.  Not only are they physically beautiful, with an unusual size, heavily embossed and illustrated hard covers,  but the illustrations inside are of a class of their own, making an already wonderful story into an amazing piece of art.  If you’ve read The Spiderwick Chronicles (another stunningly beautiful collection by this super duo), you will want to follow up with this trilogy as well.

2. The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate.
This year’s Newbery Award winner, The One and Only Ivan is a wonderful, beautiful example of animal compassion.  While it tip-toed around the animal rights issues (because, after all, it is a book for kids, so we don’t really want to upset them with the full extent of  how cruelly circus and performing animals can be treated), it wasn’t completely ignored but dealt with in a plausible manner showing the plight of imprisoned animals without dwelling on the suffering, and showing how positive change can be affected. 
I especially liked how animal feelings were portrayed and I would love it if all kids could read this book, because I want them to consider animal rights and emotions, instead of just assuming that it’s okay because their parents don’t protest or take issue about this subject.

3. The Popularity Papers by Amy Ignatow.
What a lovely  book!  Friendship has always been one of those popular topics in a girl’s book, and this one is full of  great things that will have girls thinking about socialisation, getting crafty, finding out more about themselves, and last but not least discovering the ever important value of friendship.  I loved the illustrations, and it had me wanting to get up and either start knitting something or writing something in my own journal.  I wish all girls could be like these ones, full of energy, enthusiasm, talent and understanding about their own worth.  It’s not mentioned but, you can plainly see the conclusions both girls came to at the end of their project, and it would be great if young girls reading this would benefit from that wisdom (and get crafty too!).