As I went looking at books for the letter W (an unofficial A to Z), I found way too many tempting ones and so I ended up with 13 (actually 14) of them! Today, I bring you a whole list of wondrous books to explore a world full of wonders and words and wishes and more!!
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Disclaimer: Thanks to Edelweiss and the publishers for the digital review copies of these books
A World Full of Wonders and Words and Wishes
We Are Many
We Are Many by Dave Cameron and illustrated by Suharu Ogawa (Children’s Emotions Books | 4 – 8 years, and up | Kids Can Press | October 4, 2022)
Description: A quirky story with a kid’s-eye view of the curious ways people behave in groups.
My Quick Thoughts: Unexpected, fun, silly, and as the description says, quirky. The colorful, cartoonish illustrations are busy, diverse, and inclusive. A fun, almost meaningless game hides a sociological meaning within the pages of a picture book. This one might not be for everyone but definitely can be used in classroom settings to talk about group dynamics and human behavior.
What Goes Inside?
What Goes Inside? (Neatly Organized Things) by Magda Gargulakova and illustrated by Federico Bonifacini (Children’s Word Books | 3 – 6 years, and up | Albatros Media | April 26, 2022)
Description: Tetris challenge accepted! Find out what goes inside a fridge, a school gym, or a music band van!
My Quick Thoughts: So many ways to have fun with this beautifully illustrated book full of delightful details. Each two-page spread has one page with a question and an image of the the thing we are going to look within, and a second page which has a detailed spread of all the things within! My favorites – an artist’s suitcase and a book of fairy tales!!
It lends itself to many activities within and outside the pages of this book:
- creating similar lists for things inside other stuff
- playing endless games of I Spy!
- and so much more..
What Grew in Larry’s Garden?
What Grew in Larry’s Garden by Laura Alary and illustrated by Kass Reich (Illustrator)
Description: Inspired by a real person, author Laura Alary has written a heartwarming story about how amazing things can grow when you tend your garden with kindness
My Quick Thoughts: The message that ‘possibility hides in every seed’ as well as the endearing narrative of friendships, hope, and growth make this a wonderful read. The illustrations accompanying this add to the gentle spirit of the book. Back matter includes more about the real Larry who inspired this story.
When Little Owl Met Little Bunny
When Little Owl Met Little Rabbit by Przemyslaw Wechterowicz and illustrated by Emilia Dziubak (Children’s Fiction | 3 – 6 years, and up | Floris Books | April 18, 2023)
Description: Little Owl and Little Rabbit live in the same oak tree, but they’ve never met. How can the two animals become friends when Little Owl wakes up just as Little Rabbit goes to sleep? A heart-warming story of celebrating difference and making new friends from an USBBY-honored illustrator.
My Quick Thoughts: Magical!! Simply and stunningly magical.. and this is for both the sweet story of friendship and the amazing frame-worthy artwork. A must-have.
When the Wind Came
When the Wind Came by Jan Andrews and illustrated by Dorothy Leung ()
Description: A spare and beautiful story of resilience.
My Quick Thoughts: Oh my! My heart broke and brightened with hope all at once within the pages of this book. With beautiful emotive illustrations and minimal yet powerful text, this book takes readers through one family’s survival story through a natural disaster (a twister/tornado).
When We Went Wild
When We Went Wild (Volume 1) (Nature’s Wisdom, 1) by Isabella Tree and illustrated by Allira Tee (Children’s Farm Life Books | 3 – 7 years, and up | Ivy Kids Eco; Illustrated edition | June 1, 2021)
Description: From the best-selling author and rewilding pioneer Isabella Tree, When We Went Wild is a heartwarming, sustainably printed picture book about the benefits of letting nature take the lead, inspired by real-life rewilding projects.
My Quick Thoughts: A story inspired by real people and happily successful rewilding efforts! I loved the positivity and hope within as well as the beautiful and impactful artwork.
Where We Live
Where We Live: Mapping Neighborhoods of Kids Around the Globe by Margriet Ruurs and illustrated by Wenjia Tang (Children’s Fiction | 7 – 10 years, and up | Kids Can Press | October 4, 2022)
Description: This fascinating look at 16 children’s neighborhoods around the world broadens readers’ understanding of global cultures.
My Quick Thoughts: This book is a great way to get a brief overview of children’s lives around the world, using a look at 16 children and their neighborhoods. A cool way to learn the rudiments of maps and the legend of a map, along with some other factors of different cultures and places.
Who’s Afraid of the Light?
Who’s Afraid of the Light? by Anna McGregor (Children’s Marine Life Books | 3 – 7 years, and up | Scribble US | August 1, 2023)
Description: Fergus lives down in the deepest, darkest sea and is scared of just one thing … the light! Fresh and funny narrative non-fiction from the award-winning Anna McGregor.
My Quick Thoughts: I totally enjoyed this nonfiction read about deep-sea creatures which kept me smiling throughout, and of course, learning as well!! Discover new creatures that live in the depths as the narrator converses with Fergus, and then finally see who Fergus is!! Plus, the illustrations are top-notch and don’t miss the “deep” back matter 🙂
Why Are We Afraid?
Why Are We Afraid? by Fran Pintadera and illustrated by Ana Sender (Illustrator)
Description: From the creators of the highly acclaimed Why Do We Cry? comes this poignant, evocative exploration of the many reasons we feel fear.
My Quick Thoughts: While the book has artwork that
Willow and Bunny
Willow and Bunny by Anitra Rowe Schulte and illustrated by Christopher Denise (Children’s Fiction/Friendship | 4 – 8 years, and up | Two Lions | October 10, 2023)
Description: From a Caldecott Honor winner and New York Times bestselling artist and a Christopher Award–winning author, a beautiful, heartfelt tale of friendship, community, and hope after a difficult experience.
My Quick Thoughts: A sweet story of friendship told in a simple and beautiful narrative with artwork that is a visual delight full of details and light and so much more.
Winter Wishes
Winter Wishes by M.H. Clark and illustrated by Cécile Metzger (Children’s Fiction/Friendship | 4 – 8 years, and up | Compendium | July 1, 2023)
Description: Some gifts are too big to tie with a bow–like well-wishes for a loved one that only seem to grow!
My Quick Thoughts: A perfect way to show someone how much to love them! There is so much to love about this heartwarming message of a book full of whimsical sweetness in the form of stunning frame-worthy artwork!
A World Full of Journeys and Migrations
A World Full of Journeys and Migrations: The Movement of People and Ideas! by Martin Howard and illustrated by Christopher Corr (Children’s Nonfiction/Immigration | 4 – 10 years, and up | Frances Lincoln Children’s Books | February 22, 2022)
Description: A World Full of Journeys tells some of the most fascinating stories of migration throughout history. From the very first humans who left Africa almost 70,000 years ago and moved around the world, to immigrants welcomed to America at Ellis Island, this book is packed with fascinating tales of human triumph.
My Quick Thoughts: So much to learn here and totally floored by the vibrant artwork…
A World Full of Nature Stories
A World Full of Nature Stories: 50 Folk Tales and Legends by Angela McAllister and illustrated by Hannah Bess Ross (Children’s Fiction | 5 – 8 years, and up | Frances Lincoln Children’s Books | May 3, 2022)
Description: This beautiful book of stories takes readers on a journey with 50 tales, featuring themes of nature from all around the world.
My Quick Thoughts: Folk tales, the natural world, stunning artwork, and
The World’s Most Atrocious Animals
The World’s Most Atrocious Animals (Quirky Creatures, 3) by Philip Bunting (Children’s Nonfiction | 5 – 7 years, and up | Happy Yak | July 11, 2023)
Description: This witty, quirky, colourfully illustrated and fact-filled book features some of the most terrifying and shocking animals on the planet!
My Quick Thoughts: I had to pick this book when I saw it for I have read the previous two in the series and adored each one, despite or because of, their ridiculousness, pointlessness, and now, atrociousness!! Learning while having fun does make for effective learning, and you are sure to do both with this book (and the others in the series too).
And Now, the End of This Post Which is a World Full of Words Too!
Dear reader, have you read any of these books? If you did, what are your thoughts on the book? If not, which one would you pick first?
These sound like some amazing books for kids! I bet they’ll love these.
I love this great list of books. I’m sure kids would love many of these. I see some great ones here.
The We Are Many book is one that I need to read with my kids. It sounds like a good teaching book.
Willow and Bunny sounds adorable! I am a fan of nature-themed writings and books. I am drawn to quite a few of these books. Many good reads on this list.
Some of the best stories are children’s books. They’re so beautiful. I want to read when Little Owl met Little Bunny. It just sounds so sweet!
This blog beautifully captures the essence of our boundless potential, reminding us to dream, believe, and let our wishes become the stars Embracing a world full of wonders, where every word we speak and every wish we make holds the power to shape our reality.
Your book list is a treasure trove of wondrous reads! I’m amazed by your passion for literature and the vivid descriptions you provided for each book. Your friendly and engaging style makes me want to dive into these magical worlds right away. Keep spreading the joy of reading! 📚✨🌈
These look like good recommendations for kid’s books, I’ll have to look into suggesting some of these for my grand children!
I love the selection of books you chose. The Worlds Most Atrocious Animals sounds like it would be a fun book. It sounds like it would be interesting and funny.
This is a really great selection of books you have here! Thanks for sharing this with us
i love the selection of books you mention here. Thanks for sharing this with us.
wow! There are so many books with the letter W! And I love it!
They all sound like fun books to read. But I think I’m going to grab a copy of “What Goes Inside” first.