Atlanta Parent’s
Best Books of 2020 This year, we’ve been searching for screen-free entertainment and reading more than ever. Our favorites will amuse, amaze and inspire kids of all ages to keep reading. – Compiled by Laura Powell and Emily Webb
n Ariba: An Old Tale About New Shoes
n Big Papa and the Time Machine
n The Bug Girl: A True Story
by Masha Manapov (Enchanted Lion Books) Marcus gets his first pair of new shoes, reminding his grandfather of a boy named Ariba, whose shoes took him on multiple adventures. This humorous story features history, family and gorgeous illustrations.
by Daniel Bernstrom and Shane W. Evans (HarperCollins) A grandfather and grandson travel through time to discover their own African American history. This delightful story discusses what it means to be brave, even when you’re feeling scared.
by Sophia Spencer and Margaret McNamara (Schwartz & Wade) This biographical story follows 7-year-old Sophia, who was bullied for loving bugs until hundreds of women scientists rallied around her. This inspiring story encourages all ages to pursue what they love, and it features interesting bug facts and illustrations.
n Big Ideas for Little Philosophers by Duane Armitage and Robin Rosenthal (Penguin Randomhouse) Explore big ideas in a kid-friendly way with historical figures and fun illustrations. Kids will learn about equality, truth, happiness, imagination, kindness and love in an accessible way.
n Bike & Trike by Elizabeth Verdick and Brian Biggs (Simon & Schuster) Lulu has outgrown her rusty tricycle, Trike, who must learn to get along with the shiny, new Bike in this tale about friendship. These sentient toys have a lot to learn from each other!
n Catching Thoughts by Bonnie Clark and Summer Macon (Beaming Books) A young girl is weighed down by an unhappy thought and can’t get rid of it, until she faces it and discovers she can fill her mind with whatever she chooses. Perfect for any child with anxiety, this story helps children understand the idea of mindfulness.
n The Great Realization by Tomos Roberts and Nomoco (HarperCollins) This poetry book was written for Roberts’s younger brother and sister in response to the pandemic and shares an inspiring message of hope, resilience and kindness in a kid-friendly way.
n Hurry Up! A Book About Slowing Down by Kate Dopirak and Christopher Silas Neal (Beach Lane Books) A busy boy is always hurrying to move onto the next event in his life until he stops to take in the world around him. The effective pacing in this book mimics the rush and slowing down, helping kids understand what it means to be in the present moment.
26 Atlanta Parent December 2020
atlantaparent.com
