Top 10 Picture Books Gift Recommendations + A Parent Resource Guide!

by Chantai Snellgrove Print This Article

Collage of four children's book covers, with "Top 10 Picture Books" in the center.

1. Margo’s Magnificent Choice: Does your child struggle with understanding social cues? This book takes the reader through the definition of what a “tacky word” is and how to avoid using them with people that you care about. Margo’s Magnificent Choice comes with a “tacky box” which makes the concept of using appropriate language even more concrete for both the child who is typical and has special needs.

2.What Do You Do With An Idea? Do you want to help foster your child’s imagination and improve their self-esteem? This is an inspiring picture book about fostering and nurturing your child’s creative ideas. What Do You Do With An Idea? takes the reader through different scenarios where a child might get discouraged from others but through it all; the idea comes to life because the boy believes in himself and his abilities.

3.The Invisible Boy: This book is a story of a child who feels “invisible” because of how other children are treating him in school. One day, he becomes friends with a new boy in class his life changes. The Invisible Boy teaches a child what it is like for a child that feels left out and how to begin overcoming that obstacle.

4.Going Places: Do you want to encourage your child to problem solve and dream big? This picture book by Peter and Paul Reynolds is about two friends who decide to skip the directions when building their go cart and think “outside of the box” . They get ridiculed by others because their go cart looks different but who wins in the end? Read this book to find out! Going Places is an excellent way to begin a discussion with your child on being creative and using their imagination.

5.Scaredy Squirrel: Scaredy Squirrel is a series of books created by Melanie Watt. This book takes the reader through the life of a very anxious squirrel who fears many things around him. He is on a strict routine and does not deviate until something happens beyond his control. This book will make your child giggle but also teach your child how to deal with change and that it’s not always so scary to experience new and different things!

6.The Monkey Balloon: The Monkey Balloon is about a young girl named Mimi who loses her balloon on a windy day. Where does the balloon go?

As a speech language pathologist and parent, one of my long term goals has been to write a children’s book. I teamed up a special educator to create this book that encourages language and learning and also fosters a child’s imagination. Our illustrator has created illustrations that captivate a child’s attention, and that can be easily modified for a child with special needs. Please check out our visual aids and tips on our website at www.themonkeyballoon.com.

7. Mama, I ‘ll Give You the World: This book is a special book about the strong connection between a mother and daughter. Mama I’ll Give You the World is a book about giving and loving those who are special to you. In this book, a daughter makes a special party for her hard working mother to give her happiness and joy. My favorite quote of the book is, “Everyone in the world is a flower. Together we make a bouquet”. I think this book also shows appreciation for hard work and generosity which is perfect for the holiday time.

8.Don’t Push The Button: This book is an engaging, colorful and interactive story. Is your child a button pusher? If so, your child will love this book. Reading this book, Don’t Push the Button is an excellent way to get your child engaged in the storytelling process and help facilitate turn taking and following directives.

9.Penguin and Pinecone: Penguin and Pinecone is a beautiful story of a Penguin and his favorite object, a pinecone. This story is all about love and friendship and having hope for the future. It is also about giving up some of your own desires for the sake of something else that you love. The illustrations are engaging, and the story is timeless. Check out Salina’s many other Penguin books including Penguin in Love, Penguin on Vacation and Penguin and Pumpkin.

10. Sensitive Sam Visits the Dentist: Sensitive Sam Visits the Dentist is an excellent picture book about a child named Sam who is diagnosed with a Sensory Processing Disorder and is anxious about visiting the dentist. The author takes the reader through what a typical dentist visit is like for a child with a Sensory Processing Disorder. This book also gives valuable tips for parents to help their children feel more comfortable at the dentist. Sensitive Sam Visits the Dentist was written in collaboration with dentists which makes it an even more valuable book to have in your library.

Excellent Parent Resource Book:
Make Social Learning Stick: This book by Elizabeth Sautter is an excellent guide for parents to help their child improve their social and language skills. Make Social Learning Stick contains over 200 activities for a parent and/or educator to begin using with a child. The book includes definitions of commonly used terms with valuable resources and easy to use suggestions.

To see my interview with Elizabeth Sautter, click here

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Top 10 Picture Books Gift Recommendations + A Parent Resource Guide!

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