good

I almost feel sorry for the wolf.

It's cute. I guess it really has the message of "Don't let yourself get boxed in by the story." "Don't kowtow to fate." Maybe that's reading too much into it, and it doesn't have a message at all, but that's the message I see in it. Which is a good message.

Message

Don't let the outside world tell you who to be.

Tough topic, but something some kids have to deal with.

It's an unpleasant topic, but it's definitely something that there are kids going through who need help coming to terms with it. I've seen this book in lists of "Bad Children's Books," like, ha ha, parents going to jail, but I think it treats the subject in a very respectful manner.

Message

It's okay to feel upset that your parent is going to jail, and it's not your fault.

Simple book about big brothers and new babies.

It's a list of things that big brothers can do that babies can't do. So even though the baby might get more attention sometimes, the parents still spend time with just the big brother. Your parents aren't going to forget about you or love you less when they have a baby.

Message

Babies may need more attention, but big brothers get more perks.

Philosophical and mathematical exploration for children.

It's a good introduction to the concept of infinity and mathematics, especially the fact that it's hard for pretty much everybody to understand. The art is really engaging as well.

Message

Infinity is complicated but interesting.

Come on, baby! Get with the program!

I can really identify with this. As the mother of two little boys, one of whom is not yet talking, and the other of whom doesn't use complete sentences, I'm still waiting for some of this. For conversations. For him to ask, "Why?" It's happening. It's happening slowly. And every step along the way is precious, but still frustrating occasionally.

Message

Be patient with babies. It'll pay off.

You would think he would be too short to see over the wheel anyway.

It's fun because it's interactive, but the only problem is, if you have a contrarian kid who decides to say yes, it doesn't work. Other than that, it's fun, and as the book says, it allows the little kid to say "no" and be more or less rewarded for it, which is kind of good because toddlers like to say "no" to many things despite not being in control.

Message

None.

Sometimes life hands you lemons.

Alexander's problems are real things that kids deal with, and mostly things that everybody deals with. Everybody has bad days, and it's something that kids could identify with and see that they're not alone. They'd be able to say, "I'm having a bad day just like Alexander."

Message

Everybody has bad days sometimes.

Follow your dreams.

Basically it's got a pretty strong, but not anvilicious message of "don't let people get to you." All you need is one person to help you with your dream.

Message

Don't let other people dissuade you from following your dreams.

Give and ye shall receive.

The guy's generous, and he gets rewarded for it, in kind of a realistic manner. It's a little exaggerated, but basically he gives everything he has, and what he has gets broken, and then fixed by the thankful recipients.

Message

Be generous. Help other people out.

Poetic poem is poetic.

It's cute. It's got an inclusive message without being over the top, which is pretty nice.

Message

We're all in this together. Or, look at the world from different perspectives.