Three Rad Books to Read to Littles!

With pockets full of optimism, I moved this bookcase into my living room about two weeks ago.

If you follow me here, you probably already know I have two kiddos who are 5 and 2. This was a bold choice to say the least in hindsight... I think the allure of ripping the books down the second I leave the room has dissipated for my smallest nugget though, so I'm staying the course.

These suckers were all color coordinated and organized by size at first, in typical picky Grindan fashion. Since then, the middle shelf has been broken, and can only hold this small stack in the middle. Taking this photo made me smile, it's just another thing for me to not take so seriously.

These reminders are good, and so is reading to tiny humans! Although part of our collection is missing due to the wonky shelf, we've accumulated quite the kid library! Today, I wanted to highlight three books that my 5-year-old has asked to read again and again. Let's check them out!

In My Heart
Feelings are so HUGE when you are small, and we live in a world that does not often validate the feelings of children.

By not only taking the time to listen to what kids are trying to express, but also giving them better tools to do so, we offer stronger odds for them to become emotionally regulated adults.

This is a book that helps kids identity feelings, and it is a total blast to read!

I can say that for us, it has started a lot of conversations. This is one I like to read after school or at bedtime. Sometimes kids need us to open the door for them to talk about what is on their minds it seems, and this is just the thing!

This story takes us on a journey through the emotions we all experience with adorable flair.


The heart in the center of this book is layered, getting smaller each time you turn the page until you get to this tiny fella at the end.

We are taken through tough feelings, ones that make us want to yell, hide, cry... We also see peace, excitement, anticipation.

The author of this children's book did such a great job at explaining how each of these emotions feel, offering examples that kids can easily relate to.

The art is super cute too, following a little girl along as she navigates this range of feelings with you. If you're looking for an awesome literary birthday gift for a toddler or young kiddo, I'd highly recommend this one.

From the art to the message, it's got a solid 10/10 rating from me!

Okay, let's move on to book number 2. This is a nostalgic one for me, and I wouldn't be surprised to hear I'm far from the only one with fond memories of this gem!

Where the Sidewalk Ends
This was hands down one of my favorite things to be read at bedtime when I was my daughter Thea's age. It's full of silly anecdotes and semi-deep thinkers, all in poem format!

In here you'll find a poem about a king who loved peanut butter sandwiches so much that his jaws stuck together, and the kingdom had to band together to save him...

You'll also find ones that address much more serious dilemmas, such as the desire for great adventure, or the feelings of jealousy over what other people have.

This is a book that offers both laughter and lessons.

Somehow Silverstein managed to do that without moralistic assertions, nudging kids to consider all sorts of things beyond everyday life with the freedom to think what they may.

If you're looking for a good laugh in between pauses of reflection, this is a great book to own- kiddos or not! I still get a kick out of it to this day.

Alright, and last up, here is my third recommendation!

How to Catch a Star
This title popped out to me at the thrift store due to a certain love of mine... I'm a total Howl's Moving Castle fangirl- I even have a Calcifer tattoo. For those of you who have no idea what I'm talking about, it isn't relevant to the book.

Now this is one sweet read that leaves behind some serious wisdom!

We meet a little boy who wants one thing more than anything else in the world, to have his own star. It has consumed his thoughts!

As you read along, he tries a variety of different tactics to obtain a star. Failing again and again, we see how some dreams just aren't realistic.

The little boy totally bombs his last ploy on the beach, and is walking away dejectedly...

That's when he sees it! A star, a real star! Waiting for him on the sand is a dried-up starfish, which becomes the star of his dreams in his eyes. I think this is a fantastic book for children, because sometimes the only barrier to our happiness is our expectations; both of the world, and ourselves.

I often think that kids experience something from media that is akin to what women do with the cosmetics industry. Influencer kids flood every app, have merch in stores, and even partner with popular products. They are idols! Sure, I was jelly of Melissa in 2nd grade, because she had light-up Sketchers, and I didn't... There was never this level of other expectations for me though.

With so many unrealistic representations of childhood plastered everywhere to commodify wonder, it good to remember to appreciate what we have. The starfish on the beach is the best star of all, because we can really hold it. So, this book has to be another 10/10 for me!


I hope I've helped others to find some awesome reads to share with the little ones in their lives! Do you and the youngsters in your world have a book that you consider a star of the shelf? I'd love a recommendation in the comments!

^{All photos are my own, header image edited in Canva.}