Books That Filled Our Minds with Light This Week
The stories our children hear shape the neural pathways in their brains, the thoughts in their minds, and the feelings in their bodies. The micro-moments add up, and we can fill them with words that reflect the light we want them to carry when things feel dark. The more they take in words that inspire love, kindness, and care, the more naturally those words will come. And while we may never fully see the ripple effects of the light they reflect, their impact is real.
Here are five books that filled us with light this week.
The Bee Without Wings by Amberlea Williams, illustrated by Ava Francis
The story of an unlikely friendship of a girl and a bee tells that you don’t need wings to fly, that you can honor the lives of those you lose, and that the legacy of any creature can live beyond their life. Bonus: beautiful words about the importance of pollinators woven in.
How to Be a Lion by Ed Vere
A bold and lyrical picture book about Leonard the lion, who loves poetry and peace more than roaring. When others tell him he isn’t lion enough, Leonard learns to stand tall in his gentle nature. A story of courage, kindness, and staying true to yourself.
Slow Down and Be Here Now by Laura Brand, illustrated by Freya Hartas
This collection of short nature stories invites children to pause and notice the beauty of the smallest moments, from a bee sipping nectar to a fox walking through the forest. We have read this cover to cover dozens of times, and it feels like a full-family meditation my kids keep asking for more of year after year.
Rufus & Bea by Lisa Tucker Cummins and Ryan Cummins, illustrated by Hannah Pascoe
A sweet tale of an unlikely friendship between a chick named Rufus and a bee named Bea. Through their adventure, children see the magic of companionship, kindness, and the beauty of finding confidence in their voice.
Are You a Cheeseburger? by Monica Arnaldo
A raccoon named Grub meets a seed and asks if it’s a cheeseburger. Together, they discover patience, growth, and the joy of unlikely friendship. This funny and tender book helps kids see the beauty in nurturing something over time, and that sometimes the most wonderful things in life are even better than our expectations.