It’s no secret that the majority of people buying children’s books are adults, not children. So when parents, teachers, and others go to the library or book store, which books should they pick out? To be honest, the amount of children’s books in these places can be overwhelming. There are so many authors out there trying to create a book that appeals to children but also to parents. Here’s a look at some children’s books. Some are just colorful and entertaining, others are interesting and have a story, and some carry messages that should be passed on.

What’s Great: It’s Colorful, Entertaining, Memorable
“Monster Mess” is a brightly filled book that shows what a monster encounters in a house. The clumsy monster makes the noisiest noises imaginable such as “crash, crash,” and “stomp, stomp,” as he tries to tip-toe his way to bed. If you are looking for a book that a child will read along with you, this is perfect. Children love to imitate sounds and noises and are drawn to a book when they see color and things they can relate to—shoes falling over, blocks, toys, and more. What’s more is the way the words are typed across the page. They reflect the sounds and meaning. The crashes crash along with chairs, and sniffs sniffle out of the monster’s nose.
Another thing that is great about this story is that the author presents the monster in a non-frightening way. As children grow up they develop fears, one of which may be that a monster is hiding under the bed or in the closet. In this story, the monster lives with the family and sleeps next to the boy during the night.
Although this story lacks message or meaning, I recommend introducing this book to children because I have no doubt that they will learn to read, or at least pretend to by memorizing the words on the pages and imitating their favorite “monster sound.”

What’s Great: The Message, it Shows Friendship, it’s Relatable
“The New Girl and Me,” is an interesting read geared towards children that are learning to read. It presents messages that are hidden deep within the text and some messages may only be visible to adults. Nonetheless this story teaches children about friendship. The “new girl” at school struggles making friends and acts as a bully until one of the children offers her friendship and the two of them become best friends.
The illustration in this story is plainer but the creativity is presented in the words. However, the drawings look like sketches that children would have the ability to make. Also, the children in the story ask questions, such as “what’s this?” and “what’s that?” that enable the story to become realistic.
Emotions are conveyed through this story. For example, there is loneliness in the “new girl’s” face when she is outcast that causes readers to sympathize with her. People can relate to this story because being rejected or having difficulty making friends is common.
Some children may dislike this story because it’s a little lengthy. But, if children have the ability to stay focused, they may learn more than expected.

What’s Great: Introduces Saving the Environment, Making a Difference
If you are all about saving the environment, being good to nature, and going green, check out “The Green Earth.” Children may not think about saving the environment, but once they read this book they may just be inspired. This story is overwhelmingly colorful beginning with the idea of wanting to do something big and make a difference.
Now it is many parents’ hope that their children will be inspired and want to help others by giving back. This book shows children how they can give back by riding their bike, recycling, conserving water, and more. And after each way to help the earth is conveyed, the story explains that “I can do this, because I love the trees” or “because I want the oceans to stay blue.”
If children grow up with this story they may want to save the world. Children love to play and they love to play outside so if they understand that saving the earth relates to the outdoors, they may want to make this big difference. In this sense, the author’s message is laid out. Let’s save the world one step at a time. However, some parents may not appreciate this book or like it because they may not agree with global warming or recycling or even the idea of being green. For this reason, the author may only attract a narrow audience.

What’s Great: A Place Called Home Where I Spend Time With Those I Love
People want a place they can call their home; a place to relax, have fun, be safe, and enjoy other’s company. The story “Home,” shows us that a home is not just a roof with walls, and windows; it is a place that we spend time with people we love. This story involves four characters fighting about which new house to live in, and ends with them realizing they want their old home back and to live together. They are friends, and they care about each other.
The four friends are different animals, each unique in his own way. Children will enjoy looking at the illustrations in this story. As the reader travels through the house, and sails across the sea, there is not one color that cannot be found. In the house are pictures of the four friends and one friend is baking muffins. This gives the home a welcoming feeling. When reading this book, children will be excited and interested in pointing out what objects lie on the pages. My cousins do this all the time. It’s almost difficult to finish the story because they say “look, a dog… oh wait a truck… and a fireman too!”
The important words in this story are enlarged and there are even bubbles that lead to words describing how the characters feel—sad because they miss the way things used to be. The uniqueness of each character will enable children to connect with one of them. Through this story children will learn that just like Dorothy said, there is no place like home!

What’s Great: I Want to Help Others and Achieve My Dreams!
Parents love having their children around and when it is time for children to branch off, it causes parents to experience sadness. In “One For All-All For One,” Max Mouse, encouraged by his parents, adventures into the world to reach his dreams. Along the way he meets four new creatures with whom he becomes friends. His friends each have a disability but also something they are good at. In other words, they all have “something special” to offer.
The story also presents each character’s doubts that they may not be good at something. Children can relate to this. It is hard for some children to understand that they cannot be great at each and every thing, but may be great at just some things. So, they need reinforcement when growing up that they are special, great, and have skills that can be admired. The author shows that when the friends come together, their differences do not matter and they can achieve their dreams. In turn, this teaches children that they are just as special and can reach for the stars.
In addition, this book’s illustrations make the words come to life. It is as if the reader is journeying with the characters. It is my hope that after people read this story they will want to help their friends too, because that is what friends do.