Our first Todd Parr’s book experience was a complete surprise. It was when my by then 20 months old daughter found Todd Parr’s books at the local library, and insisted on borrowing the books. I was not amazed by the cover design and illustrations at all. The illustrations were too cartoonish. The color palette of the illustrations was too colorful to focus. I agreed with my daughter to borrow the books because I simply thought Todd Parr’s books would be good to read for fun.
And yes, they are good entertainment books. But beyond the entertainment part, there’s always an educational part in a book. For example, one of our first Todd Parr’s books was Do’s and Don’ts. When children read the book for the first time, they will think it’s so funny and silly. How come you even come up with the idea of having lunch with an animal? Then they start to reflect their own daily behaviors. It can be a real challenge to discipline children at a very young age. The Do’s and Don’ts book teaches some behavior issues in a very funny and yet impactful way. In addition, young readers are easily drawn to the colorful drawings and silly ideas.
One of our favorite Todd Parr’s books is The I Love You Book. Young children need to get the reassurance from their parents that they are loved all the time. Love is a security blanket to children. They like to hear caregivers say “I love you” to them. The I Love You Book tells children no matter what you do, no matter what happened to you, you are always loved. Children feel like they are actually holding their security blanket when their caregivers read the book to them. It is a cherish moment for both caregivers and children. It is those small life pieces strengthen the relationship between caregivers and children.
I like the fact these funky books catch children's full attention, while giving them lessons about behavior issues or social emotional learning. Go to your local library, and get a Todd Parr’s book to read. See how your child will react.
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