With all of the muck and heaviness of the world always on our minds it is so important to us to protect our children's childhood.
Ours watch a film as a "treat" and it is always a classic film. I have yet to see one modern film for children that is appropriate. Whether it's the spastic, rotten characters or headache-inducing fast moving bright imagery, violence or subliminal messaging- most of it is garbage.
Every few years the American Academy of Pediatrics seems to raise their recommended age that is "okay" to begin putting children in front of a screen. Today I believe it's around the age of two. While this is a step in the right direction- it has been scientifically proven that screens at too young an age (or any age for that matter) are detrimental in many ways. Specifically in young children placing them in front of the "t.v." can cause developmental problems and social problems. Some seemingly innocent shows can be truly traumatizing to children as well.
Recently there was an expose' on "Kids" YouTube Videos that were down-right creepy!
These included horrific sexual cartoon images and very disturbing concepts and were labeled "For Kids". These videos sometimes began to look as though they were a popular cartoon such as Spiderman or Elsa from Frozen and had billions of views!!!!!!. Imagine a busy parent quickly clicking on a Mickey Mouse video for their young children to watch and walking away while the images flowing from the screen contain characters cutting others' ears off with scissors- never bothering to preview the video... We cannot be too careful when it comes to protecting our children... Please watch this BBC report to see what I am referring to.
It has also been scientifically proven that reading to children as early as when they are in the womb can contribute to higher intelligence and faster learning post-partum. What a special way to help your child develop all the while having fun and forming an essential bond!
We have read to our children every day since they were babies. These are such cherished times when, no matter how busy or stressed the day might have been, you can sit down and share that time together with the magic of a story...
In my opinion, there are just as many garbage children's books out there today as there are shows and films. Yet just like any platform (even Steemit!) once you find what you are looking for and sort through, you will find some real gems!
What better way to get a head start on this sorting than to share what our favorite childrens' books are with each other!
Now that I've finished my rant, here are some of ours:
Jan Brett
Author and Illustrator, she has some beautiful masterpieces. She has authored so many books I don't think we've read them all. Her drawings are very detailed and creative often depicting traditional clothing and cultures from around the world. We approve!
Some of our favorite Jan Brett titles are: "The Mitten", "The Hat", "The Christmas Trolls", "Goldilocks and the Three Bears" and "Hedgie's Surprise"
Elsa Beskow
From Sweden these are some timeless classics, quite whimsical with lots of fairies and animals... Very fun!
Our favorite is "Christopher's Harvest Time"
and there are other great ones such as "Sun Egg"
Father Strawberry
fine and red,
hat perched proudly
on his head.
Mother Strawberry
just as grand,
fine silk dress
and folded hands...
...Ma Wild Strawberry and her flock
look with awe on this grand parade.
"Ma, oh Ma, who can they be?"
"Hush, hush, my dears and courtsey low,
they're our rich cousins, don't you know?"
Sibylle Von Olfers
Her work never gets old. Beautiful drawings and sweet simple poetry that kids love. They really foster a connection with nature and imagination!
Our favorite title is "Mother Earth & Her Children"
Virginia Lee Burton
Another classic author. "Mike Mulligan" is a great story about a community coming together for an important cause and giving credit where it is due. "The Little House" forever pays homage to country living and explains urban sprawl. And another favorite- "Calico The Wonder Horse" is a wild western tale depicting some trouble-makers learning their lesson and ultimately changing their ways and finding their place in the community.
And lastly:
"The Seasons of Fern Hollow" by John Patience
I picked up this book for a dollar at a library book sale many years ago and it has been a favorite ever since. The story takes you from place to place in the English village of Fern Hollow introducing various animals as characters. For instance- the farmers, who are skunks, are called the Bramble family and they are shown making hay and working together to load the wagon. Everyone in the village are friends and everyone knows each other and the community comes together for various events. You might just want to be absorbed right into the pages as you read the story because that long lost village life is so appealing. The illustrations are quite fun as well!
What are some of your favorite children's books! Post in the comments below!
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