Raw Parenting Podcast Newsletter - March 2025
Subject: What Are Children’s Books Really Teaching Our Kids?
Dear Parents,
If you’re anything like us, you’ve probably read the same children’s book over and over again—so much so that you start questioning what the book is really about. Are these stories truly shaping our kids in a positive way, or are some messages hidden beneath the surface? This week, we took a closer look at popular children’s books and what they may be teaching our little ones.
The Power of a Good Book
Reading plays a huge role in a child’s early development. It introduces language, sparks imagination, and can even teach valuable life lessons. But not all books are created equal. Some stories are simple and heartwarming, while others leave us wondering, What was the author trying to say here?
We dug into our kids’ bookshelves and found a mix of favorites, questionable stories, and some hidden gems. Here’s what we discovered:
Our Favorite Books & Why We Love Them
📖 Time for a Hug – This book is a classic for a reason! It follows a simple rhyming structure, making it easy to read and fun to listen to. Plus, it teaches kids about the importance of affection throughout the day. The adorable illustrations make it an easy favorite in our home.
📖 The Missing Piece Meets the Big O – A thought-provoking book about self-discovery, independence, and learning to roll through life on your own. This one has a deeper meaning and is great for kids as they grow older, even if the message may go over toddlers’ heads.
📖 The Very Hungry Bear – A beautifully illustrated book with a sweet message about kindness and generosity. The bear starts off a bit grumpy but learns that helping others is rewarding. Plus, the rhyming makes it a joy to read aloud.
📖 Louise and the Stick – A charming and creative book with stunning collage-style illustrations. The story follows a loyal dog on an adventure, highlighting themes of friendship and perseverance. This one is both visually engaging and fun to read.
Books That Left Us Wondering
📖 Thelma the Unicorn – This book has a positive message about self-acceptance, but we had mixed feelings about its execution. The idea that changing your appearance brings fame and attention before ultimately deciding to embrace your true self is a bit tricky for young children to grasp. Plus, the illustrations weren’t our favorite.
📖 Goodnight Moon – A classic, but one we have mixed feelings about. The illustrations feel outdated and dark, and the writing is a mix of rhyming and non-rhyming, which makes it feel inconsistent. While some parents love it for its nostalgic charm, it’s not a favorite in our house.
What Makes a Good Children’s Book?
When picking books for our little ones, we like to ask ourselves:
- Does it have a clear and positive message?
- Are the illustrations engaging and appealing?
- Is the story appropriate for our child’s age and emotional development?
- Does it promote a sense of security and confidence rather than confusion?
A Fun Debate: Should Children’s Books Rhyme?
We personally love rhyming books! They make reading more fun and engaging, and kids tend to remember the words more easily. But what do you think? Should every children’s book rhyme, or is there room for variety? (P.S. If you’ve read Chicka Chicka Boom Boom, do you think it should be sung? We sure do!)
Join the Conversation!
We’d love to hear from you! What are your favorite (or least favorite) children’s books? Do you have a go-to book that your kids adore? Hit reply and let us know, or join the conversation on our latest post.
Reading with your little ones is such a special bonding experience. Let’s make sure the books we choose bring joy, learning, and positivity into their lives!
With love,
Tom & Malorie
The Raw Parenting Podcast
P.S. Want more real talk on parenting? Check out our latest podcast episode for a deep dive into this topic! 🎙️
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P.S.: “Growing as parents through deep, real conversations to raise better kids.”
See you next month!
