AVAILABLE NOW!

By Joanne Ruelos Diaz
Illustrator AnneliesDraws

Publication Date: November 16, 2021
US Publisher: Abrams Books

HARDCOVER - Price: $19.99

WHERE TO FIND THE LITTLE BOOK OF WORDS THAT MATTER:

Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Books-A-Million / Bookshop / Powells / !ndigo

The little book of words that matter

100 words for every child to understand

An inclusive collection of 100 words that introduces young children to complex concepts—from managing big feelings to celebrating our differences

This book features a collection of words to teach children about the world we live in and how to navigate their way through it.

Each page offers a word and age-appropriate definition, along with a related activity, resource, or mindful prompt, beautifully illustrated by Instagram star Annelies Draws. The book is split into four chapters that each includes relevant words: Feelings Matter (Afraid, Frustrated, Proud); You Matter (Authentic, Consent, Resilience); Differences Matter (Disability, Equity, Race); and Changemakers Matter (Conservation, Feminism, Teamwork).

Featuring a how-to guide for adults at the back of the book, this resource is the perfect conversation starter for families and will empower children of all ages. 

A rich glossary to help deepen children’s perspectives on themselves and the world.

The author/illustrator duo behind The Little Book of Joy (2021) present words about feelings (bored, overwhelmed, appreciative), character (accomplish, resilience), the ways we differ from one another (identity, ethnicity), and changemaking (patience, teamwork); the terms are listed alphabetically within each section. One page concisely introduces and explains a concept, like frustrated: What is it, what does it feel like, and what might we do or say when frustrated? The following page offers four steps to take when frustrated, then asks, “What could you say or do if you saw a friend feeling frustrated?” Sometimes, the author suggests that children look for examples of the concept, say an affirmation, engage in moving and breathing exercises, ask questions, or take care of themselves and loved ones. Commendably, both positive (grateful, loved) and negative words (failure, anger) are included. Of the abundant adjectives, numerous nouns, and scattered verbs, the ones most likely to draw attention are those like anti-racism, diversity, and race. Sensitivity and openness characterize the handling of these terms, though the entry on gender doesn’t acknowledge those with nonbinary identities. In flat, pastel vignettes, racially diverse, rosy-cheeked kids (mostly) and adults give concrete form to abstractions.