Desirae Wilkerson is a Seattle interior designer; her husband, Eric Judy, played bass in the indie-rock band Modest Mouse for 20 years. Their shared lifelong love of reading led them to open Paper Boat Booksellers in West Seattle last fall. Paper Boat Booksellers, 6040 California Ave. SW, Suite A, paperboatbooksellers.com
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The Gruffalo
Written by Julia Donaldson, illustrated by Axel Scheffler
I loved reading The Gruffalo to all of my kids when they were younger! Not only does it have a great rhyme and rhythm to it, it’s full of creatures big and small, tough (and not so tough), and a lesson that just because you’re the smallest, it doesn’t mean you can’t win. The Gruffalo is full of wit and cleverness, and I love that in the end, all was well in the forest.
All the Ways to be Smart
Written by Davina Bell, illustrated by Allison Colpoys
This is one of the best newer children’s books I’ve read. Not only does it teach kids all the ways they can be smart, but it does so in a very simple way — with everyday examples and using your imagination. Going to space and building ships, making up games with your friends; it shows kids that being smart is more than just being good at spelling and taking tests. It shows kids that being a good friend, sharing a meal, and sometimes feeling scared to do something new, then having the courage to keep trying, is also very smart!
Caps for Sale
Written and illustrated by Esphyr Slobodkina
A peddler wearing his wares on his head decides to take a nap. When he wakes up, a tree full of monkeys have been mischievous and cause a lot of grief for him! Caps For Sale is a silly story full of humor, despite the poor peddler’s troubles. Readers will sympathize with the peddler, as all he wants to do is sell the caps on his head. They’ll also laugh with the monkeys as they play copycat and scurry about being silly, as only a tree full of monkeys can do!
Cry, Heart, But Never Break
Written by Glenn Ringtved, illustrated by Charlotte Pardi
This is a book about death, who is portrayed as a kind and gentle old man. Four children are caring for their fading grandmother and one night, death comes to their house. Not wanting to frighten the children, he leaves his scythe outside the door. He goes on to relate a fable about grief and joy. It’s a touching and sweet story that potentially introduces a young listener to the theme of death, but is also a wonderful read as an adult.
