Reading about characters who overcome challenges and work through their feelings can be very helpful for young children. These stories of resiliency are great ways to build their confidence using characters and storylines they can relate to.
You’ll find instructions for accessing the Alaskas Digital Library and Tumblebooks via SLED down below.
The Itsy Bitsy Spider by Isa Trapani (All Ages)
Enjoy this version of the classic nursery rhyme. Follow the spider on her journey to find a perfect spot to weave her silky web. Available for free online through the Alaska Digital Library. Access using your library card.
The Little Book of Big Fears by Monica Arnaldo (Preschool)
A new twist on a classic alphabet book, this story shows children that they are not alone in having fears about every day (and some not-so-every day) things. Can you guess what the missing letters spell out before you get to the end of the book? Available for free online through Tumblebooks via SLED.
From Far Away by Robert Munsch and Saoussan Askar (Preschool, School Age)
Saoussan is a refugee from Lebanon who has immigrated to Canada. She must now navigate this strange new world where people don’t talk right and where the rules and customs are different. With the help of a caring teacher and her classmates, she learns the language and begins to feel safe again. Available for free online through Tumblebooks via SLED.
I Must Have Bobo! by Eileen Rosenthal (Toddler, Preschool)
Willy has a favorite toy named Bobo who comes with him everywhere. Bobo isn’t afraid to go down the slide and Bobo helps Willy identify which bugs are to be trusted. But one morning Willy wakes up and Bobo is missing. Earl, Willy’s mischievous cat has snatched Bobo up! Children, especially those with favorite stuffed toys, will relate to Willy’s frustration, fear, and anger when his Bobo goes missing. Available for free online through Tumblebooks via SLED.
Ira Crumb Feels the Feelings by Naseem Hrab (Preschool, School Age)
Ira and Malcolm are best friends but one day they don’t agree about what game to play: tag or hide-and-seek. Malcolm runs off to play tag with other kids and Ira is all alone. Ira is suddenly very sad and shows his feelings with a wobbly chin and tears. No one can cheer him up and Ira is feeling ALL the feelings. Young kids, especially those with cruder humor, will enjoy this funny tale about how recognizing and processing our emotions can take time and a little help from our friends. Available for free online through Tumblebooks via SLED.
These resources were recommended by Samantha Blanquart, an Early Literacy Outreach Librarian with Ready to Read Resource Center. Visit their website for more info about early literacy or to check out one of their reading kits for young children.
Imagination Library Picks:
The Rabbit Listened by Cori Doerrfeld
A young child decides to build a beautiful block tower, but it’s knocked down by an unkindness of ravens. Many other animals leap to the “rescue”, asking the child to talk about what happened, to shout about it, to remember, or even to knock down someone else’s tower to feel better. But finally the rabbit comes and sits silently, waiting, listening, letting the child decide what to do. This book helps young ones deal with traumatic events and loss in a soothing, child-friendly way. Available for free online through the Alaska Digital Library. Access using your library card.
How to access these books:
Alaska Digital Library
Alaska Digital Library contains thousands of eBooks and audiobooks that you can borrow with your local library card, then download to your computer, smart device, or e-reader, or enjoy in browser.
On your computer: Navigate to https://adl.overdrive.com/. Log in by choosing your library and entering your library card number. Don’t have a card? Contact your local library to sign up today.
On your smart device: Download the Libby, by Overdrive app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Log in by choosing your library and entering your library card number. Don’t have a card? Contact your local library to sign up today.
Tumblebooks
Tumblebooks is a database provided to all Alaskans for free through the Alaska State Library with no log in or library card required. You can get access to eBooks, animated eBooks, and videos for kids in kindergarten through 6th grade, in English, Spanish, and French. Flash required to access animated and video content. To access, navigate to https://lam.alaska.gov/databases/a_z and scroll down to click the Tumblebooks link. Read and enjoy!
