I began 2020 with a resolution to read 20 books for myself. But with COVID-19, sheltering in place for months and working full time from home with my toddler, time for reading just hasn’t been happening.

Realizing that, I made a pivot and have been digging into the books that my daughter reads, instead. I want her to read (well, to listen to) all kinds of books featuring all kinds of people. I want her to read books that move her to laugh, to learn, and to act. I want her to read books that she wants to share with others.

So until she can share her recommendations herself, I will keep track of some of her favorites, here.

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Rosie’s Book Club: starting us off
Book: The Wheels on the Tuk Tuk by Kabir Seghal and Surishtha Seghal, illustrations by Jess Golden

The Wheels on the Tuk Tuk is a fun, illustrated, south Asian take on “the wheels on the bus” song we all know and love. Rosie likes this book for the singing and colorful illustrations, and I like the book for the cute lyrics (Tuk Tuk riders eat poppa-doppa-doms) and fond memories associated with riding tuk tuks in my childhood.

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Avast, belay, yo ho — it’s time for Rosie’s Book Club: seafaring edition!
Book: Peter Pan: A BabyLit Adventure Primer by Jennifer Adams, illustrated by Alison Oliver

Avast, belay, yo ho — it’s time for ROSIE’S BOOK CLUB: seafaring edition.
Rosie loves this @babylitbooks version of Peter Pan, especially the singing pirates.

These books are some of my favorites, too — it’s a fun way to read the classics and the illustration style is fabulous! Do you have a favorite of these books? Do you have a weird place in your house that your kid likes to read? (As shown here, our bedroom floor is a beloved spot).

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Rosie’s Book Club: We’re still sheltering-in-place edition!
Book: My Heart Fills with Happiness by Monique Gray Smith, illustrations by Julie Flett

This sweet board book has simple but beautiful illustrations and a gentle message about family. I taught Rosie actions for each page and she does them every time! The best one is when the page says “my heart fills with happiness when I hold the hand of someone I love”, and Rosie reaches for my hand.

It’s also a book based on and dedicated to those of Canadian First Nations heritage! 

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Rosie’s Book Club: we’re still learning edition
Book: Last Stop on Market Street by Matt de la Peña, illustrated by Christian Robinson

We’re learning that being not racist and being anti-racist are different things, and that we need to be intentional about being the latter. 

We’re learning from our friends of color who are courageous and vulnerable enough to share their stories of experiencing racism. We thank you. 

We’re learning that we need to learn more, and we need to do more. And that can start with choosing different books to read to your toddler — and finding that you can learn from those, too. 

“Sometimes when you’re surrounded by dirt, CJ, you’re a better witness for what’s beautiful.” Matt de la Peña, in Last Stop on Market Street 

At points this crazy year has felt like we are surrounded by dirt — viruses and loss and confusion and hate. But I really think we can get into these complicated conversations and dig into the learning and do this work together, and witness some beautiful changes moving forward.

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So, what have you been reading? What are your kids reading? Share some of your favorites in the comments below!